Hey everyone! I recently mounted my TV on a wall with steel studs, but I'm looking to switch it over to a different wall that seems to be non-load bearing. This new wall sounds pretty hollow compared to the other one, which I think has concrete behind the plaster since it separates my apartment from the next one. I live on the ground floor of a high-rise built around 2010. Can anyone tell me if there are steel studs in non-load bearing walls? I could really use some help here! I'm just a 23-year-old girl who enjoys doing home improvements on my own, so I might not know all the technical stuff yet.
2 Answers
You're definitely not alone in your quest to flip that TV mount! Non-load-bearing walls usually have studs to hold up the drywall, but they aren't weight-bearing for the building. Newer apartments like yours are likely using metal track studs. A nifty magnetic stud finder can help you locate the screws behind the drywall, and you can tap on the wall to listen for any solid thuds instead of echoes. If you're still unsure, drill a small pilot hole somewhere discreet and use a skinny probe to confirm. And hey, if you're feeling anxious during DIY projects, chatting with others online can really help set your mind at ease! Good luck with the mount—once you find that stud, it's going to be smooth sailing!
Most non-load-bearing walls do have studs behind them, even if they aren't supporting the building itself. Considering your high-rise was built in 2010, it's pretty safe to say those studs are steel as well. The hollow sound you're hearing is totally normal due to lighter steel framing and the absence of insulation. If you have a stud finder or even a magnet, you can check for those metal studs—they're usually spaced 16 or 24 inches apart. Just remember to use the right anchors for steel studs when you re-mount that TV! And honestly, mad respect to you for taking on home improvement like a boss! ?
Thanks so much! I think a stud finder is definitely the way to go, but I admit I’ve been known to take shortcuts sometimes ? I love that I get to share my DIY wins, like grinding and polishing my own concrete floor!
Thanks for the tips! I really need to get a stud finder ? Last time I drilled a whole line of holes trying to locate the stud, and now I’m just filling them in with putty. What a mess!