Home and decorating: how to hang objects on brick walls

Most homes across the United States have paneled or plastered walls. Except for log cabins, which often have timber walls. Brick walls are most commonly found around fireplaces in family rooms, living rooms, and dens. If you want to decorate and hang pictures, shelves, and the like on a brick wall, it is possible. But, you will need to use some special hanging techniques and materials. Brick is a strong, but porous material, and you can actually break, crack, or crumble it if you're not careful.

You basically have three options to choose from when you hang an object from a brick wall:

Option 1 - Concrete and Brick Picture Hangers

The concrete and brick picture hanger is often considered to be the best hanger available for this type of application. It is not only easy to use, but, when installed properly, it can hold up to thirty pounds. It is a small piece of gold or silver - colored metal, and it has a small hooked bottom, and a hole in the top for hanging it up. Along with every concrete and brick picture hanger comes a small, brass - plated, unbendable nail. The nail has an extra sharp tip for easy insertion into a concrete or brick wall. The entire hanger set can be purchased at your local hardware or home supply store.

To install a concrete and brick picture hanger, so you can hang objects on brick walls, you need only to position the hanger on the wall. Then, insert the small, brass - plated nail into the hole, and use a hammer to gently tap it into the wall.

Option 2 - Concrete Screws

They are not only suitable for hanging objects on a brick wall, but they work well on concrete, stucco and other masonry too. This type of screw is extra hard so it can handle the stress of boring into a rock - hard surface. Concrete screws also have special threads that help them dig into the surface.

To properly install a concrete screw, you will need a carbide masonry bit and an electric drill with a low speed setting. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the package in order to achieve the best results. Basically, though, you will drill a hole in the brick wall that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the concrete screw. Then, you will need to install a screwdriver drill bit securely in your electric drill. Insert and tighten the concrete screw into the wall, and it is now ready to use.

Option 3 - Lead Anchors

You are probably familiar with plastic anchors, as they are great for use in conjunction with screws for hanging light objects on plastered walls. Lead anchors are a close relative of the plastic anchor in that they are made the same. The only difference is, the materials they are made out of. The latter, of course, are stronger and more durable.

To properly install a lead anchor in a brick wall, you will need a carbide masonry bit and an electric drill with a low speed setting. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the package in order to achieve the best results. You will need to drill a hole in the wall that is just large enough to accommodate the diameter of the lead anchor. Then, you will need to gently tap the anchor into the hole with a hammer. Finally, insert the screw into the lead anchor and tighten it into the wall with a screwdriver or a low speed drill as far as you need it to go. As the screw enters the anchor, it causes its sides to expand, which holds the anchor and the screw securely in the brick wall.