Updated: 07/12/2020

How to Mount a TV on the Wall Without Studs

TVs have gotten thinner in width, but better in quality and image resolution. Old clunky televisions with small screens and small bodies have slowly become obsolete. The newer generations of TV models have facilitated the arrival of lightweight, easy to use variants with no thick cables, consoles or wires in sight. These features also make it excellent to mount on to a wall.

Most TVs today come with brackets (that are complementary or paid) to attach on to walls, plasterboards, or stud walls. They provide steady base support for the TV and allow the wall to comfortably accept the extra weight. These brackets also help distribute the weight evenly so that the TV does not fall or tilt. 

Don’t all Walls have Studs?

Most people in the UK prefer mounting their televisions on wall studs. However, in old constructions, finding a usable stud wall can be tricky (significantly if the wall has been expanded). TV Mounting brackets are designed for sturdy drywalls with studs. Wall studs help support the entire wall frame. The wooden pieces are placed vertically at regular intervals to help keep the wall up and provide extra support. 

You can find wall studs with the help of a stud finder. Most homes in the UK have stud walls, but several do not. You can use a stud finder to determine the exact spacing and the approximate width of each stud before you start making holes in the wall. 

Depending upon the initial construction and design of the house, you may not find a wall with stud walls present within. At such times, mounting a TV can become a challenge. However, it is possible to mount the TV on to a wall without studs. A 32 inch TV can be fitted on to the hollow wall quickly, and without needing professional help or assistance. 

How to Mount a TV on the Wall Without Studs?

Most hollow walls need plates or anchors to facilitate proper distribution of weight. Avoid installing extremely heavy televisions on hollow walls to prevent accidents and mishaps in the long term. While the hollow wall would take the additional weight, you do not want to increase load-bearing capacity until it cracks and falls apart.

Plasterboard Fixings: Plasterboard fixings are great for lighter ones like the 32 inch TV. Flat to wall brackets help in distributing weight loads to keep the TV steady and upright. Most plasterboard fixings can hold up to 15 kg weight without a lot of difficulties. If your TV is heavier than that, you should opt for mounting plates or anchors.

Toggle Anchors: Toggle anchors are precisely like regular screws, except for the butterfly toggle towards the end of the anchor or bolt. Toggle anchors are fantastic simply because they anchor to the back of the drywall and create firm support. Pulling or placing additional weight on the screws does not move or shake the anchor since it uses the entirety of the drywall to gain its support. 

Toggle anchors or bolts are excellent when you need additional support for massive TVs that cross the 15 kg mark. Pulling or trying to shake the anchor does not loosen it since the anchor uses the whole drywall for resistance, and not only the crumbly part in direct contact with the bolt. Once firmly secured to the drywall at the intended height, toggle anchors can easily support large TVs.

Mounting Plates: Metal cleats and plates help distribute the weight and allow for even load-bearing on walls without studs. Mounting plates are usually sold with the TV unit and should be attached to the back of the TV before mounting. The plates are measured to fit the exact specifications and dimensions of the TV and are to be connected to the TV, while the remaining bit is installed on to the wall.

The TV is then mounted directly on to the mounting plate brackets, and either slid into place or clicked into place for even load-bearing and weight distribution. Most TV owners prefer using mounting plates since they are easy to affix on to the TV and easy to install on the hollow wall. Mounting plates add several anchor points that help carry larger weights than regular mounting plates. 

Most TVs come equipped with mounting plates, but if you prefer, you could also attach the TV to the ceiling. Since the ceiling does not have studs, you would have to use longer and stronger screws that fit easily on to joists or beams for a firm and steady support.