Nothing adds warmth and character to a space quite like an exposed brick wall. The bold structure of masonry adds a gorgeous appeal to a room.
Although they make a statement by themselves, we completely understand if you want to further adorn your wall. Here is our step-by-step guide on how to hang decorations on brick walls. And don’t forget to visit one of our two locations for all your brick needs!
Before You Begin Decorating Your Brick
It’s important to realize hanging heavy wall art and other wall decor is not an easily reversible process, so we recommend it for homeowners rather than renters, and here’s why: If you make a hole and try to patch it up later, the mortar will be two different colors.
Even if you don’t think you can handle drilling (which we will get into later), brick clips are also an option, but again, we wouldn’t recommend it in a rental.
Any holes that you will be drilling into your wall should be going into the mortar and not the face of the brick itself. Mortar is softer and easier to drill into, while bricks are often hollow and will not create as secure of support.
Mortar is a binding material. It is a durable substance used to spread between bricks, tiles, pavers, and other masonry units. Primarily made of cement and sand, you activate mortar by adding water. It is not as strong as concrete, but it serves its purpose to bind bricks and other masonry. Batchelder & Collins can provide advice on the type of mortar you need.
Can You Hang Things on Exposed Brick?
Yes, you can hang items on brick, although the process will be different than it is when you hang items on drywall. For very light items, you can potentially use brick clips, Velcro, liquid nails, or double-sided tape. For heavier items, you will need to keep safety in mind and be sure to purchase the right tools and supplies before you get started. In most instances, when hanging heavy items, you’ll be drilling holes.
Step 1: Get the Right Supplies
You’ll need to gather the right tools to begin your project, including some brick-centric gadgets. For example, a regular hammer and nails can just cause the mortar to crumble.
We recommend that before you buy anything, you weigh the item you want to hang before heading to the hardware store. This will influence the supplies you need to buy. Items weighing more than 25 pounds require heavy-duty anchors and screws.
When shopping for supplies, the right ones will have “masonry” in the name. List of recommended supplies:
Light Duty
- Regular drill
- Anchor screws (matching weight of object)
- Masonry drill bit (slightly smaller than the width of screws)
- Screwdriver (optional)
Heavy Duty
- Hammer drill
- Concrete bolts or concrete anchors and bolts (should match the weight of your object)
- Corresponding masonry drill bit (slightly smaller than the width of your screws)
- Socket set or socket bit for drill
Anchor screws closely mirror regular screws, but they have an extra set of raised threads that help them cut and grip into very hard material like brick or concrete. Batchelder & Collins carries a wide array of tools and supplies. Come talk to us about your project to hang decorations on a brick wall, and we’ll help you find what you need.
Step 2: Cover Your Work Area
Drilling into brick can be quite a messy project, so before beginning, it’s a good idea to move fragile items out of the area and cover the remaining furniture in plastic sheeting or a drop cloth.
Step 3: X Marks Your Spot
Use chalk to mark the place in the mortar where you want to actually install the picture hook. Chalk can easily be rubbed off once the job is finished. If you are hanging multiple pictures or are drilling multiple holes for a heavier object, a level might come in handy so you can make sure everything is aligned the way you want it.
STEP 4: Drill Your Hole in the Mortar
Attach a masonry bit to your drill and drill a hole into the mortar where you marked it with chalk. Keep the drill at a right angle to the wall, and take your time. Be sure to drill deep enough to accommodate the length of the wall anchor, but not so deep that you might puncture any wires or pipes that may be behind the brick. Reverse the drill when you’re done drilling to clear out the debris.
STEP 5: Insert Your Wall Anchor
Place an anchor screw into the hole you drilled. Now, what you’re hanging is going to determine what kind of attachment you hang aside from your anchor screw. Some picture frames have wires attached to the back that can be hung on an anchor plate. Others may have an eyelet on the back that would better hang on a screw with a hook attached.
Using a standard screwdriver or a screwdriver attachment on your drill, drive the screw into the hole.
Finally, hang the picture frame over the hook or plate you’ve secured into place. And you’re done! Now, step back and admire your handiwork. (Maybe take a picture and tag us on Facebook too!)
Alternative Tip
Brick clips, also known as pinch clips, clamp onto the edge of the brick itself and come with a hook attached. They will sit on the top and bottom of the brick in the narrow space where it sticks out past the mortar, and when you squeeze the clamps, the anchor will attach to the brick. These are perfect for holding lighter objects since they are not fastened securely to the wall.
Why Our Customers Choose Batchelder & Collins
Batchelder & Collins has been proudly serving the Hampton Roads area for more than 150 years. Since we opened our doors in 1868, both commercial and residential customers have come to us for their tools and supplies.
Customers come to us to fulfill their needs because they know they can trust us to help them find exactly what they need. As one of the largest distributors in the area of quality bricks, pavers, mortar, lath, and natural and manufactured stone veneer, you can count on us to provide quality products, along with excellence in customer service.
Our experienced staff possess a wealth of knowledge about our products and supplies to help direct you for your commercial or DIY project. Whether you seek advice about tools, color blends, finishes, or the supplies you need, we can help. Even if you’re not quite sure about your project’s direction, we can provide suggestions and advice about design.
If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for hardscaping needs in the Hampton Roads area, Batchelder & Collins is here to help.
Testimonials
“This place is awesome. They’ve been around for a very long time. [There is] always great service. A good place to go if you need to get quality materials.” – Brett M.
“Always good customer service. Reasonable prices and loading of purchase items is fast and easy.” – Vincent M.
“Can’t say enough great things about this company! They are very proactive in keeping their employees and customers safe during COVID. This place helped me to match a colored brick mortar and they have a huge selection of colors. If you are looking for a place to get sand for a really good price, they sell a huge bag (and put it in your car) for $4. I’ve used the sand for brick pointing, filling in holes in the yard, drainage trenches, and gardening. Recently, I had some limestone blocks got a couple of small rust stains on them. I called and spoke with Jillian, right before closing on a Fri. She put a sample of stain remover out by the front door for me to pick up. It worked great and I appreciate the care and time that Jillian and many others at this company have for their customers.” – Spencer.
Additional Resources
- How Do You Repair Loose Bricks?: Over time, bricks can suffer damage and mortar become loosened. This can be unsightly but also negatively affect your structural integrity, which you absolutely want to avoid. To properly repair loose bricks, you’ll need to take specific steps and have the right tools. It’s important to avoid taking shortcuts that do not address the root of the issue.
- How to Drill Into Brick: A Guide: Drilling into brick is a project you’ll want to plan carefully. Whether you’re working on an interior or exterior brick wall, you’ll need to plan for safety first, along with the right tools and supplies. Check out this how-to guide that outlines the protective gear you’ll need, lists the tools and supplies, and provides a step-by-step guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Command Strips Work On Brick?
Command strips and Command hooks do not work well on bricks. If you’re trying to hang an item on a brick wall, you will need to look at different – and more secure – methods.
How To Hang A Heavy Picture On A Brick Wall?
Drilling is the most common approach to hanging heavy pictures on a brick wall. To do so, you’ll need to:
- Mark the position of your artwork
- Determine the weight of your item
- Choose the number of and type of anchors based on this weight
- Gather tools, including a hammer drill and a masonry drill bit
Can I Hang Something on a Brick Wall Without Drilling?
Yes, in some cases, you may be able to hang items on brick walls without drilling. Light items, such as lightweight pictures, climbing or hanging plants, twinkle or Christmas lights, or lanterns, can be safely hung without drilling. In this case, other potential methods, such as brick clips, double-sided tape, Velcro, and liquid nails, may suffice.
Need Supplies for Your Project? Contact Batchelder & Collins.
As one of Virginia’s leaders in brick, stone, and related projects for projects, Batchelder & Collins is your one-stop supplier and distributor. We proudly serve commercial operations and residential homeowners throughout Williamsburg, Norfolk, and the rest of the Hampton Roads area.
To learn how we can help you plan and find the necessary supplies for your project in our stores, contact Batchelder & Collins today at 757-625-2506. If you prefer, reach out to us via our online contact form, and we’ll get back to you.
