The biggest challenge to wall-mounting a flat screen television both securely and exactly where it’s best to watch can be locating wall studs, then getting a secure connection. For lots of television mounts and brackets you have to hang the bracket wherever the wall stud is. But if you’ve got the walls open—say you’re finishing a basement or upfitting a room—you can add backers between the studs that’ll enable you to get the TV exactly where you want it.
What we do is rip down some 2×4 to 1 1/2-inches x 1 1/2 inches x 24-inches long on the table saw. Then we mark a line 1/2-inch back from the front face of each stud and install the 2-by on the line using an impact driver and screws.
Next, we cut 1/2 inch plywood or OSB to fit the opening (height and width). Also, we make ample notches so the electrical devices behind the TV can be placed (we use “old-work” or “remodeler” boxes here so we don’t have to nail them directly to the studs).
Finally, we place the plywood on the 2-bys and fasten with staples or screws. When it comes time to install the TV, we put it where we want it. No searching for studs or compromising on the view. What’s on?
