I was delighted when I found Amy Devers’ new “Hands On” column in ReadyMade magazine. Watching her walk two Brooklyn residents through the process of hanging art and pictures on a tough concrete wall felt reassuring and practical.
In my loft, one of the long walls is exposed brick, and that kind of surface makes hanging frames, dry-erase boards, or even neon signs a real challenge.
If you face the same problem, Amy suggests a range of useful options for mounting items on concrete walls. Choices include 3M Command picture hooks for lighter pieces, and for heavier artwork or shelves, French cleat systems, Z-bar mounts, and nail-in masonry anchors.
Whatever hardware you choose, the essential step on concrete or brick is pre-drilling your anchor hole. Use a masonry bit and a hammer drill to make a clean hole sized to the anchor you plan to insert; this prevents cracking and ensures a secure fit.
For situations where you expect to rearrange art often, consider installing a picture rail or hanging system. These systems let you swap pictures quickly without constantly drilling new holes. For heavy items or rails that need extra support, aim to secure the anchor into a structural element behind the wall—typically a stud or solid backing—using a French cleat or Z-bar setup to distribute weight safely.
Photo courtesy of ReadyMade