So you have a new flat-screen TV you’re trying to mount on a wall without studs. Whether you have metal studs that you can’t drill into or your studs just don’t line up with your preferred space, you can still mount your TV directly to the drywall.
With a couple of anchors and a mounting plate, you should be able to do it yourself. The whole process takes about an hour and can be expedited if you have prior experience.
Note: If you’re worried about hanging something heavy without studs, hanging the TV from the ceiling can be an option.
Things to Check Before You Start
- Pick a suitable mount and decide where to mount your TV. For help, check out our articles on different types of mounts and the best places to mount a TV.
- Make sure you have all the tools required to mount your TV.
- Depending on the weight of your TV, select an anchor that works best.
Use Toggle Anchors if you’re mounting a large or heavy TV and need maximum holding strength.
Use Molly Bolts if you have a medium-sized TV. They are also ideal if the wall space is tighter, as they require smaller holes.
Mounting Plates
Along with anchors, consider using a mounting plate for additional support. Mounting plates are sturdy panels, typically made of metal or plywood. They are used to spread the weight of the TV across a larger area of the wall.
While your TV mount has a limited number of attachment points to the wall, a mounting plate lets you use more fasteners to decrease the weight each anchor needs to hold.
How to Install a Mounting Plate
- Cut the Mounting Plate: Cut the metal or plywood mounting plate slightly smaller than your TV to hide it behind the screen.
- Attach the Plate to the Wall: Hold the plate on the wall where you want to mount your TV. Mark where each anchor screw will go and insert drywall anchors.
- Attach the TV Mount: Once the Plate is secured, attach your TV mount to the plate using the provided screws.
Mark and Drill Pilot Holes
Keep the mount on the location where you want to mount your TV. Make sure the mount is straight on the wall with a level. Once the mount is properly positioned, mark the hole positions on the wall with a pencil.
Drill pilot holes using a power drill on the positions you just marked. The pilot holes should be smaller in diameter than the anchors you use.
Tip:
When drilling, take proper safety precautions by wearing gloves, eye protection, and a mask.
Insert Anchors
Depending on the type of anchor you use, the installation process varies.
How to Install Toggle Anchors:
- Insert the Toggle Anchor: Fold the toggle wings and push the anchor through the pilot hole. The wings will open up once inside the wall.
- Tighten the Screw: As you tighten the screw, the toggle pulls against the back of the drywall and creates a secure hold.
For more help, read: How to Use Toggle Bolts
How to Install Molly Bolts:
- Prepare the Hole: The pilot holes drilled earlier are enough if the bolt has no pointed end. If the molly bolt has a pointed end, you can hammer it directly into the wall.
- Insert the Molly Bolt: Push the bolt into the hole until it’s flat against the wall surface.
- Tighten the Bolt: Turn the bolt’s screw. As you tighten, the metal sleeve behind the wall expands and gets anchored securely.
- Replace the Bolt: Once the bolt is secure, remove it and replace it with the screws for your TV mount.
For more help, read: How to Install Molly Bolts
Attach the TV Mount
Now that your mounting plate is securely attached to the wall, you can attach the TV mount according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For more information on this process, check out our article “How to Mount a TV on the Wall”
Attach Brackets to the TV
To attach the TV brackets, align the mounting slots on both the TV and the bracket to match perfectly. Once they are in the right position, tighten the screws using a screwdriver.
Tip:
After you attach the brackets to the TV, keep the TV in a dust-free spot so the screen doesn’t get scratched. For added protection, cover the TV with a cloth once you’ve set it down.
Once the brackets are firmly attached, you’re ready to lift your TV into place and secure it to the mounting bracket.
Hire a Pro to Save Time and Hassle
TV mounting, especially without studs, is a tough job to do on your own. Not only is it helpful to have an extra set of hands, but having someone who knows what they’re doing can save you time and keep you from putting unnecessary holes in your walls.
Additional Reading:
- TV Stand vs. Wall Mount: Which is Right for You?
- Can You Mount Any TV?
- How to Remove a TV from a Wall Mount
- Different Types of Drywall Anchors
- How to Use Drywall Anchors
- Are TV Mounts Universal?
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Photo Credit: customdesigner / Adobe Stock Free / License
Related Posts:
