Hanging Art on Drywall, Concrete, and Brick Walls
Before installing your wall art or picture frames, it’s important to understand how the type of wall affects the tools and techniques you’ll need. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between hanging artwork on drywall, concrete, and brick walls so you can mount your pieces safely and professionally.
Differences Between Hanging Art on Drywall, Concrete, and Brick Walls
🪛 Hanging Art on Concrete Walls
- Very hard and dense surface
- Requires a hammer drill, masonry bit, and high-quality wall plugs
- Adhesive strips often don’t hold well on concrete
- Ideal for mounting heavy frames or large wall art
🧱 Hanging Art on Brick Walls
- Sturdy but uneven surface
- Best method is to use a drill and masonry anchors
- For lightweight art, you can use brick wall clips or non-drill hooks
- Avoid drilling into fragile bricks
🧯 Hanging Art on Drywall (Plasterboard)
- Very fragile and soft compared to other wall types
- Avoid direct drilling; use butterfly anchors, toggle bolts, or strong adhesive strips
- Best for lightweight frames and small wall decor
- Heavy frames may damage the wall if not supported properly
🪛 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Choose the Right Location
- Use a measuring tape and level to determine where you want your art to hang.
- Mark the spot lightly with a pencil or masking tape.
2. Select the Right Anchor Type
- For heavier frames: use sleeve anchors, masonry screws, or plastic wall plugs.
- For lightweight art: adhesive hooks or brick clips may suffice (if you’re hanging on a concrete block wall).
3. Drill the Holes
- Use a masonry bit sized to fit your wall anchor.
- Drill slowly and steadily — wear safety glasses and maybe a mask to avoid dust.
- Drill to the depth of your anchor (usually about 1–2 inches).
4. Insert Anchors
- Push or tap the anchor into the drilled hole until it’s flush with the wall.
5. Screw in Your Hangers
- Attach the picture hanger, screw, or hook into the anchor securely.
6. Hang Your Art
For D-rings or sawtooth hangers, you might need two hooks for balance.
Use a level to make sure it’s straight.
If your art has a wire, hang it on the hook or screw.
✅ Best Hanging Hardware for Concrete Walls
| Weight | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| < 2 kg (4.5 lbs) | Adhesive hooks, Command strips |
| 2–10 kg (4.5–22 lbs) | Masonry screws with wall plugs |
| 10+ kg (22+ lbs) | Sleeve anchors, heavy-duty masonry bolts |
🖼️ How to Hang Art on Concrete Walls
🔧 Tools & Materials You’ll Need:
- Hammer drill (or regular drill with a masonry bit)
- Masonry drill bits
- Concrete wall anchors or masonry screws
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure & level
- Pencil or masking tape (to mark placement)
- Picture hangers or D-rings
- Optional: Adhesive hooks (for lighter pieces)
📌 Final Tips
Identifying your wall type before you begin ensures a secure and long-lasting installation. Choosing the right tools and technique keeps your art level, stable, and visually appealing without damaging your walls.
Visit Lava handyman.com for pro tips, how-to guides, and handyman services that make home improvement easier than ever.
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