Wall Fixings and Anchors — What to Use for Every Wall Type
Wall Fixings and Anchors — What to Use for Every Wall Type
The most considered art in the world is pointless if it falls off the wall. Choosing the right fixing for your specific wall type — and the weight of your art — is the practical foundation of every successful art installation.
At Olive et Oriel, we want your art to hang securely and look considered for years. This guide covers the main wall types you'll encounter in Australian homes and the right fixing for each.
Plasterboard (Drywall) Walls
Plasterboard is the most common wall type in Australian homes built from the 1980s onward. For art up to 5kg, picture hooks with angled nails work well if positioned directly into a stud. For heavier art, use hollow wall anchors (Molly bolts) that expand behind the plasterboard to create a secure holding point.
Always check the weight rating on the anchor packaging against your frame weight. For very heavy art (10kg+), locate a stud and screw directly into it. Electronic stud finders are inexpensive and reliable.
Explore Framing OptionsBrick, Masonry and Adhesive Solutions
Solid brick, masonry, or concrete walls are the most secure hanging surfaces but require different tools and fixings. A masonry drill bit, hammer drill, and wall plugs (Rawlplugs) are the standard approach. Drill into mortar rather than the face of bricks where possible — it creates a cleaner repair if you move the art later.
For lighter art (under 4kg), command strips and adhesive picture hooks offer a genuinely bond-safe and damage-free solution for most wall types. Always check the weight rating and follow the application instructions carefully — the adhesive needs 24-72 hours to cure fully before loading with weight.
For rental properties, adhesive solutions and picture ledges are the preferred approaches. Olive et Oriel prints are available in a range of weights depending on framing — unframed prints are the lightest option.
Secure Hanging for Gallery-Quality Art
Contact help@oliveetoriel.com with your specific piece for exact weight information to match to appropriate fixings.
Art ships next business day from our two facilities, arriving safely packaged. Our satisfaction guarantee means every purchase is risk-free.
Every piece is produced at our two manufacturing facilities on of NSW — crafting Australian wall art since 2015. We deliver to over 40 countries worldwide, with custom sizing available on all prints. Over a decade of experience, every order ships within 24 hours with our satisfaction guarantee.
What type of fixing should I use in plasterboard walls?
For lightweight art (up to 3kg), angled picture hooks work if positioned in a stud. For heavier art in plasterboard without a stud, use hollow wall anchors (Molly bolts) rated for the art weight.
How do I hang art on a brick wall?
Use a masonry drill bit and hammer drill. Drill into mortar between bricks where possible, insert a wall plug (Rawlplug), then screw in a hook.
What is the maximum weight Command strips can hold?
Standard Command picture strips hold up to 4kg. Larger heavy-duty strips handle more — always check the product packaging.
How do I find a stud in a plasterboard wall?
Use an electronic stud finder, available from hardware stores. Studs are typically spaced 450-600mm apart.
How heavy are Olive et Oriel framed prints?
Weight varies by size and frame material. Contact help@oliveetoriel.com with your specific piece for exact weight information.
Can I hang art on tiles?
Yes — adhesive strips work on smooth tiles. For permanent fixtures, a tile bit and appropriate wall plug creates a secure fixing.
