Anchor Cabinets to Brick

[Dave]

I was wondering what my options were to anchor 2x4's to a brick firewall. I want to create sturdy backing for my upper cabinets using

5/8" plywood.

Thanks,

[Edwin Pawlowski]

There are many types of anchors that you drill, set, then tighten a nut to secure the wood. You'd have to countersink the nut to assure a flat surface. How many 2 x 4's are you putting up? Can you nail into the top and bottom instead of the wall?

[bill allemann]

One issue about drilling in brick is the age of the brick and mortar. If it's historic architecture, sometimes a hammer drill can cause some problems. Tapcon screws use a rather small diameter hole that probably wouldn't require a hammer drill. In many types of brick you can use a carbide bit in a standard drill. If you can use a hammer drill, I prefer the plastic screw anchors, commonly in 5/16 diameter. A #8 (I think) sheet metal or wood screw is used with them, and they are pretty forgiving on misalignment. bill

[Dave]

It is a 100 year old building. I can attach the 2x4 to the top plate but not the sole plate due to the plumbing being in the way. I like the idea of just using a regular drill with carbide bit and the tapcon screws. I will look into that.