Mounting 60" plasma to wall

[bobbee]

I need to mount a 60" plasma tv to my wall. While the bracket is long enough to access 2 studs, it sounds like using a 3/4" plywood backing into 3 studs would be stronger. (it is an articulating mount.)

I am debating the type of screws/blots to use attaching to the plywood.
I would assume swag bolts would be alright for attaching the plywood to the studs.

 

[[N8]]

I have this bracket holding up my 60" plasma:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882021109

I caught 3 studs with it and I feel confident it's not going anywhere. Not sure how I'd feel about only catching 2 studs. It came with some large lag bolts that went into the studs. 5/16" diameter-ish. Maybe 3/8".

 

[bobbee]

This mounting bracket isn't long enough to catch 3 studs, so I was debating about a 3/4" plywood into 3 studs, then the mounting bracket to the plywood.

I assume lag screws for the plywood - studs
Then what size type of screws to mount the bracket to the plywood - sheet rock

 

[[N8]]

For 3/4" I'd use lags there also, but I'm no carpenter.

 

[Anubis]

for an articulating mount with that size TV id actually go beyond plywood, id get a 2x8 or 2x10 and span 3-4 studs with it and mount to that. secure the 2x8 to the studs with lags

 

[bobbee]

The tv isn't as heavy as I though, it is listed as 65 pounds.

 

[Number1]

3/4 in plywood mounted to 3 studs and plenty of lag screws to mount the TV bracket will be plenty strong.




PS: What's a "swag bolt"?

 

[queequeg99]

I have this mount:

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=108&cp_id=10828&cs_id=1082806&p_id=6517&seq=1&format=2

I bought it to hold a 70 inch LCD set (I've since downgraded to a 65).

I didn't know how much I would be using the extension/articulation features, which can put a lot of strain on the mount/wall connection. The 70 incher also weighed a lot. So I took a different approach that was serious overkill. I took off a rectangle of drywall that exposed two studs and went out an additional foot or so from each exposed stud (enough room to get a hammer or nail gun into the wall cavity). I then fastened a piece of 4x12 lumber cut between the two exposed studs with 16p nails (six on each side). I just happened to have some scraps around but any 2X or 4X dimensional lumber that is big enough to allow you to get top and bottom bolts on your mount will do.

After I installed the mount (but before I installed the TV), I extended the mount fully from the wall and did a few pull ups. I'm 200LBs and there was no movement at all. It's serious overkill. But I didn't want to take any chances. Also, I feel very comfortable with drywall work so patching up the hold was a piece of cake.

One final note: I have never trusted big lag bolts that come with any sort of significant mounting kit of any kind, whether it be a TV mount, an overhead garage storage rack, or what have you. Manufacturers often go really cheap on those things and I've had more than a few sheer off during installation (yes, with proper drill outs etc). So I just go to a hardware store that sells graded steel fasteners (Ace is great in the PDX area) and pick up replacements. It's just a couple of extra dollars.

 

[alkemyst]

Articulating mount and not specifying the stud type could be a problem even at 65 pounds.

Many mounts are more capable that the sub-structure they are installed on.

 

[Pacfanweb]

This mounting bracket isn't long enough to catch 3 studs, so I was debating about a 3/4" plywood into 3 studs, then the mounting bracket to the plywood.

I assume lag screws for the plywood - studs
Then what size type of screws to mount the bracket to the plywood - sheet rock

This is what I'm getting ready to do with my 65" Plasma.

It's 92lbs, and I originally bought a mount from Amazon that said it was good for up to 70" and 165lbs.

My brother, who has installed dozens of mounts, came to help me and said it was the flimsiest mount he'd ever seen, even compared to ones he'd installed for smaller TV's.

So went to BJ's and looked at their mounts....and I agree with him. Bought one there for up to an 85" and 200 lbs. (that was the closest they had to what I wanted) Tilt only, not articulating.

It is WAY heavier-duty than the one I originally bought.

So...I'm going to use 1/2" plywood. Cut out a piece big enough to catch at least 3 studs.

Trace it on the wall, and cut out the drywall where the plywood will go. "Frame" the area...cut 2x4's and connect the studs for stiffening. Bolt the plywood in the hole. Install the mount, will still use long enough lags to go all the way through the plywood and into the studs where it lines up.

That should hold it. Best part of this new mount is, it has $5k insurance if the mount breaks, so all I have to do is make sure it stays on the wall.

 

[Booty]

I just mounted a 60"... made sure I hit 2 studs and then used the included drywall anchors. So there's 4 bolts into studs and 6 into drywall. I'm not worried about it going anywhere.

That said, the suggestions to carve out a chunk of drywall to get to the studs and stiffen up the structure there are good thoughts. Then mount plywood where you cut the drywall out to bring it essentially flush with the remaining drywall. If patched up properly it could blend in pretty nicely - when the TV is turned/pulled out, the work done to mount it wouldn't be as noticeable. I think that's the route I'd go if I were you - it may be overkill, but it's not really that much work.

Plus while you're in the wall you can have better access to run a new outlet and low voltage wiring if you want...

 

[purbeast0]

mounting a 60" plasma to 2 studs is just fine. there is no need for all the other stuff if the mount will span 2 studs (which it should unless your house is not up to code).

i've had mine on the wall almost 2 years now and have no worries of anything happening.

it's not articulating, but if the requirements say 2 studs i'd say it's going to be just fine with the hardware included. those things are heavy duty.

 

[Squeetard]

Former structural engineer here. 2 studs with 2 lag screws(3/8ths), pre drill the hole so only the threads catch so you don't split the stud, into each stud is enough to hang a 70" plasma and a car off of. You have no idea how much force it takes to pull these. You may have 8 lag bolts holding your deck to your house and 20,000 pounds of snow load on it. These things are engineered to hold, there is a reason they only catch 2 studs, they don't need more. Stop with the overkill.

 

[jtvang125]

Mounted my 54" plasma with 4 lag bolts to 2 studs. I'm 180 lbs and can hang on the mount all day.

 

[alkemyst]

Former structural engineer here. 2 studs with 2 lag screws(3/8ths), pre drill the hole so only the threads catch so you don't split the stud, into each stud is enough to hang a 70" plasma and a car off of. You have no idea how much force it takes to pull these. You may have 8 lag bolts holding your deck to your house and 20,000 pounds of snow load on it. These things are engineered to hold, there is a reason they only catch 2 studs, they don't need more. Stop with the overkill.

Depends on studs but yeah holy over engineering here.