Mounting a TV in condos built after the 1980s indeed presents unique challenges compared to mounting in traditional houses, primarily due to the construction materials and methods used. The differences are mainly attributed to the use of metal stud walls and structural pillars in condos, contrasting with the wooden studs typically found in houses.

Metal Stud Walls

One of the significant differences in condo construction is the use of metal studs instead of wooden 2x4s for the internal walls. These metal studs are typically 2 inches by 2 inches, making the walls in condos thinner than those in houses. A common wall thickness in condos is approximately 3 inches, including a half-inch of drywall on each side of a 2-inch metal stud. This construction method results in walls that are not as robust as those built with wooden studs, impacting how items like TVs can be securely mounted.

Implications for TV Mounting:

1. Strength and Support: Metal studs do not offer the same level of support as wooden studs, especially for heavy objects like TVs. This necessitates the use of specialized mounting hardware that can securely anchor to metal studs while distributing the TV’s weight appropriately.
2. Wall Thickness: The thinner walls in condos may limit the length of screws or anchors that can be used, further complicating the mounting process. It’s crucial to choose mounting hardware that is compatible with the wall’s thickness to ensure a stable installation.
3. Sound Transmission: The thinner walls and different materials can also affect sound transmission. This might not directly impact the mounting process but is an important consideration for overall living comfort, especially in a condo setting where units are closely spaced.
4. Specialized Hardware: Given these factors, mounting a TV in a condo often requires specialized hardware designed for metal studs. This hardware might include Elephant Anchors capable of securely fastening to metal studs and supporting the TV’s weight. The CondoMounts metal stud mounting kit comes in various combos to make this easy for you.
5. Professional Installation: Due to the unique challenges presented by metal stud construction, some condo owners opt for professional installation to ensure their TV is mounted safely and securely. Professionals have the tools and experience to correctly identify stud locations, choose the appropriate hardware, and execute the installation without damaging the wall or compromising the TV’s stability.
   

   CondoMounts Solution

   Recognizing these unique challenges, products like CondoMounts are designed specifically for mounting TVs in condos. These mounting kits are engineered to work with the metal studs and thinner walls found in condos, providing secure and reliable mounting solutions that accommodate the structural peculiarities of modern condo construction.

CondoMounts metal stud tv mounting kit

Can I mount my TV on a thin condo wall?

Firstly we have to understand the three main kind of walls that you will find in a condo. I am referring to walls that have a layer of drywall on it.  If it is a exposed concrete wall, it’s pretty straight forward and you would know this by looking at it. The surface will be grey just like any concrete flooring.

a. Most internal walls thickness are 3 inches with 2 “ metal studs with 1/2 drywall on it. This is the wall type that I am going to help you with and the only TV wall  mount that will work with this kind of wall is made by CondoMounts. You can either install the TV directly on the drywall or go through the metal studs. The Elephant anchors provided in this kit are rated for 200lbs each. You have to use 4 of them to have a secure install. It’s very safe to Mount your tv just on drywall using a fixed tv mount or tilt Tv mount. If you are planning to use a Tv mount with an Arm then you have the go through the metal stud and the same 200lbs anchors can be used but you will need to identify the  steel/metal stud and drill through it to insert the anchors.

b. Thicker wall which are 10” or more are made of concrete and layered with drywall. These wall can be internal walls or external walls. Internal walls are wall dividing rooms within your unit and external walls are walls you share with your neighbour’s or outside the house.

C. The other type of wall is the double layer drywall. This type of wall is always between your your unit and your neighbour’s or an outside wall. To mount TV s on this wall you can use the CondoMounts metal stud mounts or steel stud mounting kit bit you might need longer screws.

Metal Stud TV Mounting Kit

CondoMounts offers a variety of solutions for mounting TVs to metal studs, emphasizing strength, ease of installation, and versatility. Their products are designed to support heavy loads, ensuring that your TV stays securely mounted on metal stud walls.

One of their prominent offerings, the CondoMounts Steel Stud TV Mounting Kit (SKU: MSK9010), includes 4 Elephant Anchors (1/4) and a Washer Set with a 1-Pilot Head Titanium Drill Bit. Priced at $24.99, this kit is engineered to hold up to 200lbs on steel studs, making it a reliable choice for heavy-duty mounting needs​ (CONDOMOUNTS)​.

Another option, the CondoMounts Metal Stud TV Mount – Fixed (SKU: TVF8084), is a sleek, space-saving solution that positions the TV just 1.4 inches from the wall. It combines robust metal stud mounting anchors, heavy-duty toggle bolts, and toggle bolt screws for a secure installation. This model is available for $65.99 and is praised for its ultimate strength and speedy installation, thanks to its patented SlotGrip technology​ (CONDOMOUNTS)​.

For those requiring a more comprehensive kit, the CondoMounts Steel Stud TV Mounting Kit (SKU: MSK8001) offers even more. It comes with 6 Elephant Anchors (1/4) and a 1-Pilot Head Titanium Drill Bit, all for $29.99. Like other CondoMounts products, it promises easy installation and a secure mount for TVs weighing up to 200lbs​ (CONDOMOUNTS)​.

These mounting solutions are developed in Canada and feature free shipping within Canada and the continental United States. CondoMounts also provides a limited warranty to the original purchaser against defects or faulty workmanship, with terms varying by product category: Column Mounts come with a 60-month warranty, while all other products have a 12-month warranty period​ (CONDOMOUNTS)​​ (CONDOMOUNTS)​.