As a homeowner, mounting my TV to the wall always seemed like a daunting task… until I gave it a shot! I was surprised to find that drywall anchors are actually a great way to securely mount a television. After doing some research, I’ve gathered all the tips, tricks, pros, and cons of using drywall anchors to hold a TV and I’m here to share my findings with you!
You can mount a TV on drywall anchors as long as you install them properly and make sure that you don’t exceed the weight bearing capacity of your drywall anchors and the wall itself. For larger and heavier TVs, you have to rely on the studs supporting the wall.
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Can drywall anchors be used to hold TVs? | Yes, as long as the weight of the TV is within the capacity of the drywall anchors and the wall itself. For larger and heavier TVs, it’s best to rely on the studs supporting the wall. |
| How to mount a TV on drywall using anchors | 1. Mark pilot holes where you want to install the anchors. 2. Screw the TV mount into the anchors. 3. Hang the TV onto the mount. |
| How to mount large TVs on drywall | 1. Choose a suitable height for the TV mount. 2. Locate the studs on the wall. 3. Mark the pilot holes using the TV mount. 4. Screw the mount into the wall. 5. Hang the TV onto the mount. |
| Pros of mounting a TV on drywall anchors | Easy to install, supports lightweight TVs, relatively inexpensive. |
| Cons of mounting a TV on drywall anchors | Not suitable for TVs heavier than 30lbs, can damage drywall if not installed properly, can become loose over time. |
Table of Contents
Is It Possible to Use Drywall Anchors to Hold TVs?
Drywall includes a combination of various compressed materials, such as paper packing, wood pulp, and gypsum.
This makes for a relatively affordable reliable interior wall but it’s not durable enough to support heavier items.
Drywall anchors will simply attach themselves to these walls from the other side so that they’re sturdy enough to hold items.
Ideally, a set of good quality drywall anchors is capable of mounting a TV that is around 25 to 30 lbs, but that also depends on the condition of the drywall and how thick it is.
If you want to mount a relatively large TV to the wall, it’s best to mount its bracket into the studs in the wall, as they’re capable of supporting extra weight without fail.
How to Mount a TV on Drywall Using Anchors
If you want to mount a relatively lightweight TV that your good-condition drywall can support, here’s what you need to do:
1. Mark Pilot Holes Where You Want to Install the Anchors
Start by finding out where you want to mount the TV using the holder bracket, then mark the spots where anchors should be installed (depending on the holder’s installation guide)
After that, drill the pilot holes using an electric screwdriver and make sure that the hole is wide enough for the anchor to pass through the wall.
Tap the anchors into the wall using a rubber mallet or slide them into the wall if you’re using toggle bolts.
2. Screw the TV Mount into the Anchors
Once the anchors or toggle bolts used are in place, you should be able to secure the TV mount directly on them.
Simply hold the TV mount against the anchors so that the holes line up perfectly, then screw them on using a screwdriver. You can use the help of another person here to make things easier.
3. Hang the TV onto the Mount
Now that the mount is attached to the wall, you can easily hang the TV onto the mount using hooks, clips, or depending on the method specified in the user manual of the TV holder.
How to Mount Large TVs on Drywall
As previously mentioned, larger TVs can’t be mounted directly on drywall using an anchor, as the wall will fail if it’s loaded with too much weight.
To solve this problem, you need to utilize the studs behind the drywall. Here’s how to get the job done:
1. Choose a Suitable Height for the TV Mount
Start by choosing the proper viewing height of the TV. The sweet spot is usually at a height of around 35 to 45 inches off the ground, but it can vary depending on personal preferences.
2. Locate the Studs on the Wall
To find the studs, you need to use a studs finder. Simply hold it against the wall and turn it on, then move slowly across the wall until it detects the stud. If you know where the studs are on the wall, you can skip this one.
3. Mark the Pilot Holes Using the TV Mount
Mark the studs that you want to attach the TV mount on, then mark the holes that you want to drill using a pencil. Make sure that the mount is level, so that the TV is well-oriented.
4. Screw the Mount into the Wall
Drill the holes that you’ve marked earlier but make sure that drilled hole is 1/8 inches shorter than the screws for maximum accuracy.
After that, attach the TV mount to the wall properly and screw it on using your electric screwdriver.
5. Hang the TV onto the Mount
Lastly, bring the TV on the mounting bracket and attach it as instructed, which is usually by carefully positioning the TV onto the hooks of the bracket.
Pros & Cons of Mounting a TV on Drywall Anchors
Pros
- Easy to install
- Supports lightweight TVs
- Relatively inexpensive
Cons
- Not suitable for TVs heavier than 30lbs
- Can damage drywall if not installed properly
- Can become loose over time
Wrap Up
Mounting your TV on drywall depends mainly on the overall weight of the TV in question as well as the condition of the drywall itself.
If your TV weight is within the capacity of the wall, you can go ahead and install the TV using drywall anchors. However, if the TV is too heavy, it’s best to mount them on the studs supporting the drywall.
Read more: Are bigger TVs better?
