How to Hang Shutters on Bricks
If you have an exposed brick wall in your home (or outside), then you know how much of a pain it is to hang something on it. You can’t use nails or command strips, so you have no choice but to leave it bare (which is still a good look) or drill. So what happens if you want to hang window shutters over your window that’s nestled among the bricks? Today, we’re going to break down masonry anchors for shutters and how to hang them — all in an easy, step-by-step process.
Before we begin, we recommend having someone help you. Shutters can be heavy and cumbersome to install on your own.
Tools you’ll need:
- A drill
- A level
- Measuring tape
- Pencil or chalk
- Hammer drill
- Hammer or mallet
- Standard and masonry bits
- Anchors
- Shims
- Your shutters
The first two steps may be optional, depending on the type of shutter you have.
Drilling into a Brick Wall — Using Masonry Anchors for Shutters
Step One
Skip this step if you are using shutters with pre-installed hinges. Go directly to step three.
The first step is to mark your pilot holes. A pilot hole is a small hole drilled into a piece of construction material. Its purpose is to guide a larger drill to the appropriate location. You will need one pilot hole in each corner of each shutter, placed wherever your hinge will be. How far away you make the holes from the edges is up to you, but make sure that they are all even using your measuring tape and level.
You can mark the pilot holes with a pencil first, set aside the hinges, then drill the holes. Use a regular drill and drill bit for this. Just like usual, match the size of the drill bit to the screws that you will be using.
Step Two
If you skipped step one, move directly to step three.
Now it is time to attach the hinges. You will need two hinges per shutter: one at the top edge and one at the bottom edge. Set the hinges against the left side edge of your shutter. Your pilot holes will guide the placement of your screws. Insert your screws and carefully drill them into place to attach the hinge. Repeat this step for the right side edge of your second shutter.
Step 3
Start here if you’re using shutters with pre-attached hinges or decorative shutters.
Place the first shutter against the wall. If you are attaching stationary shutters, start with one for now. Use a level to ensure that it is hanging straight; the air bubble should be between the 2 lines in the middle of the glass tube. We recommend taking a pencil, chalk, or tape and marking where it rests, just in case it moves.
If you are attaching your shutters with hinges, set both of them into the window frame in the closed position. Use wooden shims to keep them in place. Make sure they’re level before you move on to step four.
Step Four
Take a pencil or chalk and mark the brick through your hinge or shutter pilot holes. This will mark where you should drill. You could also use a drill to mark the surface of the brick clearly. You don't need to drill all the way into the brick wall; you just want to scuff the surface. Don’t push too hard — normal drill bits are not designed to go through bricks!
Step Five
Get your hammer drill and masonry drill bit. This might be the big thing you were looking for all along, how to make holes in a brick wall, well you do it with masonry drill and bits! A regular drill or drill bit can’t handle it.
If you are attaching your shutters or hinges with screws, you'll want to bring in some wall anchors. Match the drill bit to the wall anchor, not the screw.
You can also use shutter fasteners to hang stationary shutters. Match the size of the drill bit to the screw part of your fastener instead.
Drill the holes for the wall anchors, fasteners, or screws. Using your markings on the brick as a guide, make the holes with a hammer drill and masonry drill bit. Go slow, and hold the drill steady and straight. You don’t want your holes to be crooked. Most importantly, don’t force it. You don’t want to damage your wall or your drill.
The depth of the hole depends on the depth of the hardware you’re using. Take a look at your screws, anchors, or fasteners and do your best to make it as close and accurate as possible. If the holes are too shallow you’ll end up with problems later on.
Allow the drill to continue spinning as you pull it out of the new hole to help clear the hole.
Step Six
If you’re using stationary shutters and want a nicer finish, drill the holes deeper than you’d think. This allows the screw to go below the surface of the shutter which you can then cover over later if you’re feeling up to it. If you are going to use a shutter fastener you’ll want to make the holes deep enough for the fastener to be hammered in. When all is said and done the fasteners will have the appearance of studs.
Step Seven
If you’re using wall anchors, now’s the time to insert them. Take a hammer or mallet and tap them into place. You do not need wall anchors for shutter fasteners. You can use the wall anchors for stationary shutters with seamless screws as well.
Hanging Your Shutters on Brick Walls
This part is easy. Place the shutters against the wall and then insert the screws or fasteners. Start with the top holes first, working your way to the bottom. Do one shutter at a time, moving to the second only after the first is fully secure. If you are using shutter fasteners on stationary shutters, lightly tap the fasteners in with a hammer or mallet.
Boom you got it, you’re done! Now that the shutters are hanging you can think about adding any other accessories, painting or what have you.
Did that all seem a bit too difficult? We totally understand. That’s why you can work with professional window solutions crew like us here at Budget Blinds of Tempe and Central Phoenix! Give us a call, schedule your free consultation today and we’ll take care of everything.
