- TVs larger than 55" can be difficult to place, especially when studs are too far apart
- When studs are too far apart, options include mounting the TV in a corner, using a plywood fix, or a wooden/metal bar mount
- Methods involve measuring stud distance, finding studs, and securely mounting the TV to ensure stability.
These days, smart and large-screen TVs are almost everywhere, it’s rare to spot one of those old, boxy CRTs anymore. But as TVs keep getting bigger, especially those 55 inches and above, figuring out where to place them can be a real challenge. A bulky TV stand takes up a lot of space and may not even be practical. That’s where wall mounts become incredibly useful, they free up space and give your setup a clean, modern look.
But what if the wall studs in your home are too far apart to support the mount?
If you’re facing that issue, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to mount your TV even when the studs don’t line up the way you need. Let’s dive in!
What Happens If Studs Are Too Far Apart?
When the wall studs are too far apart, mounting your TV can become quite a challenge, and honestly, it can be frustrating enough to make you consider calling in a pro. But the good news is, you still have a few solid options to get the job done yourself.
One of the simplest solutions is to mount your TV in a corner. This approach usually avoids the need for additional support like a wooden plank or metal bar. Another effective method involves attaching a plywood board to the wall, which acts as a secure surface for your TV mount.
If this all sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t worry, we’ll walk you through each method step by step so you can choose the one that works best for your space.
How to Mount TV when Studs are Too Far Apart?
If Studs are too far apart, you should start by measuring how far they actually are. That means, the first step to mounting a TV when studs are too far is to figure out the actual distance and then proceed ahead. However, we will guide you in detail in the following sections.
Before Starting: Figuring Out the Studs
The first step in mounting your TV is to locate the wall studs. Since studs are hidden behind drywall, you can’t see them directly, you’ll need to find their exact location using a simple method.
A classic trick is the old-fashioned knocking technique. Gently tap along the wall with your knuckles or a small hammer, listening closely to the sound. Hollow areas will sound echoey, while spots with studs behind them will sound more solid or dense. Once you find a spot that sounds solid, mark it with a pencil so it’s easy to see during installation.
To securely mount your TV, you’ll need to find a second stud close to the first one. Most homes have studs spaced 16 inches apart (measured center to center), so once you’ve found one, measure about 16 inches to either side to locate the next.
Method 1: Use Plyboard Fix Studs That Are Too Far
There are two ways to get around when the studs are too far. You can either get a plyboard or cut a wooden or metal bar mount. We will go through both of these. The first option is to construct a mounting spot out of plywood. Using this mounting plate, attach a length of 3/4″ plywood to the wall at stud spacing. Now, follow these steps:
- The distance between the studs needs to be bridged with a 3/4-inch plywood board.
- Make sure to reduce the size of the ply so it won’t be visible once the TV is installed. Don’t fret if the studs are too far apart just trim the plate to fit across them.
- After that, prime the plywood, and then paint it a color that matches the wall if you want to improve its appearance.
- Finally, place the ply across the space between the studs and fasten it to both of them. It needs to be at least two studs wide. If the ply can cover more studs, that is even better.
Wood screws of sufficient stability can be used to attach the plywood to the studs. Although screwing into the plywood’s face is the most common thing to do, it’s not without its drawbacks.
Since it is the natural property of the ply to expand and contract, this can loosen screws and nails over time, face screwing is recommended. You can also use fasteners for this process. This will make the screws stable and last longer.
Method 2: Use Wooden Mount or Metal Bar
If the above method is not suitable for you or perhaps you think that a plyboard won’t be that strong, it is in your best interest to use a wooden mount or a metal bar to mount your TV. This method comes in extremely handy when studs are too far apart. Follow these steps:
- First of all, paint the wooden plant or spray paint the metal bars.
- Find the wall studs with a stud finder or using the above-described knocking technique.
- Mark the 2×4 mount using a pencil and set the level on top.
- Now drill the attachment holes for the planks or the metal bar.
- Next up, drill holes for the second plank.
- When everything is set up, put your TV on the bracket and mount it.
Now, without any worries, your TV is strongly mounted.
Method 3: Mount in the Corner
If the above methods don’t feel viable for you or you don’t have enough space on the walls and the studs are too far apart, it is a great method to mount your TV in the corner because this will save a lot of space and effort. Moreover, this will be a safer alternative than the above methods. Follow these steps:
- Pick a suitable corner where you will be able to watch TV every day.
- Make sure that the Window is not opposite to your TV otherwise, you will see the light entering from Window and won’t be able to enjoy it.
- Now, mark the studs on the wall using the Knock technique.
- Drill holes and install the mount.
- Put your TV on the bracket.
- Now mount your TV.
That’s it. Now you will be able to watch TV without worrying about the studs being too far apart.
The Bottom Line
Well, that’s all we have here about how you can mount a TV on the wall if the studs are too far apart. We hope this guide has helped you. If you still need any help or have any questions in mind, make sure to comment down below.
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