Easy French cleat without a mitre saw
Not everyone owns a mitre saw, so we look at a way to make a modified French cleat if you don't have a mitre saw and need to hang heavy items.
All you need to make a modified French cleat is 4 pieces of 12mm or 16mm board, all cut to the same size. The width should be no less than 100mm for a strong fitting.
On two sections use a pencil to draw a line down the centre lengthways. Place a bead of wood glue along the top half of the two boards, as shown above. Let the glue dry, preferably overnight.
Use 20mm screws to join the glued sections firmly together. Use a countersink bit so that the screw heads do not protrude above the board.
Now the top half of the modified French cleat can be mounted to the back of your heavy piece, such as a headboard, large picture, or similar. The bottom section is mounted to the wall using wall plugs and screws.
To mount, slip the top section into the bottom section to support the piece. Should you need to remove you can lift up or slide sideways.
GOOD TO KNOW: You need to mount a French cleat at the top and bottom for even mounting.
