Drywalls often show signs of cracks and bends due to the weight of a flat-screen TV. However, you can avoid this by using the right screws and a number of other tools.
In today’s post, we will explain how you can reinforce your walls to avoid the risk of cracks and bends.
Moreover, we will describe what tools you can use for this purpose.
By the end of this article, we’ll go over the following topics as well:
- Tools Needed to Reinforce Your Wall
- Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s get started.
Ways to Reinforce Your Wall for a TV Mount
There are a number of ways you can use to reinforce your wall. However, there are no rules that you should follow a specific method.
Each method has a number of variables like the weight of the TV, the thickness of the drywall, and the type of mount you are using.
Here’s a list of these methods:
- Reinforcing by wall anchors
- Reinforcing by Plywood pieces
- Reinforcing by wall studs
Let’s take a look at these methods one by one.
Reinforcing by Using Wall Anchors
You can find a variety of wall anchors in any hardware store. But the trick is to select the right one for your walls.
Experts prefer using sping anchors or hollow wall anchors to reduce the direct weight of a TV mount. You can use either of these for mid to large-scale TVs.
What’s the difference between spring and hollow wall anchors?
Hollow wall anchors act as a secondary hole for you to install your screws in. You can drill the holes and place anchors inside these holes.
Afterward, you can use conventional screws to mount the wall plate of your TV mount.
On the other hand, spring anchors work in a two-way mechanism. The screw is attached to a two-headed spring that can be folded.
Once inside a mounting hole, you can screw it clockwise to tighten the spring. The spring heads expand and embed themselves in the wall for extra grip.
Which one is better, a hollow wall anchor or a spring anchor?
It depends on the thickness of your drywall. If it’s single-layer drywall, you should go for the hollow wall anchor. Otherwise, spring anchors are your best option.
This is due to the fact that spring anchors need a layer to attach the two heads. Single-layer drywall can support it but it’s better not to take the risk.
Reinforcing by Using Plywood Pieces
Professionals also prefer using an extra piece of Plywood to reduce the amount of pressure applied to the wall. This indirectly reduces the risk of cracks and bends due to the weight.
You can use a single-layer or a double-layer Plywood piece depending on the weight of your TV. However, it is good to use a double-layer piece just to be on the safe side.
What should be the size of the Plywood piece?
As a rule of thumb, you can use a Plywood piece equal to or greater than the size of the wall plate of your TV. This will provide you with sufficient room to work and mount the plate.
Experts always prefer using a Plywood piece that is at least 1-inch bigger than the TV mount from all sides.
How does a Plywood piece help with reinforcing?
As it turns out when you use a Plywood piece, you aren’t mounting the TV plate directly to the drywall. The Plywood piece serves as a secondary layer for you to install the mount.
This reduces the direct weight applied on the drywall and distributes it evenly between the 4 corners.
What should be the thickness of the Plywood piece?
You should use a Plywood piece that is at least 1-inch thick so it can easily hold the screws for your TV mount. However, you can use a piece between 1 to 2-inches thick.
This will provide you with sufficient room to drill holes for your mounting screws.
Reinforcing by Using Wall Studs
This is the most common way to reinforce your wall for a TV mount. Your drywall has a series of wooden planks behind it that you can use for support.
For this method, you’ll need a stud finder to locate the stud location behind the wall. Once you do that, you can drill holes in the marked location and mount your TV plate.
What kind of stud finder should I use?
Electronic stud finders are most viable for this purpose. You can pinpoint the exact location of your wall studs and mark them using a pencil.
This will help you to drill the holes with precision and eliminate the risk of damaging any electrical wires behind the wall.
These are all the methods you can use to reinforce your wall. Now, let’s take a look at the tools you are going to need for this task.
Tools You Need to Reinforce
Along with the basic hardware tools like a Philips screwdriver, there are a number of tools you’ll need to reinforce your wall.
Here’s a list of these tools:
- Power Drill
- Compatible wall anchors
- Measuring tape
- Electronic stud finder
- Masking tape
- Pencil/Marker
These tools will help you save time and streamline the entire process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Following are some commonly asked questions we gathered from around the web. Let’s take a look at them.
Is it better to use third-party screws?
In most cases, it is preferable that you use the screws included with your TV mount. They are specifically designed for your TV mount and work the best in every situation.
Should I always reinforce my drywall for a TV mount?
It depends on the thickness of your drywall. For single-layer drywall, you should always reinforce it. However, for double-layer drywall, you can skip it depending on the size of your TV.
Can I use any type of TV mount for single-layer drywall?
Experts prefer using a fixed or tilt mount for single-layer drywall. Full-motion TV mounts are not suitable for single-layer because of their own weight.
Wrapping Things Up…
Mounting a TV without reinforcing your wall can lead to problems in the long run. However, you can avoid this by using proper methods like using wall anchors or a secondary Plywood piece.
This brings us to the finish line of our guide on how you can reinforce your walls for a TV mount. We hope this post proves to be informational for you.
Do let us know how you prefer to reinforce your drywall for a TV mount.
Adam F.
A/V and Home Theater Expert that focuses on providing clear as well as concise reviews for anything and everything Audio Visual. From TV's, TV Mounts, Soundbars, and Wiring, my focus is to provide expertise in everything Audio Visual focused.
