Walls & drywall

Mounting a TV on the wall

A TV mount needs to be anchored into wall studs, not just drywall, since drywall alone can't safely support the weight and leverage of a wall-mounted TV.

Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1–2 hours
DIY cost
$30–$100
Pro cost
$100–$250

Symptoms

  • Planning to mount a TV and unsure where the studs are
  • Existing mount feels loose or is pulling away from the wall
  • Unsure if the wall type (drywall, brick, plaster) needs different anchors

Likely causes

  • CommonMount not anchored into studsTVs are heavy enough that drywall anchors alone usually aren't rated to hold them safely long-term.
  • CommonStuds not accurately locatedMissing the center of a stud with a lag bolt weakens the hold significantly.
  • PossibleWrong mount weight rating for the TVUsing a mount rated below the TV's weight can lead to sagging or failure over time.

What to do

  1. Find studs using a stud finder, marking the center of each with a pencil.
  2. Confirm stud spacing (commonly 16 or 24 inches) matches the mount's hole pattern.
  3. Hold the mount bracket level against the wall and mark bolt hole locations on studs.
  4. Drill pilot holes into the studs at the marked spots.
  5. Attach the mount bracket with lag bolts rated for the TV's weight.
  6. Attach the TV bracket to the TV per the mount instructions.
  7. Hang the TV on the wall bracket and check it's level and securely locked in place.

Tools and parts

  • Stud finder
  • Drill/driver
  • Level
TV wall mountSearch: “TV wall mount rated for your TV size and weight”
Lag boltsSearch: “lag bolts for TV mount into studs”

When to call a pro

Call a handyman or TV mounting service if studs don't line up with the mount, the wall is brick or plaster, or you're not comfortable drilling into studs.

Safety

Use caution

A falling TV can cause serious injury; never rely on drywall anchors alone for a full TV mount, and use a helper for lifting.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.