Put up acoustic panels on a solid brick or block wall

Plan panel positions, drill safely, then fix panels level and secure so they stay put for years.

AP-01Plan the layoutMeasure the wall and decide where each panel will sit. Mark a centre line with a pencil, using your spirit level to keep it true, and space panels evenly with a small gap (10-15mm) between each one. Step back and check the layout looks right before you mark any fixing points.

1 each · Tape measure

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Pencil

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Spirit level (600mm)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

AP-02Check for pipes and cables before you drillRun a cable and pipe detector over every spot you plan to drill. Detectors miss things too — deep cables, metal conduit, or wiring outside the usual safe zones near sockets and switches — so still drill carefully and stop the moment you feel resistance or see dust colour change. Find your stopcock now (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns, so you can shut the water off fast if you hit a pipe. If you have any doubt about what's behind the wall, isolate the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before you drill.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

AP-03Mark the fixing pointsHold each panel's bracket or keyhole fitting against the wall in the position you planned. Mark through the fixing holes with a pencil, then check every mark is level using your spirit level before you drill anything.

1 each · Pencil

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

AP-04Drill the fixing holesFit a 6mm masonry drill bit and drill each marked point to a depth of 40mm — deep enough for a 30mm wall plug plus a few mm of clearance for dust. Drill in short bursts and pull the bit out now and then to clear dust, keeping the drill level and square to the wall.

1 each · Masonry drill bit, 6mm

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Drill (with hammer/percussion function)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

AP-05Fit the wall plugsPush a 6mm x 30mm wall plug into each hole until it's flush with the wall surface. If a plug won't sit flush, tap it gently with a hammer rather than forcing it, which can crack the surrounding brick or block.

8 each · Wall plugs, 6mm x 30mm

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

AP-06Drive in the fixing screwsScrew a 5mm x 50mm screw into each plug, leaving 8-10mm of the screw head standing clear of the wall so panel brackets can hook over it. Check each screw is level with its neighbours using your spirit level laid across them.

8 each · Screws, 5mm x 50mm

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

AP-07Hang the panelsLift each panel and hook its bracket or keyhole fitting over the protruding screw heads. Gently pull down on the panel to seat it fully, then step back and check it's sitting flush against the wall.

6 each · Acoustic panels

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

AP-08Check level and adjustRun your spirit level across the top and bottom of each panel, and across the whole row if you're hanging several. If a panel sits slightly off, lift it clear, loosen the screw a touch, and rehang it until everything lines up.

1 each · Spirit level (600mm)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

AP-09Tidy upVacuum brick dust from the floor and skirting, and wipe down the wall below where you drilled. Bag up any plug and screw packaging and offcuts, and store any spare fixings somewhere you'll find them again.

1 each · Vacuum cleaner

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

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

Save this as a project

Back to all guides