Choosing the right outlet box for brick walls or retrofit brick installations requires attention to depth, mounting method, and compatibility with brick-facing siding. This guide highlights five reliable options designed to work with masonry exteriors, surface-mounted races, or old-work renovations. Each product is evaluated for durability, ease of installation, and suitability for brick or brick-adjacent walls. Use the buying guide to compare features and determine the best fit for your project, whether you’re upgrading an exterior outlet, adding a wall mount TV setup, or installing a weatherproof access point.
Summary of selected products:
| Product | Brand | Depth / Capacity | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, 1.89″ | Leviton | 1.89 in | Surface mounting on brick-adjacent surfaces | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028CIC8U?tag=electricalgree-20 |
| Arlington DHB1BRC-1 Low Profile IN BOX | ARLINGTON | Single Gang, 1-Gang | New brick construction with adapter sleeve | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K1G11W?tag=electricalgree-20 |
| Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, 1.45″ | Leviton | 1.45 in | Surface-mounted options on brick-adjacent walls | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00332F4I0?tag=electricalgree-20 |
| Southwire MSB1G One Gang Device Box | Southwire | Standard depth, adjustable | Durable, heavy-duty brick/masonry framing | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H8NUVQK?tag=electricalgree-20 |
| XGGYA Old Work Box, 1 Gang Deep | XGGYA | Old work depth | Retrofit on existing brick or masonry walls | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBKZTP4F?tag=electricalgree-20 |
Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang
Designed for situations where a traditional wall box isn’t practical, this Leviton surface mount backbox provides a straightforward solution for brick-adjacent installations. With a depth of 1.89 inches and breakouts to align with common surface raceway systems, it accommodates standard devices while maintaining a clean exterior look. Its shallow profile reduces protrusion from brick surfaces, making it ideal for exterior outlets or protected interior brick accents that require surface-mounted access boxes. Installation is simplified by its ready-to-use backbox configuration, which minimizes masonry cuts and wall alterations.
Key features include: surface mount capability, compatibility with common raceway breakouts, and a modest 1.89-inch depth. This combination makes it a dependable choice for retrofit brick walls where a traditional recessed box would be difficult to position. The white finish blends with neutral exteriors and interior brick tones, offering a low-visibility installation. For projects that need a quick, sturdy surface-mmounted option, this Leviton backbox delivers reliable performance with minimal wall modification.
Arlington DHB1BRC-1 In Box For Brick Construction
The Arlington DHB1BRC-1 is a low-profile in-box solution designed specifically for new brick construction. It includes an adapter sleeve to fit brick-built walls and a single-gang horizontal configuration with a clear cover/brown box. The one-piece assembly reduces installation time by limiting field assembly steps, while the built-in bubble cover assembly and ship-installed Bug Plugs seal unused cord openings. The design emphasizes a neater exterior appearance, with substantial coverage outside the wall to minimize masonry exposure. This makes it especially suitable for exterior brick-facing installations or interior brick-look walls where a traditional wall box would be obtrusive.
Considerations include its horizontal, one-gang layout and the in-wall integration that minimizes visible hardware. The box is tailored to brick surfaces, balancing robust mounting with straightforward setup. For brick installations requiring a discreet, weather-ready access point, the Arlington DHB1BRC-1 provides a practical, all-in-one approach.
Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, 1.45″ Depth
This Leviton backbox mirrors the surface-mount approach with a 1.45-inch depth, offering a compact option for brick-adjacent installations where less depth is necessary or where wall recess space is limited. The design includes breakouts to align with common surface raceway systems, enabling clean runs for cables and devices without cutting deep into the brick wall. The white box finish provides a neutral aesthetic that blends into most interiors or exterior brick replications. It is well-suited for housing outlets, switches, or simple devices while preserving exterior brick textures.
With a lighter footprint than deeper boxes, this model prioritizes ease of installation and adaptable mounting. It’s a strong candidate when you need a stable, surface-mounted enclosure for a brick-facing wall that doesn’t demand a full recess or heavy masonry work.
Southwire MSB1G One Gang Device Box
Southwire’s MSB1G is a robust one-gang device box designed for masonry and stud-mounted installations, with depth adaptability and heavy-duty construction. Its specifications emphasize durable mounting to wood or metal studs, making it a reliable choice for retrofit brick walls or masonry-friendly interiors. The product is positioned to handle typical 120V electrical devices, switches, and outlets, while providing sufficient room for wiring and clamp integration in a single-gang footprint. This box is particularly helpful when you need a sturdy, adjustable depth solution that can accommodate various wall configurations and long-term usage in brick environments.
Key strengths include compatibility with brick-heavy installations, straightforward mounting to studs, and a design that accommodates common electrical devices with reliable support. For projects that demand a balance of durability and ease of installation on masonry surfaces, the Southwire MSB1G stands out as a dependable option.
XGGYA Old Work Box, Deep 1 Gang
The XGGYA old-work box is designed for retrofit applications and deep installations within brick or masonry walls. It features built-in fixing ears and a rotatable buckle to secure the box firmly to the wall, reducing the risk of loosening over time. With a compact but deep profile, this box is ideal for existing brick walls where you’re adding or relocating outlets. Its ETL listing further assures compliance with safety standards. The design supports straightforward wiring, a snap-on connection to prevent loosening, and compatibility with standard 7/8-inch or similar conduit systems common in brick installations.
Considerations for this box include its deep old-work configuration, which is well-suited for retrofit jobs that require extended depth behind brick facades. The rotatable buckle helps to ensure a stable installation, even when working within uneven brick surfaces. This option is valuable for projects that prioritize retrofitting existing brick walls rather than constructing new openings.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations For Brick Walls
When selecting an outlet or device box for brick walls, several factors influence long-term performance. Consider the mounting method (surface mount vs. in-wall), the depth and compatibility with brick-facing exteriors, weather resistance, and electrical code compliance.
- Mounting Type: Surface mount backboxes are ideal for brick-adjacent walls where chiseling is impractical. In-wall or old-work boxes reduce exterior protrusion but may require holes or anchors into brick or mortar seams.
- Depth And Capacity: Choose a depth that accommodates wires, clamps, and devices without stressing the wall. Shallow boxes reduce exterior visibility, while deeper boxes support more complex wiring configurations.
- Weather and Exterior Use: For brick-facing exteriors, consider weatherproof or gasketed models to shield against moisture, dust, and temperature changes. Verify the unit’s rating for outdoor use if exposed to the elements.
- Material And Durability: PVC and non-conductive plastics simplify handling and grounding considerations, while metal options may offer enhanced ruggedness for high-traffic areas.
- Code Compliance: Ensure the box is ETL- or UL-listed for electrical safety and complies with local building codes, especially for exterior brick walls and retrofit projects.
- Accessories And Compatibility: Check for breakout options, adapter sleeves, and compatibility with raceway systems. These features simplify cable management and integration with existing wall systems.
In brick-oriented installations, it is common to combine surface mount backboxes with accessories that bridge to brick-facing siding or raceways. For retrofit or “old work” projects, look for boxes with engineered flanges, adjustable depth, and secure mounting hardware to mitigate wall irregularities. Depth, usability, and weather resistance are often the deciding factors between a quick upgrade and a measure-that-last solution.