Mount TV on brick wall - drill into brick or mortar?
#1
01-18-21, 11:58 AM
Mount TV on brick wall - drill into brick or mortar?
Hi,
I'm going to mount my 70 pound TV to the brick wall above my 1970 era fireplace. Should I attach the mounting plate to the brick or the mortar?
I'm going to mount my 70 pound TV to the brick wall above my 1970 era fireplace. Should I attach the mounting plate to the brick or the mortar?
#2
01-18-21, 12:13 PM
Group Moderator
Generally you want it in the mortar. Mortar can be repaired in the future if its ever removed... a hole in the brick, not so much. At least not an invisible repair.
#4
01-18-21, 01:25 PM
Group Moderator
If the mortar is in good condition and the bricks show no signs of cracking..... the choice is 50-50. I've installed in both with equally good results. Many times you can't line up with only the mortar.
I hear complaints of cracking mortar from using expansion hardware.
That same exact thing can happen to bricks.
Most TV brackets come with decent plastic mollies and lag bolts. Those are ok.
I do like lead shields a little better.
One thing in particular affects the mounting. A simple wall bracket that allows some tilting is one thing. A bracket that allows the TV to swing away from the wall is another issue. I, personally, would not install a swing away bracket on brick.
I hear complaints of cracking mortar from using expansion hardware.
That same exact thing can happen to bricks.
Most TV brackets come with decent plastic mollies and lag bolts. Those are ok.
I do like lead shields a little better.
One thing in particular affects the mounting. A simple wall bracket that allows some tilting is one thing. A bracket that allows the TV to swing away from the wall is another issue. I, personally, would not install a swing away bracket on brick.
Pilot Dane
voted this post useful.
#5
01-18-21, 01:57 PM
Member
If it's a fired brick you will have a hell of a time drilling holes in that, attaching to the mortar is more than sufficient!
#7
01-19-21, 06:12 AM
Thanks everyone for all the good advice. The mount just tilts, no swinging. The hardware includes 6 plastic inserts and lags. I think I'll aim for putting them in 2 horizontal rows of mortar (hopefully it all lines up just right!). Should I get lead shields instead? If so what exactly am I looking for?
It's this mount in case anyone is interested. https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_...seq=1&format=2
It's this mount in case anyone is interested. https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_...seq=1&format=2
#8
01-19-21, 06:16 AM
Group Moderator
Yeah, I'd just use the plastic inserts. Try to put the top row of holes in the center of a horizontal joint, but the bottom row might need to go in vertical joints. Mark your hole locations through the mount with a Sharpie marker.
