Mounting a flat-screen television presents a distinct challenge when dealing with older plaster walls. Unlike modern drywall construction, plaster walls consist of a brittle plaster layer covering a wooden lath substructure. Successfully hanging a television requires careful preparation and the use of specific hardware designed to manage the unique stresses placed on this type of wall material.
Wall Assessment and Mount Selection
Before drilling, a thorough evaluation of the wall’s integrity is necessary to ensure it can bear the intended load. Look for signs of water damage, crumbling, or large, existing cracks, as these indicate a compromised structure that may require professional repair before installation. The combined weight of the television and the mounting bracket must be calculated.
The selection of the TV mount itself should be based on this maximum weight capacity. Fixed or tilting mounts generally distribute weight more evenly and place less torque stress on the wall than articulating, full-motion mounts. Articulating mounts extend the TV further from the wall, significantly increasing the leverage force that pulls on the fasteners.
Locating Internal Supporting Structure
The objective for secure mounting is to attach the bracket directly into the wooden studs located behind the plaster and lath. Standard electronic stud finders often struggle with the density and composition of older walls, frequently giving inaccurate readings due to the metal mesh or dense, uneven plaster material. When traditional methods fail, high-sensitivity magnetic stud sensors can be employed to detect the small steel nails used to secure the wooden lath strips to the vertical studs.
Another reliable technique involves lightly tapping the wall and listening for a solid, less hollow sound that indicates the presence of a stud. Once a likely location is identified, a small, shallow pilot hole can be drilled to confirm the presence and center of the wood framing member. Mounting the television bracket directly to the structural framing of the house provides the highest level of security and load-bearing capacity.
The lath strips are only meant to hold the plaster in place and are not strong enough to support a television’s weight. Installers must ensure the drill bit penetrates the lath and engages with the deeper, vertical stud material to achieve the necessary purchase for the lag bolts.
Specialized Fastening for Plaster Walls
When the desired mounting location does not align with the internal studs, specialized fasteners are required. The drilling process must be executed with precision to prevent the brittle plaster from blowing out or crumbling around the hole’s perimeter. Begin by gently scoring the plaster surface with a utility knife to define the exact hole location and prevent large chips from fracturing away.
Use a masonry or tile bit to drill through the plaster layer at a slow speed, allowing the bit to shave away the material rather than cracking it. Once through the plaster, switch to a standard wood bit to cleanly penetrate the wooden lath strips behind it. The goal is to create a clean, precise opening that minimizes damage to the surrounding wall material.
Heavy-duty anchors, such as high-strength toggle bolts or specialized snaptoggles, are the preferred choice for mounting into the hollow space of a plaster wall. These fasteners are designed to pass through the drilled hole and then deploy large, metal wings or straps on the inner side of the wall. This action creates a large bearing surface, distributing the pulling force over a much wider area of the lath and plaster backing. The proper installation of these anchors often involves pre-assembling the bolt and the bracket before inserting the toggle wings through the wall opening.
Toggle bolts can be rated to hold substantial weight, often supporting loads exceeding 100 pounds per bolt when correctly installed in a solid substrate. The number of anchors used must correspond to the bracket’s mounting points, ensuring the collective holding power exceeds the calculated total weight of the display and mount.
Final Installation and Testing
With the appropriate fasteners secured into the wall, the television mounting plate can be attached and tightened against the plaster surface. Care should be taken not to overtighten the bolts, which can crush the plaster surface and compromise the anchor’s hold, particularly when using lag bolts into a stud. The final step before hanging the television is to use a level to ensure the bracket is perfectly horizontal, making any necessary micro-adjustments before final tightening.
The television is then lifted and secured onto the bracket, often clicking into place or requiring small screws to lock it onto the wall plate. Once the display is in position, a weight test should be performed by applying firm, downward pressure to the bracket to confirm there is no movement or cracking in the wall. Finally, visible power and cable cords should be neatly bundled and managed to maintain a clean, finished appearance.