Type of Walls

How to find out what Type of Wall Do I Have? (And How to Hang Pictures on Different Wall Types)

Before you pick up the hammer, it’s important to know what kind of wall you’re working with. Different wall types need different tools and fixings — and the wrong choice could leave you with a crooked picture (or worse, a big hole). If you are not sure pictureUP will help to make it look great.

How to Tell What Type of Wall You Have

1. Drywall (Plasterboard):

   • Tap on it — it sounds hollow.

   • Usually smooth, with a little “give” if you press hard.

   • Most common in modern homes.

2. Plaster Walls:

   • Hollow walls, or covers a brick wall; found in older houses.

   • Hard, solid, and often a bit uneven.

   • Can chip or crack if you hammer nails directly.

3. Brick or Masonry:

   • Very solid when you knock — no hollow sound.

   • Exposed brick is obvious, but painted walls can hide it.

   • Heavy-duty and needs drilling.

4. Concrete Walls:

   • Like brick, very hard and solid.

   • Common in apartments and basements.

5. Stud Walls (framed walls with studs behind drywall):

   • Tap lightly and listen for a change in sound — solid “thunks” reveal vertical wooden studs.

   • A stud finder tool makes this easy.

   • Modern buildings use steel frames instead of wood.

How to Hang Pictures on Different Walls

Drywall

• Use picture hooks or drywall anchors for medium-weight frames.

• For light pictures, standard nails often work fine.

• Avoid heavy frames unless you can drill into a stud.

Plaster

• Drill a small pilot hole first to avoid cracking.

• Use plaster anchors or masonry screws.

• Never hammer nails straight in — plaster is brittle.

Brick or Concrete

• Drill with a masonry bit.

• Insert wall plugs (anchors) before screws.

• Use heavy-duty hooks or brackets for larger art and mirrors.

Stud Walls

• Ideal for heavy pieces.

• Locate the stud with a stud finder and screw directly into it.

• For lighter items between studs, use wall anchors.

Tools You Might Need

• Tape measure (for accuracy).

• Pencil (for marking spots).

• Spirit level (to keep frames straight).

• Hammer (for nails/hooks).

• Drill with masonry or standard bits (for anchors and brick/concrete).

• Stud finder (for locating solid support).

• Anchors, screws, and picture hooks.

💡Quick Tips

• Always check the weight rating on your fixings.

• For renters: removable adhesive hooks only for really light pictures.

• Safety first: if your picture is very heavy (like a large mirror), get professional help.

✨ Once you know your wall type, hanging pictures becomes much less stressful — and a whole lot safer.

🎨 More Tips for Hanging and Styling Art