# Best TV Mounts for Brick & Concrete Walls

**Date:** 2026-09-13
**Author:** NYC TV Guy
**Category:** TV Mounting
**Read time:** 7 min read
**Canonical URL:** https://nyctvguy.com/blog/tv-mounts-for-brick-walls

> How to safely mount a TV on brick or concrete walls in NYC. Masonry anchors, drill requirements, and pro tips for exposed brick apartments.

Mounting a TV on brick or concrete is fundamentally different from drywall. You cannot use standard screws or plastic anchors. You need a hammer drill, carbide-tipped masonry bits, and concrete-rated anchors like Tapcon screws or sleeve anchors. The good news is that once properly anchored, brick and concrete are the strongest wall surfaces you can mount to.

In NYC, we see exposed brick in Brooklyn lofts, prewar Manhattan apartments, and renovated brownstones. We see poured concrete in high-rise apartment buildings and newer construction. Both are great for TV mounting, but both require specialized tools and hardware that most people do not have at home.

The most important rule is never drill into the mortar joints between bricks. Mortar is the weakest point in a brick wall and will crumble under the weight of a mounted TV. Always drill into the face of the brick itself, which is significantly harder and stronger.

## What owners on Reddit say

> "I would not trust Tapcons for that. Big big masonry anchors. Good ones. Not the ones that came with the mount. Metal ones for the win."
— one commenter, r/hometheater ([thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/hometheater/comments/1s1ufiv/sanus_tv_mount_on_old_brick_fireplace_wall/))

> "I was lucky to find out our bricks are solid so I used the concrete/masonry anchors bolts. It worked out well. Tough part was drilling the hole, because the brick we had was pretty solid. Hahaha."
— one owner, r/hometheater ([thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/hometheater/comments/1s1ufiv/sanus_tv_mount_on_old_brick_fireplace_wall/))

Both point to the same thing: the anchor matters more than the mount, and solid brick takes real drilling.

## Buying guide

Masonry anchors — Standard drywall anchors will not hold in brick or concrete. Use Tapcon concrete screws (minimum 1/4 inch diameter, 2.5 inches deep into solid brick) or concrete sleeve anchors for heavier loads. Sleeve anchors provide the most consistent holding power across different masonry types.

Hammer drill — A standard drill will not penetrate masonry. You need a hammer drill with a masonry-rated carbide-tipped bit. The hammering action breaks up the brick while the rotation clears debris. Match the bit diameter to your anchor size.

Mount selection — Any quality mount works on brick or concrete. The mount itself does not need to be special. What matters is the anchoring hardware. Many mounts include hardware for wood studs but not masonry. You will likely need to buy concrete anchors separately.

Drill depth — Mark your drill bit with tape at the correct depth before drilling. The hole should be the anchor length plus 1/4 inch of clearance. Too shallow and the anchor will not seat properly. Too deep wastes effort.

Hole cleaning — After drilling, blow compressed air into each hole or use a shop vacuum to clear masonry dust. Dust left in the hole prevents the anchor from seating fully and reduces holding power.

## NYC tips

Exposed brick in NYC apartments is often 100 or more years old. Older brick can be softer than modern brick and the mortar is often lime-based rather than cement. This means it is even more critical to drill into the brick face, not the mortar, and to use appropriately sized anchors that do not crack the brick.

Landlord approval is required in most NYC rental apartments before drilling into brick. Many leases specifically mention wall modifications. Get written permission before scheduling an installation. Holes in brick are difficult and expensive to patch compared to drywall.

Cable management on brick requires surface-mounted solutions. We do not route cables inside a brick wall, because that would mean cutting a channel, which is major construction work. We use paintable cable raceways that mount to the brick surface with masonry screws or industrial adhesive. They can be color-matched to the brick.

Co-op and condo boards may have specific rules about modifying exposed brick, especially if it is a building feature. Some boards require a restoration plan as part of the approval process. Check before you drill.

## FAQ

### Can I drill into the mortar instead of the brick?

No. Mortar is significantly weaker than brick and will crumble under the sustained weight of a mounted TV. Always drill into the center of the brick face. If a mounting hole falls on a mortar joint, adjust the mount position or use a mounting plate that allows you to shift the anchor points.

### What kind of drill do I need for brick walls?

You need a hammer drill with a carbide-tipped masonry bit. A standard drill will not penetrate brick or concrete effectively. Hammer drills combine rotation with a hammering action that breaks up the masonry material. You can rent one from most hardware stores if you do not want to buy one.

### Is it safe to mount a large TV on old NYC brick?

Yes, as long as the brick is in good condition and you use proper masonry anchors drilled into the brick face. Old brick that is crumbling, spalling, or has significant deterioration should be evaluated first. Sound brick, even 100 years old, is more than strong enough for any TV.

### How do I hide cables on a brick wall?

Surface-mounted cable raceways are the standard approach. These are plastic channels that mount to the brick and can be painted to match. Running cables inside a brick wall requires cutting a channel with a masonry saw, which is expensive and often not permitted in rental apartments.

## Get it mounted right

Brick and concrete need the right anchors and a hammer drill — hardware most people don't own. We bring all the tools needed. [Book your TV mounting](/booking).

See our [tilt mount guide](/blog/best-tilt-mounts), [full-motion mount guide](/blog/best-full-motion-mounts), [65-inch TV mount picks](/blog/best-mounts-65-inch-tvs), or [75 & 85-inch TV mount picks](/blog/best-mounts-75-85-inch-tvs). For a personalized pick, try our [equipment recommendation tool](/recommendations), or [browse TVs](/tv-sales).