Mounting a TV on the wall is usually a straightforward process. However, mounting without using studs is tricky — finding the perfect viewing angle and maintaining that position can be challenging. Thankfully, our team is here to help. Read on to find out how to mount a TV on the wall without studs.
How to Mount a TV on the Wall Without Studs
Molly Bolts
Molly bolts are screw fasteners that would reliably fasten objects to plaster or drywall. There are different alternatives for your diverse needs when deciding to mount TVs on the walls without studs.
- Pointed molly bolts help start drilling and keep the bolt straight. They are also named thread-forming bolts. You have to place the tip of the bolt and drive it with a hammer.
- Non pointed mollies are placed directly into the whole in the wall and then crimped.
For installing a non-pointed molly bolt, you will require a hammer and a nail to tap a “pilot hole” into the wall, narrower than the anchor. After that, the molly can be placed over the hole. To make it flush with the wall, you need to tap it with the hammer firmly.
A molly bolt is thin, but after you start tightening them with crimping pliers, the body will extend, anchoring them in the back of the drywall. When the screw is firmly fixed, the bolt can be drawn out and replaced with the screws from the TV’s fixing kit.
Much like most other screws, molly screws, also referred to as mollies for short, come in different sizes and grip lengths. Depending on the thickness of your drywall and weight of the load, the size you choose will vary.
Toggle Anchors
For individuals looking to hang a TV without studs of a significant weight, it can still be done without studs if you have toggle bolts. They are the most robust, but the installation isn’t easy. The process takes longer because you are required to drill larger holes.
Sometimes referred to as a butterfly anchor, a toggle anchor resembles a regular screw but is much more secure thanks to the wings. Once inserted, the butterfly anchor will have a tighter hold inside the wall, making the anchor stronger and able to withstand external pressures.
Toggle anchors in your drywall can handle the weight of most TVs such as a 32 inch and even a TV over 55 pounds depending on how thick your drywall is.
If you choose to use toggle bolts when mounting your TV, you need to drill holes with a diameter of 5/16”, then fold the toggle anchors in the middle and insert them into the holes. After that, the anchors may be popped open with a key. This action will lock the anchors behind the wall, making them ready to hold your television.
Mounting Plate
Mounting plates are secured on the living room wall behind the TV using any of the drywall anchors described above when there are no studs available. The TV’s stand will be secured on this plate.
A mounting plate is usually made out of metal such as aluminum or plywood. These materials help the installation since the weight will be distributed evenly over a more significant surface area.
If you decide to get a wall plate, you have to make sure it matches the TV’s hole pattern.
If you are concerned about the mounting plate showing, you can use a smaller size so that the tv’s screen will completely hide it. If this is not possible, you can paint the mounting plate to match the wall.
Mount From the Ceiling
To mount a TV from the ceiling, you will require a ceiling mount, or sometimes what’s called a suspended TV mount. This type of mounting is great to save on wall space and gives the appearance of a much neater setup.
It’s not a common method to install your TV from the ceiling, at least when compared to a wall mount, but it is an alternative to it, especially when there are no available wall studs. A ceiling mount implies a little more work so that your TV won’t fall off, however.
This TV mount method requires screws long enough to pierce through the ceiling beams. Our team recommends installing a sheet of plywood between the beams that are supporting your ceiling.
The suspended TV mount is best inserted into the ceiling beams or joists for security. To do this, you will require a stud finder, but you can also attempt to do it the traditional way by knocking and listening for hollow points.
(For a much cleaner TV setup? You can check our guide about hiding television wires properly here)
Important Reminders
Keep in mind that before you learn how to mount a TV on the wall without studs, you must know the weight of your TV and consider using adequate anchors.
A specific TV, such as a 32 inch TV, might weigh between 25 and 30 lbs, and a 65 inch TV weighs about 52 lbs, making the mounting process a little more complicated. You have to check what is the weight of your TV, and the weight your wall anchors are designed to hold before you mount it, since even a mounted television might fall off one day if you ignore these requirements when you’re mounting.
(Now that you have a clutter-free TV setup, getting the best sound quality is next. Thus, here are our tips on how to connect external speaker system to your LG television. Make your TV experience more enjoyable)
Know the weight of your TV
Keep in mind that before you learn how to mount a TV on the wall without studs, you must know the weight of your TV and consider using adequate anchors.
A specific TV, such as a 32 inch TV, might weigh between 25 and 30 lbs, and a 65 inch TV weighs about 52 lbs, making the mounting process a little more complicated. You have to check what is the weight of your TV, and the weight your wall anchors are designed to hold before you mount it, since even a mounted television might fall off one day if you ignore these requirements when you’re mounting.
Check if the wall is strong enough - TV wall mount
Keep in mind that if the wall is too old, the studs won’t help when you mount the TV, and you risk bending or breaking your wall under the TV’s weight. A sheet of drywall, for example, is around 3 times more sturdy in the long direction for a TV wall mount.
(For related topic, you can also check our guide of how you can mount a curved television seamlessly here)
FAQ
Do you need to find a stud to hang a TV?
No, you don’t need to find a stud, as there are many alternatives, such as using molly bolts, anchors toggle, and mounting plates. You can also attach the TV to the ceiling. Mounting a TV without studs may seem daunting, but it is totally safe with the proper TV wall mounts. But what if you have TV mount studs but they’re far apart? Here’s how you can go about this!
Can you mount a 60 inch tv on drywall ?
Yes, you can mount a TV of 60 inches on drywall. However, you have to pay attention to some aspects, such as ensuring that the anchor screws are rated to carry your TV’s weight and the walls integrity. Any defects will make it more susceptible to future damage due to the wall mounts.
Conclusion
Mounting a TV without studs is totally possible. The methods presented by our experts are safe to use and can help you mount your TV on your wall or your ceiling, getting rid of the unpleasant-looking TV stand. This way, you can give your house a modern and minimalist appearance.
Soon, TV stands might not be used for a long time in favor of the methods described above. But until then, we hope our how to mount your TV on the wall without studs guide has helped you in your endeavor.
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