How to Mount a TV on Metal Studs, Brick, Concrete & Plaster

Mounting a TV on metal studs or other unconventional surfaces like brick, concrete and plaster requires careful planning, but with the correct tools and techniques, you can do it yourself. This guide shows you how to mount a TV on these surfaces and the process for each material.

Understand the challenge

Each surface needs its own approach: 

Metal studs: Thin steel framing (often 25 gauge) is common in condos and commercial buildings. Because the metal is so thin, standard wood screws will strip or pull out of the metal. To secure a mount, you need expansion anchors (such as toggle bolts) that spread the load across a larger area of the stud.

Brick: Traditional brick walls are strong but uneven. Mortar joints are much softer than the bricks themselves, so you must drill into the brick faces using a hammer drill and insert heavy-duty sleeve anchors.

Concrete: Poured concrete walls provide great support but are extremely dense. You need specialized masonry bits and concrete screws or sleeve anchors to penetrate and hold in the slab.

Lath and plaster: Often found in older homes, lath and plaster walls are brittle, and driving screws directly into one can cause cracks. Molly bolts or toggle bolts spread the load behind the lath; for heavier TVs, screw a plywood sheet across several laths to distribute weight.

💡 MantelMount Pro Tip

Before drilling, verify your TV’s weight and VESA pattern, and make sure the total anchor capacity is at least four times the TV’s weight. For example, a 55-inch LED weighing 35 lbs requires anchors rated for at least 140 lbs.

Essential tools and materials

You will need:

• Stud finder

• Drill and bits

• Level, pencil and tape measure

• Heavy-duty wall mount — make sure to choose a mount rated for your TV size and weight. Tilt or full-motion mounts such as the MAX1 Full Motion TV Mount add flexibility but require more anchoring points.

• Anchors — which type you’ll need depends on your wall:

• Metal: Toggle bolts (1/4-inch toggles typically hold 50–100 lbs each). The wings spread inside the stud, gripping the thin steel.

• Brick: Sleeve anchors (1/4- to 3/8-inch diameter). These expand as you tighten them and can hold 100–200 lbs each.

• Concrete: Concrete screws. They cut threads into the concrete and are usually rated 75–150 lbs per screw.

• Plaster: Molly bolts. These insert into a hole and expand behind the plaster and lath to hold 30–50 lbs per bolt.

Also, consider adding a plywood spacer for metal or plaster walls. Attach a 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch plywood panel across two studs or lath strips — this spreads the load and provides multiple attachment points.

Mounting a TV on metal studs

Follow these steps:

1. Plan the height and location. Mark the TV’s center at eye level, usually 40-42 inches from the floor for seated viewing. Decide whether the screen should be centered on the wall or aligned with furniture.

2. Find the studs. Use a magnetic stud finder to locate two or more metal studs. They’re typically spaced 16 inches apart. Confirm their position by drilling a small test hole; the bit should hit metal quickly.

3. Mark the bracket holes. Tape the mounting template or bracket to the wall. Mark the hole positions on the studs. Ensure they line up with the mount’s slots.

4. Drill pilot holes. Use a 1/8-inch metal drill bit to make pilot holes through the steel studs. Don’t over-drill — the pilot hole should be slightly smaller than the toggle bolt.

5. Insert toggle bolts. Slide the toggle wings through the bracket and into the pilot hole. Once inside the stud, the wings will open. Tighten the bolt until snug (avoid overtightening, which can deform the stud).

6. Mount TV on metal studs. Attach the brackets to the back of the TV according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Hang the TV on the wall plate and use a level to adjust. Tighten all fasteners.

7. Test the installation. Gently rock the TV to check for movement. There should be little to no give. If the mount feels loose, remove the TV and double-check the anchors.

Properly installed toggle bolts can support a heavy TV because the weight is distributed across the wings and the stud. For very heavy displays or studs spaced 24 inches apart, screw a plywood board across two studs and mount the TV to the board.

Read >> How to Mount a Heavy TV on the Wall

Mounting a TV on brick

Brick walls can support hefty loads if you avoid the mortar joints. Here’s how to secure a TV mount on brick:

1. Choose the location. Consider glare, viewing distance and furniture placement. Avoid drilling into mortar lines; mortar is softer than brick and can crumble.

2. Mark and drill. Tape a paper template to the wall and mark four holes spaced evenly. Use a hammer drill with a carbide masonry bit sized to your anchors (e.g., 1/2-inch). Drill 3 inches deep, keeping the drill perpendicular.

3. Vacuum debris. Remove dust from the holes to ensure the anchors set properly. Use a shop vac or blow out the holes.

4. Insert sleeve anchors. Place the sleeve anchors through the bracket holes and into the drilled holes. Tap them gently with a hammer until flush. As you tighten the bolts, the sleeve expands, gripping the brick.

5. Hang the TV. Attach the TV to the bracket. Tighten all fasteners and seal around the bolts with silicone if moisture is a concern.

Brick can support heavy weights, but it’s important to drill cleanly and use anchors sized for your load. If your brick surface is uneven, use spacers or washers to ensure the bracket sits flat.

Read >> Mounting Your TV on Brick or Stone: What You Need to Know

Mounting a TV on concrete

Concrete mounting shares some similarities with brick, but the material is often denser. Follow these steps:

1. Locate the mount position. Mark the center at eye level. Avoid areas with embedded pipes or conduits (use a stud finder with metal detection).

2. Drill pilot holes. Use a hammer drill and a masonry bit to drill holes for Tapcon screws. A 3/16-inch bit typically works for #10 screws. Drill at least 2.5 inches deep.

3. Clean the holes. Blow out the dust so screws can bite into the concrete.

4. Drive the screws. Align the bracket and insert concrete screws (often called Tapcon screws). Use a nut driver or hex socket to tighten them until snug. Don’t overtighten, or you may strip the concrete.

5. Finish the mount. Attach the TV to the bracket and tidy the cables. For cinder block or hollow concrete walls, use sleeve or toggle anchors designed for block.

Concrete provides a strong mount but is unforgiving; measure carefully before drilling, because misaligned holes are difficult to fill.

Mounting a TV on plaster

Plaster walls require a gentle touch:

1. Locate lath: Tap along the wall to find lath strips behind the plaster — solid spots indicate lath. Mark a horizontal line where you plan to drill.

2. Drill cautiously: Use a 1/4-inch bit to drill through the plaster and lath slowly. Don’t push too hard — you can crack the plaster.

3. Insert molly bolts: Slide the molly bolt into the hole and tap gently until the flange is flush. Pull the screw to expand the sleeve behind the lath.

4. Add reinforcement: For TVs heavier than 40 lbs, screw a 1/2-inch plywood plate across two lath strips using wood screws. Paint the plate to blend with the wall, then attach the mount to the plate with molly bolts or wood screws.

Plaster is brittle; always pre-drill and let the anchors do the work. Avoid mounting directly on plaster without reinforcement.

🤔 Final word: Let safety be your guide

For very heavy displays or unusual walls, consider hiring a professional installer or consulting a structural engineer. 

Get started with a MantelMount TV mount

MantelMount offers pull down mounts and accessories that let you lower your TV to proper eye-level and swivel left or right. Compare MantelMounts today.