Help Mounting TV

[zbyler]

Hey GJ,

I just moved into a new house and one of my many projects involves mounting a 48" flat screen TV on the wall above our fireplace. I'm hoping I can get some advice from this forum on how to properly handle this situation.

Background:
The fireplace has some kind of polished stone around it, then a mantle assembly above it, and what seems to be 3/4" wood paneling above that. I assume there is brick behind all of the decorative wood:



As you can see from the marks on the wall, the previous owner had a tv mounted there in the past, but it was smaller than ours. You will also notice a recessed outlet.

Steps taken so far:
Using a stud finder ($20 Zircon model) I scanned the wall above the fireplace and the only readings it produced are for what looks like a horizontal stud, 4" side facing outward, that runs the width of the space:



The holes from the previous owner are positioned below where this "stud" should theoretically be and the outlet is also well below that location (wall outlets are typically attached to studs).

I tapped a few nails into where I believe the stud is and it's difficult to drive it in so I'm assuming a stud is actually there. The problem is that there is only one stud. To safely mount the tv, especially one of this size and given how expensive it was at the time, I feel I should be using more than one stud. I'm hesitant to attach the bottom of the mount to the 3/4" paneling if that's all that's really there.


Questions:
1. Is it possible that there is only 1 horizontal stud in that area? The house is older, built in '57.

2. Do you have any suggestions for safely mounting the tv in this location (other than cutting the paneling off, installing studs, and replacing the paneling)?

Any help is appreciated!

~Z

 

[ptgarcia]

Can you remove the outlet and take a peek inside to see how that wall is constructed? I'd remove the block-off plate, too, and look through there, also. You may be able to figure out what's going on behind the paneling. If there is brick behind there you could just install archors in the brick.

 

[gungatim]

run some stiff wire in the holes and/or the outlet (power off) and see what you hit.

fwiw, most if not all the weight is on the top anchors, the bottom doesn't need much. I hung my 42" that way in my shop. top lag bolts only, bottom is only resting against the drywall since the studs did not quite line up properly (it's actually a soffit). no problems whatsoever...

 

[jd_1138]

I'd just remove the paneling (looks like **** anyway with all the holes). It will be hidden by the TV anyway. Then figure out what's behind there and add some wood if needed. Then covered it up paneling, paint, enjoy. I wouldn't want to drill into the brick fireplace structure.

Buy the TV mount ahead of time so you know what size piece of solid wood you need to attach it to. Monoprice has great mounts for cheap.

 

[ScottsGT]

I do this for a living at a major University plywood is all you need to anchor into. It's sheer weight and not pulling out on the studs. But first, if you use that fireplace, heat will shorten the life of the TV. Unless your reclined in a chair, expect neck cramps
I've hung 200+ lb tvs on plywood as long as it was anchored into a couple of studs.
Now if you are mounting on an articulating mount to swing it out, you could have trouble.

 

[ChaseDE]

I do this for a living at a major University plywood is all you need to anchor into. It's sheer weight and not pulling out on the studs. But first, if you use that fireplace, heat will shorten the life of the TV. Unless your reclined in a chair, expect neck cramps
I've hung 200+ lb tvs on plywood as long as it was anchored into a couple of studs.
Now if you are mounting on an articulating mount to swing it out, you could have trouble.

Everything that he said.

What kind of tv? LCD? Plasma? Size?

 

[zbyler]

everything that he said.

What kind of tv? Lcd? Plasma? Size?

48" LED. I should also add that the mount I purchased allows the tv to tilt downward 15 degrees, but it doesn't have an articulating arm.

 

[ducksface]

I haven't seen a 200lb TV since the days of 36" flat tubes.
What oft mounted TV mounts on a wall that weighs 200lbs or even 100lbs?

Plywood is fine.
Use big toggles if you're skeered.

If their TV was smaller than a 48 inch, it couldn't weigh much more than 12lbs less than your 48.

 

[bczygan]

I've got a 55" mounted on a HF mount into 2 studs. Similar mount ot yours. Tilts down.

You'll be fine.

Bill

 

[jmac2043]

unistrut

e.g.:

 

[ScottsGT]

I haven't seen a 200lb TV since the days of 36" flat tubes.
What oft mounted TV mounts on a wall that weighs 200lbs or even 100lbs?

Plywood is fine.
Use big toggles if you're skeered.

If their TV was smaller than a 48 inch, it couldn't weigh much more than 12lbs less than your 48.

Smart Technologies 65" interactive touch screen. Pro TV's are a completely different animal than what you buy at the corner box store. And it's not cheap either.

This ones 260 lbs. but it's an 85"
http://downloads01.smarttech.com/me...4/specifications/specssbid8084ig4v06jun14.pdf

But a 48" LED? Just use a Might Hook.

 

[ducksface]

I have some. Pretty heavy stuff hanging from those mighty hooks.
I was very surprised how much they hold.

 

[kirkkw]

Is there any chance the stud detector found something other than a stud like a row of bricks?

 

[timbitca]

I've got a 40" TV hanging on my wall, in the drywall, using these anchors. Works well and hasn't moved at all.

 

[zbyler]

Is there any chance the stud detector found something other than a stud like a row of bricks?

This is my concern. I'm doing some electrical work in the same room later and plan to remove the outlet and check behind the wall to see what's back there. That should give me a much better pircture of what I'm dealing with.

 

[zbyler]

I've got a 40" TV hanging on my wall, in the drywall, using these anchors. Works well and hasn't moved at all.

These things work pretty well, unfortunately I'm dealing with wood paneling and not drywall. If I push on the paneling there's quite a bit of deflection which makes me think there isn't much behind it......

 

[rnscustom]

Ouch on those plastic anchors , use the zip ones on drywall, I still try to catch one stud for security , if the ply is moving I wouldn't trust it , find a stud to secure the ply too . There should be a regular stud wall behind there , the face of the fireplace is usually the only brick and the actually chimney is back side of the studs . Can buy those zip toggles at lowes , best toggles I've used

 

[ScottsGT]

1/4" lag bolts and be done with it. Seriously.

 

[GMCGarage]

Hey GJ,

I just moved into a new house and one of my many projects involves mounting a 48" flat screen TV on the wall above our fireplace. I'm hoping I can get some advice from this forum on how to properly handle this situation.

Background:
The fireplace has some kind of polished stone around it, then a mantle assembly above it, and what seems to be 3/4" wood paneling above that. I assume there is brick behind all of the decorative wood:



As you can see from the marks on the wall, the previous owner had a tv mounted there in the past, but it was smaller than ours. You will also notice a recessed outlet.

Steps taken so far:
Using a stud finder ($20 Zircon model) I scanned the wall above the fireplace and the only readings it produced are for what looks like a horizontal stud, 4" side facing outward, that runs the width of the space:



The holes from the previous owner are positioned below where this "stud" should theoretically be and the outlet is also well below that location (wall outlets are typically attached to studs).

I tapped a few nails into where I believe the stud is and it's difficult to drive it in so I'm assuming a stud is actually there. The problem is that there is only one stud. To safely mount the tv, especially one of this size and given how expensive it was at the time, I feel I should be using more than one stud. I'm hesitant to attach the bottom of the mount to the 3/4" paneling if that's all that's really there.


Questions:
1. Is it possible that there is only 1 horizontal stud in that area? The house is older, built in '57.

2. Do you have any suggestions for safely mounting the tv in this location (other than cutting the paneling off, installing studs, and replacing the paneling)?

Any help is appreciated!

~Z

#10 wood screw each corner. Done.

 

[Cgantner5150]

This is what I do every day. 1/4" lag bolts if it truly is plywood. If you want to be absolutely sure go to Lowes and get 1/4" Super Toggles. 1/2" hole and they work really well. There should be regular studs behind the plywood but it's not guaranteed.
Today's consumer tv's are extremely light until you get to 60", then the weight ramps up quickly. 75"'s are weighty and cumbersome to hang.
Next thought:
What is going to feed video to the tv? Have to put the cable box, bluray, etc or surround sound receiver somewhere. The "mini" boxes we usually Velcro behind the tv - use a power strip if the outlet isn't a duplex.
Any questions, just ask.

 

[Marctrees]

Stud finder is usually a joke.

Seriously, for non experienced folks, with very possibly misleading info.

You use something like a non tapered ice pick, together w home construction building knowledge.

It's simple as heck, but too complex to explain in text.

I can't be a help other thn say - It's the highest screws that have the pullout and shear stress on them, lower screws basically just pin it in place. Marc

 

[zeeway]

Another 2 cents. Even 60 inch tvs are not that heavy these days. If that 3/4 plywood is secure to the wall, it would be a great base for the mount. I would use the expanding toggle bolts...or lag screws if I happened to hit a stud.

Angie

 

[red61cj5]

First you should buy it dinner, then take some time getting to know each other.............

 

[sqznby]

I think the biggest mistake is relying on a $20 stud finder, even some of the more expensive ones are a joke.
I bought a stud finder, soon after opening it I returned.
I found all studs through the hole from the outlet and laid everything out from there. Hung 2 TVs, one 50" and one 60" with the 15 degree tilting option.
They look great if I do say so myself

 

[KenC]

Hey GJ,

Background:
The fireplace has some kind of polished stone around it, then a mantle assembly above it, and what seems to be 3/4" wood paneling above that. I assume there is brick behind all of the decorative wood:



~Z

If it's really 3/4 inch thick wood that should be fine with just some good 10 or 12 screws.

 

[rburke65]

red61cj5......you're not right!

 

[ozyborn]

Remove both wall plates, look behind. Also, in the middle of the spot where the tv is going. Cut a hole big enough to see in. Unless you can get an inwall inspection camera. Mount to studs, hit at least one. Then you can use Hilti toggle bolts for the other side of the mount if needed. If behind the paneling is the brick chimney, I would not mount a tv to that.

 

[zbyler]

Realized I was over-thinking this and went ahead and mounted it. I used eight 5/16" lag screws to secure the base of the mount to the wall. Pulled on it a bunch to see if it would budge and it didn't move at all. Pretty happy with how it turned out, although the cord for the tv is in the way of the brackets (it comes out of the outlet and bends 90 degrees) and I wasn't able to center it at this time. I'll fix it soon.





Thanks for all of the suggestions.

 

[ScottsGT]

Wire management is now your friend.

 

[CoogarXR]

You gotta slide it a little to the right too

Sorry, my OCD is showing.

 

[rburke65]

Yes....does not look centered. My wife would not allow THAT!

 

[zbyler]

Wire management is now your friend.

Yeah, that's the next step. It doesn't help that the only 3 prong outlet in the living room happens to be directly in the way of the tv mount..... Hoping to add a few more soon to correct that issue.

You gotta slide it a little to the right too

Sorry, my OCD is showing.

^^No-can-do because of the current positioning of the cord coming out of the outlet.

 

[Ditch]

http://www.cabletiesandmore.com/smooth-mould-cord-cover.php

https://www.cableorganizer.com/surface-raceways/

 

[ScottsGT]

These often help us out in these situations.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UKKBAE0/?tag=atomicindus08-20