Liven up bare brick walls with pictures
The warmth of a brick wall makes it a popular choice for homeowners as an accent wall. One potential downside, though, is figuring out how to hang a picture on the brick wall securely. Using a hammer and nail, as you would do to hang artwork on a wall made of drywall or plaster, simply isn’t a good option with brick. If you’re comfortable using a drill, though, you have the skills you need to learn how to hang a picture on brick and spice up that brick accent wall.
Drilling into the mortar or the brick and inserting wall anchors is the most common and secure way to hang a picture on a brick wall, no matter the type of brick.
Take down anything that’s already hanging on the brick wall before you start to drill. The drill's vibrations could shake loose pictures already hanging on the brick.
It’s important to select the correct picture hooks to support the weight and size of the picture you want to hang on the brick wall. Determine the length and diameter of the screws needed for the picture hooks you select, and then purchase wall anchors that match those measurements. Some picture hook kits may include appropriately sized wall anchors.
Plan where you want the picture to hang. If you want to center it on the brick wall, for example, use a tape measure to find the perfect place.
Think about whether you need to use one picture hook or two for the frame you have in mind. Mark each spot for the picture hooks with chalk. If you change your mind, you can easily erase a chalk mark on the wall.
These measurements are extremely important, as you don’t want to put more holes into the brick wall than necessary.
If you have people helping you, ask them to hold the picture on the brick wall lined up with the chalk marks. You can then step back and see if you like its position.
Some people drill the hole into the mortar between the bricks rather than into the brick. If you need to fill in the hole later, it’s far easier to repair mortar than to pay the cost for brick wall repair because you put holes in the actual brick.
However, if the picture is large and heavy, learning how to drill into the brick directly is a good idea. The brick will give you a stronger and more secure anchor point than mortar.
If you are hanging multiple pictures on brick, use a level to mark chalk spots that are straight and aligned.
Because the brick wall has natural horizontal lines across it, it is important to mark the spots precisely. Marking the wrong spots could make your picture look crooked against the horizontal mortar lines.
Attach a masonry bit to the power drill. Start with a small diameter masonry bit and create a pilot hole.
Then attach and use the large diameter masonry bit that matches the diameter of the wall anchors and the screws in the picture hooks you purchased.
You don’t want to drill too far into the mortar or brick. Measure the length of the wall anchors and of the screws for the picture hooks you purchased. You’ll want the depth of the hole you’re drilling into the brick to match these lengths.
Wrap painter’s tape around the end of the bit at the depth measurement you want to use. For example, if your anchors and screws are two inches in length, wrap the edge of the tape two inches from the end of the bit, so you know when to stop drilling.
Insert the narrow end of the wall anchor into the hole you drilled. It should be a tight fit, so you may need to gently tap the anchor into the hole using a hammer.
Plastic masonry anchors are considered by many the best anchors for brick walls; however, sleeve anchors also work well.
Insert the screw attached to the picture hook into the wall anchor. Use your screwdriver to tighten the screw by hand. Using a drill with a screwdriver bit could cause you to insert the screw with too much force and damage the anchor.
Now hang the picture on the brick wall by securing the frame over the picture hook. You can make slight adjustments to the position of the frame to ensure it looks straight compared to the lines of mortar between the rows of bricks.
If you don’t want to drill when hanging a picture on a brick wall, you do have a few other options. However, these methods will not be as sturdy as using wall anchors, so you don’t want to hang heavy pictures or frames.
Nail: You could hammer a nail into the mortar, but this will only work for lightweight pictures and frames. You’ll want to be cautious, so you don’t damage the mortar.
Brick clip: For hanging small, lightweight pictures, you could purchase a brick clip that freely hangs on the edge of the brick at the mortar line. This doesn’t work if the mortar line is flush to the face of the brick, though.
Mounting tape: Double-sided mounting tape or a Command strip may work on your brick. However, if the brick is highly porous, you may not have enough surface space to attach the tape securely. Thoroughly clean the brick before trying this method.
Hanging a picture on a brick wall works well as a DIY project. However, if you feel uncomfortable using a drill or you are trying to hang an extremely heavy picture, you may want to hire a local handyperson to do the job for you.
Expect to pay between $35 and $75 per hour for the handyperson. You probably will have to pay for a minimum of one hour, even though it may only take them a short amount of time to complete the job.
Excellent, Prompt, Courteous Service!!! They were super friendly and quite personable. I felt very comfortable with the gentlemen that did the installation. They installed it exactly where I asked them to and they did an excellent job!! I loved their service so much.
Tether HouseAce Fireplace Services' chimney sweep service is truly exceptional. They used advanced technology to ensure a thorough cleaning process, and my chimney has never looked better. I highly recommend their services.
Ace Fireplace ServicesBinion and Alex did such a good job. Fast, fair, efficient. Would def use them again. Best experience Iâ ve had in moving - someone should give them a raise. Will undoubtedly recommend this service.
All My Sons Moving & StorageGreat customer service. The owner Ilia was wonderful to work with. Would definitely recommend this company.
Window Depot USA of Central OhioI definitely recommend Ramonaâ s cleaning service! I have booked services with her many times and she arrives on time, ready to work and provides a great service.
Your Cleaning Solutions LLCExcellent experience! Left my place looking great. Friendly customer service too. Would recommend!
The service was excellent! They gave me a quote, and had it done 4 days later. My driveway looks amazing, very professional! I would definitely recommend their service to anyone. I have had neighbors stop by and ask for their information as well.
All Star Paving and SealingWebb â s was priced well, flexible on scheduling, great with communication, and detailed in their work. Iâ ll definitely use their services again.
Webbs Pressure and Paint LLCThey’ve been great to work with. All of my clients that have used them have nothing but good things to say about the experience. Quick responses and fast service. They’re a trustworthy team!
Total Home RoofingMary cleaning service does an amazing job cleaning my home. They go over and beyond the cleaning services that I have had in the past. They are very punctual and thorough with cleaning my home, I’m extremely happy with the service they provide and I highly recommend them.
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Need to repoint brick in your home to make your home look fresh and new? Use this guide to repointing brick cost to price out your project before starting.
Brick walls can add character and elegance to interior and exterior spaces. Use this brick wall cost guide to see the price range for adding one to your home.
Discover the true brick walkway cost for your home. Discover installation prices, key cost factors, and expert tips to save on your brick walkway project.
Hanging a picture doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are several ways to do it—including a few ways to hang a heavy picture.
Hanging pictures on the wall is harder than it seems. This guide explains everything you need to know in eight quick tips for hanging pictures.
Want to learn how to hang Christmas lights on brick without damaging your home’s exterior? Here are the easiest ways to attach holiday lights on brick.
