How to Hang a TV on a Brick Wall

1. Step 1: Choose a location.
2. Step 2: Find the installation height.
3. Step 3: Mark the drill holes.
4. Step 4: Drill the holes.
5. Step 5: Install plastic anchors (skip to Step 6 if using concrete screws)
6. Step 6: Install the bracket.
7. Step 7: Install the TV.

Can you put a TV mount on a fireplace?

Answers to this burning question here. Many homeowners today are mounting LCD and plasma televisions above their fireplaces. But is that smart? Really, with all the heat a fireplace generates, is it OK to do that? The short answer is – yes. However, to ensure your television isn’t damaged from the heat, care must be taken to ensure heat generated by the fireplace is redirected away from television. Click here to view a larger PDF of this infographic. It’s very important to follow the specifications in the fireplace manual, and carefully read and adhere to the television manufacturer’s specifications. If in question, it’s best to err on the generous side for clearances to ensure the television doesn’t incur damage.

Can you mount a TV on a brick fireplace?

Absolutely. But mounting a TV on brick does take more preparation, knowledge, and tools than installing one on drywall. This guide will show you how to hang a TV on a brick wall so you can make the most of your wall space and elevate your entertainment.

Is it better to mount to brick or mortar?

Few other materials are able to provide the natural warmth of a brick wall. The natural texture and colors provide the perfect canvas for large, decorative focal points like mirrors or unique wall art. Hanging decorative items on brick, however, presents a unique set of challenges.

Unlike other building materials, it takes more than a hammer and nail to get those items up. With a little planning, though, it can be done quickly and easily. Before you begin your project, its important to ensure you have the proper equipment. A lightweight electric drill will not be strong enough to handle the stress of drilling into your masonry.

Instead, invest in a more heavy-duty drill with a hammer feature. This allows the drill bit to break up the masonry. You will also need to purchase a masonry drill bit. These bits have harder cutting tips made of tougher materials than their standard counterparts. The tips of masonry bits are also shaped differently, more like an arrow, than other drill bits. You can also tell that you are using a masonry bit because the tip will be slightly larger than the rest of the bit.

1. You will also need a screwdriver bit, plastic anchors and safety glasses.
2. It is also important to consider where in your wall you will drill.
3. There are two options when drilling into a brick wall: either directly into the brick itself or into the mortar between bricks.
4. We recommend drilling into the mortar instead of the brick for a few reasons.

Drilling directly into brick is more difficult than drilling into mortar and runs the risk of damaging the brick. It is also easier to repair mortar if you drill into the wrong location or decide to remove your decorative item. To get started, use a marker to make a point on the mortar indicating where you need to drill. This will depend on the object you are hanging. Using your masonry bit, start to drill into the mortar. Go slowly. Drilling too quickly may lead to an unnecessary mistake or may cause the bit to overheat. Once you have drilled your hole, insert your plastic anchor. You should be able to slide them in with your hand or tap them in gently with a hammer. Once your anchor is in place, remove your masonry bit and replace it with the screwdriver bit. Drill a screw into the anchor as you would into an interior wall, ensuring you leave enough of the screw exposed to hang your object.

How much does it cost to mount a TV on a brick fireplace?

Cost to Mount a TV Over a Fireplace – Expect to pay between $180 and $400 to mount your TV over the fireplace. However, the cost might sometimes exceed this range, depending on the installation complexity, fireplace material (such as concrete, stone, brick, or tile), and how you choose to conceal the wires.

Why shouldn’t you hang a TV over a fireplace?

Fire Heat and Smoke Can Harm a TV – Heat can damage a flatscreen TV, and most manuals include a temperature range in which the TV should remain. It is generally not safe to mount a TV over a wood-burning fireplace. That’s due to both the high heat and smoke that wood fires create.

1. Any heat and smoke not vented up the chimney will cascade over the front of the mantel and around your TV, damaging the electronics.
2. Gas fireplaces generally produce less heat upward behind the mounting wall than wood-burning fireplaces, though it still can be too much heat for a TV.
3. You can protect your TV from fireplace heat by closing the fireplace doors and adding a mantel that will deflect some heat from going directly up toward the TV.

Converting to an electric fireplace that doesn’t produce heat is also recommended.

What do you need to mount a TV to a fireplace?

Here are a few tools you’ll likely need to mount a tv above a fireplace: Anchors, a hammer drill, a high-impact drill and bits, and a dry shop vacuum.

What is the best anchor to use in brick?

Male Expansion Brick Anchors (Sleeve Anchors) – The sleeve anchor is the most common male expansion type anchor for brick walls. It provides the most consistent holding values. By design the sleeve anchor expands over a greater surface area than other types of expansion anchor.

This gives the sleeve anchors the ability to expand properly in the hollow or solid sections of brick. A sleeve anchor also works well in solid mortar joints. The mortar quality and quantity are most important to determine the sleeve anchor’s ultimate holding value. There are many applications for sleeve anchors; one drawback is the lower shear strength than a similar female anchor.

The sleeve anchor’s designated size is equal to the outside diameter, and the stud is smaller. For example, a 3/8″ sleeve anchor has a 5/16″ stud. This gives the sleeve anchor a shear strength of a 5/16″ anchor and not of a true 3/8″ diameter fastener. Available head styles – Sleeve anchors are available with several head styles: acorn head, hex head, round head and flat head. The acorn head is hex with a finished acorn head; the hex head is the standard hex nut; the round head is slotted for use with a straight screwdriver; the flat head is a countersunk Phillips or slotted drive.

1. Select the head style based on the application where the sleeve anchor will be used.
2. Sleeve Anchor Lengths – The length of the sleeve anchor is measured from under the head for the acorn, hex head and round sleeve anchors.
3. The flat-head sleeve anchor is measured as an overall length.
4. Materials – Sleeve Anchors come in carbon steel and 304 stainless steel.

Selecting the correct material depends on the environment where the anchors are installed.

How do you hang things on a brick fireplace?

Download Article Download Article You might find it scary or even impossible to hang something on a brick wall, but it can be done. If you need to hang heavy objects or ensure the object is secure on the wall, use screw-in anchor hooks. All you have to do is pre-drill holes into the mortar or brick, then screw in the anchor hook.

1. 1 Purchase anchors rated for the weight you want to hang. Set the object on a scale and record its weight. Purchase anchors that are rated for things at least this weight, and preferably above.
   • For instance, if you are hanging a framed picture that weighs 7 pounds (3,200 g), then purchase anchors that are approved for 10 pounds (4,500 g).
   • You can find anchors suitable for brick at any hardware store.
   • If you are hanging a large or heavy item, you can try using multiple anchors. For instance, you can try hanging a 10 pounds (4,500 g) framed picture using 2 anchors rated for at least 5 pounds (2,300 g).
2. 2 Get a drill and set of masonry bits that match your screw size. Look for these at a hardware store if you don’t already have them. Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the width of the screws you are using, to ensure a snug fit.
   • For instance, if you are using anchors with screws that are 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) wide, then use a drill bit that is only 3 ⁄ 16 inch (0.48 cm) wide.
   • Packages of anchors will list the width of the screws.

   Advertisement

3. 3 Choose whether to drill into brick or mortar. If possible, choose the mortar between the bricks, since it is softer than brick and easier to drill into. You can drill directly into the bricks themselves, it will just take a little more time and effort.
   • It is also preferable to drill into mortar since bricks are often hollow and will not create as secure of a support.
4. 4 Mark where you will drill holes. Use a marker or pencil to plot out each hole you need to drill. Make sure that the holes are at least several times the width of a screw apart from each other. If you drill holes that are too close together, the mortar or brick can become weakened and crack.
   • If you are hanging a fairly light object, just plan to have one anchor in the middle.
   • You can place one anchor on each side of a larger object to provide more support. Measure the height of each screw location before drilling the holes. Place a level on the line between the 2 marks to make sure that they are even.
5. 5 Drive the drill bit into each mark. Keep the drill bit at a right angle to the wall, and work slowly. Remember to use a bit that is narrower than the screw you want to use.
   • Drill slightly deeper than your screws/anchors are long. For instance, if your screws are 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) long, drill about 0.8 inches (2.0 cm) deep.
   • Reverse the drill bit when you’re done to get the debris out of the hole. You can also insert a pipe cleaner into the hole and use it to pull the dust out.

Advertisement

1. 1 Insert a screw into the anchor’s plate. Your anchor should be a hook on a plate with a hole in it. Use a screwdriver attachment on your drill. Drive the screw through the hole in the plate, and into the hole you predrilled into the wall.
   • Some anchors also include a washer to put between the screw and the anchor plate.
2. 2 Screw in hooks, alternatively. Other anchors are basically screws with hooks at the end. In this case, just turn the hook’s screw into the hole you predrilled in the wall.
3. 3 Tighten everything by hand. If you used anchors with plates, take a screwdriver and give each screw a few turns by hand just to double check it’s secure. The screw should not jiggle. If you used screw-in hook anchors, make sure that the hook on each is facing upright and is tightly attached to the wall.
4. 4 Hang the item on the brick wall. If you are hanging something like a framed picture, it may have a wire that you can catch on the anchor hooks. Other objects will have a hole, hanger, eyelet, or something else that you can fit the end of the anchor hook into.
   • If your object has nothing to help it hang on a hook, take a trip to the hardware store. You should be able to find a variety of hangers you can attach to your object.

Advertisement

1. 1 Use “pinch” hangers. This variety of hanger is sized to fit just over the height of an average brick. The back of these anchors have clamps you can set on the top and bottom of a brick on the narrow space where it sticks out past the mortar. Squeeze the clamps, and the anchor will stay on the brick.
   • Since these anchors aren’t fastened securely into the brick or mortar, however, they’re not meant to hold heavy items.
2. 2 Stick adhesive hooks to brick. Remove the backing from the hanger to reveal its sticky surface. Push this firmly onto the brick to fasten it in place.
   • Use adhesive hooks that are labeled “heavy duty” to ensure they stick well to the brick.
   • Don’t hang anything on these hooks that is heavier than they are rated for.
3. 3 Apply pieces of double-sided tape to the wall. Use industrial strength double-sided tape to ensure it can stick well to brick. Remove the backing from 1 side and press the sticky surface firmly to the brick. Take off the backing from the other side and press the object you want to hang on top.
   • Even industrial strength double-sided tape is best only for light objects, like pictures in cardboard frames.

Advertisement

Add New Question

• Question Is it better to drill brick or mortar? Peter Salerno is the owner of Hook it Up Installation, a professional installation company, which has been hanging art and other objects around Chicago, Illinois for over 10 years. Peter also has over 20 years of experience installing art and other mountable objects in residential, commercial, healthcare and hospitality contexts. Installation Expert Expert Answer I always drill into the mortar as close as possible to where the hanging piece needs to go. You can always fill in mortar if you make a mistake, but once you have a hole in your brick, it’s always going to be there.
• Question What size anchor fits a #10 3″ masonry screw to hang shutters? Thatoneperson101 Community Answer #20 2″.
• Question I have a really smooth brick wall with nowhere to hang anchors and cannot use sticky stuff, I cannot drill into it, so what should I do? You can try to use some types of temporary wall putty or poster tack that isn’t sticky and comes off with ease.3M and similar companies also make wall hangers that have strong adhesive backs but remove easily and supposedly leave no marks (but read the manufacturer’s label first).

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement Article Summary X To hang something on brick, you’ll need to get an anchor rated for the weight of the object.

For instance, to hang a picture frame that weighs 7 lbs (3.2 kg), get an anchor rated for weights of up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg). Fit a drill with a masonry bit that is very slightly smaller in diameter than the screw or anchor. If possible, drill into the mortar between the bricks. Mark the spot where you want to drill with a pencil.

For larger objects, you may need to drill multiple holes. Hold the drill at a right angle to the wall and drive it in slowly. Make your hole slightly deeper than the length of the screw or anchor. Reverse the direction of the drill bit to clear debris from the hole as you pull it out.

Is there a trick to drilling into brick?

Decide on the Location – Whether you decide to drill on brick or mortar, you need to pick the location of the hole. For example, if you’re drilling into brick, select a spot that will minimize cracking for a solid mount. If you are drilling into the mortar, pinpoint a location that’s steadfast and not fragile. Drilling incorrectly can damage the wall and your drill. Drilling into brick includes the following steps.

1. Measure the width and length of the securing device to help you find the correct drill bit size and length. You will want to drill a slightly bigger hole than the securing item’s width.
2. Install the correct size and length masonry drill bit to a hammer drill, such as the Milwaukee® 5376-20 1/2″ Hammer Drill, that can handle the density of brick material. Then, set the stopper on the tool to avoid cutting too deep.
3. Indicate where you want to drill with a pencil or chalk, making sure no electrical wires or other obstacles are in the way.
4. Put on safety gear such as goggles, gloves and a respirator for protection.
5. Begin by drilling a pilot hole using a small masonry bit. Then, attach the larger bit and drill again to make a bigger hole. Make sure the drill is perpendicular to the brick wall.
6. Drilling through brick and mortar places stress on the drill, causing it to heat up. Cool the bit by placing it in cold water, but avoid dipping the tool as well.
7. If the bit gets stuck while drilling, reverse it. You can also remove excess dust by using compressed air.
8. After inserting an anchor or fastener into the wall, seal any openings with putty. You can slide or tap the anchors in with a hammer.
9. Replace the masonry bit with a screwdriver bit and drill a screw into the anchor, leaving enough space to hang an object.
10. After you complete your installation, go through with a shop vacuum and clean up the dust and broken chips of mortar or brick.

Drilling into the right mortar location is like working with brick.

1. Specify where you want to drill with a pencil or chalk.
2. Use a precision bit if you’re working with cured mortar or a standard masonry bit for fresh mortar. Put on your safety goggles, gloves and other safety equipment.
3. Hold the power tool against your mark on the mortar and gently press the trigger to establish a starting point. Increase the pressure on the trigger until you reach a steady drilling pace.
4. Once you reach the perfect length, stop. Some tools have depth gauges to help you see the depth mark.

You can follow the same steps found in the initial brick drilling procedure. Knowing where drill on either brick or mortar can save you from splitting the surface. Examine the wall for fractures, erosion, holes and weak spots that may affect the drilling process.

Does Command Strips work on brick?

Will Command™ Products stick to brick? No. Command™ Products are intended for mostly smooth surfaces such as those listed above. However, our products will stick to painted, smooth cinder block (the type found inside many school and office buildings).

Are there TV mounts that don’t require drilling?

ECHOGEAR No Stud TV Drywall Mount – Slim Studless Design Holds TVs Up to 100lbs – Easy Install with No Drill Required.

Can you hang TV on brick fireplace?

Absolutely. But mounting a TV on brick does take more preparation, knowledge, and tools than installing one on drywall. This guide will show you how to hang a TV on a brick wall so you can make the most of your wall space and elevate your entertainment.

Can you mount a TV without mounting holes?

VESA adapter for monitors without VESA mounting – If the screen does not have mounting holes, you can still attach your TV to a monitor mount with an adapter. There are VESA adapters for all popular manufacturers e.g. Apple, LG OLED, Loewe, Metz, Samsung, Sony, ViewSonic, and much more available.

Can you mount a TV with Command Strips?

While some users say you can use very strong adhesives to mount your TV to the wall, Command Strips double-sided tape can only safely hold up a TV that weighs less than 16 pounds. So unless you have a very small TV under that weight, you cannot use Command Strips double-sided tape to mount your TV.