How should you attach brackets to brick or concrete blocks?

When attaching brackets to brick or concrete blocks, the use of anchors positioned 1/4" back from the surface is important for ensuring a secure and stable installation. This slight setback allows the anchor to effectively engage in the solid material of the block or brick, providing better resistance against shear and pull-out forces.

Anchors provide the necessary mechanical strength to support the load applied to the bracket. Placing them slightly back from the surface helps avoid any potential weaknesses that could arise from having them flush with the exterior, where they might be more susceptible to damage or failure.

Using adhesive alone, relying directly against the surface, or employing screws without anchors do not provide the same level of structural integrity. Adhesive may not hold adequately under heavy loads, while direct attachment without appropriate anchors can lead to inadequate support or easy dislodgement. Lastly, screws that are not properly anchored may not penetrate deeply enough into the material, leading to instability in the brackets. Thus, using anchors with a slight setback from the surface is the best practice to ensure a reliable installation.