How to Hang a Heavy Glass Plate

Hang heavy glass plates on wall studs.

Glass plates are more than just objects to display in a cabinet. They also function well as art when mounted to a wall. However, many people are hesitant to hang heavy glass plates due to the fear that they will fall. Mounting a heavy glass plate to a wall requires that you first locate a sturdy, solid stud behind the drywall. If studs are not in a convenient location, special wall anchors are available that provide the needed support.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Pencil
• Drill
• 1/8- or 1/2-inch drill bit
• Threaded wall hook or screw
• Toggle bolt (optional)
• Screwdriver
• Towel
• Wire plate hanger

Instructions

1. Inspect the wall where you want to hang the glass plate and choose a hanging location. It often helps to hold the plate up to the wall, or have someone else hold it, and move it until a pleasing effect is achieved. Once you find a spot, place a small pencil mark on the wall.

2. Turn on a stud finder device and push it flat against the desired wall above the mark. If the light comes on, there is a wall stud. If you see no light, the wall is hollow.

3. Insert a 1/4-inch drill bit into a drill if there is a wall stud and insert a 1/2-inch bit if the wall is hollow. Don protective eye wear and drill a hole in the marked location of the wall. Make the hole 1 inch deep, or stop drilling when you have penetrated the hollow wall cavity.

4. If there is a wall stud, screw in a threaded hook or a screw until the end protrudes slightly from the wall. If you have a hollow wall, squeeze the wings of a toggle bolt together and insert them through the hole. Tighten the upper screw with a screwdriver to secure the bolt.

5. Place the heavy glass plate face down on a towel to prevent scratches. Place a wire plate hanger over the back of the plate and stretch it toward the top and bottom of the plate until the prongs extend over the plate rims.

6. Pick the glass plate up and align the hook on the center of the wire hanger with the screw or hook in the wall. Gently lower the glass plate until it is secure on the wall.

References

• Home Made Simple; Trend Feature: Perk Up Your Walls with Plates; August 2010
• Ron Hazelton: How to Hang Heavy Objects Using Toggle Bolts