You can mount a light TV on drywall with the right toggle bolts, but studs or a backer board are the safer choice for anything larger. Sources vary: some put quality toggle bolts at 50 to 100 pounds each, but plan around the lower figures because the drywall limits the load. For TVs over 32 inches the bracket should reach at least two studs. If no stud lines up, a plywood backer spanning two studs is the usual fix.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Updated . 6 min read. Prices in Canadian dollars, before tax.
- Four ways to mount without a stud, ranked by safety
- When toggle bolts are OK
- When to stop and ask a pro
- Pixl extras for metal studs and plaster
- Studs are strongest. Find them first with a stud finder.
- Toggle bolts suit light TVs only, and you need at least four.
- A plywood backer across two studs is the common fix for a heavy TV.
- Check the mount’s weight rating against the TV before anything else.
How can you mount a TV without studs?
There are four options. They are ranked below from safest to weakest.
| Option | How it works | Best for | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move the mount to hit studs | Slide the plate sideways to catch two studs | Most TVs | Lowest |
| Backer board across two studs | Fasten a plywood board into studs and mount the plate on it | Heavy TVs, awkward stud spacing | Low |
| Heavy-duty toggle bolts | Anchors spread the load behind the drywall | Light TVs only | Medium, depends on the drywall |
| Furniture or a floor stand | No wall load at all | Renters, hollow or unknown walls | None for the wall |
The strongest wall mount is a lag bolt into a stud. For TVs over 32 inches the bracket should reach at least two studs, as The Home Cinema Guide explains.
Are toggle bolts safe for a TV?
Toggle bolts can work for a light TV, but they are a compromise. Published figures vary: one guide says anchors like these hold up to about 50 pounds, another says quality toggle bolts can support 50 to 100 pounds each with at least four used for a TV. Plan around the lower numbers, because drywall adds little strength, and tension and shear can pull an anchor out. Anchors should be rated well above the TV’s weight to allow for bumps.
| Rule | Why |
|---|---|
| Use at least four toggles | Spread the load across the plate |
| Stay well under the rating | Allow for bumps and wobble |
| Use a full-size toggle, not a plastic plug | Plugs are for light shelves and frames |
| Avoid with full-motion arms | Extended arms put leverage on the wall |
For fastener guidance from a supplier, see Albany County Fasteners. Always follow your mount’s own instructions.
What is a backer board and when do you need one?
A backer board is a piece of plywood fastened across two or more studs, so the mount plate bolts to the board instead of the drywall. It is the usual fix when stud spacing does not match the bracket, or the TV is heavy. It needs to be fastened into the studs with proper screws, then covered or painted as part of the wall.
When should you stop and call a pro?
| Situation | Why |
|---|---|
| A big or heavy TV | The risk of a fall rises with weight |
| A full-motion arm on drywall | Leverage on the wall |
| Metal studs, plaster, brick or concrete | Different fasteners and care |
| You cannot find any stud | The wall may be hollow or have blocking in odd places |
At Pixl we add $10 for plaster, $15 for metal studs, $50 for concrete, tile or stone and $80 for brick. Labour in Calgary and Edmonton is $99.99 for 32 to 60 inch TVs, $109.99 for 61 to 79 inches, before tax. Read TV mounting by wall type or the general how to mount a TV on the wall. Send a photo of your wall to (587) 899-7495. No deposit, and you pay after the job.
Mounting a TV without studs: frequently asked questions
Can you mount a TV on drywall without studs?
A light TV can be mounted with heavy-duty toggle bolts, but studs or a backer board are safer for anything larger.
How much weight can a toggle bolt hold in drywall?
Published figures range from about 50 pounds up to 50 to 100 pounds each. Plan around the lower numbers and use at least four.
What if my studs do not line up with the mount?
Slide the plate to catch two studs, or fasten a plywood backer across two studs and mount the plate on it.
Can I mount a full-motion mount on drywall alone?
Not recommended. The extended arm puts leverage on the wall.
Is it safe to mount a heavy TV with toggle bolts?
Several guides advise against it. Use studs or a backer board.
What does Pixl charge for hard walls?
Plaster adds $10, metal studs $15, concrete, tile or stone $50 and brick $80, on top of labour.
Not sure what is behind your wall?
Text a photo and the TV size. We confirm the price and the method. No deposit, and you pay after the job.
How to mount a TV on the wall
Corner TV mounts
TV wall mounting in Canada
TV wall mount buying guide by size, weight and VESA
Mount a TV on plaster, tile or stucco
How to find studs for TV mounting
Sources and method. Load figures come from The Home Cinema Guide and Albany County Fasteners. Figures differ between sources, so check your own anchors and mount ratings. Pixl prices were checked in October 2026, are for Calgary and Edmonton, in Canadian dollars, before tax.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.