Structural Integrity of Wall Hanging Design

SethMc36 | Posted in Project Plans/CAD Software on December 21, 2019 01:24pm

Hi Guys,

I’m brand new to woodworking but really loving it so far. All I’ve done is build a coffee table but my wife is on me to build this wall hanging thing she wants. I did a rough design in sketchup but I’m unsure if it is strong enough to hang on the wall or if there are other issues I haven’t considered.

Basically it is a 2′ by 5′ tabletop made out of 1×4’s and it will hang on the wall. I was thinking I would attach it to a frame made of 1×2’s using figure 8 fasteners. Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! If I have left out any relevant info please let me know.

Thanks,
Seth

Replies

_mj_ | Dec 22, 2019 07:04am | #1
Maybe the real question is the structural integrity of the wall. The piece as described will not be terribly heavy, but maybe just heavy enough to want to find studs to fasten to. If it just decorative hang it like you would a heavy mirror and it should be fine.
I cannot speak to the structural integrity of your design, but It looks like a straightforward build.
SethMc36 | Dec 22, 2019 10:16am | #2
Yeah, I was definitely planning on finding studs for this one 👍

Thanks for your input!
daverichards | Dec 22, 2019 10:21am | #3
Am I correct that the view in your sketch is of the side facing the wall and that your frame is to make it look like there panel is floating off the wall? If so, have you considered using readily available shelf standards? You could probably get by with two of them screwed into studs.
bilyo | Dec 22, 2019 01:39pm | #4
Looks like a good place to use a french cleat. Do a google search but, it is basically a batten fastened horizontally to the wall with screws into the studs. This will have the top edge cut at a 30-45 deg. angle. A mating batten is then fastened to the back of your "table top" with the angled edge on the bottom. You then hook one edge over the other and your done. You may want to fasten a second batten along the bottom edge of the "table top" just to rest against the wall and hold it straight up and down. It does not have to be fastened to the wall.
SethMc36 | Dec 23, 2019 01:31pm | #5
@DaveRichards
You are correct on the view. I actually was kind of assuming the frame needed to be there to be able to mount this on the wall but I'm realizing now that that doesn't make any sense... haha. I hadn't considered the shelf standards yet, I'll look into it some more now, thanks!

@bilyo
I love this idea! It's very simple and allows me to do away with the frame on the back and replace it with a couple battens. I would think this would compensate for wood movement just fine, would you agree? I'm a little paranoid about wood movement as I haven't totally "figured it out" yet.
bilyo | Dec 23, 2019 02:22pm | #6
Horizontal battens top and bottom would suffice for hanging via the french cleat. Whether or not you include verticals at each end simply depends on how you want it to look from that angle. Verticals at each end will cover the opening between the top and bottom battens if that is what you want. As they would not carry any load they could be simply fastened to the back of your hanging with nails. Fastening with two or three nails will allow for any expansion or contraction. You could also fasten them with a couple of screws through elongated holes.