mountingstuds
I need to mount my 55" TV to the left of the studs. Can I do this simply by running a couple 2x4s off the studs, and then connecting the mount to the 2x4s? While I imagine this can be done for lighter items, I want to make sure it will work with the heavy mount + TV.
Here's an image of what I'm talking about. The black rectangles are the studs, the tan ones are the 2x4s, and the red dots are where the bolts for the mount will go into the 2x4s.
Right stud: What's the best way to screw the stud into the frame at the top and bottom so that it's sturdy enough to support the new wall I am going to hang on it?
What you're doing here is called "sistering". I personally would use 2 screws each at the top and bottom. More is unnecessary - after all look at the other studs - nothing holds them in the middle.
Left stud: Since I will be able to screw this stud into another stud, how many screws should I use? Should I put the screws in pairs so that it's two screws side by side all the way down?
For the left stud you'll need to toenail - that is - install the screws diagonally into the top and bottom plates. It'll be easier if you pre-drill the holes - install at a 45 deg angle, 2 top 2 bottom again.
What length and type of screws should I use for both studs? I am assuming wood screws for this job, but I am not sure about the small details.
2x4's are actually 1.5 by 3.5. So you'll be sistering into a 3" depth, so use 2.5" screws for the sistering, and on the diagonal, use 3.5" screws to cover the length of the hypotenuse and give you good bite w/o over sinking.
Metal studs are great for framing walls. They are super light, easy to work with, straight. But you've discovered one drawback...they don't have nearly the strength of a wooden 2x4 for mounting things to it.
Metal studs do come in different gauges though. The heavier, the better. But it sounds like yours are fairly lightweight.
Some options:
Best Answer
This should be OK, but I would recommend attaching the 2x4s to studs on both sides of the TV, not just the right side as you've shown. You don't want the weight of the TV to pull the 2x4s away from the wall on the left side. A 55" TV is going to be heavy and the eccentricity caused by the spacing of the wood and the bracket will cause it to pull away.
Personally I would probably use a single piece of plywood — it will have a lower profile and will provide plenty of opportunities for getting strong fasteners into the studs. But 2x4s will be cheap (or free, if you've got some lying around), are easy to cut, and should work fine.