Aluminum Z-clips and Panel Cleat® French cleat systems hang wall panels, millwork, signage and artwork on interlocking extruded aluminum profiles, with all hardware hidden behind the panel. Compare 12 profiles by projection (how far the panel sits off the wall) and lift-off (the clearance needed to hang it), then order rail lengths and Z-clip packs below.
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Panel Cleat®
Avondale
A streamlined cleat profile designed for concealed mounting of architectural panels and decorative wall features.
| Projection / Offset | .200" |
|---|---|
| Lift-Off / Drop | .312" |
| Avondale Panel Rail | View OptionsOptions |
| Mounts rail-to-rail: pair with a 2nd rail. | |
Panel Cleat®
HD
A reinforced aluminum cleat engineered for heavy panels and demanding architectural installations requiring maximum support.
| Projection / Offset | .250" |
|---|---|
| Lift-Off / Drop | .440" |
Panel Cleat®
HD Lite
Designed for dependable hidden mounting where moderate load capacity and streamlined installation are required.
| Projection / Offset | .250" |
|---|---|
| Lift-Off / Drop | .440" |
Panel Cleat®
Locking Panel Cleat
Secure Z-clip mounting solution engineered for installations where additional panel retention and stability are required.
| Projection / Offset | .250" |
|---|---|
| Lift-Off / Drop | .440" |
Panel Cleat®
MF375
A versatile aluminum panel cleat offering strong, concealed mounting for wall panels, millwork, and modular installations.
| Projection / Offset | .250" |
|---|---|
| Lift-Off / Drop | .375" |
Panel Cleat®
MF625
A heavy-duty aluminum Z-clip system designed for secure, concealed mounting of wall panels, millwork, and architectural components.
| Projection / Offset | .175" |
|---|---|
| Lift-Off / Drop | .625" |
Panel Cleat®
Montavilla
A specialized aluminum panel rail designed for concealed mounting of architectural panels and interior wall systems.
| Projection / Offset | .466" |
|---|---|
| Lift-Off / Drop | 1.477" |
| Montavilla Panel Rail | View OptionsOptions |
| Mounts rail-to-rail: pair with a 2nd rail. | |
Panel Cleat®
Mustang
A high-performance aluminum cleat designed for concealed mounting in demanding architectural and commercial installations.
| Projection / Offset | .250" |
|---|---|
| Lift-Off / Drop | .750" |
Panel Cleat®
Williamsburg
Architectural cleat designed for clean, concealed mounting of wall panels and millwork installations.
| Projection / Offset | .500" |
|---|---|
| Lift-Off / Drop | .438" |
Panel Cleat®
Williamsburg XL
Large-format Z-clip mounting system that delivers strong support while keeping installation hardware completely hidden.
| Projection / Offset | .750" |
|---|---|
| Lift-Off / Drop | .625" |
Panel Cleat®
XL
Extra-large cleat profile engineered for concealed mounting of oversized panels and heavy architectural elements.
| Projection / Offset | .375" |
|---|---|
| Lift-Off / Drop | .760" |
Panel Cleat®
Z-Hanger Light Duty
A compact Z-clip mounting system ideal for lightweight panels, decorative installations, and quick-mount wall applications.
| Projection / Offset | .219" |
|---|---|
| Lift-Off / Drop | .625" |
| Z-Hanger Light Duty Panel Rail | View OptionsOptions |
| Mounts rail-to-rail: pair with a 2nd rail. | |
How to Choose a Z-Clip or Panel Cleat
- Start with lift-off. Measure the space above the panel: ceiling, trim or a cabinet. Pick a profile with less lift-off than that space. Avondale (.312") and MF375 (.375") need the least; Montavilla needs the most (1.477").
- Then set projection. It controls the gap behind the panel. MF625 sits closest to the wall (.175"). Williamsburg XL sits farthest (.750"), which helps clear uneven walls or create a shadow reveal.
- Clip or rail-to-rail. Most profiles pair a wall rail with Z-clips on the panel. Avondale, Montavilla and Z-Hanger Light Duty mount rail-to-rail.
Z-Clip & French Cleat FAQ
Basics
What is a French cleat?
A two-piece hanging system: two strips with matching angled edges, one mounted to the wall and one to the back of the item. The item drops onto the wall strip and its weight locks it in place. Panel Cleat® profiles are extruded aluminum French cleats.
What is a Z-clip?
A French cleat made from Z-shaped aluminum profiles, also called panel clips or hanging cleats. Clips on the back of the panel hook over a continuous rail on the wall.
Z-clip vs. French cleat: what’s the difference?
Both work on the same principle. Extruded aluminum cleats are thinner and more consistent than wood French cleats, so panels sit closer to the wall and line up more precisely.
How does a French cleat work?
The two profiles interlock. As the panel is lowered, its cleat hooks over the wall cleat and pulls the panel tight to the wall. Lifting the panel by the lift-off distance releases it.
Choosing and installing
How do you install Z-clips?
- Check that you have at least the profile’s lift-off distance of clearance above the panel.
- Fasten the rail to the wall, level.
- Fasten the clips, or a matching rail, to the back of the panel.
- Lift the panel above the wall rail and lower it until the profiles engage.
Do French cleats need to go into studs?
Fasten wall rails into studs or solid blocking wherever possible. Where there are no studs, use anchors rated for the wall material and the panel’s weight.
How far apart should Z-clips be?
Space clips evenly along the panel, with one near each end. Longer or heavier panels need more clips, or a continuous rail on both the wall and the panel.
How much weight can a French cleat hold?
It depends on the cleat profile, the fasteners and the wall they go into, and the fasteners and wall are usually the limiting factor. For heavier panels, fasten into studs or blocking, use more clips or a continuous rail, and contact us for help choosing a profile.
How much clearance do I need above the panel?
At least the profile’s lift-off distance, listed on each card above: from .312" (Avondale) to 1.477" (Montavilla).
What does projection mean?
How far the panel sits out from the wall once it’s hung: from .175" (MF625) to .750" (Williamsburg XL).
Can panels be removed after they’re hung?
Yes. Lift the panel by its lift-off distance and pull it away, which makes cleats a good fit for access panels and displays that change.
What can I hang with aluminum cleats?
Wall panels, millwork, cabinetry, signage, artwork and retail displays.
Ordering
Are they pre-punched?
All Z-clips are pre-punched. Most rails come pre-punched or unpunched; Avondale is pre-punched only.
Can I buy in bulk?
Z-clips come in 20, 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 packs, and volume pricing applies automatically at each quantity break.