Best Way to Hang a Picture on a Brick Wall
Use brick clips like the Hillman Block Clip for a secure, damage-free hold-just slide them into mortar joints with at least ¼ inch recess, supporting up to 50 lbs. For painted brick, try VELCRO® Brand Extreme Outdoor Fasteners, which hold 15 lbs per pair and bond best on clean, dry surfaces. Always target mortar, not brick, to avoid cracks, and level your frame at 57 inches from the floor. With the right prep and products, your picture stays straight, secure, and wall-safe-plus, there’s more to get right when it comes to placement and repair.
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Notable Insights
- Use brick clips that fit into mortar joints with at least ¼-inch depth for damage-free hanging.
- Drill into mortar, not brick, to avoid cracks and ensure a secure anchor for heavier frames.
- Choose VELCRO® Brand Extreme Fasteners for rough or unpainted brick without drilling.
- Apply adhesive hooks or command strips only on smooth, painted brick for lightweight pictures.
- Mount at 57 inches from the floor and use a level to ensure straight, eye-level alignment.
Why Brick Walls Make Hanging Pictures Hard
While brick walls add rugged charm to any space, they make hanging pictures tougher than drywall because their hard, brittle surface can crack or chip easily-especially in older homes where the masonry is more fragile. You risk damaging the wall if you’re drilling into brick instead of the softer mortar, which is more forgiving and designed to absorb impact. Mortar joints also vary-many are too shallow for secure brick clips, which need at least ¼ inch of recess. The uneven surface of brick limits how well adhesive hooks stick, especially on painted brick, where smooth patches and texture compete. Even outdoor-rated adhesives struggle without proper prep. Hang Art securely? You’ll likely need a masonry drill bit to anchor into mortar, not brick. Skipping this step often leads to wobbly frames and wall damage, so go slow, aim right, and work with the wall’s structure, not against it.
How to Hang Pictures Without Drilling
If you’re looking to hang pictures on a brick wall without drilling, your best bet is to use brick clips that fit snugly into recessed mortar joints, requiring at least ¼ inch of depth for a secure hold and supporting up to 30 pounds-ideal for medium to large frames. Always target mortar instead of brick to avoid cracking. For lighter items, adhesive hooks, command strips, or double-sided tape work well on smooth, painted brick, but fail on rough surfaces. VELCRO® Brand Extreme Outdoor Fasteners offer strong adhesion, holding up to 15 lbs per pair. Picture rail systems are a sleek, reusable option-mount the rail once, then hang things on brick safely using cords rated for 35 lbs. These methods eliminate the need for traditional hanging hardware, protect your wall, and make rearranging easy.
How to Hang Pictures by Drilling Into Brick
You’ve got options when it comes to hanging pictures on brick, and if adhesive strips or brick clips don’t fit your needs-maybe your frames are too heavy or the surface is too rough-drilling into the wall gives you a more secure hold. For successful picture hanging, always drill into the mortar, not the brick, using a masonry drill bit. Mark the spot with chalk and use a level to stay aligned. Drill into the brick wall about one-inch deep, then insert wall anchors or one-piece brick screws. Secure hangers with a screwdriver, ensuring they support your frame.
| Step | Tip |
|---|---|
| Drilling | Use a masonry drill bit |
| Depth | Drill one-inch deep |
| Placement | Drill into the mortar |
| Support | Use wall anchors for heavy frames |
This method makes it easy to hang pictures on brick safely and straight.
Pick the Best Hanger for Your Picture and Brick
Since your brick wall’s texture and your picture’s weight play major roles in finding the right hanger, start by checking the mortar joint depth and surface condition, because a ¼-inch recess lets you use adjustable brick clips like the Hillman Block Clip or Brick Clip® Fastener, both tested to hold up to 50 lbs by gripping the lower brick edge and anchoring against the upper brick base without damaging the wall. For unpainted brick or a rough surface, skip the hammer and nail-opt for VELCRO® Brand Extreme Lock Fasteners instead, ideal for lighter displays. When choosing picture hooks, go for mortar instead of drilling into brick. Using brick clips gives you a secure, damage-free hanging spot. For heavier picture frames, pick specialty brick hangers with masonry anchors in the mortar. Always pick the right wall, avoid damp areas, and guarantee your hanging spot is clean. Skip traditional picture hooks on textured walls-they won’t bond. Using brick clips saves time, avoids cracks, and keeps your frame level.
Level, Damage-Free Picture Hanging Tips
A level, damage-free picture starts with smart prep and the right tools in hand. To hang your frames right, use a level and measure 57 inches (145 cm) from the floor for standard eye height-this keeps your picture perfectly aligned. Focus on the mortar joint, not the brick, when choosing where to mount; it’s easier to repair and offers better grip. Use brick clips like the Hillman Block Clip-they grip the joint tightly, support up to 30 lbs, and are completely damage-free. For lighter pieces, VELCRO® Brand Extreme Lock Fasteners bond securely to the brick wall, hold up to 15 lbs, and let you reposition frames easily. Apply them carefully, allow 24 hours to cure, and use a chalk mark plus a second person to center and level your hanging.
On a final note
Use a level, pick the right hanger-like brick clips for no drilling or masonry anchors when you need strength-and measure twice. Clean dust with a damp microfiber cloth before installing. For stains, test a spot with isopropyl alcohol. Keep pests away by sealing gaps with silicone caulk. Real testers loved the Hangman ZipIt for small frames, while 6d masonry nails held heavy mirrors securely. Stay precise, stay clean, and your wall art stays straight.
