Learning to hang a picture on a brick wall is one of the first DIY tasks most people take on. That said, if you have never done it before or a favorite picture is going up on the wall, it can be a daunting experience.
This article will explain how to hang pictures on brick walls in a couple of different ways, so continue reading if you need to get this task done.
How to Hang Pictures on Brick Walls with Drilling
Hanging a picture on a brick wall is usually done by drilling into the wall. With a hole drilled, a strong fixing is used to hang the picture. We’ll explain how to do this in the following section.
Step 1: Tools and Equipment
To complete this task, you will need to gather all the necessary tools and equipment first.
Protective equipment such as site glasses, a dust mask, ear defenders, and steel toe cap boots are essential. You also need measuring and marking equipment including a level, measuring tape, pencil, straightedge, and an eraser.
The only power tool you need is a drill with masonry drill bits, this will create a hole in the wall for a screw and wall plug. The picture will hang from either one screw or multiple screws. To provide a strong fixing for the screw in the wall, you also need wall plugs. On the back of the picture frame, a hanging fixing secures the picture to the screw.
A hammer is required to knock the wall plug into the wall. Lastly, to keep the work area clean and tidy a vacuum cleaner is recommended.
Step 2: Measure and Mark the Picture
With the measuring tape, find the length and width of the picture frame.
On the back of the frame at the top, mark halfway. On the back of the frame, mark ⅔ up from the bottom, and draw a horizontal line across it. Match up the two marks to create a cross, this is where the hanging fixing goes.
Step 3: Measure and Mark the Wall
Establish where you want your picture to hang on the wall. With a pencil lightly mark where the top of the frame will be. With a pencil lightly mark where one side of the frame will go.
From the mark for the top of the frame, measure down ⅓ of the total height of the frame. From the side, measure in ½ of the total width of the frame. Join the two measurements, they should create a cross, this is where you will drill
Step 4: Check Drill Bits, Wall Plugs, and Screws
Before drilling, make sure you have the correct size screws, wall plugs, and drill bits.
Ideally, screws should be at least 1-½ inches for heavy pictures, for lighter pictures you can get away with smaller ones. Check the diameter of the screws and ensure they are compatible with the wall plugs. The wall plug packaging says the size screws that fit into it. The wall plug packaging says the diameter the hole in the wall needs to be too.
Step 5: Drill Into the Wall
Place the correct size drill bit into the drill. Put the drill bit on the cross on the wall and squeeze the drill’s trigger. Keep the drill bit straight and don’t wobble. The hole depth should be longer than the wall plug.
Use the vacuum to clean dust from the hole, wall, and floor.
Step 6: Insert the Wall Anchor
Take the wall plug from the packaging and push it into the hole. If the hole is tight you might have to lightly tap it with a hammer. The wall plug should be flush with the face of the wall.
Step 7: Insert the Screw
Change the drill bit for a screwdriver bit that matches the head of the screw. Slowly tighten the screw but stop before it goes close to the wall. Leave enough of the screw protruding for the picture to hang off it
Step 8: Hang the Picture
Attach the hanging fixing on the back of the picture frame make sure you don’t go through to the other side and pierce the picture. Offer the picture up to the wall and hang it off the screw. Check it is level and in the correct position.
Use the erasure to rub off the pencil marks on the wall
How to Hang Pictures on Brick Walls Without Drilling
In some circumstances, it’s not possible to drill into a wall. If this is the situation, follow these steps.
There are a number of ways to hang a picture without drilling. Below, we explain how to hang a picture with mounting tape – one of the more common methods.
Step 1: Mark Where the Picture Goes on the Wall
Use a pencil to lightly mark where the top and sides of the picture will go on the wall.
Step 2: Fix the Mounting Tape to the Back of the Picture
Take the mounting tape from the packaging. Fix a line of mounting tape along each edge of the picture frame.
Step 3: Mount the Picture to the Wall
Align the edges and top of the picture to the markings on the wall. Push the picture firmly against the wall so that the mounting tape engages
Mistakes to Avoid, Tips & Tricks
There are some common mistakes that can be avoided with careful planning. Alongside this, with some useful tricks, you’ll be a pro at hanging pictures in no time.
1. Drill into Brick
When drilling into the wall, drill into the brick and not the mortar. Mortar has a tendency to crumble, this could create a weak fixing that won’t support your picture.
2. Not Drilling Deep Enough
If you don’t drill deep enough into the wall, the wall plug will not fully sit within it. This creates a weaker fixing point. To make sure you drill deep enough, take a measurement of the wall plug. Mark on the drill bit the length of the wall plug with either a pencil or a piece of marking tape. When drilling ensure you go to the marked depth and a bit further.
3. Step Drilling
Drilling through brickwork can sometimes be difficult. The drill bit can hit stones and stray off course. To increase the accuracy and straightness of your hole, begin by drilling a very small hole then gradually use bigger drill bits until you get to the required size.
4. More Fixings for Heavy Pictures
The heavier the picture, the more fixings you want in the wall. With a picture hanging off two screws instead of one, each screw takes half the amount of weight. This method puts less pressure on the anchor point.
Summary
Hanging pictures on a wall doesn’t have to be a daunting experience.
By following the simple steps explained in this article, you will have your brick wall decorated in no time. For success, accurately mark out the wall and the picture frame. The next step is to drill accurately and create a strong fixing to hang the picture from.