9 Easy Ways to Hang Garland on Brick * flexco.com

Want to deck the halls with garland but have brick walls? Don’t despair! Hanging garland on brick is easier than you think. With a few simple tricks, you can have your garland up in no time, and it will stay put all season long. Read on for our step-by-step guide on how to hang garland on brick, without damaging the walls.

The first step is to gather your supplies. You will need garland, a ladder, nails, a hammer, and a level. If you are hanging the garland outdoors, you may also want to use weather-resistant nails or screws. Once you have your supplies, you are ready to begin! Start by measuring the length of the garland. Then, mark the spot on the brick wall where you want to hang it. Use a level to make sure that the spot is level. Next, drive a nail into the wall at the spot you marked. Be sure to hammer the nail in far enough so that it is secure.

Choosing the Right Garland

When selecting garland for a brick wall, consider the following factors:

Material:

Natural materials: such as pine, holly, or pinecones, can provide a rustic and organic look.

Artificial materials: such as plastic, metal, or fabric, offer durability and a wider range of colors and styles.

Length:

Measure the desired area: to determine the required garland length, including any overhang or draping.

Consider the density: if you want a fuller look, opt for a garland with more branches or lights.

Weight:

Lightweight garlands: made of paper, fabric, or tinsel, are easy to hang and suitable for delicate surfaces.

Heavy garlands: such as those adorned with ornaments or lights, require stronger support and may need additional hardware.

Style:

Traditional: evergreen garlands with red bows or lights, perfect for Christmas décor.

Modern: garlands with geometric shapes, metallic accents, or unexpected colors, ideal for contemporary spaces.

Rustic: burlap or jute garlands, adorned with natural elements like pinecones or cinnamon sticks, create a cozy and autumnal atmosphere.

Gathering Necessary Tools

Decorating a brick wall with garland can add a festive touch to any occasion. To ensure a secure and visually appealing display, gathering the appropriate tools is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:

Essential Tools:

Item	Purpose
Garland	The decorative string or chain you intend to hang.
Tape Measure	For accurately measuring distances and determining the garland’s placement.
Pencil or Chalk	For marking the garland’s position on the wall.
Level	To ensure the garland is hung evenly.
Hammer or Nail Gun	For affixing nails or hooks to the wall.
Nails or Hooks	For securing the garland to the wall.
Safety Glasses	To protect your eyes while using tools.

Optional Tools:

Brick Drill: For creating pilot holes in brick.
Stud Finder: To locate studs within the wall for optimal nail placement.
Wire Snips: For trimming excess garland or wires.

Preparing the Brick Surface

Cleaning the Bricks

The first step is to clean the bricks to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that could interfere with the adhesion of the garland adhesive. Use a stiff brush or a pressure washer to remove any loose particles. Rinse the bricks thoroughly with water and allow them to dry completely.

Repairing Damaged or Loose Bricks

Inspect the brick surface for any damaged or loose bricks. These bricks may need to be repaired or replaced to ensure a secure hold for the garland. Use a masonry adhesive to repair cracks or loose bricks. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and applying the adhesive.

Testing the Surface Adhesion

Before applying the garland adhesive, test a small area of the brick surface to ensure proper adhesion. Apply a small amount of adhesive to the bricks and press a piece of tape or a section of the garland to the adhesive. Allow the adhesive to dry completely and then pull on the tape or garland to test the strength of the bond. If the bond is weak, adjust the adhesive or clean the surface further to improve adhesion.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips for preparing the brick surface:

Tip	Reason
Use a masonry cleaner specifically designed for brick	To ensure proper cleaning without damaging the bricks
Allow the bricks to dry completely before applying the garland	To prevent moisture from interfering with the adhesive
Test the adhesive on a small, inconspicuous area first	To ensure compatibility and adhesion

Selecting Wall Anchors

Selecting appropriate wall anchors is essential for securely hanging garland on brick surfaces. Here are a few types of anchors to consider:

Anchor Type	Description
Masonry Nails	Small nails designed specifically for brick and mortar joints. They can be hammered directly into the brick or through a hole drilled with a masonry bit.
Toggle Bolts	Anchors that consist of a bolt and a butterfly-shaped wing. The bolt is inserted through a hole in the brick, and the wings open behind the brick, creating a secure hold.
Screw-In Anchors	Expanding anchors that are screwed into the brick. As you tighten the screw, the anchor expands, creating a strong grip.
Plastic Wall Plugs	Hollow cylindrical anchors that are inserted into a hole drilled in the brick. They create a friction fit, preventing the screw from pulling through the brick.

The best choice of anchor will depend on the weight and size of the garland, as well as the condition of the brick surface. For lightweight garlands, masonry nails or plastic wall plugs may suffice. For heavier garlands, toggle bolts or screw-in anchors will provide more secure support.

When selecting wall anchors, consider the following factors:

The material and thickness of the brick
The weight of the garland
The location and condition of the brick surface
The type of hanger to be used with the anchor

Determining Garland Placement

1. Measure the Area:

Use a tape measure to determine the length of the wall or surface where you want to hang the garland. This will give you an estimate of the amount of garland you need.

2. Mark the Garland Length:

Measure and mark the length of the garland on the floor or a table. Leave some extra length for tying or adjusting.

3. Visualize the Placement:

Step back and visualize how the garland will look on the brick. Consider the focal point of the area and the overall aesthetics.

4. Mark the Placement Points:

Using a pencil or chalk, lightly mark the starting and ending points of the garland on the brick. This will serve as a guide for hanging.

5. Laying Out the Garland:

Straight Line: Hang the garland directly across the wall, ensuring it is level and evenly distributed.
Scalloped Effect: Create a scalloped pattern by looping the garland over a series of nails or hooks. Hang the nails or hooks in an alternating pattern, with each loop falling higher or lower than the previous one.
Draped and Gathered: For a more relaxed and organic look, drape the garland loosely over the brick. Gather it in sections to create small bunches or knots, giving it a whimsical appearance.
Asymmetrical Pattern: Vary the length of the garland strands and hang them at different heights to create an asymmetrical pattern. This adds interest and drama to the display.

Installing Wall Anchors

Wall anchors are the key to securely hanging garland on brick without damaging the surface. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing them:

Materials You’ll Need:

Wall anchors
Hammer or drill
Screwdriver

Steps:

Mark Anchor Locations: Determine where you want to hang your garland and mark the locations of the anchors with a pencil.
Drill Pilot Holes (Optional): For easier insertion, pre-drill small pilot holes where you marked the anchor locations. This is especially helpful for harder bricks.
Insert Wall Anchors: Align the wall anchor with the hole and tap it in with a hammer until it’s flush with the surface.
Tighten Screws: Insert screws into the anchors and tighten them using a screwdriver. Don’t overtighten, as this can damage the anchors.
Test Anchors: Gently pull on the anchors to ensure they are securely in place.
Additional Tips:

Choose anchors designed for use in brick.
Use anchors that are slightly larger than the screws you’ll be using.
If you’re hanging heavy objects, use multiple anchors for added support.
Refer to the table below for recommended anchor sizes and corresponding screw sizes.

Anchor Sizes and Corresponding Screw Sizes
Anchor Size (mm)	Screw Size (mm)
6	2.5 – 3.5
8	3.5 – 4.5
10	4.5 – 5.5
12	5.5 – 6.5

Hanging the Garland Wire

Depending on the size of your garland, you may need to hang it in multiple sections. To do this, start by measuring the length of the wall where you want to hang the garland. Then, cut the garland wire to the appropriate length. If you are using a garland with lights, be sure to cut the wire so that the lights are evenly spaced.

Once you have cut the wire, you will need to attach it to the wall. There are a few different ways to do this:

Nails: You can use small nails to attach the wire to the wall. Be sure to hammer the nails in at an angle so that they don’t come loose.
Thumbtacks: Thumbtacks are another option for attaching the wire to the wall. They are not as strong as nails, but they are easier to remove.
Command hooks: Command hooks are a great option for attaching the wire to the wall without damaging the paint or wallpaper. They are removable and reusable, so you can use them again and again.
Adhesive tape: You can use adhesive tape to attach the wire to the wall. However, be sure to use a type of tape that is strong enough to hold the weight of the garland.
Staples: You can use a staple gun to attach the wire to the wall. This is a quick and easy way to hang the garland but make sure the surface can handle being stapled.
Upholstery tacks: Upholstery tacks are small, decorative tacks that can be used to attach the wire to the wall. They are a good option if you want to add a touch of style to your garland display
Magnetic tape: If you have a metal wall, you can use magnetic tape to attach the wire to the wall. This is a great option if you want to be able to easily remove and reposition the garland.

Once you have attached the wire to the wall, you can hang the garland. Be sure to space the garland evenly across the wire.

Securing the Garland

1. Hooks and Nails

Drive small, decorative hooks or nails directly into the mortar between the bricks. Space them evenly along the desired garland placement. For heavier garlands, use larger hooks or nails and insert them further into the mortar.

2. Command Strips

Apply weather-resistant Command Strips to the backs of the garland and press firmly against the brick surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal adhesion.

3. Adhesive Caulking

Apply a thin bead of clear or brick-colored adhesive caulking along the back of the garland and press firmly onto the brick surface. Allow the caulking to dry completely before hanging the garland.

4. Brick Clips

Attach brick clips to the garland at regular intervals. These clips have a special design that allows them to securely hook onto the brick edges.

5. Gutter Hooks

If there are gutters above the brick surface, install gutter hooks on the lip of the gutter. Place the garland over the hooks and secure it in place.

6. Wire or Rope

Thread wire or rope through the loops or ends of the garland. Then, use brick hooks, nails, or screws to create anchor points on the brick surface. Tie the garland to these points using wire or rope.

7. Zip Ties

Loop zip ties around the brick joints or through holes drilled into the mortar. Then, attach the garland to the zip ties using wire, string, or zip ties themselves.

8. Custom Brackets or Mounting Systems

For particularly heavy or long garlands, consider installing custom brackets or mounting systems that are designed specifically for brick surfaces. These systems typically provide a more secure and long-lasting solution.

Materials You’ll Need

To hang garland on brick, you’ll need the following materials:

Garland
Nails
Hammer
Level
Measuring tape
Pencil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to hang garland on brick:

Determine the placement

Use a measuring tape and level to determine where you want to hang the garland. Mark the desired placement with a pencil.

Insert nails

Hammer nails into the brick at the marked locations. Make sure the nails are long enough to securely hold the garland.

Hang the garland

Drape the garland over the nails. Starting from one side, work your way around, ensuring the garland is evenly distributed and taut.

Tighten and adjust the tension

Once the garland is in place, it’s essential to adjust the tension to prevent it from sagging. Here’s how:

a. Use a pliers to gently tighten the nails, drawing the garland up.
b. If the tension is uneven, adjust individual nails as needed to balance the load.
c. Check the garland regularly to make sure it remains taut and secure.

Add additional support

If necessary, add small pieces of clear tape or wire to the underside of the garland for additional support. This will help prevent the garland from falling off in case the nails loosen.

Tightening and Adjusting

Properly tightening and adjusting the garland is crucial for a secure and visually appealing display. Here are some additional tips:

Use a level

Use a level to ensure that the garland is hanging straight. A slight slope can cause the garland to sag over time.

Avoid overtightening

While it’s important to make the garland taut, avoid overtightening the nails, as this can damage the brick or cause the nails to bend.

Test the tension

Once the garland is in place, gently tug on it to test the tension. It should be taut but not so tight that it’s pulling on the brick or nails.

Finishing Touches

Once the garland is hung, here are some final touches to enhance its appearance:

Lighting

Adding lights to the garland can create a festive ambiance. Use battery-operated string lights or plug-in lights. If using plug-in lights, ensure they are rated for outdoor use.

Decorations

Embellish the garland with additional decorations such as ornaments, bows, or ribbons. Experiment with different colors and textures to create a unique look.

Greenery

Incorporate fresh or artificial greenery into the garland. This can add a natural element and enhance the overall aesthetic.

Height Adjustment

Adjust the height of the garland as needed to create a balanced and visually appealing display.

Layering

Layer different garlands together for added visual interest. Use garlands of different lengths, widths, and colors to create a dynamic effect.

Secure Loose Ends

Trim any excess wire or string from the garland to prevent fraying or snagging. Secure any loose ends with twist ties or tape.

Check Connections

Periodically check the connections between the garland and the power source to ensure they are secure and functioning properly.

Weather Resistance

If the garland is exposed to outdoor elements, ensure it is weather-resistant or treated with a protective coating to prevent fading or damage.

Storage

When not in use, store the garland in a dry and cool place to prevent damage from moisture or extreme temperatures.

Table: Troubleshooting Tips for Garland Hanging on Brick

Problem	Solution
Garland falls off	Use stronger hooks or anchors, or try a different hanging method.
Garland is uneven	Adjust the hooks or anchors to level the garland.
Garland is too tight or loose	Reposition the hooks or adjust the tension wire.
Garland is damaged	Replace damaged sections or consider buying a new garland.

How to Hang Garland to Brick

Hanging garland to brick can be a tricky task, but it is definitely possible with the right tools and techniques. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

1. Use a strong adhesive. The best type of adhesive to use for hanging garland to brick is a construction adhesive. This type of adhesive is strong and will hold the garland in place even in windy conditions.

2. Apply the adhesive to the back of the garland. Once you have chosen an adhesive, apply it to the back of the garland in a thin, even layer. Be sure to apply the adhesive to the entire back of the garland, so that it will stick to the brick evenly.

3. Press the garland to the brick. Once you have applied the adhesive, press the garland to the brick. Hold it in place for a few seconds, so that the adhesive can set.

4. Repeat the process. If you are hanging a long garland, you may need to repeat the process several times. Simply apply more adhesive to the back of the garland and press it to the brick.

5. Allow the adhesive to dry. Once you have hung the garland, allow the adhesive to dry completely. This will help to ensure that the garland stays in place.