Drywall with Wood Studs (Most Common)
How we mount: Locate studs using a stud finder. Drill pilot holes. Attach mount with lag bolts into the center of each stud.
Weight capacity: Limited by the mount, not the wall – easily 150+ lbs.
Challenges: Stud spacing varies (16″ or 24″ on center). If the mount doesn’t align with studs, we use a plywood backer board or toggle bolts.
Best for: Most homes in Orange County.
Drywall with Metal Studs (Commercial or Newer Homes)
How we mount: Use toggle bolts or snap toggles – not standard lag bolts (which can strip metal studs).
Weight capacity: Lower than wood studs – typically 80–100 lbs maximum. For large TVs (75″+, 80+ lbs), we recommend locating wood blocking behind the drywall or using a different wall.
Challenges: Metal studs are thin (25–20 gauge). Lag bolts will spin and strip. We exclusively use toggle bolts rated for metal studs.
Best for: Apartments, condos, newer construction, offices.
Brick and Concrete
How we mount: Use a hammer drill with a masonry bit. Drill holes slightly deeper than the anchor length. Insert sleeve anchors, wedge anchors, or Tapcon screws. Attach mount.
Weight capacity: Extremely high – brick and concrete can hold hundreds of pounds when anchored correctly.
Challenges: Brick can crack if you drill too close to the edge. Concrete can have rebar (we use a rebar detector to avoid it). Drilling takes longer – add 15–30 minutes to the installation.
Best for: Fireplace facades, exterior walls, garages, older homes.
Stone (Natural or Cultured)
Natural stone (granite, marble, slate, limestone):
Use diamond-tipped masonry bits
Drill slowly with water cooling to prevent heat cracking
Use epoxy anchors (not expansion anchors – they can split stone)
Weight limit: Depends on stone thickness (minimum 1″ recommended)
Cultured stone (manufactured):
Treat like brick, but more fragile
Drill into the mortar joint between stones when possible
If drilling into stone itself, use gentle pressure to avoid shattering
Best for: Luxury homes, fireplace surrounds, accent walls.
Tile (Ceramic and Porcelain)
How we mount: Use a carbide-tipped or diamond core bit. Drill slowly and steadily – too fast and the tile cracks. Stop when you hit the substrate (drywall or cement board). Use toggle bolts or anchors appropriate for the substrate.
Challenges: Tile is brittle. One wrong move and you have a cracked tile (we carry spare tiles? No – we are extremely careful). We also confirm the tile is well-adhered – loose tiles cannot hold a TV.
Important: The tile itself does not bear the weight. We anchor into whatever is behind the tile (drywall, cement board, or concrete). The tile is just a cosmetic layer.
Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, fireplace surrounds, accent walls.
Plaster (Older Homes, Pre-1950s)
How we mount: Use a plaster bit (prevents crumbling). Drill into the wood lath behind the plaster (not into plaster alone). Use lag bolts into the lath or toggle bolts if lath is unavailable.
Challenges: Plaster is hard and brittle. It can crack in large chunks. We drill pilot holes slightly smaller than the anchor to reduce cracking. We also use a vacuum attachment to contain dust.
Best for: Historic homes in Santa Ana, Orange, Tustin, Fullerton.
Ready to Mount on Your Wall Type?
👉 Free consultation – send a photo of your wall, we’ll give you an exact price
👉 Upfront pricing – no surprises for “difficult” surfaces
👉 Specialized tools for every wall – guaranteed
Installation Conditions – When We Cannot Mount a TV
Even with all wall types, there are conditions where mounting is unsafe:
Dry rot (wood studs disintegrate)
Anchors have nothing to grip
Repair studs first (call a contractor)
Water-damaged drywall
Crumbles under load
Replace drywall section
Asbestos-containing material
Drilling releases fibers
Test first; hire abatement specialist
No backing + heavy TV (75"+, 90+ lbs)
Metal studs can't support
Install wood blocking inside wall
Loose or hollow tile
Tile will crack or pull away
Replace loose tiles first
Unverified live wires behind wall
Risk of electrocution
Use wire detector; we always check
Our policy: We will never mount a TV on a wall that is unsafe. We will explain why and recommend a solution. Your safety and your TV’s safety come first.
What Our Truck Carries
We arrive prepared for any wall:
We don’t guess. We bring the right tool for your wall.
Why Choose Swift TV?
Local & trusted – Serving Orange County with consistent, high-quality service
Trained & accountable – No subcontractors, no shortcuts
Respect for your space – Clean work, careful handling
Clear expectations – Upfront pricing, no pressure
“Swift TV was terrific in helping to get my TV installed after our move into a new house. They were quick to respond, provided a reasonable quote, showed up on time and completed the work exactly as described.“
— Charles Wilson, Orange, CA