How to hang things on brick: Drilling and no-drill options explained

Brick walls have a rustic, natural, and industrial look that sometimes feels cold and impersonal. As such, most people add decor—artwork, wreaths, mirrors, and photographs—to add warmth and personality to the space. 

However, hanging things on brick can be tricky. The brick's hardness makes it challenging to find the proper method for securely attaching items without causing damage. 

In this article, we will explain how to hang things on brick, discuss non-invasive options vs. drilling, and offer tips to avoid damaging your wall.

Know your wall: Brick vs. mortar

Brick and mortar are words used together in wall construction, but they refer to different materials that serve distinct purposes. For starters, bricks are solid, often fired in a kiln (for clay bricks) or made with a cement-based mix (for concrete bricks). They’re designed to be strong enough to bear weight.

On the other hand, mortar contains cement but is a paste-like material when applied initially. Its job is to bond bricks together, but it is not intended to bear the weight or stresses that bricks do.

This difference becomes significant when you're hanging something on a wall. You can drill into a brick wall to hang items, as bricks are solid enough to support weight when using the proper anchors. However, drilling into mortar is not recommended, as mortar is much weaker and can crack or deteriorate over time. 

How to hang things on brick without drilling

If you're renting or avoiding permanent damage, here’s how to hang things on a brick wall without drilling.

Brick clips and brick hangers

Brick clips are small, adjustable clamps that grip the top edge of a brick. They work by slipping over the brick's lip and holding it to its surface. Brick hangers are similar to brick clips but offer larger hooks that rest on the brick’s edge and help distribute the weight evenly across the surface. 

Both options are perfect for hanging lighter to medium-weight items without drilling. Brick clips can support up to 20 pounds and are ideal for small wreaths, decorative signs, and framed pictures. On the other hand, brick hangers can support up to 30 pounds, making them suitable for medium-sized artwork, mirrors, or larger wreaths. 

Adhesive options

Adhesive options like heavy-duty double-sided tape, Velcro strips, and command-style hooks offer a noninvasive way to hang items on brick walls. 

Heavy-duty double-sided tape features a strong adhesive on both sides, allowing it to stick firmly to the brick and the object you wish to hang. It’s ideal for hanging lightweight decor of up to 10 pounds, while industrial ones like Gorilla Heavy Duty Mounting Tape can hold up to 30 pounds. 

Velcro strips are another great option. They come with one side that adheres to the wall and another side with a hook-and-loop design that can be attached to the object. Velcro strips work well for items up to 10 pounds, like framed pictures, small mirrors, or lightweight shelves. They are also convenient for temporary displays since you can easily remove or reposition the items without leaving any permanent marks or damage.

Command-style hooks feature a built-in hook or loop for hanging items and adhesive strips that bond securely to the brick's surface. They hold up to 15 pounds, which is more weight than typical wall-mounted adhesive hooks.

Specialized rail systems

Picture hanging rails have a rail installed along the top of the wall. The rail is mounted securely to the wall with adhesive strips, allowing you to hang items by attaching hooks or cables that slide along the rail.

They’re particularly great for art galleries, office spaces, and homes where you want to frequently change or rearrange artwork or decorations without damaging the walls. Plus, it can carry up to 110 pounds of artwork, large mirrors, or multi-piece displays. You can simply slide the hook or cable to the desired position and adjust the item's height. 

How to hang heavy things on brick walls

When hanging something weighty—like heavy art, a mirror, or a TV—you'll need to drill into the brick for safety.

Tools and materials you’ll need

Before you get started, make sure you have the right tools and materials to hang items securely on brick walls:

• Masonry drill bits
• Wall plugs or anchors
• Heavy duty screws
• Hammer drill
• Screwdriver or impact driver
• Measuring tape and level
• Pencil or chalk for marking drill points
• Drill dust mask or safety goggles

Step-by-step: Drilling into brick

If you’ve decided to go the drill route, follow these steps to hang your item safely and securely:

• Mark your spot: Use a measuring tape to determine the position you want to hang your item. Mark the place with a pencil or chalk, and double-check the alignment with a level to ensure it’s straight and even.
• Drill pilot holes: Install a masonry drill bit into your hammer drill. The drill bit size should match the size of your anchor. Then, set the hammer drill to the “hammer” setting. Hold the drill steady and begin drilling at the marked spot, ensuring the hole is straight and deep enough to accommodate the anchor.
• Insert wall plugs and anchors: After drilling, insert the wall plug or anchor into the hole. The plug should fit snugly without needing too much force.
• Insert screws: Once the anchors are in place, insert your heavy-duty screws into the anchors. Use a screwdriver or an impact driver to tighten the screws, but don’t over tighten them, as that can damage the anchors or the surrounding brick.
• Hanging your item: Now that your screws are in place, hang your item on the screws or hooks, depending on what you’re using. Use a level to double-check that the item is hanging straight. Make any minor adjustments if needed to ensure the item is positioned correctly.

Tips to avoid damage when hanging things on brick

Hanging items on brick walls without following the proper techniques can lead to cracks, weakened mortar, or unsightly damage that may be difficult to repair. Below are tips to help you avoid these damages.

• Carefully inspect the brick wall for cracks, chips, or signs of wear. If the bricks appear fragile, loose, or crumbling, drilling may cause them to break apart.
• Before drilling, measure the depth of the anchor or screw you intend to use, and make sure you only drill as deep as needed.
• Always use the drill bits designed specifically for brick, as they have a carbide tip that can handle the hardness. Also, adjust the torque settings to the appropriate level for your drilling material. Too much torque can cause the bit to overheat, while too little might make drilling difficult.
• Ensure there are no hidden electrical wires or plumbing pipes in the area where you plan to drill. Use a stud finder with a wire and pipe detection feature, or consult a professional if unsure.

When and how to patch holes in brick

If you've recently removed an item that was hung and left unsightly holes behind, or you mistakenly drilled a hole larger than required, you need to patch it up.

Here are the materials required:

• Cleaning brush or vacuum
• Cement-based mortar
• Putty knife or trowel

Now that you’ve gathered the materials, here’s a step-by-step guide to patch the hole and achieve a clean result.

• Use a cleaning brush or vacuum to remove dust, debris, or loose particles from the hole and the surrounding surface.
• Use a putty knife or a trowel to apply the cement-based mortar mixture to the hole. Start at the back of the hole and work your way forward, pressing the mixture firmly into the hole. 
• Once the hole is filled, smooth the patch to ensure it’s flush with the brick. You can also use a damp sponge or cloth to smooth the surface while the compound is still soft.
• Let the patching compound dry completely and paint over it with a color that matches the brick. This step is optional but can make the repair less noticeable.

In certain situations, it’s better to leave holes unfilled. For example, if the hole is small and doesn't affect the structure or appearance of the wall, or if it's in a less visible area. If you used it for a temporary item, you might reuse the same spot again soon.

How to hang things on brick walls

So, what can you use to hang things on brick? First, consider the item's weight and the wall's condition. Heavier items will require drilling with anchors and screws, while lighter pieces can be hung using non-invasive options like brick clips or adhesive hooks. The condition of the brick also matters. Solid, sturdy bricks will hold more weight than brittle or cracked ones, so assessing the wall before choosing your hanging method is crucial to avoid causing any damage.