How to Hang Anything on a Wall: 4 Best DIY Methods for Every Surface
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Hanging things on the wall seems easy… until you do it wrong. So let’s talk about how to hang anything on the wall without ruining them.
Maybe you’ve tried before—only to end up with crooked shelves, drywall anchors that won’t hold, or giant holes in the wall. It’s frustrating, and I get it. But once you know the right method, hanging anything on a wall—whether it’s a picture frame, a TV mount, or heavy-duty shelves—becomes simple and stress-free.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to hang items securely on drywall, plaster, brick, and tile—without causing unnecessary damage. Whether you’re a beginner or a DIY pro, mastering the right techniques will save you time, frustration, and costly wall repairs.
Understanding Your Wall Type
To know how to hang anything appropriately, it’s important to identify your wall type. This will determine which tools, anchors, and screws you need for a secure hold.
Drywall – Common in most homes; soft and easy to puncture. Needs anchors for anything heavier than a small frame.
Plaster – Found in older homes; harder and more brittle than drywall. Pre-drilling is essential to prevent cracking.
Brick & Concrete – Very strong but requires masonry anchors and a power drill for installation.
Tile – Slippery surface that needs special drill bits to avoid cracking when hanging items.
The Biggest Mistake Most Guys Make
Just hammering a nail into drywall and hoping for the best is not how to hang anything properly.
This might work for lightweight frames, but anything heavier will eventually fall—leaving behind holes and damage. Instead, follow this weight-based hanging guide to choose the right hardware.
For Lightweight Items (Under 10 lbs)
- Use picture-hanging hooks or adhesive strips (like Command Strips) for frames, clocks, and small decorations.
- Works best on smooth, clean surfaces like painted drywall.
For Medium-Weight Items (10-50 lbs)
- Use drywall anchors to secure shelves, mirrors, and larger wall art.
- Best options:
- Plastic expansion anchors (for light loads).
- Self-drilling anchors (for faster installation).
- Toggle bolts (for extra support).
For Heavy Items (50+ lbs)
- Always find a stud for mounting heavy shelves and TVs.
- No stud? Use heavy-duty toggle bolts for maximum holding strength.
How to Find a Wall Stud Without a Stud Finder
Wall studs provide the strongest anchor point for mounting heavy items. If you don’t have a stud finder, try these tricks.
Knock Test – Tap on the wall; hollow means no stud, solid means stud.
Check Electrical Outlets – Outlets are always mounted to a stud. Measure 16 inches left or right to find the next one.
Use a Small Test Nail – Lightly hammer a thin nail to confirm if you’ve hit a stud before drilling a big hole.
If you hang heavy items often, consider investing in a stud finder—it’ll save you a lot of guesswork.
How to Hang Anything on Drywall
Lightweight Items (Frames, Small Décor, Clocks)
- Use adhesive strips or small picture hooks.
- Always check weight limits before hanging.
Medium-Weight Items (Shelves, Mirrors, Large Frames)
- Use plastic or metal drywall anchors for support.
- Drill a pilot hole first to prevent wall damage.
Heavy Items (TVs, Large Mirrors, Heavy Shelves)
- Find a stud and use lag screws for maximum strength.
- If no studs are available, toggle bolts are the best alternative.
Hanging on Brick, Concrete, or Tile
Drywall is easy, but what about brick, concrete, or tile?
For Brick & Concrete
- Use masonry anchors and a hammer drill with a masonry bit.
- Avoid drilling into mortar—it’s weaker than brick.
For Tile
- Use diamond-tipped drill bits to prevent cracks.
- Apply masking tape over the spot before drilling to avoid slipping.
- Use plastic anchors or toggle bolts depending on weight.
How to Hang Items Without Damaging Walls
If you’re renting or want to avoid holes, here’s how to hang anything without damaging the walls.
Command Strips & Adhesive Hooks – Ideal for lightweight frames, small decorations, and utensil holders.
Hook-and-Loop Tape (Velcro) – Great for light items that need frequent adjustments, like remote controls.
Leaning Larger Items – Mirrors or framed art can be leaned against walls on dressers or shelves for a stylish look without damage.
How to Fix Small Holes in Your Wall
If you’ve already made some mistakes, here’s how to repair wall damage quickly. I go deeper in this guide to simple DIY repairs.
Small Holes (Nail or Anchor Holes)
- Apply spackling paste using a putty knife.
- Let dry, sand lightly, and touch up with matching paint.
Larger Holes (Dime-Sized or Bigger)
- Use a drywall patch kit for a seamless fix.
- Apply the patch, smooth spackle over it, sand when dry, then repaint.
FAQ: Common Questions About How To Hang Anything On The Wall
How do I hang a TV on drywall without studs?
Use toggle bolts rated for heavy loads and a reinforced mounting bracket.
What’s the best way to hang heavy shelves on a brick wall?
Use masonry anchors and a hammer drill to secure screws properly.
How much weight can drywall anchors hold?
- Plastic anchors: Up to 25 lbs
- Toggle bolts: Up to 100 lbs (depending on type and size)
Final Thoughts: Hang It Right the First Time
Learning how to hang anything on a wall the right way can save you time, prevent damage, and keep your items secure. Whether you’re mounting shelves, TVs, or picture frames, following the correct steps for your wall type and item weight will ensure a strong, damage-free hold.
Now that you’ve mastered wall hanging, what’s next? Tomorrow’s post will cover essential home fixes every guy should know—like stopping a dripping faucet, fixing a squeaky door, and more. Stay tuned!
