Hanging pictures in a steel frame house typically involves using appropriate wall anchors for lighter items or locating the steel studs for heavier ones.
Hanging Pictures in Steel Frame Walls
Just like in houses with timber frames, the walls in a steel frame house are often finished with plasterboard (drywall). The method for hanging pictures depends on the weight of the item.
For Lighter to Medium Pictures
According to available information, most pictures can be adequately supported by a variety of commonly available plasterboard anchors. These anchors are designed to grip the back of the plasterboard, providing a secure point to hang screws or hooks.
- Types of Plasterboard Anchors:
- Self-drilling anchors (plastic or metal)
- Expansion anchors (e.g., toggle bolts, molly bolts - suitable for slightly heavier items on plasterboard alone)
- Push-in anchors
Choosing the right anchor depends on the weight of the picture, but standard picture hooks used with basic plastic plugs or self-drilling anchors are often sufficient for most framed art.
For Heavier Pictures or Mirrors
For items that are too heavy for plasterboard anchors alone, the most secure method is to fasten directly into the steel frame itself.
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Locating Steel Studs:
- Stud Finders: Electronic stud finders designed for metal frames can detect the edges of the steel studs behind the plasterboard.
- Magnets: The studs can be easily located with a magnet, as steel is magnetic. Moving a strong magnet along the wall can help you find the vertical lines where screws or nails would have been used to attach the plasterboard to the steel studs. These points indicate the stud locations.
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Drilling and Fastening:
Once a steel stud is located, heavier items can be drilled and screwed directly into the studs. You will need a drill bit suitable for metal and appropriate self-tapping metal screws or standard wood screws (which often work well in thin steel framing).
It's crucial to ensure the screw penetrates the center of the stud for maximum holding power.
Summary of Methods
Here is a quick overview of hanging methods based on item weight:
| Picture Weight | Recommended Method | Tools Needed | Reference Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter to Medium | Plasterboard Anchors + Picture Hook | Drill (sometimes), Screwdriver, Chosen Anchors | Most pictures supported by anchors |
| Heavier Items (Mirrors, Large Artwork) | Screw directly into Steel Stud | Stud Finder/Magnet, Drill, Metal Screws | Heavier items screwed into studs |
Stud finders and magnets are readily available from hardware stores, making it simple to find the hidden steel frame members.
In summary, hanging pictures in a steel frame house is straightforward using standard plasterboard techniques for lighter items and locating the steel studs with tools like magnets or stud finders for secure fastening of heavier items.
