If you’ve ever tried to hang something on a brick wall, you’ll know it’s no easy feat. Drilling into brick can be daunting, messy and permanent. Whether you’re styling a brick fireplace, hanging picture frames in a rented flat or organising tools in the garage, you might be wondering: how do I hang on brick without drilling holes?
Good news: you don’t need a masonry drill bit or wall plugs to get the job done. There are strong, reliable, and renter-friendly alternatives to drilling. VELCRO® Brand Extreme Outdoor Strips and VELCRO® Brand ALFA-LOK® fasteners are two heavy-duty options for use on rough surfaces, such as brick and concrete.
Originally designed to withstand the elements, these fasteners are perfect for inside use, too. You can use them for hanging pictures on brick walls, mounting décor or even hanging lights—no drilling required. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use them, when to choose one over the other and why they’re a smart alternative to hooks.
Why Mounting on Brick Indoors is Tricky
Brick walls bring character and charm to any space, whether it’s a cozy fireplace, a converted warehouse flat, or a rustic cellar. But when it comes to hanging décor, things can get complicated. Here’s why:
Uneven Surfaces
Brick is naturally rough and textured, making it difficult for standard adhesive strips to grip properly, especially if the surface is painted or dusty.
Risk of Damage
Drilling into decorative or historic brick can cause irreversible damage.
Mess and Dust
Even if you’re confident with a drill, you’ll be dealing with red dust, crumbling mortar and the hassle of wall plugs.
No Room for Error
Once you’ve drilled, that hole is permanent. If you change your mind about placement, you’re left with visible damage.
Meet the Fasteners: Two Smart Alternatives to Drilling into Brick
VELCRO® Brand Extreme Outdoor Strips
Use for items you’ll reposition or replace.
VELCRO® Brand ALFA-LOK® Fasteners
Use for a stronger, semi-permanent hold.
When it comes to hanging on a brick wall without drilling, not all fasteners are created equal. That’s why the VELCRO® Brand offers two robust, easy-to-use fasteners for brick walls and rough surfaces. No tools, no damage, no stress. Whether mounting a picture frame, organizing your space or adding some flair to a brick wall, these fasteners have you covered.
You might recognize these fasteners from outdoor projects, but here’s the secret: they work just as well indoors.
VELCRO® Brand Extreme Outdoor Strips
Repositionable. Reusable. Surprisingly strong.
These aren’t your average hook and loop strips. Designed to withstand the elements, VELCRO® Brand Extreme Outdoor Strips are ideal for indoor brick walls. The rugged adhesive grips textured surfaces, making them perfect for renters, decorators and DIYers.
Here are some product highlights:
- Traditional hook and loop design for easy opening and closing.
- Ideal for items you want to reposition or remove later.
- Works on rough surfaces like indoor brick, concrete and unfinished wood.
- Weather-resistant—great for humid or high-traffic areas.
Perfect for: Wall décor, seasonal decorations, lightweight tools and temporary displays.
VELCRO® Brand ALFA-LOK® Fasteners
Heavy-duty. Snap-tight. Built to stay put.
Need a stronger hold? VELCRO® Brand ALFA-LOK® fasteners are your go-to choice for semi-permanent mounting on brick. These fasteners use a unique hook-to-hook system that snaps together with an audible click, so you know it’s locked in place.
- Omnidirectional hook-to-hook design for a flush, secure fit.
- Audible click confirms a tight, wobble-free hold.
- Supports up to 15 lbs (or 2.5 lbs per square inch).
- Great for indoor or outdoor use—even in extreme temperatures.
- Works on smooth and mildly rough surfaces, including brick, metal and glass.
Perfect for: Picture hanging, smart home devices, mirrors, wall-mounted accessories and heavier décor.
Both fasteners offer a damage-free alternative to drilling into brick, giving you the flexibility to decorate, organize and personalize your space—without the mess or commitment of traditional hardware.
Why These “Outdoor” Fasteners Work Indoors
You might be wondering: If these fasteners are designed for outdoor use, why use them indoors? The answer is simple—they’re built tough, which makes them perfect for indoor spaces where traditional adhesives may fall short.
Designed for Extreme Conditions = Overkill in the Best Way
VELCRO® Brand Extreme Outdoor and ALFA-LOK® fasteners are engineered to handle rain, snow, heat and UV exposure. So, when you bring them inside, they’re more than ready to take on humid basements, busy kitchens or high-traffic areas.
UV and Water Resistance = Long-Lasting Indoors Too
Moisture and temperature changes can weaken standard adhesives over time. But these fasteners are UV- and water-resistant, meaning they’ll hold firm even in damp or fluctuating environments. They’ll happily hang your items anywhere from the laundry room to the garage.
Stick to Rough Surfaces Like Brick, Concrete and Stone
Most indoor adhesives struggle to adhere to textured surfaces. These fasteners don’t. Whether working with exposed brick, painted concrete or stone walls, these fasteners grip where others can’t.
No Tools, No Mess, No Damage
Forget the masonry drill bit, the dust and the commitment. These fasteners offer a clean, damage-free alternative to traditional mounting methods. Just peel, stick and press—no holes, no hassle and no regrets.
Step-by-Step: How to Mount on Indoor Brick (Without Drilling)
Time needed: 5 minutes
Hanging things on brick doesn’t have to mean drilling holes or damaging your walls. Here’s how to do it the easy way—with VELCRO® Brand fasteners:
- Wipe down the brick.
Use a dry cloth or brush to remove dust and debris. A clean surface helps the adhesive stick better.
- Prep your fastener.
Peel off the backing to expose the adhesive.
- Stick it to your wall.
Press firmly onto the brick, applying even pressure. brick. Apply even pressure for a strong, lasting bond.
- Let it set.
Wait at least 60 minutes before hanging anything. For best results, allow 24 hours for the adhesive to fully cure.
- Mount your item!
Peel off the second liner and press your item into place.
- Adjust as needed.
These fasteners can be repositioned if your item isn’t quite level.
Top Tips
- Apply at room temperature: For best results, apply when the temperature is 10°C or higher.
- Press firmly: Apply pressure for 30 seconds to ensure a strong bond.
- Wait for the adhesive to cure: Let the adhesive set for at least 24 hours before hanging anything.
- Weigh your item: Keep to one square inch per 2.5 lbs of weight.
- Avoid drywall or fabric surfaces: These fasteners are made for solid, textured surfaces.
- Choose the right fastener…
Use Case Ideas
Now that you know how to hang things on brick without drilling, here are a few creative ideas to try:
- Hang picture frames on brick walls or feature unique décor, such as vinyls.
- Mount smart home devices, such as cameras or sensors.
- Hang fairy lights or LED strips around a fireplace.
- Mount a small rug on your wall as stylish décor.
- Organize tools or supplies in a basement or garage.
- Decorate brick fireplaces with seasonal or permanent décor.
Conclusion
Mounting on brick doesn’t have to be hard—or permanent. With VELCRO® Brand Extreme Outdoor and ALFA-LOK® fasteners, you can skip the drill and still get a strong, secure hold on even the roughest surfaces.
So, whether you want to hang pictures on brick walls without drilling holes or organize your space, these fasteners are your go-to solution!
Got a creative way you’ve used VELCRO® Brand fasteners on brick?
Tag @velcrobranduk on Instagram—we’d love to see how your brick décor looks!
