I'm trying to mount a 65" TV on what I believe is an exterior wall, but my stud finder isn't detecting any studs. I've successfully mounted TVs before, but I've never dealt with a wall that's connected to the outdoors. Does anyone have tips or tricks for this situation?
3 Answers
It shouldn't really matter if it's an exterior wall. Try locating the nearest electrical outlet as a reference point, then measure from there to find your studs. It’s also a good idea to give your stud finder a quick battery change or even borrow one from a friend if you’re not getting consistent readings.
When measuring, go with standard increments like 12 or 16 inches, as studs are usually placed this way.
In standard house construction, there tends to be a stud every 16 inches. Outlets are typically mounted on studs, so they can help you locate one. After identifying which side of the outlet has the stud, measure in about 3/4" from the outlet's edge—that should give you the center of the stud. Keep measuring every 16" from there.
If you’re dealing with thicker walls, like those with drywall and plaster, you might not get accurate reads. Try removing the faceplate from a cable or phone jack to peek inside and see how the studs are structured, or consider using a magnetic stud finder that can detect screws or nails in the studs—those usually work pretty well.
Yeah, you can also use the old tapping method! Just tap along the wall until you can sense where the stud might be. Once you have a hunch, double-check with the stud finder.