Plaster walls have a tendency to crack and crumble if you attempt to hammer a nail directly into the wall.
How to hang a picture on plaster and lath walls.
If you can hang your heavy object in line with a stud and screw a long screw directly into the stud that s always the best option.
Even so it is possible hang numerous pictures throughout the house.
Even more so if you live in an old house with plaster and lath walls.
After moving into a new home you might realize that the walls are made of plaster and not drywall.
All you need to do is pre drill a hole slightly narrower than your screws then use the drill to drive a screw into the hole.
Therefore it s the strongest part of the wall and the ideal place to hang pictures from.
Adhesive picture hooks are the best way to prevent damage when hanging a picture but pre drilling the hole will usually prevent cracks and chips from forming as well.
Hanging things on plaster walls is easy if you have a drill and screws.
It is not as easy to hang a picture on a wall made from plaster as it is to hang a picture on a wall made from drywall.
If the pictures are small and equipped with a wire on the back use a small picture hook and nail.
How to hang heavy things on plaster walls using a wall stud.
You may not notice the damage but as plaster comes loose from the lath it will eventually begin to sag and soon fall off the wall if the sagging continues unchecked.
I live in a 1930s house with plaster walls.
Generally speaking it s best to hang heavy pictures on a wall stud.
With proper technique hanging pictures on a lath and plaster wall isn t a problem.
Screws and screws with masonry anchors for heavy items are your best choice for hanging things on plaster walls without picture rail.
Make sure you leave half an inch out of the wall so you have space to hang your artwork.