Can I mount my 40'' widescreen LCD to my plaster walls in my apartment?

Question

The weight of the TV is about 50 lbs. Since it's an apartment, I'd like the solution to be temporary (i.e., nothing that can't be removed when I move). How can this be done? If it's not possible, I'd like to fix the TV to something that's low in profile, (i.e., doesn't stick out from the wall alot) such as a bookshelf. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I would ask the apartment owner if he minded me punching holes in his plaster walls first. That's why I won't invest in rental property. Use a table and mount it to that.

Answer 2

My stud-finder fails on lath and plaster walls too.  

If the wall is hollow you can drill a small hole and insert an L shaped piece of coat hanger into the hole to probe for studs.  Alternatively you can drill a series of very very  tiny holes above the base board or at least 4" above the floor(easy to hide holes later). If you drill them about 1" apart and 2" deep you should quickly find the nearest studs.  In 1905 16" centres were used  so once you find the first stud the rest should be easy.  

Also electrical outlets and switches are generally attached to a stud.  That could give you a clue.

I've had very good luck using the spring loaded toggle bolts on hollow walls although I have never used on lath and plaster.  

Answer 3

no

Answer 4

You need to bolt your tv mount to the wall studs.  

Answer 5

get 2 pieces of 4x4 wood post and stick it to your wall (refer to your local hardware store )and go from there ..(use your imagination)upright posts..

Answer 6

You would have to install the mounts to the wall studs themselves.  It's not difficult, but certainly isn't easily removable.  It will leave large holes in the wall.  The idea of mounting it on a bookshelf won't work either, since the shelf would need deep (and large hole producing) anchors to support the weight.  I would consider getting an entertainment center or some sort of shelving unit to put it on that won't have it anchored to the wall at all.  It may not be exactly what you want to do, but you won't have a huge repair bill when you move out.

Answer 7

Agree with what others have said about studs; if you go that way, patching the holes when you leave isn't a big deal, there's some very nice lightweight patching compound for a few dollars, easy to use, etc.

A bigger problem would be matching up the paint if you don't have any matching color.  Of course, if it's white, not an issue.  Then, if you have wallpaper, that's another kettle of fish.

I can't speak of how fussy your landlord might be over this, never hurts to get their OK first, but if you leave the place as you got it, who can complain?

Answer 8

Don't do it.  You could think you are hitting a stud but be right on the edge and have it let go in a few days.  You are much better off buying an entertainment center that has mounting brackets attached.  When it is pushed up against the wall it looks like it is wall mounted.  I have seen a few different kinds in Walmart.