French cleat for Artemis Moon carving
Here’s my process of hanging up a French cleat for something like this Artemis Moon and logo carving. I’m sure there are other ways to go through this, but it’s the process I’ve kind of fallen into over the years. Since I’m used to the process, I’m fairly quick at it and when I get done, there’s usually nothing to clean up.
There are multiple holes in the French cleats so I can slide it left or right and still hit a wall stud with two screws. Gives you great flexibility.
Having installed several pieces with French cleats, I’ve found this method incredibly versatile and reliable, especially for custom art like the Artemis Moon carving. One thing that really stands out is how the multiple holes on the cleat allow you to fine-tune the positioning horizontally, which is a huge help when trying to align perfectly with wall studs. From my experience, preparing the French cleat by pre-drilling holes not only speeds up installation but also prevents wood splitting. It’s worth taking the time to measure and mark your wall studs carefully before screwing in the cleat, so you can maximize the hold with strong screws. Another tip is to keep everything clean and flush by using a level and dusting off any debris before hanging the carving. The cleat system means your artwork can be removed and rehung without damage to the wall or the piece itself, which is ideal if you like to change decorating frequently. For carvings like the Artemis logo, which have symbolic and aesthetic importance, the French cleat ensures security without distracting mounting hardware. This method combines form and function, maintaining the artwork’s visual impact while giving you peace of mind that it’s securely fastened. Overall, using a French cleat is my go-to because it’s fast, clean, and adjustable—qualities every maker appreciates when displaying detailed carvings related to meaningful projects like NASA’s Artemis program.
