Most of us have love/hate relationships with mirrors at the best of times, and few of us consider the moments we’re dressed in workout clothes-especially spandex- to be the best of times. Even so, a mirrored wall is a valuable addition to a home gym. Mirrors let you observe your Form during exercise and may even motivate you to keep pressing onward and upward. There’s something about a mirrored wall that simply makes a room feel more like a gym.
Large plate-glass mirrors can be extremely expensive and require professional installation . Few do-it-yourselfers are prepared to handle mirrors wider than 4 feet. On the other hand, mirrored tiles are reasonably priced and simple to install, but the results- joints every 12 inches- can be disappointing.
Full-length, frameless mirrors arc widely available at home centers, hardware stores, and glass centers. They offer views close to those of large plate-glass mirrors, but because they are thin and lightweight they are still easy for a do-it -yourselfer to handle. In this project, we hung three 16 X 60-inch frameless mirrors side-by-side to create the effect of a mirrored wall. Surrounded by a simple frame, this installation is an attractive alternative to a plate-glass mirror.
Tools & Materials
Stud finder
Laser or carpenter’s level
Tape measure
Drill
Tack hammer
(3) 16″ X 60″ frameless mirrors
Mirror J-c1ips
Mirror adhesive
(3) 8′ lengths of doorstop molding
Fine-grit sandpaper
Paint
Paintbrush
Finish nails Wood filler
How to Install a Composite Mirror
Step1: Locate and mark the wall studs in the installation area, using an electronic stud finder. Measure and mark the position of the bottoms of the mirrors 8″ above the floor. Create a level reference line at this height. Outline the project area. If necessary, adjust the position of the Installation area to make sure that each mirror will cover at least one wall stud.
Step2: Locate and mark positions for J-clips centered over studs along the reference line marking the bottoms of the mirrors. Also mark clip positions at the tops of the mirrors. Clips are not installed at the sides of the mirrors.
Step3: Drill pilot holes and then drive screws through the J-clips to fasten them to the walls. Repeat to install clips for remaining mirrors. Spread mirror adhesive on the wall and set the mirror in place, resting on the J-clips. Let the adhesive dry according to manufacturer’s directions.
Step4: Lightly sand the doorstop molding, then prime and paint it. When the paint is dry, measure the mirror installation and cut molding pieces to fit the perimeter of the mirror installation. Pieces should butt cleanly against the mirror edges. Tack the molding In place, using a tack hammer and finish nails. Fill the nail holes and touch up the paint.
