I've done some research on Google but couldn't find anything with regards to this particular issue and wanted to see if you guys had any suggestions.

I'm trying to hang a plasma on the below wall:



However, this wall is purely cosmetic. The wall only has studs on the outer edges, the landlord originally told me it was made for hanging a plasma but I don't think he understands that there would need to be 2 vertical studs within the outer studs for it to work with the peerless mount that I purchased (or any mount I believe as the part that screws into the wall is about 16" wide).

Anyway, I'm just looking for some suggestions/possible workarounds. I've had friends tell me that I could run 2x4 or 4x4 wood from stud to stud, screw them into the studs, and then drill the mount into that but I'm wondering if that could hold my 100 lb 37" Panasonic plasma. Specifically, the weight distribution for wood going laterally is much different than studs that are pinned vertically, no? For some perspective, that wall is almost exactly as wide as my TV, other wise I probably would have cut a hole in the wall, drilled into the brick, and framed the TV. But that won't work since the TV is as wide as the studs.

I apologize if this is the wrong forum, didn't know where else to post this and was just looking for some insight. Mods feel free to delete/move if this is a worthless post.

Cliff notes: Only 2 studs in above wall, on the outer edges, is there a way to mount a 37" inch 100 lb TV to this wall?

So the issue is mounting it to the narrow wall that's set forward several inches from the brick on either side?

Assuming you are allowed to make some modifications to the existing structure, I'd do it this way:

1) Remove a band of drywall an inch or two higher and lower than the height of the mount, and as wide as the studs (i.e., if your mount is 10" high, then expose a swath that's 12" high).

2) Bridge the now-exposed span between the existing studs with two 2x4s spaced 12" apart, so that you've framed the opening. Use wood, angle iron, or manufactured T hardware to secure and support the new cross members to the vertical studs.

3) Once you've done this, install a sheer panel of 1/2" ply over the resulting frame, completely covering the opening. Use deck screws -- 2" or 2.5" deck screws spaced every 5" or 6" around the perimeter. The finished depth of the plywood should be the same as the remaining plywood, so it doesn't protrude. Or set it back a bit and cover with a thin drywall surface, then tape, mud, and paint to match.

4. Attach your mount to the plywood sheer panel using some meaty 5/16" or 3/8" bolts, nuts, and fender washers (washers with a large diameter, to distribute the load). Most mounts have a place to cut an access hole in the middle, which will allow you to get your hand behind it to tighten the nuts with a wrench. Do this.

5. Hang your plasma. If you follow the above instructions, the resulting surface may be over engineered, but it will definitely support the weight of a 100lb plasma, which won't be going anywhere.

My .02 cents...

Find a picture of your mount and post it please.

If there are only two studs there, one at each corner, your landlord is a moran. We can work around that, though...

dude,

two 2x4's or a 2x6 screwed into the 36" span should be plenty strong to hold your plasma. two 2x6's would be overkill. a 4x4 would be WTF?

paint them cream and hopefully nobody will notice.

just pre-drill all your holes, so you don't split the wood. and use long-ass screws. the longer the better, since the farther out the TV is from the wall, the more the screws are going to try to rip out/push into the wood than shear.

Best advice yet. Did you use a stud sensor to confirm no cross studs?

just span two 2x4's across. anything more is overkill

First, use a stud censor because your landlord might not know what he is talking about.


Cheap easy way,

-buy 3/4" paint grade plywood
-cut to exact width of wall
-use 3" wood screws to attach it to the studs
-paint to match the wall
-screw the wall mount to the plywood

Requires a little more work(basically what your friends said)

-cut out drywall from stud to stud at least a couple of inches larger than the plasma mount, and in the position where the mount will go.
-measure the distance between the studs and have the lumber yard cut you a piece of 2x6 or 8(whatever is tall enough to accommodate the tv mount) to that width
-attach the 2x6 to the studs with 3" wood screws, several on each end.
-patch drywall and paint
-attach the tv mount to the 2x6

This is correct.

LOL at a 4x4.

nm
thought you were an EMT

I did use a stud-finder censor, nothing in the middle, this thing is purely cosmetic.

Sounds like I can just go from stud to stud, I was just worried about the constant "pulling" on the crossbeam but it sounds like this isn't a issue if I use really long screws.

Did a quick search for the mount, this is it in case that changes anything

http://www.peerlessmounts.com/dyn/Pr...goryID/195/u/T

as long as you do a top & bottom horizontal support, it should be fine. you could pull a bob the builder and do the whole "make your own structural wall" thing like detailed above.

avsforum.com

Ponies
old hand

Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,337

That wall is probably a chase. As evidenced by the receptacle and cable outlet near the floor, inside you will probably find electrical and cable tv lines (you may also find a plumbing vent/line). Usually the electrical box is attached to a stud inside the wall. It's possible that the box is a remodel type (not attached to a stud). But, you may have a stud there in the center.

Regardless you will need to open the wall to verify what is there and make it easier to relocate the electric and cable feed to a place behind the to-be-installed Plasma.

After you relocate the electrical and cable, I like the plywood overlay idea (on surface of drywall from stud to stud) that another person posted earlier.