Wood – Lag bolt vs structural screw (and length) for TV mount

mountingscrewswood

I'm attaching a TV mount (1/8" thick slotted plate) to a wall that is 1" soft wood (redwood?) paneling over what I suspect are 3.5" redwood studs. The studs seem to be square. The mount takes five fasteners (3 in one stud, 2 in the next).

From what I've read the bolts should go 1.25" – 1.5" into the stud so I was thinking I would use 2.5" long, 5/16" diameter lag bolts. To my surprise, the mount came lag bolts that are 3.5" long and 1/4" in diameter.

So, wise folk who use more fasteners than I do:

  • Would you use lag bolts or a structural screws?
  • How long?
  • Do you have a preferred brand? (please don't say Everbilt)
  • If a lag bolt, what metal and diameter?

Thank you!

Best Answer

1/4 lags should be fine even in redwood, many homes were built with redwood in the north Bay Area. Redwood is soft and has a lower withdraw force, I have 4 ea 1/4 x 3 lags holding a 78” flat screen I would use the same in redwood.

I would use lags over structural screws for the higher shear force. No brand preference, just plain old steel, bright or hot dipped it makes no real difference if they are not visible.

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