Hang a neon sign or light box on a solid brick or block wall

Mark, drill and fix a neon sign level and secure on a solid brick or block wall.

NS-01Plan the position and check your fixingsHold the sign against the wall at the height you want and mark the top edge with a pencil, checking it's level. Look at the back of the sign for keyholes or bracket holes and measure the distance between them. Check the mains lead reaches a nearby socket without stretching or trailing across a doorway. Confirm the wall is solid brick or block — if it turns out to be plasterboard, a stud wall, or lath and plaster, this guide's fixings won't apply and you'll need a different one.

1 each · Spirit level

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Pencil

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Tape measure

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

NS-02Check for cables and pipes before you drillRun a cable and pipe detector over every marked point before you touch the drill. Still treat each spot as if something could be behind it — detectors miss cables that are deep, in metal conduit, or run outside the usual safe zones. Find your stopcock now, usually under the kitchen sink, and check it turns freely so you can shut the water off fast if you hit a pipe. If you have any doubt at all, isolate the circuit at the consumer unit before drilling.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

NS-03Mark and drill the fixing holesUsing the spacing you measured from the sign, mark each fixing point on the wall and re-check level. Drill into the brick or block with a masonry bit matched to your wall plug size — usually 6mm — to a depth of at least 30mm plus the length of the screw. If the drill suddenly brings out crumbly, sandy debris rather than solid brick, you've hit a mortar joint — shift the hole slightly and redrill.

1 each · Masonry drill bit, 6mm

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Hammer drill or SDS drill

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

NS-04Fit wall plugs and screwsPush a wall plug into each hole until it sits flush with the wall. Drive a screw into each plug, leaving 8-10mm proud of the wall if the sign hangs from keyhole slots, or driving it fully home if it uses a flat bracket. If your block is a lightweight or hollow type rather than solid brick, use a longer plug so it grips properly rather than spinning loose.

1 pack · Wall plugs, 6mm (pack of 10)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 pack · Screws, 4mm x 40mm (pack of 10)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

NS-05Hang the sign and check it's levelLift the sign onto the screws or bracket and make sure the keyholes or slots are fully engaged. Check the sign is level again with your spirit level, and adjust by loosening a screw slightly if needed. Give it a firm, gentle tug to make sure it's secure before letting go.

NS-06Connect the power and testRoute the cable down the wall neatly, using cable clips to keep it tidy and clear of foot traffic. Plug in and switch on to check the sign lights up properly. If there's a separate transformer or driver box, keep it somewhere accessible so you can switch it off easily later, not hidden behind furniture.

1 pack · Cable clips (pack of 20)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

NS-07Tidy up and check the finishSweep up brick dust and vacuum along the skirting where debris has fallen. Wipe down the sign's surface with a dry cloth. Step back a few metres and check it hangs level and sits securely on the wall.

Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Save this as a project

Back to all guides