If you’re finally getting around to hanging up your artwork, you need to consider the material in which you’re going to hang the pictures. What many typical homeowners don’t realise is, different wall materials come with different problems to overcome. Similarly, every wall type requires different hanging equipment and hardware. As such, hanging a piece of art on plasterboard will vary differently from hanging a picture on a concrete wall.
As Australia’s leading picture hangers, we’re here to provide an outline on whether you can hang pictures on concrete, plasterboard, cinder block, brick walls, and dry walls. Within this guide, our artwork hangers Sydney team will discuss what materials to avoid for heavy paintings, which materials are idea for hanging, and how to ensure you’re hanging your pictures in a matter that is both safe and will hold up for years to come.
Hanging pictures on concrete, plaster, cinder, brick, and dry wall
Can you hang pictures on concrete walls?
Hanging pictures on concrete walls seems simple enough, right? In actual fact, concrete is one of the surfaces that you need to be particularly careful with. As concrete is a very hard structure, amateurs tend to use a lot of power on it, often damaging the property.
More often than not, hanging art on concrete walls results in crooked pictures as concrete walls can be uneven, which makes it difficult to level the pictures.
Tips for hanging on concrete surfaces:
- For hanging pictures on concrete walls, it’s important to use the equipment and hooks specially designed for concrete surfaces.
- Always consider the weight of your picture.
- Hanging a heavy picture on a concrete wall may require more than one anchor.
- Always make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on weight and the attachment of the anchors in your case.
- Work with a professional picture hanger to ensure that your artworks are hung safely and seamlessly.
Hanging pictures on plasterboard walls
Hanging pictures on plasterboard walls can be challenging if you are not using the right types of hardware, or if there is no stud behind the wall. As plasterboard is a very soft material compared to concrete, it is crucial to do your due diligence while hanging pictures on plasterboard walls.
Incorrect hanging on plaster will result in damage to the wall, whether it be through hammering, heavy pictures, or poor quality hooks. As such, not every plasterboard wall will be a good spot for you to hang your artwork.
Tips for hanging on plaster:
The best way to hang pictures safely is to use specific plasterboard screws or wall plugs. Furthermore, you should check that there is a stud where you’re about to hang your artwork to ensure that the plasterboard will be able to hold the weight.
Hanging pictures on cinder block walls
Can you hang artwork on cinder block walls? Yes. Cinder block is a very hard material, which makes it relatively suitable for hanging artwork and pictures of all shapes and sizes. However, it is still important to consider the type of hook you’re using, the placement of the artwork, and the weight of the picture you’re looking to hang.
Depending on the structure, general screws, nails, or mounting putting may not do the trick, as cinder block can be uneven. Our best advice? Get in a professional picture hanger to ensure your pictures are hung safely and effectively.
What about brick?
To answer the question of “Can you hang pictures on brick?”, the answer is simply – yes.
Hanging pictures on brick walls can be intimidating. Hammering or screwing into a brick can cause irreversible damage, and using the wrong type of screws, nails, or hooks will not provide enough grip and can slip out. Furthermore, similarly to concrete, brick walls are often uneven, which makes it hard to level the pictures you’re hanging.
Tips for hanging on plaster:
The best way to hang pictures safely is to use specific plasterboard screws or wall plugs. Furthermore, you should check that there is a stud where you’re about to hang your artwork to ensure that the plasterboard will be able to hold the weight.
Hanging pictures on drywalls
Can you hang pictures on drywall? Yes – however, you need to consider whether there is a stud, and the types of hooks used.
Hanging pictures on drywall will be easier than other wall materials as it is a strong material and easy to work with, as long as you can find the studs behind it. No stud behind your drywall can cause irreversible damage to your property. Attempting to hang a picture on drywall with no stud means that you may end up nailing into electric wires, plumbing pipes, or the dry wall will collapse.
Tip for hanging pictures on dry wall:
Drywall may require specific hooks and hardware to ensure that it safely installed. As hanging with drywall is fraught with potential danger, it’s best to work with a professional artwork installation service who will use picture hanging systems.
Call in the experts
Professional Picture Hanging are Australia’s leading provider of picture and artwork hanging services across Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Working across residential properties, commercial buildings, and art galleries, we guarantee perfectly hung pictures and installations, whether you’re in a steel-framed house, a timber-lined apartment, or a concrete building. Give us a call today on 0491491029 to learn more.