Mounting a TV on brick isn’t as scary as it looks. With the right tools, a little patience, and a few smart tricks, you can turn any brick wall into a sleek, floating-screen focal point — no contractor required.
Brick walls make a bold, modern backdrop for a TV. They add texture to a living room or bedroom, and mounting your screen frees up valuable floor space that would otherwise be taken up by a bulky media stand. But brick isn’t drywall. It’s harder, denser, and a lot less forgiving if you drill in the wrong spot. That’s exactly why this project deserves a proper plan before you pick up a drill.
This guide walks you through every step of hanging a TV on a brick wall — from gathering supplies to hiding your cables at the end — so you get a secure, level, professional-looking mount on your first try.
Why Brick Walls Need Special Treatment
Drywall installations rely on studs or drywall anchors that grip a soft surface. Brick is the opposite: it’s dense, sometimes uneven, and surrounded by mortar joints that are much weaker than the brick itself. Drill into mortar instead of brick, and your anchor may loosen over time, putting your expensive television at risk of falling.
That’s why every step below focuses on precision — finding solid brick, drilling clean holes, and using hardware rated for masonry. Skip these details and you’re gambling with a heavy, fragile object hanging above your furniture.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start, gather everything on this list. Having the right supplies on hand makes the job faster and prevents mid-project trips to the hardware store.
- TV wall bracket — Choose one rated for your TV’s size and weight. Check the VESA mounting pattern on the back of your TV to make sure it matches the bracket.
- Power drill — A cordless drill with a hammer-drill function works best for punching through brick. Avoid impact drivers; they tend to over-tighten screws and can crack masonry.
- Masonry drill bits — These have carbide, chisel-shaped tips designed to chew through brick and concrete. Many anchor kits already include the correct bit size.
- Level — Even though most brackets allow small adjustments later, a level helps you get the placement right the first time.
- Permanent marker — Pencil marks barely show up on brick. A dark permanent marker is far easier to see once you’re ready to drill.
- Anchors or concrete screws — Plastic wall anchors work well for lighter TVs. If your TV weighs more than 75 pounds, switch to heavy-duty concrete screws for extra holding power.
- Driver bit or socket set — A No. 2 Phillips bit typically fits plastic anchor screws, while concrete screws usually need a No. 3 Phillips bit or a socket.
- Washers — Useful if the bracket’s mounting holes are wider than your screw heads.
- Tape measure — Essential for accurate, symmetrical bracket placement.
- Hammer or rubber mallet — Handy for gently tapping anchors flush with the wall.
- Shop vac — Drilling brick creates a surprising amount of dust. A small shop vac keeps your space clean and helps clear debris from each hole.
- Safety glasses and dust mask — Brick dust is unpleasant to breathe and can easily get into your eyes. Don’t skip this gear.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure whether your walls are solid brick or a brick veneer over drywall, tap the surface first. A hollow sound may mean you’re dealing with a thin veneer, which changes what type of anchor you’ll need.
Step-by-Step: How to Mount a TV on a Brick Wall
Step 1: Pick the Right Location
Start by choosing a spot near an electrical outlet and a cable or streaming device connection. The closer your TV is to these connections, the fewer visible cords you’ll have to deal with later.
Also think about mount type before committing to a height:
- Fixed mounts hold the TV tight against the wall but don’t allow much height adjustment. Because of this, they work best when the screen can be placed directly at seated eye level.
- Tilt-swivel mounts hold the TV slightly farther from the wall, but they let you position the screen higher while still tilting it down for a comfortable viewing angle.
Choosing the right mount type now saves you from an awkward viewing angle later.
Step 2: Measure and Mark the Installation Height
With the TV lying face-down on a soft, flat surface, attach the bracket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If it’s a two-piece bracket, connect both halves to the TV as though you were mounting it right there.
Next, measure from the bottom edge of the wall bracket to the bottom edge of the TV. Add that number to your desired TV height to find where the wall bracket itself should sit.
Example: If that gap measures 6 inches, and you want the bottom of the TV sitting 48 inches off the floor, mark the wall bracket’s position at 54 inches high.
Once you’ve calculated the correct height, remove the bracket from the TV (or just the wall-mounted portion, if you’re using a two-piece system).
Step 3: Mark Your Drill Holes
Hold the wall bracket against the brick at the height you calculated. Check it with a level, then use your permanent marker to trace each screw hole directly onto the brick.
Here’s the part many DIYers overlook: avoid mortar lines. Mortar is much softer than brick and won’t hold an anchor securely over time. If any of your marks land on a mortar joint, shift the bracket slightly and re-mark the hole so it lines up with solid brick instead.
Also stay at least half an inch away from the edge of any brick — drilling too close to an edge risks cracking it. Most brackets offer multiple hole options, so check the included instructions to see how many screws you actually need.
Step 4: Drill the Holes
Attach the masonry bit sized to match your anchors or screws. Wrap a small strip of painter’s tape around the bit at the exact depth you need to drill — this gives you a simple visual stopping point.
If you’re using a hammer drill, switch it to hammer mode. If not, run the drill at its highest speed setting.
Place the bit tip on your marked spot and gently squeeze the trigger. Go slowly at first — brick surfaces are rarely perfectly flat, and starting too fast can cause the bit to slip sideways before it bites in. Once the bit is seated, gradually increase your speed.
While drilling, pull the bit out occasionally to clear built-up dust from the hole. Keep going until you reach the tape marker showing your target depth.
Tip: A shop vac nozzle held near the hole while you drill can capture most of the dust before it settles on your floor.
Step 5: Install Plastic Anchors (Skip This Step if Using Concrete Screws)
Tap each plastic anchor into its drilled hole with a hammer or rubber mallet until it sits flush with the wall surface.
If an anchor won’t seat fully, don’t force it — there’s likely leftover dust inside the hole. Run your shop vac over the opening to clear it out, then try again. While you’re at it, vacuum up any dust on the floor and nearby surfaces.
Step 6: Mount the Bracket to the Wall
If your bracket’s mounting holes are wider than the screw heads, slide washers onto the screws first. Hold the bracket in position — right side up — and start threading each screw into its anchor by hand.
Once every screw is started, attach your driver bit or socket and tighten the first screw. Check the bracket with a level before fully tightening the rest, adjusting as needed so the bracket sits perfectly straight.
Step 7: Attach the TV
For two-piece brackets, simply hook the TV-mounted bracket onto the wall-mounted piece. Many systems include locking tabs or screws that keep the TV from sliding off — don’t skip this safety step.
For one-piece brackets, you’ll need a helper. Have them support the TV while you thread the screws through the bracket and into the mounting points on the back of the television.
If cables hang visibly below the screen, consider placing a low media console or shelf underneath to help conceal them. You can also run cords through a paintable cord channel for a cleaner, more finished look.
Once everything’s secure and level, you’re done. Sit back, grab the remote, and enjoy your new setup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Drilling into mortar instead of brick. It might seem easier, but mortar simply can’t hold weight the way brick can over time.
- Skipping the level check. Even a small tilt becomes obvious once the TV is mounted and lit up.
- Using the wrong anchor for your TV’s weight. Always check the weight rating on both your bracket and your anchors — mismatched hardware is the most common cause of a mount failing.
- Rushing the first hole. Brick surfaces are uneven, and drilling too fast at the start often causes the bit to wander off your mark.
- Ignoring safety gear. Brick dust is fine and easily inhaled — glasses and a mask make the job much more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Hanging a TV on a brick wall is a manageable weekend project once you understand how brick behaves differently from drywall. The keys to success are simple: drill into solid brick (never mortar), use anchors rated for your TV’s weight, and take your time getting the bracket level. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll end up with a secure, stylish, floating TV setup that instantly upgrades the look of your room — without a single sagging cord or wobbly bracket in sight.
