Cleat Length
36 in
Board Needed
6.0 ft
Screws
10
Cost
$18
Cleat Length
36
inches (3.0 ft)
Total Board
6.0 ft
Rip Width
3.0 in
Screws
10
Capacity
108 lbs
Material Cost
$18.00
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Result
36 in cleat = 3 ft per piece, 2 pieces per cleat = 6 ft total board needed.
Inputs
Result
48 in = 4 ft per piece, 2 pieces per cleat, 2 cleats = 16 ft total.
A French cleat should be at least as wide as the item being hung. For heavy items, extend the cleat 2-4 inches beyond each side of the item for extra support and easier leveling during installation.
The standard French cleat angle is 45 degrees. This angle provides optimal holding strength through gravity locking while being easy to cut with a table saw or circular saw.
A properly installed French cleat can hold 75-200+ lbs per linear foot when screwed into wall studs. The main limiting factor is the wall anchoring, not the cleat itself. Each stud connection adds roughly 75-100 lbs of capacity.
Use 3/4 in plywood or solid hardwood ripped to 3-4 in width. Avoid MDF as it splits along the bevel edge under load. Baltic birch plywood is the best option for most workshop and cabinet applications.
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Last Updated: Mar 19, 2026
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