Have you considered mounting your TV to a brick wall in your home? While this is certainly possible, it does require some extra preparations and a few extra tools to get it right. So how do you go about mounting the TV?
First, finalize the placement of your TV. Mark the holes precisely with the bracket and start drilling using masonry drill bits. Hole sizes should match the length of the screws. Fix the brackets with washers and screws. Add the bracket to your TV and hang its hook on the wall bracket.
If that sounds too intimidating, you can also use non-drilling options to mount your TV, such as adhesives or rails. Let's look at how to mount a TV to a brick wall with and without a drill.
Can You Mount a TV to a Brick Wall?
May may be thinking about putting your TV outside, and if it's possible to mount a TV to a brick wall. Though it is possible, it's a slightly different process from mounting on a regular wall. The job requires some extra drilling. Also, you must make holes in the brick and not the mortar, which can be a flimsy option.
The good news is that most of the setup process is the same as the process for mounting on drywall. With some caution and patience, you can easily secure the mount of your TV to a brick wall.
What Do I Need to Mount a TV to a Brick Wall?
Mounting a TV to a brick wall is a little more challenging than installing your device onto drywall. Therefore, you might need some extra things to make sure the bracket is strongly fixed.
TV Bracket
When mounting your TV to a wall, you actually install a TV bracket (on Amazon) first. This holds the weight of your TV, so it must be installed securely.
Please note these brackets are available in different sizes, depending on your TV panel. Therefore, you must pick the one that supports your TV’s particular frame size.
Also, you can choose between diverse designs. Some are fixed, while others, such as the Mounting Dream Wall Mount (on Amazon), can help rotate your unit’s screen at different angles.
A Drill Machine
Most drills are fine for this job. However, a cordless drill will make things much easier, especially if it's one with a hammer function, the one with a hammer function, like the DEWALT 20V Max (on Amazon). This is because you will be required to switch to the hammer function when finishing the holes.
It's important not to overdo the holes. These must be precise and drilled as long as needed. Hence, you might like to conclude the job using a hammer and not a power drill.
Note: Be wary of the impact driver. These are fast and can end up over-tightening the screws.
Masonry Drill Bits
You can't miss this must-have tool when drilling on brick walls. These feature chisel-like tips along with wings on the sides to ease the drilling process when working with hard surfaces such as brick, concrete, etc.
Usually, most of the fastener kits included with the power drill have masonry drill bits, so you won’t have to purchase them separately.
Anchors Screws
If your TV seems heavier than most, hanging the brackets using concrete screws is a much safer option than with plastic anchors. Typically, a TV weighing over 75 pounds will require anchor screws.
Although plastic wall anchors can hold lighter TVs, it's better to use anchors on a brick wall.
Further, to secure your screws, you should use a drill bit (on Amazon).
Washers
These come into play when you find the slots on the mounting hardware to be a bit larger than the head of the screw. Make sure to choose the right size washers. Otherwise, they won’t do the job as planned.
Measurement Tape
No one likes to make mistakes when drilling and having to redo the holes. This is time-consuming and ends up covering the wall with unwanted holes. You must keep a good measuring tape (on Amazon) handy.
Finalizing your placement will become much simpler this way.
Hammer
A good hammer (on Amazon) is a very basic tool every household has. Use it to push the anchors farther into the bricks for a stronger hold. Alternatively, you can also use a rubber mallet (on Amazon).
A Marker
It is easy to mark on a painted wall since most of the marking tools work fine on drywalls. Sadly, that is not true for brick walls. Therefore, you must use a permanent marker to set the drill sites.
Other Gear
Apart from the basic tools, it's recommended to get some other gear as well, such as small shop vac (on Amazon) to hold the excess dust resulting from drilling brick walls. Safety glasses (on Amazon) with a dust mask to protect your eyes and lungs from the dust are also key.
In the end, you can also use a level (on Amazon) to make sure that the bracket is aligned perfectly to the wall edges.
Mounting a TV to Your Brick Wall: Step-by-Step Guide
With just a little extra drilling, the process remains almost the same for mounting a TV on a brick wall as it is for the drywall.
Follow the step-by-step guide to install your TV unit onto a brick wall:
Step 1: Finalize the Location and Placement
You don’t want to have to keep moving your TV once it's been mounted. So, why not finalize the location and placement beforehand? You must consider a few things when choosing the location:
- The chosen location must have an electric socket close by, or you may have to get a wire extension. While this isn’t a problem, it might not be the look you're going for.
- Usually, the center of the wall looks ideal for hanging your TV. However, if you have an unusual setup, you might want to ditch that idea and consider other positions.
- Determining the height of the TV from the floor is a crucial part of perfecting the TV installation. When sitting on the couch, you should feel comfortable watching videos. That said, consider the distance of your sitting arrangements from the wall to calculate the TV’s height from the floor.
- You can perfect the alignment with the help of the level.
- Mark the holes carefully. To do so, place the bracket on the wall and use the marker to fix where you will be drilling holes.
- Try to mount on bricks and not mortar. Although it might seem strong enough, the holes in the mortar become flimsy with time. This may lead to accidents such as brackets falling off the wall.
Step 2: Make Sure Safety Precautions Are in Place
Wear your mask and dust glasses before you start drilling. This will protect you from dust and keep your lungs and eyes safe.
Step 3: Complete the Drilling
As explained before, drilling is a bit different when it’s the brick wall instead of the drywall.
Now that you have already marked the places where you want to make holes, all you need for this step is the drilling tools.
Just remember, unlike mortar, bricks are pretty tough to drill into. Hence, always double-check the hole position and alignments using the level. For any change, just change the marking and check again.
When drilling, you will need special masonry drill bits. Make sure to use the hammer drill to prepare holes in marked positions. Also, never forget to keep the hole lengths just as long as the screws.
Step 4: Fix the Bracket on the Wall
Place the bracket on the brick wall, aligned with the drilled holes. Use washers to ensure that the screws are tightly fixed on the bracket. Tighten one screw at a time and follow others one by one.
Step 5: Connect Remaining Bracket Set to the TV
Some parts of the bracket will connect to the TV. All the screws and washers needed to complete the job are usually packed with the bracket.
Use the same tools to fix the bracket to the TV. However, never tighten the screws too much. Doing so can damage your device.
Step 6: Mount Your TV
This is the final step, and you might need some help if the unit is too big. While you hold the TV to hang it on the fixed bracket on the wall, you also need to connect the wires that go behind the unit.
For this reason, asking for help is a wise decision. Make your connection to the back of the TV and hang it on the bracket on the wall.
Once setup is completed, verify if the alignment of the TV hook on the edge of the wall’s bracket is secure before letting go of your device.
No-Drilling Alternatives
Sometimes drilling does not seem like a feasible option on a brick wall. Also, there are times when individuals don't want to destroy their walls with holes.
Thankfully, there is a way out for people looking for no-drilling alternatives for mounting their TVs.
TV Stands With Mounts
The simplest way to ditch making holes on the brick wall is to get a TV stand with mounts (on Amazon). This way, instead of fixing brackets on the walls, you can just mount your TV on the stand.
Most of these stands feature extra shelves to adjust devices that you want to connect with your TVs, such as an AV system or an Xbox.
Adhesives
This might not seem like a safe option. However, very strong adhesives (on Amazon) can help you avoid drilling. At the same time, you must consult someone experienced about how well the adhesive will carry your unit’s load.
Remember, this option is a lot riskier if the brick wall is not even. That said, you must consider all the pros and cons of strong adhesives before making a decision.
Rails
Often used for picture hanging, rails can also be a suitable option for hanging your TV without drilling. However, you will require adhesives to stick the rails on the wall. And as it’s the case with the adhesive option, a rail isn’t the safest choice.
Brick Clamps
Depending on the weight of your TV, you will require a certain number of brick clamps (on Amazon) to secure your TV on the brick wall. Make sure to purchase these after measuring the mortar’s depth so that they cling to the brick edges tightly.
Tips for Keeping Your TV Outdoors
If you're getting a new TV for your living room, how about installing the old one outside? The good news is that it is possible to mount your TV outside. But at the same time, you need to take extra care to keep the TV safe.
Here are the tips that will help you secure your TV’s installation outside.
Frame Inside the Enclosure
When putting your TV outside, where it won't be visible at all times, consider using an enclosure. IP-rated enclosures protect your unit from dirt, heat, water, and even thieves.
In addition to covering the TV, make sure to cover your AV accessories inside the enclosure for protection against harsh weather conditions.
This way, you can sleep easily, even with your device out in the elements.
Never Forget the Shades
Your TV isn't waterproof. Always find some sort of shelter for your outdoor TV.
Keep in mind that rain doesn't always fall straight down, and winds can push rain in all directions.
Connect the TV to an IP-Rated PowerPoint
Usually, when installing sockets outside, electricians make use of IP-rated PowerPoints for safety against the weather. If yours isn’t the same, get one installed first.
Make sure the one you get has a cover with room to insert the cord into the socket.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can affect your screen clarity. The brighter the sunlight, the more difficult it is to achieve optimal viewing. If you can't avoid the sun, try a high-brightness panel instead.
Alternatively, install your TV’s back facing the sun towards the south. Setting the unit in the opposite direction would expose the LCD panel to direct sunlight, making it hard to watch TV.
Use a CAT Cable Over HDMI
HDMI cables can only carry signals short distances. Hence, if you are looking to connect your TV to other devices placed around the house, HDMI just won’t cut it.
That's when you can use CAT5 or 6 cables instead of an HDMI cable. These can run long distances without destroying the signal quality. However, you will need an HDMI to CAT converter to make the signals compatible.
