PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Tools
Fastening Tools
Hanging Things
Hanging Pictures and Wall Decorations
How to Hang Pictures on a Brick Wall Download ArticleExplore this Article parts 1 Marking and Drilling Anchor Holes 2 Installing Anchors and Hanging the Pictures 3 Hanging Lightweight Pictures without Drilling Other Sections Things You'll Need Related Articles References Co-authored by Peter Salerno
Last Updated: April 9, 2024 References
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Peter Salerno. 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. This article has been viewed 37,031 times.
Hanging a picture on a brick wall may seem daunting. You can’t just hammer a little nail into the wall like you could with drywall. But it’s actually quite simple! All you need to do is drill a hole into the mortar and put in a wall anchor. Then you can hang your picture hook on the wall anchor, and you’re ready to go! If the picture you’re hanging is very lightweight, you may not have to drill at all, and can instead use brick clamps, adhesive hooks, or double-sided tape.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Marking and Drilling Anchor Holes
Download Article
1 Cover nearby items with a drop cloth. You’ll be drilling into the mortar (the sealant in between the bricks) which can produce dust. Covering nearby items will keep them clean. If your items are easily movable, just scoot them out of the way! Also keep your window open, to prevent dust from lingering in the air.[1]XResearch source
2 Chalk the spot on the mortar where you want to install the hook. Mark the mortar, and not the brick, because the brick is too hard to drill into. Don’t worry about leaving a mark. You can rub away the extra chalk when you’re done.[2]XResearch source
Mortar holes can be filled in, but holes in brick can't. Always drill into the mortar, not the brick itself.[3]X Expert Source Peter SalernoInstallation ExpertExpert Interview
Advertisement
3 Position the frame over your mark and have a friend look from across the room. From a distance, your friend can tell you if it looks like a good spot to hang the picture. If it doesn’t look good, readjust. It’s much easier to readjust at this stage than when you’ve already drilled a hole!
Most people opt for hanging their pictures at eye-level on open walls, and higher if the picture is going over a fireplace. The average eye level is 57 inches, or 145 cm, above the floor.[4]XResearch source
If you need to hang a group of pictures, place the largest picture in the middle, and have the center of the group be at 57 inches (145 cm).[5]XResearch source
If you can't get your picture in the right spot on the wall because of where the mortar falls, you can adjust the hardware on the back of it.[6]X Expert Source Peter SalernoInstallation ExpertExpert Interview
4 Attach a masonry bit to your drill. The masonry bit is to make sure your drill is equipped for the heavy-duty task of drilling through mortar. You can change your drill bit by loosening the chuck (the part that holds the bit), either with your hands or with a chunk key if it has a keyhole. Remove the regular bit and insert the masonry bit so that the smooth part of the bit is facing the chunk. Tighten the chunk, and you’re ready to drill!
5 Put on a dust mask and safety goggles. Drilling into mortar stirs up a lot of dust, so protect your lungs and eyes with a dust mask and safety goggles. A dust mask is especially important if you have asthma.[7]XResearch source
6 Drill a hole into the spot on the mortar you’ve marked with your chalk. To drill, place the tip of the bit against the spot you want to drill, making sure the drill is perpendicular to the wall. Hold the drill steady with both hands and squeeze the trigger gradually until the bit picks up speed. Drill deep enough that a wall anchor will fit in. [8]XResearch source
It may help to mark the length of your wall anchor on your drill bit with some masking tape, so that you know how deep to drill.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Installing Anchors and Hanging the Pictures
Download Article
1 Tap a wall anchor into the hole with a rubber mallet. Tapping it with a mallet will make sure it goes in much better than if you tried to just stick it in with your fingers. If your picture is under 10 pounds (4.5kg), then a plastic wall anchor will be strong enough to hold it up. If your picture is somehow over 10 pounds (maybe you have an incredibly ornate frame), then opt for a self-drilling anchor.
2 Screw a picture hook onto the wall anchor. Just place the screw into the hole in the picture hook and match it up with the hole in the wall anchor. Use a screwdriver and twist clockwise until the hook is in place.
Some wall anchors already have a stud in them for hanging pictures, in which case you can skip this step!
3 Hang your picture frame over the hook. Have a friend stand across the room and tell you if it looks right. Move the picture side to side until it is hanging evenly.
To make extra sure your picture is hanging evenly, you can place a level on top of the frame, and adjust the position of the picture until it is even.
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Hanging Lightweight Pictures without Drilling
Download Article
1 Mount brick clamps if the bricks are not flush. If the bricks poke out over the grout, and are not all flush with each other, then you can attach a brick clamp. Simply snap the clip onto the protruding brick face, and you’re ready to hang the picture.[9]XResearch source
When buying the brick clamp, check how much weight it can bear.[10]XResearch source
2 Attach adhesive hooks if your bricks are flush. If your bricks are all flush with each other, then you won’t be able to put on a brick clamp. Instead, use adhesive picture hanging hooks. These have the advantage of coming off without leaving a mark, which is especially desirable in a dorm room or if you have a picky landlord. But adhesive hooks can’t bear as much weight as an anchored hook drilled into the mortar, so make sure your picture is light enough.[11]XResearch source
3 Use double-sided tape if your picture is extremely lightweight. If you are trying to hang a piece of light paper on the wall, such as a child’s drawing, then double-sided tape will be strong enough to hold it onto the brick. Simply place pieces of double-sided tape on all four corners of the back of the child’s drawing and then stick it onto the brick.[12]XResearch source
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Things You’ll Need
Drill
Masonry bit
Chunk key (optional)
Wall anchor
Rubber mallet
Screw
Screw driver
Picture hook
Level
Adhesive hooks
Brick clamps
Double-sided tape
You Might Also Like
How toHang Something on BrickHow toHang Pictures on Plaster WallsHow to Drill Into Brick: Preparation, Tools, and Best MethodsHow toNail Into BrickHow toHang a PictureHow toHang Pictures on a Concrete WallThe Best Ways to Hang Up Heavy Paintings & ArtworkHow to Hang Pictures & Artwork on a Concrete WallHow toHang a Picture with a Horizontal Keyhole SlotHow toHang Things on Plaster WallsHow toPut Anchor Screws in a WallHow to Properly Hang a Painting on Your WallHow toInstall a Hook in the WallHow toHang Things on Drywall Advertisement
Co-authored by: Peter Salerno Installation Expert This article was co-authored by Peter Salerno. 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. This article has been viewed 37,031 times. 8 votes - 75% Co-authors: 4Updated: April 9, 2024 Views: 37,031 Categories: Hanging Pictures and Wall Decorations
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 37,031 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Peter Salerno Installation Expert 8 votes - 75% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 4Updated: April 9, 2024 Views: 37,031
Quizzes & Games
What Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizThe Paperclip Challenge: Can You Outsmart the Detective?PlayDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizAm I Funny QuizTake QuizPictionary Word GeneratorGenerate
You Might Also Like
How toHang Something on BrickHow toHang Pictures on Plaster WallsHow to Drill Into Brick: Preparation, Tools, and Best MethodsHow toNail Into Brick
Featured Articles
What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)
Trending Articles
How Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereWhat Song Was #1 On My Birthday?Best Personality TestDo I Have Common Sense QuizCompatibility Test10 Ways to Get Rid of a Hickey Fast
Featured Articles
What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?
Featured Articles
How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test
Watch Articles
How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow toThicken Sauce with FlourHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)
Trending Articles
What Am I Craving QuizHow toLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksHow toKiss PassionatelyWhich Hogwarts House Do You Truly Belong In?Toxic Family TestDaily Horoscope (All Signs): What Do The Stars Predict Today?✩⟡˚₊‧
Quizzes & Games
Am I Smart QuizTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizEngagement Ring QuizTake QuizPhotographic Memory TestTake Quiz
Categories
Home and Garden
Tools
Fastening Tools
Hanging Things
Hanging Pictures and Wall Decorations
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve
Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Marking and Drilling Anchor Holes 2 Installing Anchors and Hanging the Pictures 3 Hanging Lightweight Pictures without Drilling Other Sections Things You'll Need Related Articles References Co-authored by Peter Salerno 
How toHang a Picture 
How to Properly Hang a Painting on Your Wall 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Peter Salerno Installation Expert This article was co-authored by Peter Salerno. 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. This article has been viewed 37,031 times. 8 votes - 75% Co-authors: 4 Updated: April 9, 2024 Views: 37,031 Categories: Hanging Pictures and Wall Decorations 
Take Quiz
Play
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Generate 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
559 
1 Cover nearby items with a drop cloth. You’ll be drilling into the mortar (the sealant in between the bricks) which can produce dust. Covering nearby items will keep them clean. If your items are easily movable, just scoot them out of the way! Also keep your window open, to prevent dust from lingering in the air.[1] 
2 Chalk the spot on the mortar where you want to install the hook. Mark the mortar, and not the brick, because the brick is too hard to drill into. Don’t worry about leaving a mark. You can rub away the extra chalk when you’re done.[2] 
3 Position the frame over your mark and have a friend look from across the room. From a distance, your friend can tell you if it looks like a good spot to hang the picture. If it doesn’t look good, readjust. It’s much easier to readjust at this stage than when you’ve already drilled a hole! 
4 Attach a masonry bit to your drill. The masonry bit is to make sure your drill is equipped for the heavy-duty task of drilling through mortar. You can change your drill bit by loosening the chuck (the part that holds the bit), either with your hands or with a chunk key if it has a keyhole. Remove the regular bit and insert the masonry bit so that the smooth part of the bit is facing the chunk. Tighten the chunk, and you’re ready to drill! 
5 Put on a dust mask and safety goggles. Drilling into mortar stirs up a lot of dust, so protect your lungs and eyes with a dust mask and safety goggles. A dust mask is especially important if you have asthma.[7] 
6 Drill a hole into the spot on the mortar you’ve marked with your chalk. To drill, place the tip of the bit against the spot you want to drill, making sure the drill is perpendicular to the wall. Hold the drill steady with both hands and squeeze the trigger gradually until the bit picks up speed. Drill deep enough that a wall anchor will fit in. [8] 
1 Tap a wall anchor into the hole with a rubber mallet. Tapping it with a mallet will make sure it goes in much better than if you tried to just stick it in with your fingers. If your picture is under 10 pounds (4.5kg), then a plastic wall anchor will be strong enough to hold it up. If your picture is somehow over 10 pounds (maybe you have an incredibly ornate frame), then opt for a self-drilling anchor. 
2 Screw a picture hook onto the wall anchor. Just place the screw into the hole in the picture hook and match it up with the hole in the wall anchor. Use a screwdriver and twist clockwise until the hook is in place. 
3 Hang your picture frame over the hook. Have a friend stand across the room and tell you if it looks right. Move the picture side to side until it is hanging evenly. 
1 Mount brick clamps if the bricks are not flush. If the bricks poke out over the grout, and are not all flush with each other, then you can attach a brick clamp. Simply snap the clip onto the protruding brick face, and you’re ready to hang the picture.[9] 
2 Attach adhesive hooks if your bricks are flush. If your bricks are all flush with each other, then you won’t be able to put on a brick clamp. Instead, use adhesive picture hanging hooks. These have the advantage of coming off without leaving a mark, which is especially desirable in a dorm room or if you have a picky landlord. But adhesive hooks can’t bear as much weight as an anchored hook drilled into the mortar, so make sure your picture is light enough.[11] 
3 Use double-sided tape if your picture is extremely lightweight. If you are trying to hang a piece of light paper on the wall, such as a child’s drawing, then double-sided tape will be strong enough to hold it onto the brick. Simply place pieces of double-sided tape on all four corners of the back of the child’s drawing and then stick it onto the brick.[12] Advertisement