In an industry as specialized as the trade show industry, people are bound to run into terms they may not have heard of before. Trade show terminology is a piece of cake for veterans like us at ADM Two, but for companies who are new to the trade show circuit, we thought it would be useful to define some specific terms. This week we will focus on the French cleat.

Trade Show Terminology: What is a French Cleat?

In short, French cleats are used to secure things like heavy cabinets and signs to walls. The way it works is that two wedges of wood or another sturdy material are cut at opposite 45 degree angles to interlock with one another, so that they fit each other securely. One wedge is attached to the wall and the other wedge is attached to the object to be hung. They fit together like a puzzle.

A simple angled cut and you have a sturdy, weight-bearing French cleat. Image from www.askthebuilder.com.

Why Use a French Cleat?

French cleats are useful because they simplify the process of hanging and can be used to securely hang even quite large items, such as those that would be used in a trade show booth. The cleat allows you to drill into multiple wall studs across the length of the cleat for more secure hanging. Once you have the cleat in place, you can simply life the item onto the cleat without worrying about precise location. The object can also be moved laterally if necessary for proper positioning, so you have some leeway. It also allows you to hang items without damaging the façade of the item! It’s an age old method that is perfect for trade show displays. We use it all the time.

Take a look at this video on how to make a French cleat from www.askthebuilder.com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP6mP_bApGY

We hope this helps to better prepare you for your next tradeshow. Trade shows are a valuable investment and can create a lasting impression on your prospective clients. ADM Two are experts at trade show booth design and fabrication, so give us a call at (813) 887-1960. One of our knowledgeable staff can assist you with your trade show needs. Also, check out some of our other articles for more trade show terminology and to get more information on trade show booth layout and trade show staffing.