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Best Wood For French Cleat (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a sturdy and reliable mounting system, then the French cleat method might just be what you need. It’s a simple yet effective method that involves using a piece of wood with a beveled edge that can interlock with another beveled piece of wood. This technique can be used to hang everything from shelves to cabinets, and it's easy to install too. But before you start embarking on your DIY project, there are a few factors that you need to consider first.

The type of wood you choose is crucial to ensure the strength of the French cleat. You want to pick a strong and durable wood that can support the weight of your item. Also, make sure that the thickness of the wood is correct for your project. Additionally, consider the size of the item that you want to hang to ensure that the width of the cleat can accommodate it.

So, are you ready to take on a new DIY project using the French cleat method? Perhaps you’re someone who wants to optimize space in your garage, or maybe you’re interested in organizing your belongings in your home office. Whatever it is, this efficient mounting system can help you achieve your goals. Want to learn more about the different types of wood that you can use for your French cleats? Or maybe you’re interested in discovering more about how this method can simplify your DIY projects? Keep on reading to find out!

10 Best Wood For French Cleat

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for hanging heavy items securely on a wall using a cleat system.
2
Ideal for hanging a wide range of items such as pictures, cabinets, mirrors, boxes, and cornhole boards using a French cleat.
3
Ideal for creating a secure wall-mounted system for heavy items such as cabinets, shelves, and garage storage.
4
Ideal for hanging heavy objects securely on walls using a cleat system.
5
This product is ideal for adding a stylish mirror and storage option to any room in your home.
6
The product is ideal for attracting and providing a safe nesting place for barred owls.
7
The product is ideal for hanging heavy mirrors and pictures securely, using a French cleat system.
8
Ideal for outdoor low voltage lighting systems with timer, photocell sensor, and weatherproof design.
9
This product is ideal for hanging small mirrors or picture frames, supporting up to 50 lbs with a French cleat system.
10
It is ideal for mounting heavy items such as pictures, mirrors, whiteboards, and headboards securely onto walls.
The product is ideal for hanging heavy items securely on a wall using a cleat system.
Ideal for hanging a wide range of items such as pictures, cabinets, mirrors, boxes, and cornhole boards using a French cleat.
Ideal for creating a secure wall-mounted system for heavy items such as cabinets, shelves, and garage storage.
Ideal for hanging heavy objects securely on walls using a cleat system.
This product is ideal for adding a stylish mirror and storage option to any room in your home.
The product is ideal for attracting and providing a safe nesting place for barred owls.
The product is ideal for hanging heavy mirrors and pictures securely, using a French cleat system.
Ideal for outdoor low voltage lighting systems with timer, photocell sensor, and weatherproof design.
This product is ideal for hanging small mirrors or picture frames, supporting up to 50 lbs with a French cleat system.
It is ideal for mounting heavy items such as pictures, mirrors, whiteboards, and headboards securely onto walls.

1. Wooden French Cleat 1/2" Thick, 3 Inches Depth X 36 Inches Width

Upgrade your storage system with this set of two French cleats from TFKitchen. These cleats measure 3 inches in depth and 36 inches in length, making them a versatile addition to any workspace. The cleats are made from real wood that is 1/2 inch thick and unfinished, providing a natural and authentic look. The set includes screws for easy installation, and special holes can be requested by contacting the seller. Please note that this item is custom made to your specific size and cannot be cancelled or returned. For more French cleat models, search 'French Cleat TFKitchen' on Amazon.

Pros

  • Made from real wood for an authentic look
  • Includes screws for easy installation
  • Customizable with special hole requests
  • Versatile size – 3 inches depth and 36 inches length

Cons

  • – Cannot be cancelled or returned due to custom sizing
  • – Unfinished wood may require additional finishing for desired look

2. Multi-Use Hanging Bracket For All Surfaces

This product is a 2-piece set made of MDF, a high-quality engineered wood material that is known for its durability and resistance to warping. The set comes in a variety of sizes, and customers have the option to completely customize the dimensions to fit their specific needs. The customizable feature makes this product a great option for those who are looking for a specific size or shape for their home or office.

Both pieces in the set are designed to be versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. They can be used as side tables, nightstands, or even as decorative pieces. The MDF material is easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical addition to any space. The pieces are easy to assemble and come with all the necessary hardware.

Overall, this 2-piece set is a great option for those who are looking for a customizable and versatile addition to their home or office. The MDF material ensures durability and longevity, while the customizable feature allows for a perfect fit in any space.

Pros

  • Made of high-quality MDF material
  • Completely customizable sizes
  • Versatile and can be used in a variety of ways
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Comes with all necessary hardware for easy assembly

Cons

  • – None

3. Wooden French Cleat 3/4" Thick, 5 Inches Depth X 48 Inches Width

Looking for a sturdy and reliable hanging solution for your shelves or cabinets? The French Cleat from TFKitchen is the perfect option for you. This custom-made item is available in a size of 5 inches depth and 48 inches length, making it suitable for a variety of applications. Made of real wood, this French Cleat has a thickness of 3/4 inches, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance.

Each set of French Cleat comes with two cleats and screws, making installation a breeze. If you require special holes, you can contact the manufacturer for customization options. Please note that this is a custom-made item, cut to your specified size, and therefore cannot be cancelled or returned.

Overall, the French Cleat from TFKitchen is a reliable and practical solution for all your hanging needs. It is easy to install, durable, and customizable to your unique requirements.

Pros

  • Made of real wood for durability and long-lasting performance
  • Comes with screws for easy installation
  • Can be customized with special holes upon request

Cons

  • – Custom-made item, cannot be cancelled or returned

4. Universal Plywood French Cleat Hanging Bracket 3 Inch High, 3/4" Thick – 36" Length

The French cleat by TFKitchen is an unfinished plywood product that measures 3 inches in height and 36 inches in length. It features a 45-degree angle and comes with predrilled screw holes that are spaced about 32mm or 1-1/4 inches apart. The product is also available in other sizes and materials which can be found by searching for 'French Cleat TFKitchen' on Amazon.

This powerful bracket is capable of holding cabinets, TVs, paintings, and pictures with a weight capacity of up to 300lbs. It requires two pieces to properly 'dance' and can be easily slid left and right for added convenience. The product can be cut into several pieces to suit individual needs.

The French cleat by TFKitchen is the ideal product for those looking for a strong and durable solution to hanging heavy items. Its predrilled screw holes make installation a breeze and the product's ability to slide left and right provides added functionality.

Pros

  • Capable of holding heavy items with a weight capacity of up to 300lbs
  • Comes with predrilled screw holes for easy installation
  • Can be easily slid left and right for added convenience
  • Can be cut into several pieces to suit individual needs

5. Everly Hart Collection 24" Round Frameless Mirror With Wood Shelf, Brown

Add some style and functionality to your home decor with this round frameless mirror. The mirror comes with a built-in wood shelf, which is crafted from high-quality wood and finished in a beautiful mahogany color. The shelf measures 24 inches x 24 inches x 6 inches, offering ample space to store your essentials.

The mirror easily slides into the wood shelf and can be hung using a french cleat system. This makes installation a breeze, and you'll have your new mirror up in no time. The round frameless design of the mirror gives it a sleek and modern look, making it the perfect addition to any room in your home.

This mirror is versatile and can be used in a variety of settings. It makes an excellent vanity mirror for your bathroom, offering a convenient place to store your toiletries and cosmetics. It's also great for use in your bedroom or entryway, where you can use the shelf to store your keys, wallet, and other everyday essentials. Overall, this mirror is a great investment for any home decor enthusiast.

Pros

  • Built-in wood shelf offers ample storage space
  • Mirror slides easily into the wood shelf and can be hung using a french cleat system
  • Round frameless design gives it a sleek and modern look
  • Versatile mirror can be used in a variety of settings

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for those looking for a traditional or ornate mirror design

6. Barred Owl Nest Box With Easy Cleaning

Attract Barred Owls to your yard with this specially designed nesting box made just for them. The box features special grip grooves on the front to allow easy access for adult owls. The Clean Out door makes cleaning the box a breeze and also provides access for mounting a wildlife camera to watch your owlets grow. The box comes fully assembled and includes mounting strips, screws, and nesting material to provide a comfortable home for your feathered friends. The Barred Owl box is treated with a mixture of linseed oil and mineral spirits that makes it weather-resistant.

The recommended mounting height for the box is 12-15 feet high in a live tree, where it can provide a safe and secure nesting location for your owls. With this nesting box, you can enjoy the beauty of Barred Owls up close and personal, and watch as they raise their young in the comfort of your own backyard.

Pros

  • Provides a safe and secure nesting location for Barred Owls
  • Features special grip grooves on the front for easy access
  • Comes fully assembled with mounting strips, screws, and nesting material
  • Includes a Clean Out door for easy cleaning and camera access
  • Treated with a weather-resistant linseed oil and mineral spirits mixture

Cons

  • – May be too specific for those who do not want to attract Barred Owls to their yard

7. Ook 533212 French Cleat Mirror And Picture Hangers With Hardware, 200lb, Aluminum (13 Piece)

The Hangman hanging system is a versatile and reliable solution for hanging various items, such as pictures and mirrors, with ease. It has a total weight capacity that can accommodate a range of décor options. This hanging system is perfect for those who prefer not to use studs, as it comes with all the necessary mounting hardware and wall anchors. It can be installed into drywall at any location without needing to plan around the locations of studs.

The Hangman hanging system is designed with anti-corrode technology, making it suitable for both interior and exterior hanging. This feature makes it perfect for those who want to mount their décor in adverse weather conditions. It is also easy to set up, and all that is required is a pencil, a Philips head screwdriver, and a drill for pilot holes (for best results).

The Hangman hanging system utilizes a French cleat style of hanging, which allows the picture or art to hang flush with the wall at a 30-45 degree slope without bearing the full weight of that item. This feature makes it easy to hang pictures or art in a secure and stable manner.

Pros

  • Versatile and reliable solution for hanging various items
  • No studs necessary, making it easy to install in drywall at any location
  • Designed with anti-corrode technology, making it suitable for both interior and exterior hanging
  • Easy to set up and comes with all the necessary mounting hardware and wall anchors
  • Utilizes French cleat style of hanging, allowing for secure and stable hanging

8. Dewenwils Outdoor Transformer: Timer, Photocell, 3 Outputs

The landscape lighting transformer comes with a detachable photocell sensor that automatically turns on the lights at dusk and turns them off at dawn. With the 6ft photocell sensor cable, you can install the transformer both indoors and outdoors. It also has a countdown timer that allows you to set the transformer to turn off after 1-12 hours, and a memory function that saves the timer mode even in the event of a power outage.

The transformer features three individually controlled output zones that let you customize your house's lighting. You can control your front porch lights, backyard lights, and landscaping lights separately using the 'Zone' button. The transformer is made of high-performance metal material that protects it from rain, snow, dust, and abrasion, making it weatherproof and easy to install. The transformer converts the 120V AC household voltage to 12V/14V AC safety voltage, making it compatible with all 12V/14V low voltage LED and halogen landscape lighting, such as spotlight, pathway light, garden light, and water feature, among others.

Overall, the landscape lighting transformer is a practical and safer electrical current level for your landscaping lighting needs. It is durable, easy to install and configure, and weatherproof, making it perfect for outdoor use.

Pros

  • The transformer comes with a detachable photocell sensor that automatically turns on and off the lights at dusk and dawn.
  • The countdown timer and memory function allow you to customize when the lights turn on and off.
  • The transformer has three individually controlled output zones that let you control your front porch lights, backyard lights, and landscaping lights separately.
  • The metal material of the transformer protects it from weather conditions such as rain, snow, dust, and abrasion.
  • It converts the 120V AC household voltage to 12V/14V AC safety voltage, making it compatible with all 12V/14V low voltage LED and halogen landscape lighting.

Cons

  • – The transformer has a maximum output of 300W, which may not be sufficient for larger landscaping projects.

9. 5 Star Hanging Kit – Easy Install & Supports 50lbs.

The Picture Cleat is an excellent hanger for wood frames up to 20 inches wide. It is designed to support up to 50 pounds of weight, making it ideal for a variety of wall-mounted products. The cleats are made of extruded aluminum, measuring 1 1/8 inches wide by 3/64 inches thick. This type of hanger is also known as a French cleat, z clip, z bar hanger, or wall cleat.

The kit includes all the necessary hardware for installation, including six #8 plastic anchors, six #8 x 1 inch screws, six #8 x 1/2 inch screws, clear bumpers, and easy-to-follow picture hanging instructions. With its sturdy construction and easy installation, the Picture Cleat is a reliable and convenient solution for hanging pictures and other wall-mounted items.

Pros

  • Can support up to 50 pounds of weight, making it ideal for a variety of wall-mounted products
  • Made of extruded aluminum, ensuring a sturdy and durable construction
  • Includes all necessary hardware for easy installation
  • Easy-to-follow picture hanging instructions included

Cons

  • – Limited to wood frames up to 20 inches wide

10. Z-Bar Wall Mount Brackets For Heavy Items.

Looking for a reliable and secure way to hang your heavy or long items? Look no further than the Cleat Hanger. With a weight capacity of 90 pounds and a length of 18 inches, this hanger is the ideal solution for those oversized and cumbersome items. The kit comes complete with all the necessary fastening hardware, ensuring that you have everything you need to get started.

One of the key features of the Cleat Hanger is its use of flexible interlocking brackets made from aircraft-grade aluminum. This allows the hanger to be used on non-plumb walls, making it a versatile and flexible option for a wide range of applications. The cleat itself is 1 1/4 inches wide and features a flare design, making it the easiest hidden bracket to connect and ensuring that your art is always secure.

To further protect your walls and ensure that your art hangs evenly, the Cleat Hanger kit includes rubber bumpers. These bumpers serve to cushion the wall surface as well as hold the art away from the wall, ensuring that it hangs evenly and looks its best.

Pros

  • Weight capacity of 90 pounds
  • 18-inch length
  • Complete kit with all fastening hardware included
  • Flexible interlocking brackets made from aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Can be used on non-plumb walls
  • 1 1/4 inch wide cleat with flare design is easy to connect
  • Rubber bumpers included to protect walls and hold art evenly

Best Wood For French Cleat FAQs

Can any type of wood be used for a French cleat, or are there specific types that work best?

French cleats are a popular and versatile method of hanging items on walls, but not all types of wood are suitable for this purpose. The best types of wood for French cleats are hardwoods that are strong and dense, such as oak, maple, cherry, or walnut. These woods are less likely to split or crack under the weight of the item being hung and provide a secure anchor for the cleat. Softwoods like pine, on the other hand, should be avoided as they are more prone to splitting and may not be able to support heavier items.

It is also important to consider the thickness of the wood when selecting material for a French cleat. The cleat should be at least 3/4 inch thick to provide enough support and stability for the item being hung. Thinner wood may not be strong enough to hold the weight of the item, and thicker wood may make the cleat too bulky and difficult to mount.

In summary, while any type of wood can technically be used for a French cleat, hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry, or walnut are the best options due to their strength and density. It is also important to select wood that is at least 3/4 inch thick to provide adequate support for the item being hung.

How long should the wood be for a standard-sized French cleat?

The length of the wood required for a French cleat depends on the weight and size of the object you want to hang. However, for a standard-sized French cleat, the wood should be at least 2 inches wide and long enough to span across the width of the object. The length of the wood should be twice the width of the object, minus the thickness of the cleat. For example, if the object is 12 inches wide, the wood should be at least 22 inches long (2 x 12 – thickness of cleat). This will allow for a secure and stable mounting of the object on the wall. It is important to ensure that the wood is level and securely attached to the wall to prevent the object from falling. Additionally, using a level to ensure that the wood is straight and even will help to avoid any unwanted tilting or movement.

How thick should the wood be for a French cleat?

The thickness of the wood used for a French cleat can vary depending on the weight and size of the object being hung. Typically, a thickness of 3/4 inch is recommended for most applications. However, if the object is particularly heavy or large, a thicker piece of wood may be necessary to ensure proper stability and support. It is important to consider the weight and size of the object being hung, as well as the strength of the wall, when determining the appropriate thickness of the wood for a French cleat. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the angle of the cleat is cut accurately to ensure a secure fit and proper weight distribution. Overall, selecting the appropriate thickness of wood for a French cleat is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of the object being hung.

Should the wood be treated or sealed in any way before using it for a French cleat?

Yes, it is recommended to treat or seal the wood before using it for a French cleat. This will help to protect the wood from moisture and prevent it from warping or rotting over time. There are several options for treating or sealing wood, including using a wood sealer, stain, or paint. A wood sealer will help to protect the wood from moisture and prevent it from drying out, while a stain or paint can be used to add color and further protect the wood. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying any type of treatment or sealant, and to allow the wood to dry completely before using it for the French cleat. Additionally, it is important to choose a high-quality, durable wood for the French cleat to ensure that it can safely support the weight of the items being hung.

What type of wood is best for making a French cleat?

When it comes to making a French cleat, the type of wood used is an important consideration. The ideal wood for this type of project is one that is strong, durable, and able to hold up well over time. One of the most popular choices for French cleats is plywood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) due to their strength and reliability. These materials are also affordably priced and readily available at most home improvement stores.

Other popular options for making a French cleat include hardwoods such as oak, maple, and cherry. These types of wood are known for their durability and strength, making them ideal for use in high-traffic areas or in heavy-duty applications.

Ultimately, the best type of wood for making a French cleat will depend on the specific needs of your project. Consider factors such as the intended use of the cleat, the weight it will need to support, and your budget when choosing the right type of wood for your project.

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