Giovanni Valle is a licensed architect and LEED-accredited professional and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). He is the author and managing editor of various digital publications, including BuilderSpace, Your Own Architect, and Interiors Place.
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Mounting a TV to your wall isn’t necessarily a fun task, but oftentimes it’s necessary. TVs can take up a lot of space, so sometimes putting them on the wall is the best option. However, does mounting a TV damage the wall?
Technically speaking, mounting a TV damages the wall because they have to be drilled to make holes. Also, if the holes aren’t drilled correctly or the wall is accidentally hit when mounting the TV, that can lead to further damage. Mounting a TV won’t be a problem if you don’t mind the holes in your wall.
This article will explain how you can mount a TV without damaging your wall. We’ll take a look at how to mount it without a drill, but note that even those methods will still leave holes in your wall.
How To Mount a TV Without Damaging the Wall
The best way to mount a TV without damaging the wall is to use a no-stud hanger mount. This type of mount uses tiny nails that you hammer into the wall. It does leave a small hole, but it’s significantly smaller than a drill hole.
A regular TV wall mount is still the best method to mount a TV. However, if you rent, your landlord might not allow you to drill holes.
Using tiny nails to mount the TV instead will be treated as wear and tear.
You could also consider mounting the TV by drilling holes and fixing them when you no longer need them.
Unfortunately, you can’t wall mount a TV without using tiny nails at the very least.
You can try strong adhesive tape, but it’s not worth risking breaking an expensive TV to preserve the wall.
The problem with adhesive is that it loses bonding strength from moisture and heat. There’s humidity in your home, and the TV gets pretty toasty, so both are present.
Note that if you decide to go with traditional drill holes, you have to do it right. Drilling a hole in the wrong spot or drilling too deep will cause substantial damage.
Measure everything five times before you turn the drill on.
Mark where the spot where you want the holes using your screwdriver. This will allow you to drill where you want to and stay straight.
Can You Mount a TV Without Putting Holes in the Wall?
You can’t mount a TV without putting holes in the wall. At the very least, you’ll have to use tiny nails that’ll leave a bunch of small holes. Some people suggest using adhesive tape, but that won’t hold the TV for very long.
The answer to this really depends on what you consider a hole. Most people think of drill holes in this case.
If so, then you can mount a TV without any holes. But you’ll still need to use small nails.
Get the Hangman Products No Stud TV Hanger Mount (available on Amazon.com). It’s sturdy, comes with a built-in level, and won’t damage the wall.
Installing it is pretty straightforward. Tap in a few nails, and the bracket will stay in place. Next, screw in the TV brackets and hang the TV as if it was a picture.
How To Fix a Hole in Your Wall Caused by a TV Mount
Fixing nails or drill holes may look like a daunting task at first. After all, you’ve never done it before.
But anyone can do a great job without much practice. You only need spackling paste and a scraper or putty knife. You can even use a regular knife in a pinch.
Here’s how you can fix a hole in your wall left by a TV mount:
- Fill the hole with spackling paste.
- Make it even using a putty knife or scraper.
- Remove the excess paste.
- Paint over the paste to cover it completely.
This is very easy to do. Nonetheless, it’ll leave you feeling fulfilled and accomplished.
If you don’t have any spackling, get the Red Devil Onetime Lightweight (available on Amazon.com). It’s easy to use, dries quickly, and you don’t need to sand it once you fill the hole.
How To Wall Mount a TV Without a Drill
There are two ways to mount your TV to the wall if you don’t have a drill. Let’s look at both so that you can decide which one works for you.
Drywall Anchor
Did you know that you can screw in a drywall anchor with a regular screwdriver?
You’ll need to use self-drilling anchors for this, though. Get the Qualihome Self-Drilling Plastic Anchors (available on Amazon.com). They can hold up to 75 lb. (34 kg), so hanging a TV won’t be a problem.
Here’s what you do:
- Mark the spot where you want to screw the anchor in using a pencil. Use your TV wall mount bracket as a guide.
- Repeat this for all corners.
- Ensure the corners are level.
- Make small holes with a screwdriver in spots where the anchors should go.
- Screw in the anchor using your screwdriver.
No-Stud Hanger Mount
We already talked about no-stud hanger mounts, but they’re the easiest way to mount a TV to the wall.
You just need a hammer and some nails that usually come with the no-stud hanger mount.
Here’s what you do:
- Hold the mount against your wall and center it. Use the built-in level to make sure it’s level.
- Tap in the center nail through the hole in the mount using your hammer.
- Tap in the corner nails.
- Tap in all other nails.
- Screw the included mounting brackets into the VESA mounting holes on your TV.
- Carefully hang the TV onto the wall.
A Tall TV Stand Is a Good Alternative to Wall Mounts
A TV stand is a great alternative to mounting the TV to the wall.
You can get great viewing angles, it’s easier to move the TV, and, most importantly, you won’t leave holes in the wall.
Tall TV stands use the same kind of brackets you’d see on traditional wall mounts. So, any TV with VESA mounting holes is compatible.
The Perlesmith Universal TV Stand (available on Amazon.com) is a great option. It’s very easy to mount your TV to it, and it’s height-adjustable so that you can get the wall-mounted TV look without drilling holes.
Final Thoughts
Mounting a TV to the wall requires you to either drill holes or hammer in nails. Both methods will leave some kind of hole in your wall. If you want to avoid damaging the wall, you can opt for a TV stand instead to avoid holes in your wall.