How to Find Studs in the Wall and Mount a TV Safely

Key Points: How to Find Studs in the Wall and Mount a TV

• Studs in Canadian homes are typically spaced 16 inches apart, centre to centre.
• A stud finder is the fastest and most accurate tool for locating studs.
• You can also find studs using magnets, knocking, or measuring from a corner.
• Always mount a TV bracket into at least two studs for safe, secure support.
• If you are unsure about your wall type, a handyman can help with mounting.

In this article we cover:

1. What Is a Wall Stud and Why Does It Matter?
2. How Can You Find a Stud in the Wall Without Tools?
3. How to Use a Stud Finder for Accurate Results
4. What Wall Types Are Common in Canadian Homes?
5. How to Mount a TV on the Wall Once You Have Found the Studs
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Finding Studs and Mounting a TV
7. Should You Mount a TV Yourself or Hire a Professional?
8. Find a Handyman on HomeStars
9. Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Wall Stud and Why Does It Matter?

A stud in the wall is a vertical framing member behind the drywall that forms the structural skeleton of the wall. In most Canadian homes, studs are wood (typically 2x4 or 2x6 lumber), though metal studs appear in some newer condos and commercial conversions.

Drywall alone cannot support heavy loads. It will crack or pull away if you try to hang a mounted TV from it. When you anchor a bracket into a stud, the weight transfers through the framing and into the structure of the house.

In most Canadian homes built to the National Building Code, wood studs are spaced 16 inches (about 40 cm) apart, centre to centre. Some walls use 24-inch spacing instead, particularly in newer builds or non-load-bearing partitions.

One important exception: homes built before the 1960s, particularly in Ontario, Quebec, or the Maritimes, may have plaster-and-lath walls rather than drywall. Plaster is denser and applied over thin strips of wood (lath), which changes how you locate studs and drill into them.

How Can You Find a Stud in the Wall Without Tools?

You have more options than you might expect to find a stud in the wall before heading to the hardware store. Several methods use things you already have at home.

Knock along the wall Tap firmly with your knuckle as you move horizontally. Most of the wall sounds hollow. When the sound shifts to something duller or more solid, you are likely over a stud. Mark that spot and keep tapping to confirm.

Measure from a corner Exterior corners almost always have a stud built into them. Measure 16 inches (about 40 cm) from the inside edge of the corner to find the likely centre of the next stud, then continue in 16-inch increments. Some walls use 24-inch spacing, so always verify with another method.

Look for visual clues Run your eye along the wall surface in raking light. Slight dimples or small bumps, sometimes called nail pops, show where fasteners were driven into studs during construction.

Check your electrical outlets and switches Outlets and switches are almost always mounted to the side of a stud. Remove the cover plate and look inside the box to see which side the stud is on, then measure out from there in 16-inch increments.

Try the magnet trick Run a strong rare-earth magnet slowly across the wall surface. When the magnet catches or pulls toward the wall, you have found a fastener point and, by extension, a stud.

None of these methods is foolproof on its own, but used together they give you a solid starting point. Once you have a likely stud location, drive a small finishing nail at the spot to confirm before committing to a larger hole.

How to Use a Stud Finder for Accurate Results

A stud finder is the most accurate way to find studs in the wall before drilling, and it takes the guesswork out of the process entirely. Most models are straightforward to use, but understanding which type you have makes a real difference in how you interpret the results.

Edge-detecting stud finders are the most common and affordable option. They beep or light up when they sense a change in wall density, signalling that you have reached the edge of a stud. Centre-finding models go a step further by pinpointing the middle of the stud directly, which is more useful when you need to drive a lag bolt straight through the centre. Some advanced models also detect electrical wiring and pipes behind the wall, which is worth knowing before you drill.

To use a stud finder correctly, follow these steps:

• Calibrate first: Hold the finder flat against the wall in an area you know has no stud (away from corners and outlets), then press and hold the activation button until it signals that it is ready.
• Slide slowly: Move the finder horizontally across the wall at a steady pace. When it beeps or lights up, mark that spot with painter's tape or a pencil.
• Confirm the other edge: Approach the same area from the opposite direction and mark where it signals again. The stud sits between your two marks.
• Verify before drilling large holes: Drive a small finishing nail or use a thin drill bit at your marked centre point to confirm the stud is there before committing to a larger hole for a lag bolt.

This two-direction approach catches false readings, which are more common on older walls or near electrical boxes.

What Wall Types Are Common in Canadian Homes?

Before you try to find studs in the wall, it helps to know what kind of wall you are actually dealing with. Canadian homes span well over a century of construction, and the wall type you have directly affects which methods work and which ones will lead you astray.

Wall Type	What to Expect
Standard drywall over wood studs	Most common in homes built from the 1960s onward. All stud-finding methods work reliably here.
Plaster and lath	Found in pre-1960s homes across Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. Denser than drywall, which can confuse basic stud finders.
Metal studs	Common in newer condos and commercial-to-residential conversions. A magnet sticks directly to the stud.
Concrete or block walls	Typical in basement finishing. Requires concrete anchors and a hammer drill rather than stud mounting.

Standard drywall over wood studs is what most Canadian homeowners will encounter. If your home was built after 1960, every method in this guide applies.

Plaster and lath walls are denser than drywall, which confuses many basic stud finders. Use a strong magnet to catch nails in the lath, or choose a stud finder rated for plaster. Our guide on what plaster is and how it differs from drywall explains more.

Metal studs appear in newer condos and commercial conversions. Use toggle bolts or snap toggles instead of standard wood screws.

Concrete or block walls are common in basements. Anchor directly into concrete using concrete anchors and a hammer drill.

How to Mount a TV on the Wall Once You Have Found the Studs

Choose the right bracket type first. TV wall mounts come in three main configurations: fixed (no movement), tilting (angle adjustable up or down), and full-motion (extends and swivels). Check the bracket's specifications carefully to confirm it supports your TV's size and weight before you buy. This information is listed on the bracket's packaging or product page.

Once you have the bracket, follow these steps:

• Mark the mounting holes on the wall using a spirit level to make sure the bracket sits straight. The bracket should span at least two studs to distribute the load properly. A single-stud mount puts too much stress on one point.
• Pre-drill pilot holes into the studs at your marked points. Use the lag bolts included with the bracket to fasten it to the studs. Pilot holes prevent the wood from splitting and make driving the lag bolts much easier.
• Attach the mounting plate or arms to the back of the TV using the hardware specified in the manufacturer's instructions. Then lift the TV onto the wall bracket and secure it according to those same instructions.
• Plan your cable management before you call the job done. A cable cover channel along the wall is the simplest option and works well in most rooms. Running cables inside the wall gives a cleaner result, but note that running electrical cable inside a wall in Canada requires a licensed electrician under provincial electrical codes. This is not a DIY task.

Taking the time to level the bracket and use the correct lag bolts makes the difference between a mount that holds securely for years and one that shifts or pulls away from the wall. If anything about your wall type or cable routing feels uncertain, it is worth getting a professional to handle the installation.

Find a TV mounting pro in your area

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Finding Studs and Mounting a TV

Even when you know how to find a stud in the wall, small oversights during the mounting process can lead to real problems. Here are the most common errors to watch for before you start drilling.

• Relying on drywall anchors alone: Drywall anchors are useful for lightweight items, but most are rated for far less weight than a TV and bracket combined. Drywall alone cannot distribute that load safely, and anchors can pull through over time.
• Skipping the test hole: Before drilling large holes for lag bolts, drive a small finishing nail or thin drill bit at your marked stud location to confirm the stud is actually there. A stud finder can give false readings near outlets, pipes, or inconsistent drywall, so a quick test saves you from a misplaced large hole.
• Ignoring what is behind the wall: Plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, and HVAC ducts can all run through stud bays. A basic stud finder will not detect these. Use a model with wire and pipe detection, or check from the other side of the wall if it is accessible, before committing to any drill location.
• Mounting into a single stud: Always span at least two studs. Anchoring a bracket to only one concentrates the entire weight of the TV on a single point, which puts the bracket at risk of pulling free over time — especially with heavier screens or full-motion mounts.

Should You Mount a TV Yourself or Hire a Professional?

Once you know how to find studs in the wall, the next question is whether to handle the full installation yourself or bring in a pro. For many homeowners, DIY is a reasonable option. For others, the wall type or project complexity makes professional help the smarter call.

DIY is a good fit if:

• Your walls are standard drywall over wood studs
• You have a stud finder, a drill, and a level on hand
• Your TV weighs under 25 kg (about 55 lbs)
• You are comfortable working at height and reading a level

If those conditions apply, the job is manageable for most people with basic home improvement experience.

Consider hiring a pro if any of the following apply:

• Your home has plaster walls, concrete walls, or metal studs (common in condos)
• You want cables routed inside the wall for a clean, cord-free finish
• You are mounting above a fireplace, which may involve a masonry or stone surface
• The installation requires precise bracket placement at an unusual height

Plaster and concrete walls in particular require different anchoring methods and tools, and getting it wrong can mean a damaged wall or an unsafe mount. Running cables inside a wall also involves cutting drywall and, in some cases, working near electrical wiring, which adds complexity that most DIYers prefer to leave to a professional. If you need to repair or patch drywall after the job, it helps to understand the cost of hiring a drywall contractor so you can budget accordingly. If you are weighing the cost of hiring someone, our TV mounting price guide breaks down what the job typically costs across Canada.

Find a handyman for your TV mounting project

Find a Handyman on HomeStars

HomeStars connects homeowners across Canada with local handyman professionals who can help you find studs in the wall and handle TV mounting, picture hanging, and other wall projects of all kinds.

Getting started takes three steps: post your job for free, receive responses from interested pros in your area, and compare profiles and reviews before deciding who to hire. There's no pressure and no commitment until you're ready.

Find a handyman for your TV mounting project

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart are studs in a wall?

In most Canadian homes, studs are spaced 16 inches (about 40 cm) apart, measured centre to centre. Some walls, particularly in newer builds or garages, use 24-inch spacing instead. Measuring from a corner is a reliable way to find a stud in the wall and confirm the spacing pattern in your home.

Can you mount a TV on a wall without studs?

Heavy-duty toggle bolts or snap toggles can support lighter TVs on drywall, but this approach has weight limits and is less secure than anchoring into studs. If your TV is on the heavier side or you cannot find studs in the wall where you want to mount it, it is worth consulting a handyman before drilling.

How do you find a stud in a plaster wall?

Basic edge-detecting stud finders often give false readings on plaster because the material is denser than standard drywall. A strong rare-earth magnet is more dependable here. Run it slowly across the surface to catch the nails or screws embedded in the lath beneath. A stud finder specifically rated for plaster walls is another option worth considering.

What size screws do you need to mount a TV bracket into a stud?

Most TV brackets include lag bolts, typically 3 to 3.5 inches long. Always use the hardware supplied with your bracket, or check the manufacturer's specifications if you need replacements. The bolt should penetrate at least 1.5 inches into the stud after passing through the drywall to hold securely.