Mounting a TV on a wall w/ no studs

[MrRoy]

So I bought the mount, the stud finder, marked what i thought were my studs, started to drill my pilot hole and in 2 inches I hit my outside wall (concrete). None too happy. I can't change my wall due to ceiling lights which make one wall the focal wall, so does anyone know of any mounting options that I don't have to anchor to studs? I have a 40" Sony Bravia.

[SS316SRV]

So you have 2" of dry wall, then concrete?

[MrRoy]

I would say 1/2" drywall, 1 1/2" of nothing then concrete. The drill went through whatever is inside the wall too easily to think there is anything else.

[mr peepers]

Originally Posted by MrRoy

I would say 1/2" drywall, 1 1/2" of nothing then concrete. The drill went through whatever is inside the wall too easily to think there is anything else.

i might be missing something here, but that 1/2" drywall has to be screwed onto something.

im guessing you drilled into the cavity between 2 studs of some sort. that drywall cant just be hanging 1 1/2" off the concrete without it being screwed onto something.

your situation doesnt make any sense to me. take a small finish nail or something and tap a few more holes to find the studs or whatever that sheetrock is mounted to.

[MrRoy]

Yeah, that doesn't make sense. I just remodeled my bathroom, more like watched friends do it, so you would think I should know that (D'oh!). But even if the studs are laying the wrong way, there isn't enough to mount bolts to. I might just save the mount for another day.

[Blu-ray Fanatic]

Originally Posted by MrRoy

Yeah, that doesn't make sense. I just remodeled my bathroom, more like watched friends do it, so you would think I should know that (D'oh!). But even if the studs are laying the wrong way, there isn't enough to mount bolts to. I might just save the mount for another day.

How are buildings made???? First comes the foundation, then comes the wooden structure, drywall, and stone/bricks. There must be wood behind your walls, you just have to figure it out where it is.

[My_Two_Cents]

Is this a common wall between you and a neighbor?

[amtctt]

is it concrete or cinder block. either way, i'd just get bolts made for that and anchor right into that. i've done that with a 19" crt tv. works fine.

[chriso_86]

Either way you have to get it mounted to the concrete somehow. I would never trust that much weight to drywall. Or if you don't want to mess with it go buy a stand with with a wall mount type setup for a similar look.

[MrRoy]

I live in a condo and I can't just drill in the outside wall w/ out board approval and that is an act of Congress, so that is out of the question. I just bought my tv stand a couple months ago and I don't want to replace it. It is nice. If I have to live with what I have, that isn't the end of the world either.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by MrRoy

I live in a condo and I can't just drill in the outside wall w/ out board approval and that is an act of Congress, so that is out of the question. I just bought my tv stand a couple months ago and I don't want to replace it. It is nice. If I have to live with what I have, that isn't the end of the world either.

When I lived in a condo back in the day, I had a satellite dish on the porch (not allowed) a grill (not allowed) and did things in the sauna I can't discuss here......

I don't see how they'd find out if you just drilled an inch or so into the concrete (that's all it would take to secure the weight) but if you're afraid of "THE MAN" then I understand

[MrRoy]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

When I lived in a condo back in the day, I had a satellite dish on the porch (not allowed) a grill (not allowed) and did things in the sauna I can't discuss here......

I don't see how they'd find out if you just drilled an inch or so into the concrete (that's all it would take to secure the weight) but if you're afraid of "THE MAN" then I understand

Just a little FYI for those reading this...it is illegal for an association to prevent someone from mounting a satellite on a porch/patio...since it is in your direct control....
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

[Chris60119]

I'd never mount a tv. I hate to wake up with it on the floor.

[HAMP]

Originally Posted by MrRoy

So I bought the mount, the stud finder, marked what i thought were my studs, started to drill my pilot hole and in 2 inches I hit my outside wall (concrete). None too happy. I can't change my wall due to ceiling lights which make one wall the focal wall, so does anyone know of any mounting options that I don't have to anchor to studs? I have a 40" Sony Bravia.

I had this same issue in my bedroom. I was having serious problems with my studfinder because of the little wood planks(or whatever they are called) behind the drywall. The little wook planks are strong enough for speakers, but I didn't trust for my TV.

What you can do is fish for the stud now, since you already have a hole. Fish to the left and then to the right and see which stud is closer to your spot you want to hang your TV.

As mentioned before the studs are 16" apart, so you really should find one or the other alot less then 16" away from the hole already drilled.

Once you find the stud then move over 1/2 inch and that should be the center of the stud.

[Footloose301]

Originally Posted by HAMP

e little wood planks(or whatever they are called)

...furring strips

[HAMP]

Quote:
Originally Posted by HAMP
little wood planks(or whatever they are called)

Originally Posted by Footloose301

...furring strips

Thanks man! I didn't know what they were called. is that to help with the sound? I know I live in a very old Apt. building.

[Footloose301]

Originally Posted by HAMP

Quote:
Originally Posted by HAMP
little wood planks(or whatever they are called)


Thanks man! I didn't know what they were called. is that to help with the sound? I know I live in a very old Apt. building.

Nope. Doesn't have anything to do with the sound although they might help with that. The reason they are there are too keep some distance between the concrete block and the drywall so the drywall doesn't get wet/moldy/etc. The furring strips must also be PT(pressure treated) because regular wood cannot touch concrete.(Many don't know that). There is a chemical reaction that happens between wood and concrete, not to mention again that PT helps against the moisture.

[alkalinesi]

i bought a mount and everything then decided it was too much work with hiding the wires and all that. just went out and bought those stands with the mounts(makes it look like your tvs floating) a lot easier and less time consuming and it looks great.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by alkalinesi

i bought a mount and everything then decided it was too much work with hiding the wires and all that. just went out and bought those stands with the mounts(makes it look like your tvs floating) a lot easier and less time consuming and it looks great.

I currently have a stand (will have a solid wood unit with doors etc. when we move to "kid proof" ) but I don't think "Settling" is in the best interest of everyone......

Wall mounting, and in-wall wiring is very nice, and if you want to go that route, I would do it, and do it right the first time.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by MrRoy

So I bought the mount, the stud finder, marked what i thought were my studs, started to drill my pilot hole and in 2 inches I hit my outside wall (concrete). None too happy. I can't change my wall due to ceiling lights which make one wall the focal wall, so does anyone know of any mounting options that I don't have to anchor to studs? I have a 40" Sony Bravia.

Find a stud on the ceiling close to the wall and attach the TV to the ceiling. Here is a link to a ceiling mount. http://www.tti-plus.com/Fully-Adjust...i-lcd-cb-5.htm

Shop around to see if you can get a better price.