Julian Cassell's DIY Blog

Yes, theoretically simple, but anyone who has tried hanging pictures and mirrors knows there can be a few problems along the way. First you need to consider what type of wall you are working with – for example a solid (masonry) wall or a hollow (stud) wall.

In general, masonry walls will accept some picture hooks and masonry nails. However, for heavier pictures, a screw fixing is required with the appropriate size of wall plug, to ensure that the weight of the picture will be supported. read more »

Hollow walls or stud walls are most commonly made from vertical wooden supports (studs) that are covered by sheets of plasterboard. Because there are gaps between the vertical supports, significant areas of the wall will be hollow when covered with plasterboard, so this wall type is often referred to as a hollow wall. Ideally, you should try and fix into the wooden supports, but, if this is not possible, there are fixing techniques to ensure that you can cope with the hollow part of the wall, and that is what is shown below. read more »

Masonry walls are most commonly concrete block (lightweight or dense), brick, natural stone and rubble, and many combinations of these categories. They all require the same fixings and technique. Use a cable, pipe and stud detector to help find safe positions to fix into. It is important to locate all these elements, all of which may be concealed within the wall surface you are working on. read more »

A basic fixings box that is well stocked with the most commonly used fixings is handy to have alongside your toolbox in the home. You can then refill regularly with the items you use most. The length of fixings you use should always be guided by the manufacturer’s instructions where appropriate. A general guide is that the length of fixing should be three times the depth of the item you are fixing through. read more »