Resources: Installing Wall Hardware on Any Surface

Installing Hardware on Drywall

Drywall is the most common substrate for installing wall hardware. To install hardware into drywall, you'll need a drill, screwdriver, and wall anchors. 

First, locate the studs using a stud finder. If you are installing directly into the stud, you should be able to install hardware directly without an anchor. If you are not able to install on the stud, you will need to determine what anchor you will need. 

Wall anchors are small plastic or metal sleeves that are inserted into the drywall and then screwed into, providing extra support. It is not recommended to hang any hooks or wall hardware without an anchor if not installed on a stud. 

In rare occasions, if the hardware you're installing is extremely lightweight and will bare light items, you may be able to get away with simply screwing the hardware into the drywall using the screwdriver. However, in most situations you'll need to use wall anchors. 

Brick Walls

Installing hardware into brick can be more challenging than drywall because the surface is harder and the bricks are more porous, meaning it's difficult to drill into and you can accidentally damage your wall surface, especially if drilling too enthusiastically. 

To install on brick you'll need a masonry bits, protective equipment such as N95 mask and goggles, and for heavy items, a hammer drill.

For light items, you can use a carbide-tipped masonry bit on your regular power drill. For heavier items, a hammer drill is required. 

Installing on brick

1. Make sure you mark the depth needed on your drill. Set the drill on low speed and hold the drill with two hands, one on the pistol grip and the other on the auxiliary handle.
   
   
2. Keeping the drill level and perpendicular to the wall begin drilling a pilot hole using a smaller drill bit. If the pilot bit starts to “walk” away from the marked location, re-start in the right location.
   
   
3. Vary the pushing force until you find the point where the bit bites into the brick. Then drill the pilot hole to the recommended depth using a steady pushing force.
   
   
4. Next, swap in the larger bit. Again, check your drill to make sure it’s level and perpendicular, then place the drill bit into the pilot hole and continue drilling to the proper depth. 
   
   
5. Use a masonry anchor or concrete screw weighted to your needs to ensure a solid install.  

Brick Screws & Anchors

Masonry Screw

Masonry Screws are made of stainless or carbon steel and designed especially for use with brick. To use a masonry screw, create a drill hole using the instruction above. Then, insert the masonry screw anchor into the hole in the brick and turned clockwise. This will tap threads into the brick and hold the screw securely.

Sleeve Anchor

The sleeve anchor is the most common male expansion type anchor for brick walls - the sleeve anchor expands over a greater surface area than other types of expansion anchor, allowing it to expand into hollow and solid sections of mortar and brick.  

Installing on Stone

Installing hardware into stone is similar to installing it into brick. You'll need a hammer drill and masonry bits to drill into the stone. Follow the steps above, taking care to go slowly to avoid cracking the tile. 

Once you've drilled your hole, use a concrete screw to secure the hardware. If the stone is thinner than the length of the screw, use a toggle screw to secure your hardware. 

Note that patching a hole in tile or stone is not always possible, and thus we recommend hiring a professional whenever possible.

Plaster Walls

Finding the Stud

With plaster walls, the nails securing the lath to the studs are hidden under a layer of plaster. Magnetic stud finders have trouble detecting these nails, and electric stud finders are generally just unreliable on plaster walls.

To find the studs, you will need to use common sense, math and trial and error.

Studs are typically located either 16″ or 24″ apart . Windows, doors, and electrical outlets all have studs next to them, and there is guaranteed to be a stud in the corner of the room. Studs are also typically 16" or 24" apart, so start at a window, door, outlet or corner closest to where you want to hang and go by 16" away from that stud. 

Drill a small hole with your thinnest, and hopefully your drill bit will go through the plaster, the lath, to the stud. If not, try moving a few inches, or try 24" intervals. Because the hole is small in diameter, paint should work to cover up any "test" holes.  

Plaster Anchors

Installing Different Weights on Plaster

Wood

Installing hardware into wood is relatively simple, and in fact using anchors can actually weaken the fastening of your hardware. 

The only time anchoring is required is if the wood is very thin, in which case a toggle screw is recommended, or if the item being hung is very heavy, in which case a metal hollow self-drilling anchor should be used. 

You can also use specifically designed wood anchors, which are more often used when an item will need to be removed and screwed in again, such as with a door hinge. 

Installing on wood studs

Use a drill and wood screws directly into the wood. Make sure to use screws that are long enough to reach past the drywall and in to the studs.

Know When to Hire a Professional

While some items are easier to hang and install then others, there is no shame in hiring a professional. 

For delicate, heavy items or heritage or artisan surfaces like brick, tile or plaster, a specialized tradesperson can let you know what is possible and ensure your item is hung seamlessly and securely.