How To Hang a Heavy Mirror on Masonry

Hanging a heavy mirror on a masonry surface like brick or stone can be intimidating, but it’s a project you can handle yourself with the right tools and techniques. Precision and careful planning will help you mount the mirror securely and keep it level.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of hanging a heavy mirror on masonry, from measuring and marking to drilling and mounting. Plus, general contractor Tom Silva explains the process and offers his expert tips in the Ask This Old House video segment above.

Tools and Materials for Hanging a Heavy Mirror on Masonry

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials for a smooth installation:

• Concrete anchors and screws
• Hammer
• Hammer drill with a masonry bit
• Level
• Pencil or carpenter’s pencil
• Scaffold or sturdy ladder
• Screwdriver
• Tape measure

Preparing for the Installation of a Heavy Mirror on Masonry

Follow these preliminary steps for a smoother installation process.

Measuring the Mirror

The first step is accurately measuring the mirror. Flip the mirror to access the back, noting these key measurements:

1. Measure the center-to-center distance between the hooks on the back of the mirror to make sure the hooks line up with the anchors on the wall.
2. Measure from the bottom of the mirror to the top of the hooks to get the right height for placing the mounting points.

Marking the Masonry Surface

With your measurements in hand, mark the spots on the wall where you’ll install the anchors:

• Decide how high you want the bottom of the mirror to be. This could be above a mantle or a certain height from the floor.
• Find the center of the wall so the mirror hangs evenly.
• Mark the positions for the mounting hooks based on your earlier measurements. Step back and double-check the marks to verify that they’re level and evenly spaced.

Drilling and Anchoring the Mirror

With the markings in place, it’s time to drill holes and install the anchors to secure the mirror to the masonry. This step helps you firmly attach the mirror to the masonry with minimal risk of falling or misalignment.

Using a Hammer Drill

Hammer drills are unparalleled for creating holes in masonry surfaces. Here’s how to use one properly:

1. Place the drill bit on the marked spot, starting as accurately as possible to reduce the chances of misaligned holes.
2. Begin by drilling very slowly. Allow the bit to create an initial indentation before accelerating. Pacing your drilling minimizes wandering, especially on uneven masonry surfaces.
3. Gradually increase the speed as the hole gets deeper.
4. Drill to a depth of about 1 1/2 inches or as specified by your anchor’s instructions.

Installing Anchors

After drilling, follow these steps to install the anchors:

1. Choose anchors that are strong enough for the weight of your mirror and masonry type.
2. Insert each anchor into its respective hole. You’re aiming for a snug fit.
3. Gently tap each anchor with a hammer until it’s flush with the wall. Be careful not to hit too hard to avoid damaging the masonry.

Mounting the Mirror on Masonry

Now that the anchors are in place, it’s time to hang the mirror. Follow these steps:

1. Insert screws into the preset anchors, leaving about 3/4 inch of the screw sticking out for the mirror to hang on.
2. Carefully lift the mirror and align the hooks with the screws. Note: If the mirror is too heavy for one person, we recommend asking for help to lift it. Otherwise, you risk damaging the mirror and your masonry.
3. Lower the mirror onto the screws, making sure it sits securely.
4. Use a level to check that the mirror is straight, and make adjustments as needed.

Safety Considerations when Hanging a Heavy Mirror on Masonry

To stay safe while hanging a heavy mirror, keep these tips in mind:

• Use proper lifting techniques to avoid straining your back.
• Make sure your scaffold or ladder is sturdy before climbing.
• Wear safety glasses when drilling to protect your eyes from dust.
• Use hearing protection when operating the hammer drill for extended periods.

Alternatives to Drilling

If drilling into the wall isn’t an option (for instance, if you’re renting), there are other ways to hang your mirror.

Adhesive Hooks

For lighter mirrors, adhesive hooks made for masonry can be a good option. Just be sure the hooks are strong enough for the weight of the mirror. Clean the surface before applying the hooks, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

Mirror Adhesive

You can use special mirror adhesive to bond the mirror directly to the masonry. Here’s how:

• Clean the surface to remove any dust or dirt. Prepping the area reduces contaminants that might weaken the bond.
• Apply the adhesive according to the instructions on the product, aiming for uniform coverage.
• Support the mirror while the adhesive sets to keep it in place until the adhesive achieves full strength.

These methods work well for smaller mirrors, but they may not be strong enough for heavier ones. For large mirrors, using anchors is usually the better choice.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Hanging a Heavy Mirror on Masonry

If you run into issues during the installation, here are some quick fixes:

• The hole is too large for the anchor: If you accidentally drill a hole too big, try a larger anchor that fits the hole. Otherwise, you can fill the hole with masonry filler, let it dry, and then drill a new hole.
• The mirror isn’t level: If the mirror isn’t level after you hang it, recheck your marks and adjust the screws as needed. Make sure the screws stick out evenly from the wall for proper balance.
• The drill bit won’t go through the masonry: If the drill bit isn’t cutting into the wall, first try increasing the drill’s power setting. Make sure to apply steady pressure and replace the bit if it’s dull or worn out.