Yes — mounting a TV on a plasterboard wall is reliably safe, provided you use the right fixings and approach. Most modern UK homes have plasterboard walls, and we mount TVs on them regularly. The key is understanding the difference between mounting into a stud and mounting into the plasterboard itself. For a full specialist overview, see our TV mounting on plasterboard service page.
Know the strength of your wall
Not all plasterboard walls are equal. Standard plasterboard is 12.5mm thick and fixed to a timber or metal stud frame behind it. The studs are the strong points — when you mount into a stud, you are going into solid timber, which can safely hold a TV of almost any size. The plasterboard itself, away from studs, is much weaker and should not take load alone for heavier TVs.
Tap along the wall with your knuckle — studs sound noticeably more solid than the hollow sections in between. A stud finder tool makes this process much more reliable.
Know your TV weight
Modern flat-screen TVs are considerably lighter than older plasma sets. A 55-inch LED TV typically weighs 15–20kg. A 65-inch OLED might weigh 25–30kg. Check the weight in your TV manual or the manufacturer's website before choosing your fixing method.
Studs are important — find and use them
Whenever possible, mount into studs. In UK properties, studs are typically spaced 400mm or 600mm apart. Use a stud finder, mark the stud positions, and position your bracket so that the fixing holes align with at least two studs. This is one of the most secure methods for any TV size.
When there are no studs in the right position
This is more common than you might think — the bracket fixing points may fall between studs. In this case, you have three good options. See also our guide to mounting a TV without studs for a detailed breakdown of each method.
Using wall anchors
Hollow wall anchors (also called cavity fixings) expand behind the plasterboard once inserted, gripping the back of the board. They are rated for specific load weights — always check the fixing is rated for at least twice the weight of your TV. Use multiple fixings to spread the load.
Molly bolts
Molly bolts are a type of hollow wall anchor that provides a particularly secure grip. Once inserted and tightened, the metal legs fan out behind the plasterboard, creating a very strong fixing point. They are available in pointed (for hammering in) and non-pointed (for drilling) versions. Quality molly bolts carry strong published load ratings — check the packaging for the specific anchor.
Mounting plates
A large flat mounting plate (similar to the base used for air conditioning units) distributes the weight of the TV across a much wider area of the plasterboard. This dramatically reduces the load on any single fixing point. The plate can often be concealed behind the TV bracket itself.
What NOT to do
- Never underestimate the weight of your TV — always check the spec sheet
- If studs are available, prefer to use them — do not skip them for convenience
- Never use cheap fixings for heavy TVs — the cost saving is not worth the risk
- Avoid attempting this without experience if you are unsure — a falling TV can cause serious injury and significant damage
The safest option
If you are unsure about your wall, your fixings, or the weight capacity, the safest option is to book a professional. We assess your specific wall before drilling, calculate the load against bracket arm length, fixing pull-out rating, and TV centre of gravity, and use the correct fixings for your situation. Backed by City & Guilds Level 3 training and years of plasterboard installs across London — the calculation is done on the day, not assumed.
FAQ
Can you safely mount a 65-inch or 75-inch TV on plasterboard?+
Yes. A 65-inch TV typically weighs 25–35kg, and a 75-inch around 30–40kg. With heavy-duty rated hollow-wall fixings — or by mounting into studs — these weights are handled safely. We assess every wall before drilling and select fixings rated well above the TV weight.
What if the bracket fixing points do not line up with the studs?+
This is very common. We use rated hollow-wall fixings — molly bolts or toggle bolts — placed into the plasterboard, each rated well above the TV weight. On very heavy TVs or large screens, a mounting plate spanning multiple stud bays is used to distribute the load safely.
Is professional TV mounting safer than doing it myself?+
Professional installation significantly reduces the risk. We use an electronic stud finder on every job, verify wall integrity before drilling, and select fixings rated for at least double the TV weight. A TV falling from a wall can cause serious injury and significant wall damage — professional installation removes that risk entirely.
Can I use standard wall plugs on plasterboard?+
No. Standard plastic wall plugs are not suitable for TV mounting on plasterboard — they grip the board face rather than expanding behind it, and will pull through under load. Always use rated hollow-wall fixings such as molly bolts or toggle bolts, which anchor to the back of the plasterboard under compression.
Need a professional to assess your wall and get this done safely? Get a free quote — we cover London and the South East. See our plasterboard mounting specialist page for more detail on how we approach every job.