We wanted to put a large selection of photos on the wall in Ikea black Ribba frames but this was a plasterboard wall and we wanted them in specific locations. Picture hanging wire and other hanging solutions have never worked for me so I needed to come up with a new solution.
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I used plasterboard screws straight into the wall at specific points and marked out a grid of where the photos should go. While not as secure as proper plasterboard fixings these would be strong enough for these lightweight frames.
Plasterboard Screws
The frames were then carefully drilled on the middle top back with my drill press to the exact size of the screw they would be mounted on. I found however that Ikea frames are not solid wood and instead a wood/cardboard mashup so this took a few attempts to get right without destroying them.
I also found I needed to cushion beneath the frame to prevent any marking with a tea towel on my drill press. Using a hand electric drill works just as well of course!
Drill Press Table with some cushioningI also marked the depth I needed to drill to with a bit of electrical tape on the drill bit so not to go too deep!
Never underestimate the importance of using an awl – even a cheap one like this for precision work! It will make a massive different if you do this before letting a wandering big drill bit loose on things.
A basic woodworking Awl
The finished frames look good and are positioned exactly where I require them flush against the wall with no hanging or adjustment required.
