The Lumberjack Flash French Cleat Installation Method
So, you purchased a pack of cleats, or made your own to our specifications, and need to install them. This article details out those installation steps.
What Tools and Materials Do You Need?
Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:
- French cleat strips
- Stud finder
- Level (small picture frame level and larger 2-4' level recommended)
- Drill/driver
- Quick-Cleat Rapid installation kit (which includes spacers, screw locators, and a fancy countersink drill bit)
- Screws (3.5" screws suitable for wooden stud installation included with our French cleat packs)
- Wall anchors (if necessary)
- Quick-Cleat Extension Kit (used to join two cleats together end to end to make a longer cleat wall)
- Small hand clamp
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing French Cleat Strips
Follow these simple steps to install French cleat strips on your wall:
Step 1: Determine Location of First Cleat Strip
A successful installation hinges on locating your first row of cleats accurately. This system starts with the bottom-most cleat and works up. A cleat pack will cover a 4' x 4' wall space so keep that in mind when placing your first cleat.
Step 2: Measure and Mark
Measure and mark the desired height for your first French cleat strip. Use a level to ensure accuracy.
Step 3: Locate the Wall Studs
Once you have identified where the first cleat strip will go, use a stud finder to locate the wall studs. French cleat strips MUST to be anchored to the studs for maximum stability. If an end of your cleat is more than 6" from a stud location you should plan to use a drywall anchor on that end to provide extra security.
Hold your first cleat strip up to the wall and transfer the stud/anchor locations to the cleat strip.
Step 4: Attach the First Strip
Using a drill with the countersink drill bit, pre-drill the holes for each screw location. The holes should be in the middle of the cleat strip for strength and aesthetics.
Place the cleat strip against the wall and drive one of the screws into a stud. Do not fully tighten yet.
Next, place your level on top of the cleat and adjust until the cleat is perfectly level. If you need to place a wall anchor on either end of the cleat strip mark for the wall anchor and install it now.
Re-level your cleat strip and then drive another screw. Finish driving the rest of the screws.
Step 5: Attach the Next Cleat Strip
The cleats should be spaced 6" on center spacing between each row. Everything in the Lumberjack Flash cleat system is built on this specification so this spacing is important. To make this easier, the spacer blocks in the Quick-Cleat Installation Kit will ensure perfect spacing as you move up the wall.
Place the next cleat on top of the spacer blocks so it is against the wall and use your level to ensure the ends are aligned vertically.
Now take the third spacer piece and use it along with your picture frame level and transfer the screw locations to the new strip by aligning the bottom of the spacer with the screw below, ensuring the spacer is plumb, and then using the top corner of the spacer to mark the screw location.
If you are not using wall anchors on either end simply pre-drill the screw locations in place and drive the screws. if you are using wall anchors then you still pre-drill the screw locations but you will have to install the wall anchors into the wall before you can attach the cleat strip.
Step 6: Repeat
To complete the installation simply repeat step 5 until all of the cleat strips are installed.
It is a good idea to double check your stud locations every few cleats since the studs may not be perfectly plumb. Adjusting your screw locations in small increments will not be noticeable when you are finished. You should also confirm level with each row. Again, minor adjustments from row to row will not be noticeable and will not effect the function of your French cleat wall.
Optional: installing Multiple Cleat Packs Together
If you are making a French cleat wall that is longer than 4 feet then you will need to join cleats together end to end. While this is not strictly necessary, it does eliminate the need to install wall anchors on the ends of adjoining strips, and keeps your OCD happy by ensuring the screw locations are super consistent up and down your cleat wall.
Set the depth stop on the drill bit so that a little more than half of the length of the dowels is sticking our of the jig.
Set your cleat on a level surface with the angle edge facing up. Align the jig on the front of the of the cleat strip while resting on the level surface and clamp it into place.
Drill both dowel holes into the end of the piece. Now repeat on the mating edge of the next piece.
Insert two dowels and press the two pieces together. Glue is not necessary.
These holes are impossible to drill once the cleat strip is on the wall so a little pre-planning here will make this installation process a breeze.
Conclusion
Now that you have your French cleat wall installed it is time for the fun part: getting organized! Whether you are purchasing some of our great holders or making your own, the hard part is done. Time to enjoy infinitely customizable organization!