Now that you have taken the time to select and assemble your picture frame you are ready for the important job of hanging your picture frame on the wall. Hanging a picture isn’t difficult, but there are a few steps to take before you begin. This article will explain the different ways to hang your picture frame and provide tips to help you hang your frame more easily.

Ways to Hang Your Frame
There are three main ways to hang picture frames: nails, screws and adhesives.

Nails
The most common way to hang photo frames is with finishing nails. Finishing nails are simple to install and won’t create a huge hole in your wall like screws. Hammer the nail in at a 45 degree angle and, if possible, into a stud.  If you’re hanging heavy or large picture frames, it’s important to put the nail in a stud. Never attempt to hang your picture frame with a nail that’s only secured into sheetrock as it won’t likely hold and could damage your picture frame. If you don’t know how to locate a wall stud, the best way is to use a stud finder (available at any hardware store).

Screws
Hanging picture frames on concrete, stone or brick walls requires the extra strength and support of screws. Screws do make larger holes so you normally don’t want to use them unless you have no choice. In order to secure screws into brick or concrete you will need to pre-drill a hole using a mason drill bit and make the hole smaller than the size of the screw. You can also use a screw anchor to help properly secure the screw in the wall.

Adhesives
The third method for securing a hanging wall frame is with the use of adhesives. They are fast and simple and don’t require a hole in your wall. Adhesives, like 3M’s Command Strips, are available in Velcro and hooks and are becoming increasingly more popular. Always read the instructions carefully as the weight limitations and instructions must be closely followed.  Hanging small picture frames with adhesives works best, but some adhesives will hold up to 5 pounds. Use with caution because if your picture frame is too heavy the adhesive won’t hold and your frame could fall and get badly damaged.

Once you’ve decided how you’ll hang your wall frames, you now have to decide where your picture frames will be hung.

Tips for Hanging Wall Picture Frames

Anytime you’re hanging picture frames on the wall, it’s always easier if you have someone help with this step. You can have your helper hold the frame at different heights and positions on the wall so you can find the right spot. If you’re not sure of how high to hang your picture frame, you generally want to hang it around eye level or about 3/4 of the way up the wall.

If you’re hanging multiple wall picture frames, it’s best to decide upon the spacing of each frame before you start hanging them on the wall. Hanging multiple frames can be tricky so to make your wall look coordinated and well put together, arrange them on the floor until you’re satisfied with the look. For best results, follow these steps:

1. Measure the wall area where the picture frames will hang.
2. Use a string to outline the measured wall space on the floor.
3. Carefully place your frames on the floor (on top of a blanket or towel if there’s no carpet) and arrange them until you’re satisfied.
4. Once you have the right placement on the wall for your frame arrangement, begin transfering it to the wall. If possible, have someone help you as it will be easier with two people. If you have an empty wall with no other objects on the wall, start in the center of your arrangement and work outwards. If you have other things on the wall and don’t have much space, then you should start on one side and work to the other end using the floor arrangement measurements.
5. Before placing the screw or nail, double check the back of the frame and see where the hanger is placed so you can properly position the frame at the height you want. And, if you have a small level, use it so you’re picture frames will always be straight.

Now with your new found knowledge of hanging picture frames, hopefully this will make the whole process a lot easier and prevent you from making a bunch of unnecessary holes.