How to Hang Pictures on Concrete, Plaster, or Masonry
Don’t let walls that aren’t drywall keep you from hanging your favorite artwork. Here is how to hang a picture on concrete, plaster, or masonry with minimal damage.
Drywall is the most common way to cover walls in most homes, but depending on where you live, your walls could also be plaster, concrete, or masonry.
You can still hang your family photos and artwork. You just have to use different hardware and tools. These methods will also work for hanging artwork in your basement, garage, or outside your house.
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Tools Needed
Hardware Options
- 3M Command Strips – these will work on plaster and painted concrete or masonry. You will need to pick the ones that work for the size and weight of the picture.
- Plaster Picture Hangers—These will hold up to 30 lbs, and the nail angles downward to anchor it into the plaster.
- Concrete Wall Hooks – able to hold up to 30lbs and leave minimal damage when removed.
- Steel Concrete Picture Hangers – can be used in concrete or brick and will hold up to 30lbs.
- Masonry Screws – used for heavier items and may leave damage when removed.
How to Hang Pictures on Plaster Walls
Step 1. Determine the placement
Choose a spot for the picture and lightly mark it with a pencil.
Remember – The general rule is to have the center of the picture 57″ from the floor. If you are making a gallery wall, the center of the pattern should be 57″.
Step 2. Attach the hanger to the wall
- Add a piece of painter’s tape to the wall to help avoid chipping the plaster.
- Gently hammer the nail into the wall through the hole on the plaster picture hanger.
- Remove the painter’s tape.
Also, see How to Hang a Picture Without Nails
Step 3. Hang
Hang the picture and adjust as needed using a level.
How to Hang Pictures on Brick or Concrete
Step 1. Determine the Placement
Decide where your picture will hang and mark it lightly with a pencil.
Step 2. Attach the Hanger to the Wall
When using concrete wall hooks, tap into the wall using a hammer.
If using steel concrete picture hangers or masonry screws, use a masonry drill bit to pre-drill holes, then screw in the hanger of your choice.
Step 3. Hang
Hang the picture and adjust it as needed with a level.
Removal
Removing picture hangers from plaster, concrete, or masonry walls can be tricky and requires more care than removing nails from drywall.
- To remove plaster picture hangers, use pliers to grip the nail and gently pull it out of the wall. Remember to pull out at the angle the nail went in to avoid too much damage. Touch up the wall as needed.
- Remove concrete wall hooks by using a putty knife or other strong, thin tool to get under the hook, then gently lever it out of the wall. Touch up the wall as needed.
- For steel concrete picture hangers or masonry screws, use your drill to remove them from the wall. Patch the wall as needed.
Once you place your picture on the wall, I recommend leaving it there or replacing it with something else when you want to change things. If you can, avoid removing the picture hanger so you don’t have to patch any holes left behind.
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Anika's goal is to inspire and empower beginners with woodworking, DIY, home improvement, and home decor ideas.
She wants everyone to unlock their creative potential and experience the feeling that comes with making something. Nothing feels better better than seeing something and saying "I can make that!"
