In this article
Brick and stone look like the most solid wall in the house, and sometimes they are. Other times the "stone" is a thin decorative skin glued to drywall. Knowing which one you have is the whole safety question.
Solid brick
Older fireplaces, chimney breasts and some exterior walls are solid brick. It holds a TV very well with the right anchors:
- 3/16-inch Tapcons, 2-3/4 inches long, for fixed and tilting mounts up to about 75 inches
- 3/8-inch sleeve anchors for heavy screens or full-motion arms
- Drill with a carbide masonry bit and a hammer drill; vacuum every hole
Brick face or mortar joint? Drill the brick face when the mount holes line up with it — it is stronger. Use the mortar joint when the holes fall there and the mortar is hard; it is easier to patch later. Avoid old, sandy mortar entirely.
Brick veneer
Most modern "brick" houses are one layer of brick tied to a framed or block wall with an air gap. The veneer can hold a light TV on a fixed mount if anchors are set properly, but for anything heavy we go through the veneer into the structure behind with longer anchors.
Stone veneer
Manufactured stone and thin natural stone (1–2 inches) are decorative. They cannot carry a TV's outward pull. Anchors must pass through into the backing — concrete, block or wood framing — and the mount plate often needs standoffs so it sits flat on an uneven surface without crushing the stone.
Uneven stacked stone and river rock
Irregular surfaces rock the mount plate. We build a flat plane with spacers or a stainless backer plate, then anchor through to the structure. More on difficult surfaces in stone and uneven walls.
Fireplaces: heat first
Most brick and stone walls we mount on are fireplaces. Check the surface temperature at full burn before deciding on the height — TV over a fireplace.
Wear eye protection and a dust mask. Brick and stone dust contains silica. A drill-mounted dust catcher keeps the room clean and your lungs happier.
Rather have a pro do it?
Exact price in about a minute — TV size, wall type and cables included. Same-day in most areas, 3-year warranty on every install.
Brick and stone cost the same as drywall with us — installation from $119. See also concrete and block.
Gear mentioned in this article
Hillman Sleeve Anchors, 3/8in x 3in, 50 Pack, ZincSleeve anchors for brick, block and concrete.Check price →
EZ SPARES Drill Dust Collector Attachment for 32mm 35mm 38mm Vacuums, RedDust collector for drilling masonry indoors.Check price →
PERLESMITH Tilting TV Wall Mount for 23–60 inch TVs up to 115 lbsTilting bracket: angles the screen down when it hangs high.Check price →
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