If your walls are made of metal studs, you will always have difficulty finding a mounting bracket for your television.
Since wooden studs are far more common than metal studs, the market is less concerned with people with metal studs on their walls.
The mounts you often get only come with hardware that is used to install them onto wooden studs, even if the mounts can be installed on metal studs as well.
Nonetheless, if you spend a little time online, you will likely find a mounting solution that will fit into a wall with metal studs.
It has never been easier to mount a TV to metal studs. To empower you with the ability to install your TV any way you want, we provide you with the right tools and guidance.
Choosing hardware that supports the TV’s weight and is long enough to reach the studs is critical since metal studs are hollow and narrow.
It is possible to anchor a flat-screen television through metal, drywall, and plaster with an elephant anchor, which is stronger than a wing toggle.
Can You Mount A Tv On Metal Studs?
Most TV mounts on the market are designed to be installed in wooden studs or concrete, but metal studs can also be used. You will need a few tools and equipment, but the process is virtually the same.
This article aims to show you how easy it can be to mount a TV into metal studs and explain the steps involved.
How To Mount Tv On Metal Studs Step By Step
Providing you have the correct anchors and do it properly, mounting a television to metal studs is possible.
To ensure that your TV won’t fall off the wall, we’ve prepared a step-by-step guide demonstrating how to mount it with metal studs.
Step 1: Mounting A TV Into Metal Studs With The Right Tools
An electronic stud finder can assist you in finding metal studs. For example, it is typical for apartment buildings and office spaces to have metal studded walls to prevent fires.
Unlike wood studs, steel studs are nonflammable and slow fire spread. In addition to being resistant to termites, insects, rot, and mold, they are also available in various colors.
Mounts installed into metal studs require the same tools as those installed into wooden studs.
- Drill
- ½” drill bit
- Tape measure
- Stud finder
- Level
- Pencil
- Set of sockets
- Level
- Screwdriver
- Tape for packing
- Painter’s tape
Step 2: Make Sure The Building Code Is Followed
Check your studs before purchasing any mounts. If you rent your space, ensure you have permission to drill into the walls. A professional can assist you with choosing a suitable building material.
Step 3: What Is The Height Of Your TV?
To begin the installation process, you need to determine how high you want your TV. We recommend aligning the TV at eye level to ensure comfortable viewing and avoid neck and eye strain.
Tape a painter’s tape mark on the TV’s center once you have determined its height.
Step 4: TV Hardware Installation
Installing the frame on the TV is the next step. You should begin by mounting the vertical arms on the TV.
The arm is slightly out because of the ridge on the TV, so we used a spacer here. The horizontal bracket can be installed after the vertical arms have been installed.
Step 5: Identifying The Metal Studs In Your Wall
Mark the areas where you find metal studs with a pencil after using the stud finder to locate them. You should know where to begin by looking at how far apart the metal studs are in most cases.
Step 6: Installing The Bracket
The next step will be to ensure that the marks are level using the level. Use painter’s tape to stick the template on the wall once you’re sure the marks are level.
Next, ensure that the lower set of holes for the toggle bolts/anchors is marked with a level. Cover the mark where you will drill with packing tape for a stronger bond between the wall template and the wall.
An attached dust catcher is included with the template. It is important to extend it before you start drilling so that all the dust particles from the drywall can collect in it.
Cleaning up will be much easier this way. In addition, the wall template can now be folded up and discarded once your holes have been drilled.
Step 7: Installing The Toggler Bolts
There should be four toggler bolts included with your TV mount, making it easy to secure. It is possible to extend the bolt and insert it through the hole, and once through, the bolt can be turned so that it captures the back of the stud.
Start by extending your toggler bolt through the hole. Then, pull tight against your body until the bolt is secure once you’ve threaded it through.
Afterward, secure the toggler bolt by pushing the cap of the securing bracket into the hole.
As the last step, wiggle the clips on your anchor until they break off, leaving them in place. The remainder of the toggle bolts can be installed in the same manner.
Step 8: Bracket Installation
You can now install the bracket to the wall once all the toggle bolts have been installed. Once you reach this point, your TV will be mounted in the same way it would be mounted into wooden studs.
If you want to avoid stripping the bolt, use a drill to fasten them but only tighten them about 90%–followed by a hand tool to finish them off.
Step 9: Putting The TV On The Mount
If you try to hang it all by yourself, you may put yourself (and your TV) at risk. However, if you have a friend help you, this step is recommended.
Attach it to the wall bracket once it is hung. Before tightening the nuts, make the final adjustments and check if the TV is level before tightening them.
Final Step: Making Adjustments
If you want a clean, organized look, you can run your cables through the cable management clips after you hang the TV. Ultimately, you can adjust your TV angle and position by panning, swiveling, or tilting it.
The Pros And Cons Of Mounting A TV Into Metal Studs Versus Wood Studs
There are almost no differences between a TV mount designed for metal studs and one designed for wooden studs.
However, there is a difference between the hardware used to attach the bracket and the wall to ensure it is appropriately supported.
When a metal stud is installed, hardware such as toggle bolts, drill toggles, or snap toggles is required to secure the metal stud in place. Wooden studs are installed with lag bolts that screw directly into the metal stud.
Metal/Steel Studs: What Are They For?
Are you planning on mounting your TV to the wall in your condo or office? Don’t get discouraged when you find out that 90% of your work will be with metal studs. Many good reasons can be given for using metal studs in these buildings.
The fire risk associated with wood studs is lower than metal studs. Moreover, metal studs make partitions cheaper to build and easier to tear down. It’s impossible to forget those tall and large office buildings.
Is It Safe To Mount A Tv On Metal Studs?
You can typically find online mounts that are designed to use wooden studs. However, they are more common due to their commonality and ease of installation.
It is not necessary to be discouraged if you are using metal studs. There are metal stud mounts available. Furthermore, if you do your research and pay attention, you can also install a mount properly on your own.
Is It Possible To Mount A TV On A Single Metal Stud?
TV size and wall mount type determine the wall mount type.
For Fixed And Tilt Tv Mount
The mount can be secured to the drywall with elephant anchor toggle bolts if the stud is metal.
For Swivel Or Articulating Tv Mounts
In the market, there are many different kinds of single-stud wall mounts. Mounting to concrete or wood studs determines the weight rating for single-stud wall mounts.
When mounting a single stud wall mount to a metal stud, you must consider the weight of the TV. Mounting your TV on a single stud will work if you are mounting it in a corner or if centering is not essential.
A single stud TV mount is the best choice if you are wall-mounting your TV on an area with a small TV or on a wall where it would be evident if it was not centered.
Final Words
The challenge of mounting a TV or hanging a heavy picture on a wall becomes slightly more complicated if the wall has metal studs. A metal stud is hollow and has thin walls, unlike wood studs, quickly driven into with lag bolts.
It is simply not possible for the threads to grab securely due to a lack of material. Therefore, getting the correct fasteners is imperative when mounting heavy objects on metal studs.
You should feel more confident about installing a wall mount onto metal studs now that you have read this article. Using the correct metal stud anchors and hardware will ensure success if you buy the right ones.
