If you live in a low or high rise apartment building the process of mounting your TV can be different than a standard home. Apartment buildings are built to different standards than homes so you can encounter different wall types you would not normally be used to. Instead of wood studs you might encounter metal studs, concrete or brick.
The best first step for an apartment TV installation is to check with the landlord and/or property manager of the building to confirm the TV installation is allowed. Once the confirmation is secured then you can go forward trying to figure out what wall type you will be working with.
Most low and high rise apartment buildings will have 1 of 2 types of wall - drywall with metal studs or concrete walls. Sometimes the wall can be drywall but actually concrete behind the drywall. The easiest way to tell is to knock along the wall and if the whole wall sounds solid, it is concrete. If you knock on the wall and it sounds more hollow then you will be most likely working with metal studs for the TV installation.
If you are working with concrete in your apartment you will need wall anchors/plugs to properly secure the TV into the wall. 1/4” or 5/16” anchors will do the trick for a TV installation. You will need to also make sure you have a hammer drill and the appropriate sized masonry rated drill bit to fit the anchors into the wall. You will also need some washers to ensure the screws supplied with the anchors provide a stable hold for the TV mount.
If you are working with metal studs you will need to get 1/4” toggle bolts to install into the metal stud. You will also need a powerful drill with a 1/2” metal rated drill bit to cut through the metal and leave a hole large enough for the toggle bolt to work. Like the concrete wall you will also need some extra washers to ensure the bolts provided with the toggle bolts provide a stable hold for the TV mount.
Go forward with the TV installation as normal but instead of using lag bolts to attach the TV to the wall, use the wall anchors/plugs acquired in the step above. Mark where you will be making your holes into the concrete and use the appropriate sized masonry rated drill bit to drill out the holes in the concrete. Once the holes are created you can then install the anchors/plugs into the wall, make sure to tap the anchors/plugs in with a hammer so it is flush. You can then attach the TV bracket, make sure the bracket is securely attached to the back of the TV, all screws need to fit snugly. If the screws do not fit snug make sure to use a spacer or get a different screw size.
Go forward with the TV installation as normal but instead of using lag bolts to attach the TV to the wall, use the toggle bolts acquired in the step above. Mark where you will be making your holes into the metal studs and use the 1/2” metal rated drill bit to cut a clean hole in the centre of the metal stud. Once the holes are created you can then install the toggle bolt into the wall, make sure it fits snug in the hole. You can then attach the TV bracket, make sure the bracket is securely attached to the back of the TV, all screws need to fit snugly. If the screws do not fit snug make sure to use a spacer or get a different screw size.
Finish off the TV installation by levelling the TV and setting the tilt to the desired position. Make sure to hook up all of your devices to the TV during this process as you may set off the level of the TV while plugging or unplugging devices. Once everything is perfect, turn the TV on and enjoy!
If you are having trouble or doubts with the installation then do not try to take the installation on. Your TV is worth a lot of money, do not take chances with the safety of your TV. If the TV were to fall it can break and cause further damage to your other property near the TV when it falls. The best next step is to contact a professional in your local area to help with the TV installation. They will know best how to encounter the installation so your TV is installed safely and securely.
We have experts ready in the Niagara, Hamilton and Burlington region to help you with your apartment TV installation. Please call us today to chat with an expert and book your TV installation to ensure the safety of your TV. We are experts working with both metal studs and concrete walls and always come equipped with the proper tools and hardware to work with both wall types on every installation.
St. Catharines | Niagara Falls | Hamilton | Burlington | Oakville | Niagara-on-the-Lake | Grimsby | Thorold | Welland | Niagara Region.
*All installations are backed by a warranty so you can enjoy with peace of mind