Brick, stone and concrete are some of the strongest walls you can mount a TV on. They’re also the walls people are most nervous about drilling, and for good reason: the wrong bit, the wrong anchor or the wrong spot can crack a brick, loosen a stone or leave a mount that slowly pulls out.
Quick answer: can you mount a TV on brick or stone?
Yes. Solid brick, natural stone, block and poured concrete all hold a TV mount very well when you use a hammer drill, masonry bits and anchors rated for the TV’s weight. Drill into the brick or stone itself rather than the mortar joints, check that stone veneer is firmly attached, and use a slim paintable cover to hide the wires.
- Sleeve anchors or concrete screws for brick and concrete
- Avoid loose veneer stones and crumbling mortar
Masonry walls at a glance
| Wall | How to tell | Anchor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid brick | Visible brick, or older double-brick homes | Sleeve anchors, concrete screws | Drill into the brick face |
| Natural stone | Irregular stones, usually around fireplaces | Masonry anchors into solid stone | Avoid loose pieces |
| Manufactured stone veneer | Uniform “stones” glued to a backer | Through veneer into framing or backer | Check it’s well bonded |
| Concrete block | Hollow blocks, common in basements | Sleeve or hollow-block anchors | Drill into the solid web if possible |
| Poured concrete | Condo walls, foundations | Concrete anchors | Watch for rebar |
Brick vs mortar: where to drill
Brick is harder and stronger than the mortar between it. Anchors set into the brick face hold far better and won’t loosen as the mortar ages. Drilling mortar is easier, and some people do it to avoid cracking brick, but on older homes the mortar can be soft and crumbly, which makes a weak anchor point.
The right technique is a hammer drill with a sharp masonry bit, starting slowly to avoid chipping the brick face, then setting an anchor rated for the load.
Stone around fireplaces
Natural stone fireplaces are common in Ancaster, Oakville and other areas. The key questions are whether each stone is solid and firmly set, and how the TV height and heat will work. Loose or hollow-sounding stones should be avoided. Manufactured stone veneer is lighter and attached to a backer, so the fixings need to reach solid material behind it.
Mounting above a fireplace also means checking the heat. Read can you mount a TV above a fireplace for the full checklist.
Concrete walls in condos and basements
Poured concrete holds anchors extremely well. Use a hammer drill and concrete anchors, and if the bit hits steel reinforcement (rebar), stop and move the hole slightly rather than forcing through. In condos, check the building’s drilling rules and never drill post-tensioned ceiling or floor slabs without approval. More in our condo concrete wall guide.
Hiding wires on masonry
Running cables inside a brick or concrete wall usually isn’t practical. The cleanest options are:
- A slim paintable raceway from the TV down to the devices, painted to match
- Routing through a mantel or behind a media console where possible
- Placing devices close to the TV on a floating shelf to keep the cable run short
See in-wall vs on-wall wire concealment for the pros and cons.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using plastic drywall anchors in brick or concrete
- Drilling with a regular drill instead of a hammer drill
- Mounting into loose stones or crumbling mortar
- Ignoring the TV’s weight with a full-motion mount
- Forgetting to plan the cables before the TV goes up
Masonry TV mounting FAQs
Is it better to drill into brick or mortar?
Into the brick. It’s stronger and holds anchors better than mortar, especially in older homes where mortar can be soft.
Will drilling crack my brick?
Not with the right technique: a hammer drill, a sharp masonry bit and starting slowly. Chips are rare and hidden behind the mount.
Can a full-motion mount go on brick?
Yes, solid brick is one of the best walls for a full-motion mount, as long as the anchors are rated for the load.
Can you hide the TV wires on a brick wall?
Usually with a slim paintable raceway, a route through the mantel or by placing devices close to the TV.
Leave the masonry to us
We mount TVs on brick, stone, block and concrete across Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster, Burlington, Toronto and the GTA. See TV wall mounting or send a photo of your wall for a free quote.
