First: safety and common sense (worth more than "quick DIY")

First: safety and common sense (worth more than "quick DIY")

A poorly installed TV mount isn't just "ugly": it's dangerous. If you don't have the tools, if the wall is damaged, or if the TV is large and the mount is articulated, it might be worth calling an installer.

Even with well-known brands of wall mounts, the recommendation is always: respect the mount's capacity and the wall's conditions , and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

1) Identify the type of wall (before buying wall plugs)

In Portugal, you can find many:

  • concrete (buildings)

  • brick/masonry

  • drywall (hollow walls/hollow partitions, especially in renovations)

How to quickly identify it:

  • concrete/brick: “solid” sound when struck

  • drywall/hollow: sounds "hollow," and there is usually a structure (metal/wood) behind it.

Vogel's describes hollow walls as plasterboard panels (plasterboard) fixed to a metal or wooden frame.

2) Brick/concrete wall: the golden rule is to fix it to the right material.

If it's brick/masonry, there's a repeated recommendation in installation guides: drill into the brick, not the mortar , because the brick provides a more solid hold.
Next, choose the appropriate wall plugs/screws for masonry and respect the diameter recommended by the support.

Step by step (masonry)

  1. Mark the height and use a level (bubble level or laser level).

  2. Place the support plate against the wall and mark the holes.

  3. Drill with a drill bit suitable for the material and diameter of the wall plug.

  4. Insert wall plugs and tighten them without "crushing" the wall.

  5. Check for leveling before final tightening.

  6. Set up the TV and do a light "test" (without sudden movements).

3) Drywall (hollow) wall: the purpose is to attach to or reinforce the structure.

The main difference with drywall is that the strength of the board alone is limited — and hinged supports increase the pull-out force when the arm is extended. ERARD recommends locating the studs and securing them to them for maximum stability, and using appropriate anchors when necessary.
Vogel's also says it's possible to mount it in a hollow/plasterboard wall, but "it depends on the situation," and suggests specific solutions, including reinforcement and adapters for wood framing, where appropriate.

Simple rule for drywall

  • Large TV + articulated mount : always try to secure it to the frame (uprights) or use appropriate reinforcement.

  • Lightweight TV + fixed/tilt mount : it may be possible with the right mountings, but there are limitations.

Rapid reminds us that the load-bearing capacity of drywall varies depending on the construction (layers, area, installation) and that for heavier objects, proper techniques and fasteners must be followed.

4) Wall plugs and supports: choose based on the setting, not habit.

In drywall, standard masonry anchors are usually not the correct solution. Ideally, you should use:

  • Anchors suitable for hollow walls (e.g., "Molly" type, toggles, etc.)

  • or attach to the structure from behind

ERARD mentions Molly-type anchors as an option (provided they are properly sized) and again emphasizes following instructions and considering the weight of the support.
If you have any doubts, choose brands and solutions with clear technical specifications and that are compatible with drywall/hollow wall.

5) Drilling in drywall: technique matters (to avoid tearing it)

In drywall, drilling "raw" can cause cracking or gaps. A recent guide on drilling in plasterboard recommends drilling slowly, with the correct drill bit and appropriate fasteners, and reinforces that the safest method for high loads is to fasten with studs/uprights.

Step by step (plasterboard)

  1. Confirm if you have any amounts of data and where they are located (measurement, detector, or secure method).

  2. If possible, align the bracket to secure it to at least one upright (ideally two, depending on the bracket plate).

  3. If there are no funds available where you need them, consider:

    • reinforcement (plate/structure)

    • or change the TV's position

  4. Use anchors suitable for hollow walls and drill carefully (without hammer mode).

  5. Tighten gradually and check for any "play" in the plate.

6) Signs of incorrect installation (do not ignore)

  • The support does not stay level despite tightening.

  • The wall "gives way" when you pull it slightly.

  • screws spin without purpose

  • Drywall cracks or crumbles around the hole.

If it happens, stop and fix it (redrill the hole, change the fastener, find the upright, reinforce it).

7) Final safety checklist (before hanging the TV)

  • Correct VESA + correct screws (see Cluster #1)

  • Weight within the support limit.

  • Wall type identified

  • Proper fastening for the material (masonry vs. hollow core)

  • For articulated devices: reinforced fastening (lever)

  • Cables with slack (so they don't pull when the TV moves)

FAQ

Can I mount a TV on drywall without studs?
It depends on the weight, support, and fastenings. In general, locating and securing the items is the safest option; if that's not possible, use appropriate solutions and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

In masonry, should the hole be in the brick or in the mortar?
Common rule: drill into the brick, not the mortar, for a more secure fastening.