Wall Installation Glossary: Art & Mirror Installation Terms

At Redhawk Handyman Services, we take the stress out of art, mirror, or shelf installation. Whether you're moving into a new home, setting up office furniture, or just bought new pieces that requires installation, we are here to help! We specialize in art & mirror installations, Airbnb setups, dorm setups, and more. We service across the Oklahoma City metro, including Norman, OK and Edmond, OK areas.

🖼️ Art & Mirror Installation, and Shelf Installation Glossary

General Mounting & Installation Terms

• Anchors/Wall Anchors: Devices inserted into a wall to provide a secure base for screws, used when installing items on drywall or other hollow materials. Essential for hanging heavy mirrors or shelving.
• Drywall: Also known as gypsum board or plasterboard, it's the most common interior wall surface. It requires anchors or mounting directly into studs for secure hanging.
• Stud: The vertical framing members inside a wall (typically wood or metal) that provide structural support. Mounting directly into a stud is the strongest, most secure way to hang heavy items.
• Level: A tool used to ensure that a mirror, shelf, or piece of art is perfectly horizontal or vertical before final installation.
• Pilot Hole: A small hole drilled into a surface before inserting a screw. This prevents the wood or wall from splitting and makes driving the screw easier and more accurate.
• Load-Bearing Capacity: The maximum weight a wall, anchor, or shelf can safely hold. Professional installation ensures the mounting hardware's capacity matches the item's weight.
• Template: A paper or cardboard cutout used to mark the exact hole locations on the wall before drilling, ensuring precise placement of mounting hardware.

Art & Mirror Installation Specific Terms

• D-Rings (or D-Ring Hangers): Small metal rings shaped like a "D," attached to the back of a frame or mirror. They are used in conjunction with picture wire or mounting directly onto hooks/screws in the wall.
• Picture Rail: A molding installed near the ceiling from which artwork can be hung using adjustable cords and hooks, eliminating the need to drill into the wall for every piece.
• Wire Hanger: A type of mounting hardware that uses taut wire strung between two D-rings on the back of a frame, allowing it to be hung on a single wall hook.
• French Cleat: A two-part mounting system where one piece is attached to the wall and the other to the back of the object (art, mirror, cabinet). The two pieces interlock for a strong, flush, and secure mount.
• Security Hardware: Specialized mounting hardware (often using brackets and a locking key) designed to prevent art or mirrors from being easily removed from the wall, commonly used in high-traffic areas or commercial properties.
• Gallery Wall: A collection of art, photos, or mirrors arranged in a thoughtful pattern on a single wall. Professional service ensures proper spacing and alignment.

Shelf Installation Specific Terms

• Floating Shelf: A shelf installed with no visible brackets or supports. The mounting hardware is typically concealed within the shelf itself, giving a clean, modern look.
• Bracketed Shelf: A shelf supported by visible metal or decorative brackets mounted to the wall. This is often the most secure option for heavy-duty shelving.
• Ledge Shelf (or Picture Ledge): A shallow shelf with a raised lip designed to hold picture frames, allowing them to be easily swapped out without re-drilling.
• Dado: A groove or channel cut into a piece of wood (like a shelf) to allow another piece of wood to fit into it, often used for assembly.

Why Choose Redhawk Handyman Services?

✅ Fast & Reliable Service – We get the job done efficiently.
✅ Affordable Pricing – Clear, upfront rates with no hidden fees.
✅ Experienced – We know how to handle all types of art, mirrors, and shelves
✅ Consistent 5-Star Google Reviews!

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