Mounting a television on a wall made of plaster and does not have studs might be challenging, but if you have the correct strategies and tools, it is achievable.
This article will bring you through the step-by-step process of securely mounting your TV on a plaster wall without studs.
Whether you want to conserve space or attain the optimal viewing angle, this guide will help you accomplish both.
You may watch all of your favourite shows and movies without having to worry about causing any damage to your wall if you properly plan and carry out the project.
What Is a Stud?
Always make an effort to find a stud or verify the soundness of the wall before installing your television on any old wall.
This is an absolute must.
However, if you need to know what you’re searching for, finding a stud on the wall can be challenging.
A stud is a framing device that is used vertically to construct a frame for a wall. Studs are often composed of wood or metal.
These wooden or metal reinforcements are often used to form a framework for a wall that is comprised of drywall.
They are positioned equally within a wall and are used to create a wall.
You should be able to find a stud within the walls of your home.
This is because many contemporary home interiors are built with drywall instead of mason, so there is a significant probability that you will be able to do so.
Keep in mind that if you reside in a high rise, your apartment most certainly has metal studs installed.
Mounting a television or appliance into a stud in a business structure, which frequently has a metal framework and requires greater care, is analogous to the abovementioned situation.
Finding studs is a skill that has many applications beyond just installing your television on the wall.
For instance, if you want to hang a hefty picture on the wall, attach an appliance to the wall, do work on the trim in your home, or replace electrical outlets, it is quite beneficial to be aware of the placement of the studs in your walls.
But how exactly can you pinpoint the location of a stud?
Locate Studs With a Stud Finder
Using a stud finder, which is a little handheld device that assesses the density of drywall, is one of the most straightforward ways to accomplish this task.
The Spruce provides a fairly extensive selection of excellent choices that can be purchased either online or at a hardware store in your area.
Using a stud finder is much easier than finding the proper one to use in the first place.
Just press the metal prongs of the stud finder on the drywall, and then move it horizontally along the wall until you hear a beep.
When you hear a beeping sound, this means that you have located a stud.
You may get a rough idea of where the centre of the stud is located by continuously moving the stud finder over the area until the device stops beeping.
After determining the position of the stud on the wall, use a pencil to leave a mark at that spot on the wall.
Measure 16” From the Corner
Don’t have a stud finder?
It’s all good! You can also take a measurement that is 16 inches away from the corner to get an approximation of the location of the studs throughout the room.
If you keep in mind that studs are normally evenly spaced 16″-24″ inches apart, then you should be able to roughly determine the placement of each stud by measuring the overall length of your wall.
It is important to note that the number 16 or 24 will not be uniformly distributed in every room, but this is perfectly OK.
After doing this, you should follow up by tapping on the wall where you believe the stud to be.
When you knock exactly next to a stud, the sound will be hollow, but the sound will be muffled when you knock on the stud itself.
Check Your Trim
We have another option for you if you need help with a tape measure or access to a stud finder: features such as trim nails, electrical outlets, and switches all indicate the location of a stud.
Use a Powerful Magnet
If you are still trying to discover studs, you might have more success locating the metal used to secure them in place.
Studs are typically held in place with metal fasteners that are positioned vertically about 12 inches apart.
Place a powerful magnet so that it is pressed up against the wall, and then slowly move it in a vertical motion until you feel it begin to stick somewhat.
This will let you know that you have found a metal fastener and, consequently, a stud in the area.
How To Mount A TV On The Wall Without Studs
Mounts that are either fixed or tilted work best with the majority of the studless wall anchor alternatives.
Tilting mounts provide you with the ability to adjust the angle at which the TV is tilted vertically, whereas fixed mounts are immovable and can only be adjusted in a single position.
Toggle bolts and other types of wall anchors are not recommended for use with full-motion mounts, as a general rule.
These mounts, which feature arms and swivels that enable complete angle adjustments, inevitably add extra weight to the overall setup.
The continuous motion required to adjust a TV mounted on the wall might put an extra strain on the anchor points and the wall itself.
It is not a cause for alarm if the studs in your wall are missing.
You still have a wide variety of choices available to you for mounting your television.
Calling in an expert familiar with how to mount a television on the wall without studs is always a good idea, especially if you are on the fence about using any of these choices.
It is in your best interest to shell out a bit more cash and get some assistance rather than risk ending up with a shattered television and holes in the drywall.
After selecting the appropriate mounting bracket for your television, the next step is to decide where to place it and adjust the height to be optimal for viewing.
When mounting a television on the wall, it is vital to ensure that the wall is properly positioned.
Even with an articulated wall mount, your ability to modify the position of the television after attaching it will be rather limited.
Anchors
Anchors are among the most straightforward methods for hanging anything on the walls without studs.
These are designed to prevent the screws from either falling out of their holes or perhaps causing damage to the drywall in some other way.
When you hang a television on a wall that does not have studs to give additional support, using wall anchors is your best option because they are designed to distribute the weight of the television over the wall.
Anchors feature a mechanism that allows them to expand out behind the wall, in contrast to screws, which can be readily pulled out of drywall.
This stops the anchor from being pulled out of the ground.
Naturally, their effectiveness is limited to the strength of the drywall and the diameter of the piece’s distribution within the wall.
However, this does not mean that they are useless.
Toggle Anchors
Toggle anchors and toggle bolts are fasteners that resemble standard screws but have a butterfly toggle attached to the very end.
Toggle anchors perform their function by attaching themselves to the back of the drywall after being installed into the wall.
Because the toggle causes the entire sheet of drywall to resist, rather than simply the crumbly core, pulling on the screw or applying any other kind of force in an outward direction has no effect.
To put it another way, there is a significant difference between pulling at the entire wall and pulling at a single screw.
Molly Bolts
These drywall anchors are somewhat more difficult to install than other types of drywall anchors, but they are quite durable and work very well for weights that are medium to high in weight.
There are two distinct styles available for these: pointed and non-pointed. Molly bolts with a pointed tip can be placed by giving them a few lights but firmly struck blows with a hammer.
The bolts have a sharp point.
Molly bolts that aren’t pointed need to have an installation hole cut out before they can be used, and this is because they work better in plaster walls.
When not tightened, the sleeve of these bolts has a narrow profile; however, when the bolts are tightened in your walls, the sleeve swells and forms an anchor to the rear of your drywall.
Toggle anchors are conceptually similar to this method.
You can take out the screw once the molly bolt has been reliably anchored, and then you can replace it with the screws that came with your TV wall mount.
Mounting Plates
Consider utilising a mounting plate or cleat that is constructed from metal or plywood in conjunction with these drywall anchors.
Mounting plates are attached to the wall behind the television using any anchor screws described in the previous sentence.
After that, the mounting plate can be used to secure the base of your TV wall mount using screws.
Mounting plates are designed to handle the weight of your television set in addition to the weight of the mount itself.
They do this by producing a greater surface area that can support the weight of the TV and the mount.
When it comes to putting a television in a location where there are no studs, a mounting plate is an excellent option to consider.
Mounting plates make it easier for the anchors to support the weight of the television and provide an option to add additional anchors, resulting in a more secure mount.
Even though the mounting plate does not have a particularly pleasing visual appearance, you always have the option of selecting a mounting plate that is smaller than the television and selecting one in colour and style that is complementary to the overall appearance of the room, or you may paint over it.
For example, the MantelMount MM340 Standard Pull Down TV Mount is compatible with the MantelMount SSB40 Single Stud Wall Adapter and the WPC00 Wall Plate Covers.
Both of these accessories are sold separately.
If you are concerned about how your TV will look, you should make the mounting plate smaller than the size of the TV itself.
This will allow the TV to disguise the plywood or metal behind it.
If this is not an option, you can always paint or stain the mounting plate to disguise it or provide an additional layer of sophistication.
Ceiling Mounts
If your walls do not have studs, you also have the option of suspending your television from the ceiling, which is a solution that is less prevalent than normal wall mounts.
It’s possible that this will be a more laborious process, and it’s also possible that it will only sometimes be possible, but almost every ceiling will include beams or joists, which serve the same purpose as studs.
It is possible that you will need screws that are longer in order to reach the joists in your home.
These joists may be further apart than you believe they are, but you should still be able to locate them.
Important Things to Keep In Mind
Take a moment to review the items discussed in the following paragraphs before beginning any kind of mounting work on your wall.
It’s possible that you’ll need to complete some preliminary tasks before you can even begin drilling the first hole.
Condition of the Wall
Your plaster wall must be in pristine condition for any anchors to succeed in their installation.
Walls of this age and condition that are falling apart pose a reliability risk during the drilling stage since they are more likely to break.
Even if the wall is intact after the holes are bored, there is still a chance that it will crack as you mount the television on it.
After the new television has been completely mounted on the wall, if it bends even slightly, you can be sure it will cause you problems.
Weight of the Television Set
You can find out how much your TV weighs by checking the box that it came in.
This knowledge will allow you to go to the hardware store in your neighbourhood and acquire anchors with the appropriate load capacity.
In the same vein, this also applies to the bolts.
TV Mount
Before you go out and buy a professional wall mount, it will be helpful for you to have some idea of the weight and dimensions of your television.
Two distinct sorts of mounts are available to you: tilting and fixed. Each version includes its own set of screws; however, you may want larger screws if the ones that come standard are designed to attach to wall studs.
Be aware that even if you buy a tilting wall mount, it is recommended to use it with only some of the range of motion it offers.
Your wall and the anchor points will be subjected to additional strain as a result of this.
To tell you the truth, if your wall does not have any studs, you should obtain a fixed TV mount.
How High Should a TV Be Mounted On The Wall?
A number of factors can influence how high on the wall a television should be hung, including the dimensions of the television itself, the height of the seating area, and the preferences of the individual.
However, there are a few essential factors that you should keep in mind while selecting the appropriate height for your television.
When you are sitting in the position you find most comfortable for watching television, the middle of the screen should be the same height as your eyes.
This eliminates neck strain and makes it possible to watch television for long periods of time without experiencing any discomfort.
Consider how far away from the television your seating area is before making any decisions about where to sit.
You might want to consider mounting the television at a lower height if you spend much time sitting near it.
If you want to get a clear view of it while you’re sitting further away, you might need to have it mounted higher.
Wall height: If your ceiling is very high, consider mounting the TV higher on the wall in order to avoid leaving an awkward space between it and the furniture that is lower in the room.
In contrast, if your ceiling is low, you can decide to position the television lower in the room so that it appears more proportional to the rest of the space.
Personal preference: In the end, the height at which you position your television will be determined solely by your own personal preference.
Invest some time in trying different heights and angles to see which feels the most natural and aesthetically appealing.
As a general rule of thumb, the centre of the TV should be mounted at an elevation of between 42 and 60 inches above the ground.
It is possible that you will need to adjust this height, however, based on the unique aspects that were discussed earlier.
Be Aware of the Weight of Your Television
Be certain that the wall anchor screws you select have the capacity to support the weight of your television set.
Although the weight of individual models can vary, a television with a screen size of 32 inches typically weighs between 25 and 30 pounds.
This indicates that a larger screen will have a greater weight.
Always be sure the anchors you choose have the appropriate weight capacity before using them.
When raising your gadget, it is also important to proceed with caution for your own safety.
Even a television with a flat-screen may have considerable weight.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you enlist the assistance of a friend in order to complete the mounting process.
Be Aware of Your Wall’s Condition
If you are mounting a television onto drywall or plaster that is worn out and disintegrating, even the most powerful wall anchors will make little difference in the outcome.
Walls that only give the impression of being fragile may actually buckle and bow beneath the weight of your television, which could eventually cause them to break.
Use the Right Mount for Your TV
The VESA pattern establishes a standard for wall mounts, ensuring they are compatible with various televisions.
On the other hand, mounts are rated to accommodate particular sizes and weights of televisions.
A wall mount that is designed for a television that is 32 inches wide, for instance, would not be able to adequately hold the weight and dimensions of a television that is 40 inches wide.
If you choose the incorrect mount, there is a risk that your monitor may fall to the ground and that the wall will be harmed.
Visit our site to learn how to choose a TV wall mount in order to solve this issue once and for all.
Choose the Correct TV Position
The initial step is to choose the wall that best suits your needs. In a perfect world, it will be in a convenient place and have plenty of space and seating.
Ensuring that the wall has access to all of the power outlets necessary for your TV is even more vital than ensuring that it is comfortable.
From there, you need to select the appropriate mounting height, which typically involves positioning the centre of the television screen so that it is close to eye level while the viewer is seated.
Having a second person to assist you in this endeavour is really beneficial since one of you may hold the television while the other examines the angle and location.
You will then be able to mark the point at which you will attach the mount.
Adjust the height of the television so that the middle of the screen is about at the same level as the viewer’s eyes. (It is helpful at this point to have a second person assisting you so that they can evaluate the comfort and angle of the TV while you and another person assisting you hold the actual TV.)
Marking the lower right or left corner with a pencil or piece of masking tape allows you to make a note of the intended position.
Conclusion
Mounting a TV on a plaster wall without studs is possible with the right techniques and tools. To locate a stud, use a stud finder to measure the density of drywall.
Use a stud finder to locate studs, measure 16″ from the corner, knock on the wall, check trim nails, use a powerful magnet, and mount a TV with fixed and tilt mounts.
Toggle bolts and other wall anchors should not be used with full-motion mounts, as they add more weight.
Call a professional if there are no studs, and choose the right location and position.
Toggle anchors and Molly Bolts are sturdy and well-suited for medium and heavy loads.
Molly bolts, mounting plates, and ceiling mounts are all options for mounting a TV with no studs.
Mounting plates help the anchors carry the tv weight more easily and provide an opportunity to add more anchors, making it a more secure mount.
The most important details to consider before mounting a TV on the wall are the wall’s condition, the television set’s weight, the type of wall mount, and the ideal TV height.
Mounting a TV requires consideration of seating distance, wall height, personal preference, weight, and condition of the wall.
Wall anchors should be rated to carry the TV’s weight, and VESA pattern mounts should fit specific TV sizes and weights.
Choose the right TV position and mount height, with the centre of the screen close to eye level, and mark when to attach the mount.
Content Summary
- How to Mount a TV on a Plaster Wall Without Studs Mounting a TV on a plaster wall without studs can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques and tools, it is definitely possible.
- Whether you want to save space or achieve the perfect viewing angle, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of securely mounting your TV on a plaster wall without studs.
- What Is a Stud?
- Before mounting your tv on any old wall, you should always attempt to locate a stud or inspect the walls’ integrity.
- Finding studs have a lot of uses beyond simply mounting your tv.
- Locate Studs With a Stud Finder One of the easiest ways to do this is with a stud finder, a small handheld device that measures the density of drywall.
- Using a stud finder is even more simple than finding the right one.
- Then, once you know where the stud is located on the wall, make a mark with a pencil.
- Measure 16″ From the Corner Don’t have a stud finder?
- Follow up this effort by knocking on the wall where you suspect the stud to be.
- As a general rule, toggle bolts and other wall anchors should not be used with full-motion mounts.
- You still have plenty of options for mounting your TV.
- Once you’ve settled on the right mounting bracket for your TV, you’ll need to choose the right location and position it at the right height.
- When placed into the wall, toggle anchors work by anchoring to the back of the drywall.
- Once the molly bolt is securely anchored, you can remove the screw and replace it with the screws for your TV wall mount.
- Mounting Plates Along with these drywall anchors, consider using a mounting plate or cleat made from metal or plywood.
- The base of your TV wall mount can then be screwed into the mounting plate.
- Ceiling Mounts While not as common as standard wall mounts, mounting your TV from the ceiling is another option if your walls don’t have studs.
- TV Mount Knowing the weight and size of your telly will also come in handy before purchasing a proper wall mount.
- Frankly, if your wall is studless, getting a fixed TV mount is best.
- The TV’s size, the seating area’s height, and individual tastes are just a few variables that can affect the appropriate height for hanging a TV on the wall.
- Seating distance: Take into account how far your seating area is from the TV.
- Wall height: If your ceiling is tall, mount the TV higher to prevent an uncomfortable gap between it and the furniture below.
- Personal preference: Ultimately, your preference will determine the height you place your TV.
- Be Aware of Your TV’s Weight Make sure that the wall anchor screws you choose are rated to carry your TV’s weight.
- For example, a wall mount for a 32-inch TV would not properly support the weight and dimensions of a 40-inch TV.
- Visit our blog on how to choose a TV wall mount so you can avoid this problem.
- Choose the Correct TV Position the First step is to pick your ideal wall.
- From there, you can mark when you want to attach the mount.
- Centre the TV at the right height, with the centre of the screen more or less at eye level.
FAQ
Can I Wall Mount a TV on a Plaster Wall?
One question that regularly comes up is whether it is possible to install a TV wall mount on a plasterboard or hollow wall.
Hollow walls often consist of plasterboard attached to a metal or wooden framework. Basically, the answer is yes.
Do Wall Mounted Tvs Have to Be in Studs?
You must screw into studs when mounting a TV on the wall. Do not use hollow-wall anchors, as they cannot support the weight of TV wall mount brackets and the television.
Once you’ve picked an ideal location for hanging a TV on the wall, run a stud finder along the top of the paper.
How Much Weight Can a Plaster Wall Hold?
Plaster hooks (or hanging picture hooks) are a common solution for hanging pictures on plaster walls.
They can generally support pictures of up to 20 pounds.
As mentioned earlier, avoid using nails on plaster walls because they will likely cause the drywall to crack.
What Anchors for Plaster Walls?
One of the best anchors for plaster walls is the molly bolt, a metal sleeve put into a hole drilled in the plaster.
Molly bolts can hold a lot of weight since they are sturdy and reliable.
They function by expanding under the plaster.
Can I Mount Something Without Studs?
Use a toggle bolt or anchor to hang the piece on areas with no studs, This Old House says.
The weight of the piece, and the thickness of the wall, will dictate the toggle size.
The typical metal toggle bolt can hold 25 to 50 pounds on plaster, according to This Old House.
A plastic one can hold 10 to 25 pounds.