How do you hang a small (roughly, 16″x 30″) wall cabinet? I’ve made a number of them in the past and am getting ready to build several more. In the past, I’ve routed a key-hole in the back of each side (if possible, the measurement between the two sides is 16″ on center). Then, two screws are attached to the wall studs and the cabinet is hung from from these screws. That system works but all of the routing and drilling has to be very precise.
I suppose I could attach it as you would a kitchen cabinet. That is, I could put a piece of solid stock at the top back on the inside of the cabinet just above the plywood backing and then drill through that piece from the inside of the cabinet into the wall. That just doesn’t seem very elegant for a small decorative cabinet.
Now, it seems to me I remember seeing a technique which involves two mating pieces with 45 degree grooves. One is on the cabinet and the other is attached to the wall. Does anyone have a FWW page reference for that technique or do you have a better way to skin the cat? Thanks.
Chip Tam
Replies
I can't refer you to a FWW article, but you are describing a "French cleat". Some folks make them out of wood and make the cabinet sides wider to cover the cleat. They don't have to be 45°, it just takes some angle to make the mating pieces work. These are also available in metal, one type called Z-clips and there are also some metal mounting clips that act like three intersecting fingers. Also metal keyhole slot fixtures that screw on the back where ever you want them. One other option is some figure eight fasteners. Attach to the top of the cabinet, and let half of it stick above the top. These work when you can't see the top of the cabinet and you just screw through them.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
just remember if you use a french cleet you need the clearance between the backing of the cabinate and the wall to hold the cleet. if not then you will not be flush against the wall
david
Chip
I was going to send to to a link showing a french cleat but I google searched the term first-then clicked "images'.
You will find a variety of styles from fancy to industrial. I was surprised. Try it and pick the one that suits your small cabinet.
I'm glad you asked because I've always used the same kind now I have a variety to choose from.
Dave
David, David, and Hammer1,
Thank you all for your replies to my question. Yes, a "french cleat" is exactly what I was thinking of although I was not familiar with the term until now. There is indeed a lot of information on french cleats through google. Also, checking the archives here at knots on french cleats has turned up a number of relevant threads. I'm still not sure if I'll use a french cleat to hang these cabinets but you've given me a lot of material to look at on the subject. Thanks again.
ChipTam
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