Hanging garland on brick adds festive charm to exterior walls, fireplaces, and entryways. With the right anchors and hooks, you can secure decorations without damaging the mortar or surface.
This guide walks you through safe methods, tools, and step-by-step actions for installing garland on brick. Use these techniques to keep your display stable, weather resistant, and easy to remove.
| Method | Best For | Hold Strength | Surface Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic Hook with Masonry Screw | Light garland, short term display | Low to Medium | Minimal, clean removal |
| Fishtail Anchor + Screw-in Hooks | Medium garland, all weather | Medium to High | Small pilot holes, mortar friendly |
| Adhesive Outdoor Hooks | Temporary setups, smooth brick | Low to Medium | No holes, may weaken over time |
| Vertical Shelf Brackets | Heavy or wide installations | High | Two anchor points, more visible |
Choose the Right Hardware for Brick
Select fasteners designed for masonry to support the weight of wet or dense garland. Plastic anchors alone often fail on brick, so combine them with proper screws or expansion shields.
Stainless steel or coated screws resist rust, while fishtail anchors provide a wide hold in mortar joints. Avoid products that claim to be "glue only" if your garland carries lights or heavy ornaments.
Preparing the Brick Surface
Clean a smooth area of brick with soap and water, then dry thoroughly. Remove loose debris from mortar joints using a soft brush so anchors seat firmly.
Mark a level line or trace the back outline of each hook to ensure even spacing. If you are using adhesive hooks, choose a spot that stays dry and shaded to maximize bond strength.
Drilling and Installing Anchors
Use a hammer drill with a masonry bit slightly smaller than the anchor diameter. Drill straight into the mortar joint, not the brick face, for the strongest grip.
Vacuum dust from the hole, insert the anchor, and drive the screw until the head is flush. Hook the screw loop or eye onto your garland mount, then test by hand before adding decorations.
Securing the Garland
Loop wire or zip ties through the garland stems and around the installed hooks, leaving slight tension so the foliage hangs neatly. Conceal fasteners with extra pine branches or decorative picks for a polished look.
For long runs, add intermediate supports every 1 to 1.5 meters to prevent sagging. When using lights, route cords downward in a drip loop to keep water from traveling along the wiring.
Key Takeaways for Garland on Brick
- Always use masonry-specific anchors, not standard plastic wall plugs.
- Install into mortar joints whenever possible to protect the brick.
- Match anchor strength to the weight of your garland and accessories.
- Check fasteners periodically and re-tighten if they loosen after weather changes.
- Remove hardware promptly at the end of the season to prevent staining or mortar staining.
FAQ
Reader questions
Will drilling into brick damage my wall?
Drilling into mortar joints rather than the brick body reduces the risk, and using proper anchors and sealing exposed holes when you remove the garland keeps damage minimal.
What anchors hold the best on brick?
Fishtail masonry anchors with corrosion-resistant screws provide the strongest hold for medium to heavy garland, especially in mortar joints.
Can I use removable adhesive hooks on brick?
Yes, on clean, dry, and non-porous brick, outdoor-rated adhesive hooks work for light garland and temporary events, but they are less reliable in heat or humidity. Untie or cut the fasteners carefully, lift the garland straight up, and clean any residue with a mild soap solution to preserve the appearance of the brick.