How to Mount a TV Without Studs – 5 Ways to Follow

Last Updated on October 7, 2023 by Jhonni Jets

How to Mount a TV Without Studs

So you’re ready to mount your TV and nothing is lining up right. You’ve got the perfect spot for your new, awesome television but there aren’t any studs in the wall, or if there are they’re not where you need them to be.

Now what? For you DIY’ers out there, don’t worry – it’s easier than you think to mount a TV without studs! It just takes some planning, some specialized hardware, and a little know-how.

Read Also:HOW TO CONNECT PS4 CONTROLLER TO PS4 WITHOUT USB

We’ll give you all of the tips and tricks that will help get the job done fast so that you can watch your favorite shows in no time at all. We’ll also explain why it’s important to find a stud before mounting your TV, what anchors work best on drywall (and which ones don’t), and how to install them correctly so that they last as long as possible…

How to mount a TV without studs

There are many ways to mount a TV without studs. The main reason most people aren’t able to do this is that they don’t realize they can use a variety of different methods and materials. This guide will teach you the basics, so you can start planning your project today!

Mounting hardware: You’ll need some mounting hardware to hang your TV. There are lots of different options available on Amazon—you just have to make sure it fits your TV and existing entertainment center or wall unit.

Stud finder: Before doing anything else, plug in an electric stud finder into an outlet and sweep over the area where you want to place your TV. This will help ensure that there aren’t any hidden studs or beams that could cause problems with hanging or installing equipment on them later down the road (and possibly cause damage).

bOnce you’ve determined that there’s no obstruction between where you want your new entertainment system installed and where it needs attaching by way of screws/bolts at either end (usually one above), then next step is drilling holes through each section using appropriately sized drill bits which should be included in any package bought online from Home Depot or Lowe’s Hardware Stores among others; if not then simply buy them separately from Amazon etcetera…

Why do you need to find a stud to mount your TV?

Studs are the strongest part of your wall. They’re also one of only two places you can mount a TV to, which is why it’s so important to find them before you start drilling holes in your walls. The other place is an electrical box (which most TVs don’t require), but if you plan on going this route and have outlets nearby then we recommend using an electrical box instead.

Studs are capable of supporting more weight than drywall alone, so they’re the only place where you can safely use standard wall mounts. Standard wall mounts are usually made for mounting televisions that weigh less than 40 pounds or measure less than 32 inches across (if the screen size exceeds 32 inches, check out our guide on mounting larger TVs).

How do you mount a TV on drywall without studs?

So, you’ve got a wall-mounting job to do. But there’s one problem: the TV is not in studs. No problem—there are three options for getting your TV mounted without using a stud:

• Use a drywall anchor
• Use a wall mounting kit
• Get an expert to help you mount your TV

1. Use a Hollow Wall Anchor

If you don’t have studs where you want to mount your TV, one option is to use hollow wall anchors. Hollow wall anchors, also called mollies, are specially designed to grip into drywall and create a solid mounting point.

Here are the steps for using hollow wall anchors to mount your TV:

Materials Needed

• Hollow wall anchors
• Drill
• Drill bit (sized for your wall anchor)
• Screws
• Stud finder
• TV mounting bracket

Steps

1. Determine the location where you want to mount your TV and use a stud finder to confirm there are no studs present.
2. Hold your TV mounting bracket in the desired spot and mark the locations of the holes.
3. Use a drill and drill bit to drill holes into the wall at the marked locations. The holes should be as deep as the anchor requires (check the package).
4. Insert the hollow wall anchors into the holes. Tap gently with a hammer until the anchor is flush with the wall.
5. Place the TV mounting bracket over the anchors and insert the screws through the bracket and into the anchors. Tighten the screws until the bracket is firmly fixed to the wall.
6. Mount your TV onto the brackets as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

The hollow wall anchors provide a secure mounting point on your drywall without needing to locate any studs. Just be sure to follow the package directions closely so the anchors are securely installed.

2. Use Toggle Bolts

Toggle bolts work similarly to hollow wall anchors – they provide a way to securely fasten things onto drywall rather than into studs. However, the installation method is a bit different.

Here’s how to use toggle bolts for mounting a TV on drywall:

Materials Needed

• Toggle bolts
• Drill
• Drill bit (sized for your toggles)
• TV mounting bracket
• Stud finder

Steps

1. Determine mounting location and verify no studs with a stud finder.
2. Hold the TV mounting bracket where desired and mark the hole locations.
3. Drill holes into the wall at the marked locations, making sure the holes are big enough for the toggle wings to fit through.
4. Insert the toggle wings into the holes and slide them all the way into the wall so they are flush or behind the wall surface.
5. Slide the bolt through the toggle, leaving just enough space for the toggles to turn horizontally.
6. Tighten the bolt so that the toggle wings turn horizontal inside the wall, pressing firmly against the back of the drywall.
7. Place the TV mounting bracket against the wall, lining up the bolts with the holes. Install washers and nuts onto the ends of the bolts sticking through the bracket.
8. Tighten the bolts until the bracket is firmly fixed to the wall.
9. Mount the TV according to the manufacturer instructions.

The toggle bolts provide very strong mounting points for heavy TVs, spreading the weight across a larger area inside the wall. Follow instructions carefully to ensure the toggles ends turn fully horizontal inside the wall.

3. Use Adhesive TV Mounts

Rather than mechanically fastening your TV mounting bracket to the wall, another option is to use an adhesive mount. These provide a way to “stick” your TV mount directly onto the wall without needing to drill any holes.

Here’s how adhesive TV mounts work:

Materials Needed

• Adhesive TV mount
• Rubbing alcohol
• Clean cloth

Steps

1. Determine the mounting location on the wall. Make sure the surface is smooth and clean.
2. Clean the wall surface thoroughly with rubbing alcohol to remove any oil, dirt or debris.
3. Remove backing paper from the adhesive on the TV mount to expose the sticky surface.
4. Firmly press the adhesive mount to the wall and hold for 30-60 seconds. Apply even pressure across the entire surface to ensure full contact.
5. Let the adhesive cure fully for at least 24 hours before attaching your TV. This allows the strongest bond to form.
6. Once cured, attach your TV to the mounted brackets following the manufacturer’s instructions. Most adhesive mounts can support TVs up to 50 lbs.

The benefit of adhesive mounts is that you don’t need any hardware and you can place them anywhere on the wall surface. Just be sure the surface is clean so the adhesive bonds properly. Periodically check the connections to ensure the adhesive is holding strong.

4. Use a MantelMount Pull-Down TV Bracket

If you want to mount a TV above a mantel or fireplace, the lack of studs for mounting can be problematic. Luckily, MantelMount makes pull-down TV mounting brackets specifically for this purpose.

Here’s how they work:

Materials Needed

• MantelMount TV bracket
• Stud finder
• Lag bolts
• Drill
• Socket wrench

Steps

1. Determine the ideal position above the mantel to mount the TV. Use a stud finder to locate studs.
2. Use lag bolts to securely bolt the steel MantelMount bracket into the studs above the fireplace.
3. Attach the TV mounting plate to the back of your TV according to the MantelMount instructions.
4. With the help of another person, hang the TV into place on the horizontal track of the MantelMount.
5. To lower the TV into viewing position, simply pull down on the attached cords to release the locking mechanism. To raise it up out of the way, pull down and push up into the locked position.

The key benefit of the MantelMount is that you don’t have to permanently mount the TV over the mantel – you can lower it into view when needed and out of sight when not. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and weight capacity.

5. Use a Freestanding TV Floor Stand

If you aren’t able to mount your TV on the wall in any way, consider using a freestanding TV floor stand instead. These provide a few benefits:

• Don’t require mounting on walls
• Allow you to position the TV anywhere you want
• Provide adjustable height and swivel
• Can hold very large TVs up to 80″

Here are some things to look for in a freestanding TV floor stand:

• Sturdy base and anti-tip design
• Wheels or casters for adjustability
• Shelves for cable boxes, game systems, etc.
• Tilt, swivel and height adjustments
• Screen size capacity for your TV

To use a freestanding floor TV stand:

1. Place the stand assembly in your desired location.
2. Lock the wheels after moving into position.
3. Carefully place your TV onto the stand following the instructions.
4. Adjust the height, swivel and tilt tension as needed.
5. Run cables and cords through openings in the stand.

Having your TV on a freestanding floor stand allows you to place it anywhere without relying on wall studs. Just ensure the stand is designed for your TV’s size and weight for proper support.

Conclusion

Lack of ideal wall studs does not have to stop you from mounting your TV safely and securely. With various TV mounting options like hollow wall anchors, toggle bolts, adhesive mounts, pull-down mantel brackets, and freestanding floor stands, you can find the ideal solution for your unique situation. Carefully follow all instructions for proper installation. And enjoy being able to mount your TV in the perfect spot, studs or no studs!