How to Hang Pictures & Artwork on a Concrete Wall

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Learn to hang stuff on your cement wall with or without drilling holes

Co-authored by Jason Phillip and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: September 11, 2024 Fact Checked

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Applying Adhesive Hooks

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Using Hardwall Hangers

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Installing Masonry Anchors

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Video

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Expert Q&A

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Warnings

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Things You'll Need

Decorating cement walls can be tricky if you don’t have the right hardware. Luckily, there are some great options that are inexpensive and readily available. We’ll go over how to securely hang artwork, photos, and more on your concrete walls, with or without a drill. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

Ways to Hang Art, Photos, & Posters on Concrete Walls

Choose adhesive hooks for lightweight items up to 8 pounds (3.6 kg), hardwall hangers for objects weighing up to 25 pounds (11 kg), and masonry anchors for your heaviest decorations exceeding 25 pounds (11 kg).

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Applying Adhesive Hooks

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1
Choose adhesive hooks for objects up to 8 pounds (3.6 kg). These hooks have adhesive backings that stick to walls, so you won't have to drill a hole. This is definitely a plus for concrete walls, since they can be pretty difficult to drill into. Just make sure to weigh the object first, so you can pick a hook that will properly support it! ^{[1]
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- Adhesive wall hooks come in various sizes, and the packaging should specify how many pounds each will hold. The largest of these hooks hold 8 pounds (3.6 kg), and the smallest are rated for only 1 pound (0.45 kg) of weight.
- As a result, this option tends to work best for lightweight items, such as smaller framed photographs, posters, or art prints.
2
Clean the wall with rubbing alcohol for a better hold. Use a clean rag or paper towel and some rubbing alcohol to scrub the area of any debris. This will ensure that the adhesive will stick firmly to the wall. ^{[2]
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- If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, you can use some warm soapy water instead. Just be sure to wipe the spot dry after cleaning.
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3
Make a small pencil mark where you want the center of your hook to be. If the item you’ll be hanging has a wire on the back, be sure to consider the length of the slack. Test this by pulling the center of the wire tight toward the top of your object.
- If you are using 2 hooks for an object that has two hangers on the back, make sure to measure the distance between the two hangers and make your marks on the wall accordingly.
- If you are using 2 hooks for a single wire hanger that runs across the entire back of a frame, measure the width of the object you are hanging and divide that number by 3. Your marks on the wall should be that distance apart.
If your hook’s adhesive strip is not already attached to it, carefully place it onto the hook. To do this, peel the liner off one side of the strip, line it up to the back of the hook, and press it down.
Line the hook up straight, and press it firmly onto the wall where you want to hang your object. Hold the hook there for at least 30 seconds, then release it.
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Allow the adhesive to dry for 30-60 minutes before hanging your object. Once the adhesive has dried, you should be all set to place your item on the hook!
- If the item pulls the adhesive hook off the wall even after you’ve waited, check to make sure you’re using a hook that is appropriate for the weight of your item.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Hardwall Hangers

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1
Choose hardwall hangers for items that weigh up to 25 pounds (11 kg). Hardwall hangers are made specifically for cement and brick walls, and they can handle a lot more weight than adhesive hooks. Each hanger comes with four sturdy pins that will anchor the base of the hook to the wall.
- You can also use 2 hardwall hangers to hang one heavier object if you want extra support.
- You will need a hammer to install hardwall hangers.
2
Mark the spot on the wall where you want the hanger to be placed. If the item you are hanging has a wire-hanger in the back, be sure to consider the slack when determining where you want it to hang.
- If you are using 2 hardwall hangers, measure the distance between the two hooks on the back of your object to determine where to place the marks.
- If your object has a single wire running along the back of it, measure the width of the object and divide that number by 3. Your two marks on the wall should be this distance apart.
Line the middle of the base up with the mark you’ve made. Hold the hanger still with one hand and tap all four pins in halfway with the hammer. Release your hold on the hanger and check that the hook is in the correct position. Finish by hammering the pins flush to the hook.
Stand back to make sure the item is hung straight, make any needed adjustments, and enjoy!

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Installing Masonry Anchors

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1
Choose masonry anchors to hang objects over 25 pounds (11 kg). Masonry anchors , also called concrete screws, are generally plastic and come with the screws that you insert into them. To install them, you will need a drill and a masonry bit the same size as the anchors. ^{[3]
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- You can purchase masonry kits that include anchors, screws, and the correct size masonry bit.
- For added support, you can also use two masonry anchors to hang 1 item.
- Since this method can hold the most weight, it works well for heavier pieces of artwork or very large framed photographs.
2
Use a hammer drill for the best results. A standard electric drill will work with a masonry bit, but it will be slow-going, and there is the chance you will create a hole much larger than you want. If you don’t have a hammer drill , consider renting or borrowing one for the best results. ^{[4]
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Expert Source

Jason Phillip
Handyman

Expert Interview. 2 July 2020.}
- You can rent a hammer drill at your local hardware store or a tool rental shop.
3
Drill a hole to accommodate the anchor. Measure carefully and mark the spot for your anchor, then place the bit on the spot you’ve chosen. Make sure your grasp is firm, and check to see that the bit, the drill shaft, and your arm are all parallel to the floor. As you drill, press firmly into the wall and maintain your position. ^{[5]
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Expert Source

Jason Phillip
Handyman

Expert Interview. 2 July 2020.}
- Use a slower speed when drilling into cement walls for the best results.
The fit should be snug, but not so tight that you have to hammer hard. If you find that the hole is too small, re-drill using a slightly larger bit.
Use a screwdriver or the screw bit on your drill to tighten it down. Stop just before the screw is flush, so there is space to accommodate the wire or hanging hardware.
And that’s it! You can sit back and enjoy your newly decorated cement wall. ^{[6]
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Expert Source

Jason Phillip
Handyman

Expert Interview. 2 July 2020.}

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can you hang something on a cement wall?

Jason Phillip
Handyman
Jason Phillip is a handyman and owner of Iconic Interior Installations based in New York City, New York. With over five years of experience professionally mounting and installing objects through his company, Jason's work includes mounting window AC units, designing art gallery walls, installing kitchen cabinets, and replacing light fixtures on drywall, brick, and plaster. He has been rated a "Top Pro" every year since 2016 by Thumbtack for being one of the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

Jason Phillip

Handyman

Expert Answer

The easiest way to do it is to use a hammer drill to drill a hole for the anchor. Put the anchor in, then put the screw into the anchor hole.

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Warnings

Protect your eyes when you are drilling. Consider wearing goggles or safety glasses.

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Use a stud finder with a wire tracer setting to make sure you are not drilling near any live electrical wires.

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Make sure to read and follow the operating instructions provided with your drill before using it.

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