How To Mount A TV On A Brick Wall in Detroit Homes

Tips tools on what you need to know 

If you live in an older Detroit home, chances are you’ve got at least one room with expose brick or masonry fireplace wall. The wall slip great and give the space character that they can be a serious pain when you want to mow a TV. 

Mounting a TV on a brick wall isn’t the same as mounting on drywall. You’re dealing with dense, uneven material that can cracker crumble. If you don’t use the right tools and methods. In this post, we will talk you through everything you need to know before drilling into the brick. Whether you’re a DIY warrior or thinking of a pro, you’ll walk away with a solid idea to make the right car.

Why mounting on a brick is different and tougher 

Detroit home, especially older than one were often built with salad brick or thick masonry chimneys. This means that you’re not dealing with hollow walls studs you’re going right into the rock solid material. Brick doesn’t flex like drywall. If you mess up the drilling or use the wrong hardware, you could end up with.

• Cracked brick
• Loose anchors
• A crooked TV that will fall

So you don’t go into this with a standard drywall mind let’s talk about what makes it work. You want the TV mounted correctly the first time

Tools you need

This is one of those jobs where cheap tools won’t cut it. Here’s what you’ll actually need.

• Hammer drill regular drills won’t cut into brick. A hammer drill adds impact to break through the masonry.
• Masonry drill bags, their designed to chew through brick or mortar. Get high-quality carbide tipped bits.
• Concrete anchors regular drywall anchors may not work here.
• Socket wrench for tightening lag bolts.
• TV wall mount choose one rated for your TV size and weight.
• A level he must have. Even a slight till it’s obvious on a TV.
• Tape measure
• Vacuum or shop vac brick dust gets everywhere. 
• Pencil or chalk for marking holes

Brick and mortar where you should drill

This is $1 million question. Should you drill directly into the brick or aim for the mortar?

Here’s the rule of thumb

• Break is stronger, but it is also harder to drill into. If the brakes are in good condition and you’re confident go for it.
• Order is softer, which makes thrilling easier, but it may not hold as well especially overtime

Bottom line is brick is in good shape drill into it. The brick is brittle or shipping then go into the mortar joints, but use a beefier anchor and check stability often.

Step-by-step guide to mounting a TV on a brick wall

Choose the right spot

Pick a height that works for you for your seating area. High-level one seated is a general good rule of thumb. If it’s above the fireplace check how hard it gets first. Too much heat can fry your TV.

Mark the holes

Use a mounting bracket to mark the holes. Use a level double and triple check.

Drill pilot holes

Attach the masonry bit to the hammer drill. Start slowly and keep the drill level. Apply steady pressure. Drill a little deeper than your anchor length.

Clean the holes

Head vacuum or a can of compressor to get the brick dust out. Do you want to clean the holes for the anchor to grip.

Insert anchors

Tap the anchors and gently with a hammer until they are flush with the surface. Make sure that they are snug.

Attach the mounting bracket

A bracket with the holes and the bolts tighten using a socket wrench. Don’t over tighten it it can crack the brick.

Mount the TV

Get a friend or neighbor to help you lift and hang the TV onto the mountain. Lock it in place for manufacturers instructions.

Pro tips from the field

Use the right anchors

Sleeve anchors are the best for solid brick, while toggle bolts are only for Hollow walls. Avoid plastic anchors these are for drywall only and will pull right out of the break over time.

Avoid cracked or crumbling brick

If the area is already damaged, don’t trust it with heavy loads. Move to a more stable section or call pro.

Don’t mount above a working fireplace

Unless you’ve tested the wall temp after running the fireplace for hours, don’t risk mounting the TV there. Excess heat shortens the TV lifespan and could avoid the warranty.

Double check weight limits

Make sure your mouth and anchors are rated for the TV size and weight. Don’t push the limits.

When should you call a pro

This isn’t the easiest DIY job especially if you don’t have the right tools already. Call a handyman if

• You don’t own or want to buy a hammer drill.
• The wall is old, Bertil and the wall is crumbling mortar.
• You want hidden cables routing.
• You don’t feel comfortable lifting or aligning the TV safely.

In Detroit based handyman will know how to deal with Tom and brick issues in local construction and can usually knock out this in under two hours with zero headaches for you.

What about hiding the cables?

This part gets tricky with brick. You have got two options.

Surface mounted cable raceway

Easiest and most DIY friendly. Paintable and looks decent.

In-wall power, and HDMI kit

Much cleaner look, but requires cutting into the drywall above or below the brick area if actable and fishing wires behind it.

No running wires through brick is really worth the effort. I’m not sure you’re doing it during a full remodel.

Final thoughts

Mount a TV on a brick wall take some muscle and planning then drywall, but it’s absolutely doable if you prep properly and use the right tools. Whether you’re trying to upgrade your living room or set up a killer basement set up, following these tips can help you avoid costly mistakes and keep your TV right where it belongs. If you Are in Detroit and want it done right the first time without dust, drills or disaster just call the number below.