Top Rail

Installation information

Gyprock / drywall ceilings

1. Gyprock alone is not strong enough – fix into the structural elements behind it (joists or metal top-hat sections).
2. Screw size limit: the Top Rail lip suits a maximum 6-gauge (3.5 mm) fixing.
3. Find structure: locate joists or metal top-hat sections with a stud finder and/or test drilling.
4. Mark and drill: transfer your fixing points to the rail and drill Ø 3.5 mm holes.
5. Screw-off: use 6-gauge timber screws into timber, or suitable hollow-wall anchors where voids exist (aim for 3 screws per metre).

Metal ceiling structures

• For thin steel, use 3.5 mm self-tappers.
• For heavy gauge channel, use machine screws + nuts (access to both sides required).

Concrete ceilings

• Pre-drill Ø 5 mm and use sleeve anchors, or
• Use 3.5 mm concrete screws (do not oversize the head).

Tiled ceilings

• Plastic anchors in grout for light loads.
• Sleeve anchors for heavier loads – drill slowly to prevent cracking.

Reminder: the rail’s slim profile limits you to smaller screw heads. Don’t oversize fixings or you’ll fight the profile instead of installing it.

Further installation tips

• Installers supply their own fixings: choose fixings to suit the ceiling substrate and structure (timber, steel, concrete, etc). Top Rail does not come with “one magic screw” for every ceiling.
• Find structure first: ceiling installs are all about gravity. In real jobs, you may need test drilling and careful marking to confirm fixing points.
• Expect irregular fixing points: downlights and services often force non-standard spacing. Mark what you find, then transfer those points to the rail.
• Pre-drill your rail holes: drill once your fixing points are confirmed so screws go in straight and the rail sits flush.
• Small screw limit: stick to the appropriate gauge so the rail seats cleanly.

Why would I choose a ceiling-fixed rail?

A ceiling-fixed rail, like the ArtiTeq Top Rail protects fragile, heritage, tiled or full-height glazed walls, and it’s often the neatest solution for recessed ceilings where you want the rail to visually disappear into the shadow line. You get a flexible hanging system without ongoing patching and repainting.

It’s also the go-to option when glass, concrete, wall tiles, joinery or services cover the entire wall and wall mounting is off the table.

Which hanging wires and hooks should I choose

1. Choose your hanging wire style

Top Rail can take Twister (insert-anywhere) and Solid Slider (end-insert) style droppers depending on the setup.

• Twister: easiest for rearranging because you can add/move wires along the rail. Available in perlon and steel, 1 mm or 2 mm, with various lengths.

• Solid Slider 2 mm: more “set and forget” because it feeds in from the end, and it’s harder for anyone to fiddle with in public spaces. It’s compatible with Micro Grip 2 mm and Micro Grip Lock 2 mm.

2) Choose the look: perlon vs steel

• perlon: minimal, almost invisible (best when you want the art to float).

• steel: crisp, architectural, extremely durable if you rehang often.

3) Match the diameter to the weight (and always match the hook to the wire)

This is the “no regrets” method:

Light to medium pieces

• Twister 1 mm perlon + Micro Grip 1 mm
  Artiteq’s combinations guide shows 5 kg for this combo (or 10 kg when used as a pair).

• Twister 1 mm steel + Micro Grip 1 mm
  Shown as 10 kg in the combinations guide.

Heavier pieces or higher-traffic installs

• Twister 2 mm or Solid Slider 2 mm + Micro Grip 2 mm (or Micro Grip Lock 2 mm)
  Artiteq states Micro Grip 2 mm (and the Lock version) are loadable up to 20 kg and lists compatibility with Twister 2 mm, Cliq2Fix 2 mm, and Solid Slider 2 mm.

Important reality check: even if a hook can handle a lot, Top Rail is still a 20 kg/m system, so heavy artworks should be distributed and installed with proper fixing into structure.

4) Use two wires for stability (not just strength)

Two droppers means:

• less sway

• easier leveling

• nicer “gallery” look
  And you can share the load across two hooks (within the rail limits).

Related reading

Droppers and Hooks: How to Choose
Installing a Picture Rail – installer interview
How to Hang Pictures from the Ceiling