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Picture hanging hardware by weight: a chart
Weigh the whole piece, add up frame, glass, mat, backing and art, then choose hardware rated at least 1.5 times that total. In short: sawtooth for light frames, D-rings with wire for medium weights, and a cleat above about 25 pounds. Always check the manufacturer rating on the pack.
Text version of this infographic
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| Hardware | Weight guidance | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Standard sawtooth | 7 lb or less; under 5 lb for 5 x 7 and 8 x 10 frames | Picture Hang Solutions; CustomPictureFrames |
| Heavy-duty sawtooth | Up to 25 lb | Picture Hang Solutions |
| D-ring, small | Under 10 lb, usually with wire | CustomPictureFrames |
| D-ring, medium | 10 to 25 lb, usually with wire | CustomPictureFrames |
| D-ring, large | Over 25 lb; stud fixing advised | CustomPictureFrames |
| Two-point hangers | 25 to 50 lb; space the wall screws to match | CustomPictureFrames |
| Cleat | Over 25 lb in the body of the guide (its summary says over 20 lb); fix into studs | CustomPictureFrames; Picture Hang Solutions; This Old House |
| Picture wire | Use the lower of the wire and hanger ratings; choose a rating of 1.5 times the total weight | Picture Hang Solutions; CustomPictureFrames |
Weigh the piece and add everything: frame, glass, mat, backing and artwork. Check the manufacturer rating on the pack, because hardware and wall products vary.
How to use this infographic
- Weigh the framed piece, including glass, mat and backing.
- Multiply by 1.5 and find hardware rated at or above that figure.
- Read the manufacturer rating on the pack and use the lower of the hanger and wire ratings.
Questions
What hardware should I use for a heavy frame?
CustomPictureFrames lists large D-rings for over 25 pounds and a cleat for heavy pieces, fixed into studs. Check the manufacturer rating on the pack.
How much weight should hanging hardware be rated for?
CustomPictureFrames suggests a rating of at least 1.5 times the total weight of the frame, glass, mat, backing and artwork.
Which rating counts when I use wire?
Picture Hang Solutions advises using the lower of the hanger rating and the wire rating.
Sources
- Picture Hang Solutions: a beginner's guide to 4 types of picture hangers (fetched 2026-11-12)
- CustomPictureFrames: installing picture frame hanging hardware (fetched 2026-11-12)
- This Old House: how to hang something heavy (fetched 2026-11-12)
Figures as of 2026-11-12. Figures are paraphrased or computed from the sources above; the figure carries its own source line. Confirm live prices and terms with ArtzFolio Custom before you order.