I'm planning to mount an Epson projector on my ceiling and I need some advice on the best type of wood to use. I want to attach a small wooden board (less than 1 square foot) to the projector at its screw holes, then use flanges and a galvanized rod to secure it to the ceiling. The projector is a bit heavy, around 10-15 pounds. What type of wood would work best for this? Also, when attaching it to the ceiling, is there anything specific I need to drill into? The area I'm working with is quite limited because of the layout in my basement.
5 Answers
Anything that's 3/4" thick should do the trick—plywood or even pine will be strong enough. The key factor is making sure your hardware has enough depth to grip well, hence the thickness requirement.
I recommend using 18mm plywood for its sturdy nature. You'll need to screw the board to the ceiling joists, which are the structural beams that support everything above. To locate them, poke some holes in the plaster with a screwdriver until you hit something solid. Usually, joists run across the shortest span of the room, so make sure to find the center for the best support. You want the board to be wide enough to cover your holes and span those joists well!
I actually used 3/4” plywood for a similar setup and it worked out great! Just make sure to securely attach it to the joists.
It’s really important to consider what type of ceiling you have, as the attachment is crucial here. Since you're in a basement, ensure it's fastened to the joists for stability. Attaching to at least two joists would be best to prevent wobbling, especially with people moving around on the floor above.
Visiting your local hardware store is a great idea! They can give you tailored advice based on your situation. The wood itself won't be the tricky part; figuring out how to attach it securely to the ceiling is where you might need guidance.
Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely make sure to attach it to multiple joists.