Mounting a TV on Brick or Concrete: A Step-by-Step Guide

Exposed brick walls in Toronto lofts are stunning. But mounting a TV on them is terrifying for the uninitiated. Brick is brittle, and old mortar is sandy.

The Tool: Hammer Drill

You strictly cannot use a regular drill. You need a hammer drill (rotary hammer) that physically pounds the bit while spinning to pulverize the stone.

The Anchors: Sleeve Anchors vs. Tapcons

• Blue Concrete Screws (Tapcons): Good for lighter items. They cut threads into the brick.
• Sleeve Anchors (Red Heads): The heavy-duty choice. As you tighten the nut, a metal sleeve expands inside the hole. This uses friction to hold massive weight. We use these for articulating mounts.

The Golden Rule: Drill the Brick, Not the Mortar

Mortar (the stuff between bricks) is softer than the brick itself. It crumbles over time. Anchors placed in mortar will eventually wiggle loose. Always drill into the center of a solid brick.

Don't crack your wall. Hire a masonry drilling expert.