Hang On! What’s a French Cleat Hanging System?

Simply put, a French wall cleat is two pieces of material that interlock and are used to hang or mount an object on the wall. French cleat hanging systems date back hundreds of years, showing their reliability and value. This hanging method reduces the number of materials needed, while also ensuring minimal damage to the wall. By mounting one diagonally cut piece of material to the wall, another can be slid into it, using gravity to hold it safely in place.

If you are looking for a secure and reliable way to hang objects like mirrors or cabinets, a French cleat wall system might be just what you need! This system involves using two cleats, with one mounted to the wall and the other mounted to the object you want to hang. The important thing about metal French cleats is that the wall-mounted cleat can be securely attached without having to bear the full weight of the object you are hanging. Additionally, the cleat is hidden from view once the object is hung, so you do not have to worry about where it is drilled into the wall. This makes it easy to screw the cleat into wall studs, regardless of the lateral position of the object you are hanging. You can even use a full-length wall cleat to support the object at every stud behind it. And if you leave the wall cleat slightly shorter than the object, you can adjust its position slightly after hanging it to get the perfect placement. Overall, French cleat wall systems are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a safe, reliable, and flexible way to hang objects on their walls.

When hanging heavy casework such as wall cabinets or shelves, it is important to use a reliable and secure hanging method. A French cleat wall system is one of the best options available to ensure safety and security. By using this method, you can have confidence that your heavy casework will be safely and securely hung on your walls.

French wall cleats are a fantastic way of securing mirrors, pieces of artwork, shelving units, cabinets, or other objects to a wall. The extruded aluminum French cleat versions, such as our aluminum Z clips, are a modern substitute for the wooden cleat. Aluminum z clips are stronger than the wood French cleat versions and they increase the longevity of the hanging system. Since the aluminum z clip is much thinner than a wood French cleat, there is less stand-off or space between the product and the wall making for a hanging solution that is concealed after installation.

What are the Benefits of Using a French Cleat Hanging System Over Other Methods?

Other hanging methods, such as nails and brackets, require additional installation time which is often not ideal. The use of a metal wall cleat or Eagle Z Clip allows for pre-finishing without the time-consuming face nailing or on-the-job finishing. This saves you valuable time on the job, which in turn saves you money.

In addition to this, many nails will need to be driven into the wall which will later need to be filled to bring the wall back to a decent appearance. When you choose to use aluminum z-clip extrusions, minimize any damage to your wall and allow easy removal of the wall panel or mirror when needed.

Metal French cleats are made from heat-hardened aluminum making them a fabulous hanging solution when strength is a priority. Aluminum has a high strength-to-weight ratio beating out its wood or steel counterparts. Aluminum is also corrosion-resistant and non-magnetic, allowing application in any environment.

Minimal Fastening Needed with a French Cleat Hanging System

Keyhole hangers or keyhole slots are other methods used for hanging objects but need special tools or router bits requiring modification of the wood item you are mounting. An aluminum French cleat only needs a few screws, or even some industrial adhesive to hold it in place and is known to be significantly stronger than many other mounting methods. Eagle also offers a smooth style z clip that is commonly installed with adhesives to mount glass wall panels or mirrors.

Simple Adjustments

After securely fastening the aluminum French cleat hanger to the wall, you can effortlessly place and lower the panel, mirror, board, or any other objects onto the z-rail extrusion for the final installation. It is easy to make lateral adjustments to the position of the mounted object to achieve optimal placement. If you use longer rails on the wall, you can make larger adjustments with ease.

Cabinet Maker Favorite are French Cleat Hangers

Metal French cleats are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of projects. While they are often used to secure cabinets to walls, they can also be used to build modular shelving units that can help you organize your workspace. Cabinet makers have long favored French cleat hangers for their ability to securely install cabinets, but they can be used for many other projects as well, from shop or garage storage units to hanging a simple birdhouse.

Aluminum French Cleat at Eagle Aluminum

Looking for high-quality French wall cleats or z clips to complete your next project? Eagle Aluminum has you covered. Their entire line of aluminum products is stocked and ready to ship from their centrally located warehouse in Minnesota. These versatile Z bars can be cut to length for any application, custom anodized to match your project’s color scheme, and are budget-friendly. And if you do not see the exact wall cleat you need, Eagle Mouldings specializes in custom aluminum extrusions and is ready to help you create it. With one of the nation’s largest inventories of specialty and custom aluminum extrusions, Eagle Aluminum is the supplier that pros have trusted for over 30 years. Check out the online catalog to view their extensive inventory or contact them today for a quote.