Stud Finder
To locate the wood studs behind your drywall.
Preparation & tools
Wall Inspection
TV Bracket
Measurements
Mount installation
Final adjustment
Done!
Some walls have a framing structure — typically made of wood or metal studs — hidden behind drywall or plaster. Other walls, like concrete, brick, or stone, don’t have a frame. They’re solid all the way through and require a completely different mounting approach.
Wood studs (common in most U.S. homes)
Metal studs
Brick or concrete wall (solid wall)
Drywall (most common)
Stone or brick veneer
Wood paneling
Concrete
Tile
To locate the wood studs behind your drywall.
To make pilot holes and drive in screws or bolts.
To measure distances and set the correct TV height.
To ensure the TV mount is perfectly horizontal.
To tighten lag bolts into the studs securely.
To mark drill points and mounting height.
Hold the device flat against the wall, a few inches above the floor. Make sure it's calibrated if required (some digital models need a button press first).
Move the stud finder slowly across the wall. Watch for the indicator light or beep that signals the edge of a stud.
Once both edges are detected, mark them with a pencil. The center of the stud is between those two points. Typical stud spacing is 16 to 24 inches apart.
If your digital stud finder fails to detect anything, try a magnetic stud finder. It works by finding the screws or nails used to attach drywall to the studs — and often works better in tricky spots.
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Choose the optimal height for your TV based on your room and seating position.
Need help? Use our TV Height Calculator for precise recommendation.
Attach the vertical arms to the back of your TV and temporarily connect them to the wall plate.
Measure the distance from the bottom of the TV to the bottom wall-mount holes — you’ll need this in the next step.
Find the center of the studs. Then add the distance from the previous step to your desired TV height and mark the bottom holes accordingly.
Align the included paper template with the bottom marks. Hold it flat and level, then mark all four holes (or however many are needed) in line with the studs.
Before drilling, use a level to ensure all marks are perfectly aligned. This is your last chance to correct anything before committing to the holes.
Using a drill bit slightly smaller than your screws, make pilot holes at the marked positions. This helps prevent drywall or stud splitting.
Hold the mount against the wall and insert the top two screws, but don’t tighten them fully yet — this allows for final adjustment.
Place a level on the top of the mount, adjust for perfect horizontal alignment, and fully tighten all screws once everything is straight.
Carefully lift your TV and attach it to the wall plate, following the instructions provided with your mount.
Some mounts include locking screws or safety mechanisms. Make sure to tighten them to secure the TV in place.
Use a ½ inch (13 mm) drill bit to make a clean holes in the drywall at the marked spot.
Push the anchor into the hole until the metal wings pop open behind the wall. Then pull back slightly on the anchor to set the wings flat against the inside of the wall.
Slide the plastic collar tight against the wall and press it flush for a snug fit. Once the collar is secured, break off the plastic guide arms (usually by bending side to side) so the anchor sits flat and ready for mounting.
Hold the mount against the wall and insert the top two screws, but don’t tighten them fully yet — this allows for final adjustment.
Place a level on the top of the mount, adjust for perfect horizontal alignment, and fully tighten all screws once everything is straight.
Carefully lift your TV and attach it to the wall plate, following the instructions provided with your mount.
Some mounts include locking screws or safety mechanisms. Make sure to tighten them to secure the TV in place.
Use a ceramic tile drill bit (or glass/tile bit) to drill a hole through the tile and the cement board underneath. The hole should be a few millimeters wider than your screw diameter to prevent pressure cracks in the tile.
Switch to a standard wood drill bit and drill into the wood stud behind the wall. This hole should be slightly smaller than the screw diameter to ensure a tight grip. Drill to the appropriate depth for your screw length.
Hold the mount against the wall and insert the top two screws, but don’t tighten them fully yet — this allows for final adjustment.
Place a level on the top of the mount, adjust for perfect horizontal alignment, and fully tighten all screws once everything is straight.
Carefully lift your TV and attach it to the wall plate, following the instructions provided with your mount.
Some mounts include locking screws or safety mechanisms. Make sure to tighten them to secure the TV in place.
Use a masonry drill bit that matches the diameter and depth required for your wall anchors. Mark the spots, then drill straight into the concrete or brick wall, keeping the drill steady and firm.
Place the wall anchors into the drilled holes. Gently tap them in with a hammer until they sit flush with the wall surface. Make sure they're secure before moving to the next step.
Hold the mount against the wall and insert the top two screws, but don’t tighten them fully yet — this allows for final adjustment.
Place a level on the top of the mount, adjust for perfect horizontal alignment, and fully tighten all screws once everything is straight.
Carefully lift your TV and attach it to the wall plate, following the instructions provided with your mount.
Some mounts include locking screws or safety mechanisms. Make sure to tighten them to secure the TV in place.
If your mount allows for leveling, place a leveler on the top or bottom edge of the TV. Adjust until it’s perfectly horizontal, then tighten the bolts to secure it in place.
If your mount supports tilting, adjust the TV to your desired viewing angle—especially useful if the TV is mounted higher on the wall. Tighten the tilt knob or locking screw to keep it in position.
Plug in the power cord and HDMI cables, if you haven’t already. Make sure the cables have enough slack and aren’t pulling tight when the TV is moved or tilted.