DIY Fitness Club

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Mirrors

PJ

Introduction

Note: Before I remodeled my gym - in August 2022 – I had many large mirrors in the gym. However, I covered them up with banners and flags because I did not want the reflection of the camera into the shot (while filming).  Since I always covered them up – I have decided not to hang most of the mirrors back up. In fact, now I plan on having only one mirror (behind my dumbbell rack). Since most of you do not need to worry about having cameras in the mirror’s reflection for YouTube videos – you should feel free to have as many mirrors as you want!

Mirrors are a great way to spruce up your home gym, and can give a smaller gym a much larger feeling. Here is the DIY tutorial for my preferred method for hanging Gym Mirrors!

Where to Get Mirrors

To get mirrors of course you can buy new ones: all major US Big Box Hardware stores sell them….but be sure to take a look at Facebook MarketPlace, Offerup, and Craiglist, too! When people do DIY remodels of their bathrooms they often need to get rid of large mirrors which are not easily disposed of. Therefore, many people sell them for very cheap and frequently give them away for free. For example, I paid $10 via OfferUp for my 3x4 foot long mirror (that someone wanted to get rid of when they remodeled their bathroom) - and I have seen many ads for Free mirrors since getting mine.

Benefits of my Method

You could just use store-bought plastic or metal mirror brackets to hang mirrors, but I think my way is superior for the following reasons:

  1. EASIER INSTALLATION: It is easier to ensure a contiguous piece of wood is level than ensuring 2-3 separate pieces of plastic/metal brackets are level (on the bottom and on the top) as well as ensuring the positioning of the top row will accommodate the positioning of the bottom row.

  2. MORE SECURE: My method will definitely be able to handle a heavier mirror better than some cheap plastic or metal brackets.

  3. SAFER: My method will decrease the chances of mirrors shattering. Commercially sold mirror brackets leave a gap between the back of the mirror and the wall. As a result, this air gap can significantly increase the chances if the mirror shattering if it is accidentally hit. My method presses the back of the mirror flat against the surface of the wall… leaving no gap

  4. STORAGE: Now not only could you add some storage hooks (i.e. “Cup Hooks”), but you can also make use of the built-in ledge. Personally, I like to store dry-erase markers on the ledge because my mirror is not just a mirror- its also my dry erase board that I use to plan/track workouts and sketch out the designs for my DIY projects.

  5. AESTHETICS: Arguably my way looks better by allowing you to add a pop of color rather than having a couple of hidden mirror brackets.

DIY Tutorial

Step 1: Measure the Length and Thickness of Your Mirror

I used a tape measure to measure the length. For measuring thickness, you can also use a tape measure, or a precise ruler. However, the best way is to use calipers. I used a “Vernier Dial Calipers" for the imperial system of measurement (not metric). These calipers offer extreme precision and has a built-in depth gauge (which is helpful for determining how high I raise the Router bit in step 3).

Step 2: Cut Lumber

I used wood that was labeled as 3/4” x 1.5” Common Board - However, I could have also used 1”x2” lumber (which has ACTUAL dimensions of 3/4” x 1.5”)

Of course you could use other wood also…even 2x2 lumber (which has actual dimensions of 1.5”x 1.5”).

I cut my lumber to be the same length as my mirror. However, you could also get away with just going about 75% of the length of your mirror (e.g., use 3 foot long pieces on the top and bottom CENTERED on a 4 foot long mirror).

Step 3: Cut the Rabbet

If using a table saw, to cut your rabbet, you will have to run your wood through the blade several times because your mirror will be thicker than your saw blade. If have used this method before, and it works just fine.

However, for this project I chose to use a “Rabbet” router bit - which only required me to run the piece of wood through the router one time.

Step 4: Mark Stud Positions

Use a Stud Finder to locate the studs in your wall. Mark those positions with a pencil. Then hold your pieces of wood against the wall, in the same position on the wall where you want to hang the mirror - and mark the stud position onto the pieces of wood.

THIS IS KEY: for the top board ensure that the rabbet is POINTING DOWNARD before you mark the stud position onto the wood. For the bottom board, ensure the rabbet is POINTING UPWARD. If you don’t do this correctly, the countersink holes you are about to drill in the next step will be off.

Step 5: Countersink Stud Positions

Using a Countersink drill bit, will allow for the heads of the screws to be recessed so that they are flush with the surface of the wood. This is for aesthetics only.

Step 6: Paint or Stain

Paint before you hang it. If you paint it when it is on the wall, the paint will act as a adhesive. If you ever want to take the mirror down, you will damage your dry wall more than you need to. The surface of the dry wall will tear, since the paint will essentially, glue the wood to the drywall.

Further, be sure that you paint/stain the INSIDE of the Rabbet. If you don’t, the mirror will reflect the interior of the rabbet, and it the unpainted portion will be visible (and will just will look bad!).

Step 7: Hang Mirror

Start by putting in your first screw into one of the countersunk holes in the bottom piece of wood. Then ensure you have the piece level, and then add the remaining screws through the rest of the countersunk in the bottom piece of wood.

Once done, Place the mirror on top of the bottom piece of wood, and then you can repeat for the top piece of wood. If you are doing all this alone, ensure that you have your screws and your drill within reach before placing your mirror on the bottom piece of wood. You will not be able to walk away without the mirror falling if you neglect to do this.

SHOPPING

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Once you try this for yourself - be sure to let me know how it worked for you! Happy Lifting!

SHOUT IT OUT: If you Build this project and want to brag about it, please use the #DesignBuildLift hashtag so that I can feature your amazing creation on my social media to help inspire others!