Our Blog

Floating shelves are one of the most stylish and functional ways to add storage and personality to your home. At J Thomas Home, we specialize in handcrafted solid wood shelves designed to last a lifetime. While installing shelves on standard drywall is straightforward, many of our customers ask: How do I install floating shelves on tougher surfaces like brick, stone, or concrete?

The good news is that with the right tools and a few adjustments, you can securely mount floating shelves on masonry walls. In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through the process so you can achieve a safe, level, and professional-looking installation.

Why Install Floating Shelves on Brick, Stone, or Concrete?

Brick fireplaces, stone accent walls, and concrete basements all provide opportunities to showcase floating shelves. These walls offer:

• Strength and durability – Masonry surfaces can hold substantial weight when anchored correctly.
  
  
• Visual impact – A natural stone backdrop paired with a solid wood shelf creates a timeless focal point.
  
  
• Design flexibility – From rustic reclaimed styles to modern clean lines, shelves adapt to the character of the wall.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before starting your project, gather the right tools. Installing on masonry requires a bit more prep than drywall:

• Hammer drill – A standard drill may not penetrate hard surfaces.
  
  
• Masonry drill bits – Choose a size that matches your anchors.
  
  
• Masonry anchors or concrete screws – Essential for securing into brick or stone.
  
  
• Level and pencil – To mark straight, accurate placement.
  
  
• Tape measure – For precise positioning.
  
  
• Shims (optional) – For uneven stone surfaces.
  
  
• Protective eyewear and dust mask – Drilling into masonry produces fine dust.
  
  

Step 1: Plan and Mark Bracket or Cleat Placement

All J Thomas Home floating shelves use either a hidden metal bracket system (for slim 1 ⅝″ or 2” thick shelves), a wooden bracket  (for 3” thick shelves), or a wooden cleat system (for alcove shelves). Any of these systems can be securely mounted on masonry.

1. Hold the bracket or cleat against the wall where you’d like the shelf.
   
   
2. Use a level to ensure it is perfectly horizontal.
   
   
3. Mark your drill holes with a pencil.
   
   
4. Pro Tip: Whenever possible, align your drill holes with mortar joints instead of solid brick or stone. Mortar is softer and easier to drill through, reducing stress on your tools

Step 2: Drill Pilot Holes

Using a hammer drill fitted with a masonry bit:

• Drill slowly and steadily to maintain control.
  
  
• Depth should match the length of your anchors.
  
  
• Keep the drill perpendicular to the wall for clean, accurate holes.
  
  

Safety Note: Wear eye protection and a dust mask, since brick and concrete dust is fine and irritating.

Step 3: Insert Masonry Anchors or Screws

Instead of standard wood screws or drywall anchors, masonry walls require specialized hardware. You have two main options:

• Masonry Anchors – Plastic or metal sleeves that expand when screws are inserted, gripping tightly to the wall.
  
  
• Concrete Screws  – Thread directly into masonry without sleeves, designed for strength and long-term hold.
  
  

Slide your anchors into the pilot holes, then position the bracket or cleat and drive the screws securely into place

Step 4: Level and Secure the Bracket or Cleat

Double-check with your level before fully tightening the screws. On uneven stone walls, you may notice the bracket or cleat doesn’t sit flush. In that case:

• Use shims (thin wedges of wood or plastic) behind the bracket to fill gaps.
  
  
• If necessary, notch the stone slightly to create a flat mounting point.
  
  

This step is critical, an uneven bracket will cause shelves to tilt or sag.

Step 5: Attach the Shelf

Once your bracket or cleat is secured, you can slide the floating shelf into place:

• For metal or wooden bracket shelves: Push the shelf onto the rods or arms, making sure they reach the back of the shelf. Secure with the provided set screws underneath for 1 ⅝” and 2” thick shelves and on the top for 3” thick shelves.
  
  
• For alcove cleat shelves: Slide the shelf over the cleat system and fasten it with the supplied screws.
  
  

Check again with your level to confirm everything is straight.

Tips for Uneven or Textured Masonry Walls

Natural stone and aged brick often have irregular surfaces. Here are expert tricks to overcome those challenges:

• Shim Behind Brackets – Use shims to push the bracket forward where stone protrudes. Trim excess shim material for a clean finish
  
  
• Build Out the Mounting Surface – For severely uneven walls, you may need to attach a backer board to the wall first, then mount the shelf bracket onto the flat surface.
  
  
• Notch Around Stone – In some cases, trimming the back of the shelf slightly allows for a snug fit against protruding stone.
  
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with strong walls, floating shelves can fail if installation shortcuts are taken. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Using the wrong drill bit – Wood or metal bits will dull immediately on masonry.
  
  
• Skipping anchors – Screws alone will not hold securely in brick or stone.
  
  
• Ignoring level – Even small misalignments become obvious once shelves are loaded.
  
  
• Mounting on soft mortar only – Mortar is easier to drill, but try to hit at least some brick or stone for maximum strength.
  
  

Key Benefits of Floating Shelves on Masonry

Floating shelves on brick, stone, or concrete offer:

• Secure, durable storage when anchored with masonry screws.
  
  
• A modern yet timeless look, especially when paired with natural textures.
  
  
• Flexibility for any room—from kitchens to fireplaces to basements.
  
  
• Customization options with solid wood finishes, LED lighting, and alcove fits.
  
  

Installing floating shelves on brick, stone, or concrete walls is a project that homeowners and designers alike can tackle with confidence. With the right tools, anchors, and expert tips from J Thomas Home, you’ll create shelving that’s not only secure but also stunning.

Whether you’re enhancing a rustic stone fireplace or adding modern storage to a concrete loft, our handcrafted floating shelves are built to elevate your space.

For more guidance, installation videos, or custom design questions, visit our installation resources or contact our team directly, we’re always happy to help!