If you want to have the mirrors reach down to floor level, be sure to check for electrical outlets. Most outlets are 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm) off the floor. You will still be able to see your full body from 2 to 3 feet (0. 61 to 0. 91 m) back if you hang your gym mirror to accommodate outlets. Before installing your mirror, think about what it will reflect in the room. Look directly across from the location to see what will be reflected. [1] X Expert Source Suzanne Lasky, ASIDInterior Design Consultant Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.
Many companies offer to install the mirror for you, sometimes for free and sometimes for a fee. Inquire about this option, especially if you have multiple mirrors to install or the installation is for a professional gym rather than a home gym. Choose mirrors that are at least 1⁄4 inch (0. 64 cm) thick. Thin glass shatters easily and is dangerous in a gym setting. [2] X Research source If you have some extra money in your budget, consider glass-less gym mirrors. They are just as reflective but are nearly shatter proof.
A J bar and anchor screws to hang it. A J bar (sometimes called a J channel) is what the bottom edge of the mirror will be placed in for support. If you are hanging multiple gym mirrors side by side, your J bar can be the length of all of the mirrors combined. 2 mirror clips for the top edge of each mirror and two anchor screws to install them. Mirror glue. Make sure to use glue specific for mirrors, since other types of glue can damage the silver lining on the back of the mirror. [4] X Research source
Provide your friend with work gloves and ask them to wear close-toed shoes.
Put the Styrofoam padding from the packaging down on the floor in front of the cardboard to protect the floor. Consider wearing work gloves when you are lifting the mirror and wear close-toed shoes to protect your feet. [5] X Research source
If you cannot locate your studs, make sure you are using anchors that are specifically made for your type of wall.
Make sure to mark the beginning and end of the space that the mirror will occupy.
If you have marked your wall studs ahead of time, choose the J bar holes that are over your stud marks. You may have to make adjustments in the placement of the mirror to accommodate this. [7] X Research source
Always hold your drill so that the bit is perpendicular to the wall and parallel to the floor. Hold the drill steady but exert minimal force when you drill.
If your J bar is long, have another person hold the opposite end in place as you drill. [8] X Research source
For example, if your mirror is 3 feet (0. 91 m) wide, place a piece of tape 1 foot (0. 30 m) in from each end.
It is helpful to hold the mirror clips up to make your mark just like you did with the J bar.
Make sure you are on a stable step ladder to do your drilling. Do not drill with your bit pointing up. Make sure you are up high enough to have your bit parallel to the floor.
Don’t put the circles of glue too close to the sides of the mirror. When the mirror is pressed into the wall the glue will spread a little and you don’t want it to ooze out the sides. [9] X Research source Some mirrors might already have circular marks to help you know where to apply the glue.
Because the mirror is supported by the J bar and the clips, you do not need to hold it in place as the glue dries.
