In this article
Metal studs are the normal interior wall in condos, high-rises and a lot of newer commercial-style homes. In Miami's Brickell and Sunny Isles towers almost every partition is 25-gauge light steel — thinner than a soda can in places. You can mount a TV on it safely, but not the way you would on wood.
Why lag bolts fail in steel
A lag bolt holds by cutting threads into wood fibers. Light-gauge steel has no fibers: the bolt either spins in the hole or strips it the first time the TV is pulled. We regularly take down TVs that were lag-bolted into steel and are hanging on one or two loose screws. The fastener for steel is a toggle — it passes through the stud and clamps behind it.
Finding the studs
- Sweep the wall with a strong magnet. It will stick to drywall screws, which line up vertically along each stud.
- Mark several screws to find the line; studs are usually 16 inches apart, sometimes 24 in condos.
- Drill a small test hole in a spot the plate will cover. A 1/8-inch bit meets metal resistance, then breaks through — you are on steel.
What to use
- 1/4-inch snap-toggles (or similar strap toggles) through the center of the stud's face. Each is rated in the hundreds of pounds in steel.
- A wall plate that spans two studs. Put toggles in both studs, never all in one.
- Four toggles for fixed or tilting mounts up to 65 inches, six for 75 inches and above or any full-motion arm.
Snap-toggles need a 1/2-inch hole. Drill a 1/8-inch pilot through the stud first, then step up — a big bit on thin steel tends to walk and chew the drywall.
Step by step
- Choose the height (center about 42 inches for a sofa — height calculator).
- Find two studs and mark their centers.
- Level the plate on the wall and mark the holes over the stud lines.
- Drill pilots, then the 1/2-inch holes through drywall and steel.
- Insert the toggles, pull the strap until the channel seats against the back of the stud, snap off the straps.
- Bolt the plate on, snug but not crushing the drywall.
- Pull-test, then hang the TV with two people.
Condo specifics
Many buildings require a certificate of insurance, a service-elevator booking and drilling only on weekdays. Some partitions have a steel track halfway up — a horizontal channel that blocks in-wall cables. And demising walls between units are often concrete, which is actually better for a big screen. Our condo and high-rise guide covers the paperwork.
Cables
Steel partitions are hollow, so a UL-listed in-wall power kit works — cut a clean opening behind the TV and another above the outlet, and run power and HDMI through. If there is a mid-height track, we drill through it with a step bit and a grommet. The wire-hiding kit tool shows the parts.
Rather have a pro do it?
Exact price in about a minute — TV size, wall type and cables included. Same-day in most areas, 3-year warranty on every install.
Metal studs are an everyday wall for our Miami crews and cost the same as drywall — from $119 for a TV up to 60 inches. See also the best mounts for metal studs.
Gear mentioned in this article
CondoMounts MSK8001 Steel Stud TV Mounting KitAnchors made for steel studs.Check price →
Franklin Sensors ProSensor M210 13-Sensor Stud Finder, Live Wire DetectionStud finder: locates the framing behind the drywall.Check price →
PERLESMITH Tilting TV Wall Mount for 23–60 inch TVs up to 115 lbsTilting bracket: angles the screen down when it hangs high.Check price →
Mounting Dream Full Motion TV Wall Mount for 32-70 Inch TVs up to 110lbsArticulating arm: pulls out, swivels and tilts.Check price →
As an Amazon Associate, TV Mount Q earns from qualifying purchases. We never show a price here: Amazon prices change daily, so the button takes you to the current one.
