Which Wall Ties Should I Use? A Comprehensive Guide for DIY Enthusiasts

When it comes to choosing the right wall ties for your project, the range of options can feel overwhelming. Whether you're a professional builder or diving into a DIY home improvement project, understanding wall ties types is essential to ensure the structural stability and longevity of your walls.

We’ve put together this easy-to-follow guide to help you navigate the world of masonry wall ties, Timber Frame Ties, and other specialist solutions like Channel Systems.

Understanding Wall Ties: What Are They and Why Are They Important?

Wall ties are structural components that connect the inner and outer leaves of a cavity wall, allowing them to act as a single, stable unit. They help manage wind loads, moisture transfer, thermal performance, and movement due to structural shifts or temperature changes.

Selecting the correct wall tie type isn’t just about fit—it’s about ensuring compliance with building regulations, safety standards, and long-term performance under environmental conditions.

Wall Tie Types: Choosing the Right One for the Job

1. Masonry Wall Ties 

These ties are designed to connect two masonry leaves within a cavity wall and are often used with insulation clips to retain thermal materials within the cavity. They are classified into four main types:

• Type 1 – Heavy Duty Wall Tie
  Ideal for high-rise and exposed environments, Heavy Duty Wall Ties like the VST1 and VE1 provide maximum strength and rigidity. However, they are not recommended where differential movement or low-strength masonry is present.

• Type 2 – General Purpose Wall Tie
  Suitable for low-rise buildings and small commercial projects. Best used where wind speeds are moderate (up to 31m/s) and altitude does not exceed 150m.

• Type 3 – Light General Purpose Wall Tie
  These are similar to Type 2 but intended for areas with lower wind speeds (up to 27m/s). A good example is the V26 300mm tie.

• Type 4 – Light Duty Wall Tie
  Designed for standard domestic dwellings up to 10m high in sheltered areas. The VE4 and Neutras 4 ties also help improve thermal performance due to their low conductivity.

Pro Tip: For thermal efficiency, consider low thermal conductivity options like the Neutras range, which can reduce heat loss across cavity walls.

2. Timber Frame Ties 

Used to secure an external brick skin to an internal timber frame, these ties allow vertical movement and are crucial in modern housing:

• Type 5: Suitable for up to three-storey buildings with standard exposure.

• Type 6: Used in projects up to four storeys. V61 and Helical Timber Frame Ties are great options here.

• Type 7: Designed for taller structures (up to seven storeys) and require individual site assessment.

Timber frame ties must allow for vertical flexibility while offering lateral restraint—essential in both domestic and commercial construction.

3. Movement Ties

These ties allow controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity. They’re used to tie walls to other structures like steel frames, especially where differential movement is expected.

Popular products include:

• Safety Plain End Tie

• Dovetail Plain End Tie

• Frame Cramp

• Clasp Ties

4. Frame Cramps & Lateral Restraint Ties

These components are used to restrain masonry to adjacent structural elements such as steel or concrete frames.

Key products include:

• Frame Cramp with Drip

• Wire Frame Cramp

• Column Tie

• Offset Frame Cramp

They prevent lateral displacement, especially important in multi-storey builds.

5. Channel Systems

Channel Systems are ideal where vertical movement is expected but horizontal restraint is needed. They are also used to address differences in brick coursing between cavity leaves.

Our range includes:

• Steel Frame Channels

• Dovetail Slots

• 28/15 Plain Back and Slotted Channels

These systems work alongside ties like the Dovetail Safety Tie or Steel Channel Tie.

6. Sliding Anchor Systems

Sliding anchors secure masonry walls to overhead structural elements, allowing vertical movement. They are essential in curtain walling and large commercial façades.

Common options:

• Welded A Stem

• Twisted F Stem

• Bent C Stem

These work with one-way or two-way sliding ties to balance flexibility and support.

7. Remedial Wall Ties

Used in existing cavity walls where the original ties are corroded or missing, these ties can restore stability without major wall reconstruction.

Examples:

• Wavy Tail Ties

• Remedial Helical Ties

• Mechanical Fix Remedial Ties

8. Starter Wall Ties

These allow the extension or joining of new masonry walls to existing structures. They’re often used in refurbishments or building conversions.

Our range includes:

• Universal Stainless Steel Wall Starter System

• Starter Tie

• Starter Frame Tie

How Many Wall Ties Do You Need?

As a rule of thumb, ties are spaced at 450mm vertically and 900mm horizontally in a staggered grid. Around door and window openings, place ties within 225mm of the edge and no more than 300mm apart vertically.

For walls subject to high loads or wider cavities, you may need closer spacing—consult Eurocode 6 for guidance or contact our technical team.

What Material Should Wall Ties Be Made From?

Stainless steel (Grade 304) is now the industry standard for durability and corrosion resistance. For coastal or industrial areas, Grade 316 stainless steel is recommended. We also offer Neutras basalt fibre composite wall ties, which reduce thermal bridging and meet modern energy regulations.

Build Better with the Right Wall Ties

The right wall tie depends on numerous factors: building height, location, wind exposure, wall composition, and thermal insulation needs. It’s not just about picking a tie—it’s about choosing the right system to enhance the performance, safety, and energy efficiency of your structure.