Hang a picture frame properly
Save £30–60 today
20 mins · Beginner · Saves £30–60 vs a handyperson
Last updated: March 2025
Before you start
Getting a picture to hang straight and stay there requires the right fixing for your wall type. Solid walls (brick or block) need masonry anchors; hollow stud walls need toggle anchors or a screw into a stud.
Always use a cable and pipe detector before drilling. Cables run vertically from sockets and switches; pipes run to radiators and bathrooms.
Tools needed
- ✓Tape measure — to position the fixing correctly
- ✓Spirit level — to hang it straight
- ✓Pencil — to mark the wall
- ✓Hammer or drill — hammer for picture hooks on solid walls; drill for masonry fixings
- ✓Pipe & cable detector — essential before any drilling
- !Wall fixings — buy: buy: £2–5 — picture hooks for light frames; wall plugs and screws for heavier ones
Detect for pipes and cables
Run the detector over the whole area before marking anything. Cables run up from sockets and switches; pipes run to radiators, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Where beginners go wrong
Drilling without checking for cables — this is a real danger, especially near sockets and switches.
Using the wrong fixing for the wall type — a picture hook in a plasterboard wall will pull straight out under any weight.
Not using a spirit level — what looks straight to the eye is almost always slightly off.
Stop and call a handyperson if...
You cannot identify the wall construction and the frame is heavy (over 15kg)
The cable detector shows cables exactly where you need to drill
Cost breakdown
What you just learned
You now know how to choose wall fixings, find joists and studs, and hang things level. These skills transfer to fitting shelves, curtain poles, mirrors, and anything else on a wall.
✅ Completed by 5,108 people
⚠️ Watch out if you rent
Most tenancy agreements require written permission before drilling walls. Some landlords are relaxed about picture hooks; others are not. Ask before you drill. Use adhesive strips for lightweight frames to avoid the issue entirely.