Effortless Elegance: A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Gallery Rails for Picture Hanging
Many homeowners want to hang pictures on their walls as professionally and stylishly as art galleries. When they ask art curators how to obtain the same professional look in their homes, they are, usually, recommended to install gallery rails. After consulting professionals at outlets selling art-related tools and hardware, most homeowners realise that it is relatively easy to buy the equipment and install the tracks themselves. This article guides homeowners to install gallery rails almost effortlessly.
Handy tips to keep in mind before, during and after installation
Apart from the steps to follow when installing the gallery track, we’ll share a few tips to ensure a professional looking rail.
Length of track
A gallery rail system always looks good when the installer uses a track that covers the entire length of the wall. A full length track also provides more space to place pictures and provides enough space to change pictures around from time to time.
Measure the wall beforehand and order a track already cut into the exact length so that the installer doesn’t have to struggle cutting it. Homeowners must remember that when they measure walls to order full-length hardware, they must leave 2 to 3 cm of space at the sides to insert and remove hooks later.
Installation in a room with a crown moulding ceiling
Usually, the rail is installed as near as possible to the ceiling with only enough space between it and the ceiling to allow working space. However, if the room has a crown moulding ceiling, install it directly below the moulding. This looks professional.
Painting the rail
Consider painting it with acrylic paint after installation. Depending on the homeowner’s personal preferences it can either be painted the same colour as the wall to make the hanging system less prominent, or in a contrasting colour to attract the attention of visitors.
Use the right cords and hooks
Homeowners must always ensure that they use the right cords and hooks when the hardware is installed. Always keep the maximum carrying capacity of the cords and hooks in mind. There are different types available, each with a different capacity. You need different cords and a combination of cords and hooks for “normal” frames and large heavy works.
Steps to follow to install the picture track
The recommended steps as set out below, ensure a logical installation procedure and make it easy for even non-DIY people to create professional-looking picture rails.
1. Have all the tools and hardware needed in reach
The hardware received from the provider includes
- the ordered picture rail with end caps,
- applicable screws, plugs and wall brackets, and
- perlon or stainless steel ropes with hooks.
These items must be easily available when needed during the installation process.
Apart from the hardware, the installer needs specific tools to successfully and professionally complete the job. These tools include
- an electric drilling machine (with a masonry drill if needed),
- a hammer,
- a measuring tool,
- a spirit level to ensure an absolute level installation, and a
- a pencil to mark where holes must be drilled in the wall.
2. Mark the exact place for installation
At the one end of the wall, make a pencil mark 2 to 3 cm from the ceiling. Place the spirit level on the mark and draw a pencil line to the other end of the wall. Remember ceilings are often not installed at a hundred percent level and if the installer doesn’t use a spirit level the rail will always look askew.
If the room has a crown moulding ceiling, the level pencil line must be directly under the moulding. In both instances, the pencil line will not be visible when the hardware has been installed.
3. Mark where the bracket holes must be drilled
The spacing between the brackets depends on the length of the track, but for full wall hardware the brackets are usually 15 to 30 cm apart. Mark all the spots with a pencil on the level line.
4. Drill the holes and insert wall plugs
Use the drilling machine to make holes in the marked places. The holes must be slightly wider than the screws that will be used. Drill the holes deep enough to accommodate the full length of the screws. Insert the wall plugs. If necessary, use a hammer to force the plugs into the walls.
5. Screw brackets into the wall
Screw a bracket into every wall plug. Ensure that the screws are fastened completely. Sometimes the installer has to insert a screwdriver drill into the electric drilling machine to fasten the screws.
6. Attach the rail and install wires
When all the brackets are screwed in, attach the track to them by clipping the gallery track diagonally from top to bottom into the brackets. The final installation step is to insert the ropes with hooks and adjust their height.
7. Hanging pictures
With the rails for hanging pictures in place, the homeowner can start to experiment with different ways to use the track system. Be creative and try, for instance, hanging pictures diagonally. It is always a good idea to consult with other picture-hanging enthusiasts about how to hang pictures on picture rails.
Conclusion
Virtually anyone can install gallery rails for picture hanging in homes by following the right steps.
