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Whether you want to create a stylish statement piece or just need a way to see yourself completely, it’s highly recommended to use a large mirror. Due to their considerable bulk, big mirrors can be particularly heavy making it much more difficult to hang on the wall properly. Even if you’re used to hanging regular mirrors, heavy ones can pose a challenge because you need the right supplies and the correct approach according to the type of wall in your home.
Mirrors are usually extra heavy because of their size. The glass body is quite hefty but some mirrors can also feature elaborate frames that add to the overall weight. Despite their apparent robustness, heavy mirrors are just as fragile as lightweight ones. If you want to avoid creating a mess of glass shards, it’s important to get your hands on the most reliable heavy-duty anchors that can support the heaviness of your mirror.
Check out our helpful guide that will show you the most important steps required to hang a heavy mirror properly.
1. Figure Out Your Type of Wall
Before you start mounting the mirror, it’s essential to figure out the type of wall you have. The material of the wall plays a critical role when it comes to deciding on the best attachments and tools required for the installation. Most interior walls out there use drywall that hides a wooden stud frame system. Older homes tend to feature plaster walls more often than other materials. Masonry walls like brick, concrete, and tile can also be popular in some homes.
It’s usually recommended to hang the mirror onto strong wooden studs that provide a good attachment to the wall. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t mount the mirror on different wall types assuming you have the correct anchors for the job. Maybe your chosen location doesn’t even feature the necessary wall studs to hang the mirror. Remember to check the fastener packaging you’ve chosen to see what type of wall is ideal for mounting.
2. Hanging a Heavy Mirror on Drywall
The first step requires you to locate the studs in the wall as they will be used for securing the mirror. It’s recommended to make use of a stud finder for this purpose. Mark the positions of the studs with a pencil and decide on the vertical placement of the mirror. Check the marks carefully to ensure they are level. Then it’s simply a matter of driving the fastener screws provided in the hardware package together with the mirror.
If you don’t have studs in a convenient location to hang the mirror, or can’t use them for any other reason, there’s still a way to hang a heavy mirror with just drywall anchors. Just make sure you purchase heavy-duty anchors that are able to support the weight of the mirror. Pilot holes need to be drilled for inserting the anchor. Then you will have to screw the anchor properly to expand and become securely wedged into the wall.
3. Hanging a Heavy Mirror on Plaster
When it comes to plaster walls, you will typically have to get a slightly larger screw compared to drywall projects. The screw needs to reach approximately 2 inches inside the stud. The mounting process is similar to drywall surfaces. If you don’t have studs available, you should use a more specialized wall anchor like a toggle bolt. This is designed to secure itself behind the plaster wall. That’s why it’s important to check the length of the anchor carefully to go beyond the wall.
4. Hanging a Heavy Mirror on Brick and Other Types of Masonry
Although it might appear more intimidating, it’s not particularly difficult to hang heavy mirrors on masonry walls compared to more common types of walls. Plastic sleeve anchors can work very well for brick. If the mirror is very heavy, it’s recommended to opt for masonry sleeve anchors. Installation on masonry walls involves the use of a hammer drill and special bits for this type of wall. For example, if you plan to mount the mirror on a ceramic wall, it’s recommended to use the correct bit for it because there’s a considerable risk of cracking the tiles.
