Short answer
Find the studs with a stud finder and mark their edges. Screw the TV mount into at least two studs with lag screws, level it, then lift the TV onto it with a second person. For a heavy mirror, use two hooks or a French cleat screwed into studs, or anchors rated well above its weight. Never hang either one from a single nail.
Safety first
A falling TV or mirror can badly hurt someone, especially a child. Use studs or hardware rated well above the weight, lift with a second person, and check for wires and pipes before you drill. If a TV sits on furniture instead, strap the TV and the furniture to the wall.
How to hang a heavy TV or mirror safely
1One nail is not enough
A TV or a big mirror pulls on the wall all day. A nail or a small plastic anchor bends, slips or tears through the drywall.
Read all the steps
- One nail is not enough. A TV or a big mirror pulls on the wall all day. A nail or a small plastic anchor bends, slips or tears through the drywall.
- Find two studs and mark them. Slide a stud finder across the wall and mark both edges of each stud. Studs are usually 16 inches apart. Wires run up and down from outlets.
- Level the mount, lag screws in the studs. Hold the bracket level and mark the holes. Drill pilot holes into the middle of the studs and drive the lag screws until snug.
- Two people lift it on. One person on each side. Hook the TV onto the bracket as its instructions say, then lock it with the safety screws or clips.
- Tug test, then tidy the cables. Pull gently down and out: nothing should shift or creak. Then tidy the cables so nobody can yank them.
- Still not fixed? Call a handyman Especially if: you cannot find studs where the TV has to go, or the wall is plaster, brick or tile.
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Hanging a heavy mirror
Use two hanging points, not one wire on one nail. The strongest option is a French cleat: two angled strips, one screwed to the studs and one to the mirror, that hook together. No stud where you need it? Use two heavy-duty toggle bolts rated well above the mirror's weight. Keep the mirror level and tight to the wall so it cannot swing.
What not to do
Plaster, brick or metal studs
Old plaster cracks easily and can hide wood lath or metal mesh, so drill slowly and go into the studs. Brick and concrete need a masonry bit and masonry anchors. Metal studs need toggle anchors made for them. Not sure what is behind the wall? Ask a handyman before you drill.
When to call a handyman
- You cannot find studs where the TV has to go, or the wall is plaster, brick or tile.
- It is a large TV going above a fireplace or on a swing-out arm.
- You hit a wire or a pipe while drilling.
- The drywall cracks or the mount moves after it is up.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mount a TV without studs?
Only a small, light TV, and only with a mount and anchors made for drywall and rated well above its weight. For most TVs, and always on swing-out arms, go into at least two studs.
How far apart are wall studs?
Usually 16 inches from center to center, sometimes 24 inches. Once you find one with a stud finder, measure over to find the next. Confirm it with a small nail in a spot the TV will hide.
How do I hang a heavy mirror without studs?
Use two heavy-duty toggle bolts rated well above the weight, not one nail or one hook. A French cleat spreads the load even better. Adhesive strips are not made for heavy mirrors.
How high should I mount a TV?
Most people like the middle of the screen near eye level when they are seated. Mounting it much higher, like above a fireplace, makes you look up and can strain your neck.
What screws do I use for a TV mount?
The lag screws that come with the mount, driven into the middle of the studs. Drill a pilot hole first so the wood does not split. Do not swap them for drywall screws.