Putting a TV on a slanted wall is a smart way to use space in rooms like attics or bonus areas. Yes, you can mount a TV on a wall that is not straight up and down, but it needs the right tools, careful planning, and knowing how to find strong support inside the wall. This guide will show you exactly how to do it safely.
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Why Mount a TV on a Slanted Wall?
Many homes have rooms with slanted walls. These are often on the top floor, perhaps in an attic space that was made into a room. Or they might be above a garage. These walls follow the shape of the roof.
Mounting a TV here can save floor space. It can also put the screen at a good viewing angle if you are sitting or lying down in the room. An attic wall TV installation can turn an unused space into a cozy media spot.
But hanging a TV on a wall like this is different from a flat wall. The main challenge is the angle. Standard TV mounts are made for flat walls. You also need to make sure the wall can hold the weight.
Getting Ready: What You Need
Before you start, gather everything. This makes the job easier and safer.
H4 Tools You Will Need
- Stud finder: You need to find the wood or metal studs behind the drywall. A good stud finder is key for finding studs slanted wall.
- Level: To make sure your mount is straight, even on a slanted wall. Some levels have angle finders built in.
- Tape measure: For marking where the TV will go and checking distances.
- Pencil: To mark spots on the wall.
- Drill and drill bits: You’ll need bits for making pilot holes in the wall and maybe for the mount itself. Use bits made for wood or metal studs if needed.
- Socket wrench or adjustable wrench: To tighten the bolts that hold the mount to the wall.
- Screwdriver: For parts of the mount or TV brackets.
- Safety glasses: Always protect your eyes when drilling.
- Helping hand: A second person makes lifting the TV much safer.
- Optional: Angle finder tool or smartphone app to measure the exact wall angle.
H4 Choosing the Right Mount
This is very important for installing TV mount on angled wall. Not all mounts work.
- Standard Fixed Mount: Sits flat against the wall. Will make the TV sit flat against the slanted wall. The screen will point up or down depending on the angle. Usually not the best choice.
- Tilting Mount: Can tilt the TV up or down. Better than fixed, but the tilt might not be enough to make the screen face straight out from the slanted wall.
- Full-Motion Mount (Articulating Mount): This type has an arm that extends and pivots. It allows you to move the TV away from the wall, swivel it side to side, and tilt it up or down. This is often the best choice for a slanted wall. You can use the arm and tilt features to make the TV screen straight, even if the wall is angled. You need a angled wall TV bracket or sloped wall TV mount that offers this flexibility. Make sure it’s a heavy duty mount slanted wall if you have a large or heavy TV.
Look for a mount that says it works for angled walls or has a lot of adjustment range. Some mounts even have a special design for slanted ceilings or walls. A slanted ceiling TV mount might work well, depending on how steep your wall is.
Check the mount’s weight limit. Make sure it is much higher than your TV’s weight. Also, check the VESA pattern on your TV (the pattern of screw holes on the back). The mount needs to match this pattern.
Planning Your TV Spot
Where should the TV go? Think about these things:
- Viewing Angle: Where will you be sitting? The TV screen should be at a comfortable height and angle for watching. On a slanted wall, this means the TV screen might need to hang down from the mount, or stick out on an arm.
- Height: On a flat wall, the middle of the screen is usually at eye level when you are sitting. On a slanted wall, this is harder. You need to put the mount higher up on the wall so the TV hangs lower, or use a mount with an arm to bring the TV out and down.
- Stud Location: The mount must go into the wall studs. You cannot rely only on drywall, especially on a slanted wall carrying a heavy object. Plan where the TV will go based on where the studs are. You might need to move your planned spot slightly to hit two studs with the mount.
- Sunlight and Glare: Where do windows let light in? Avoid placing the TV where glare will be a problem.
- Power and Cables: How will you get power to the TV? Where will cables for players or game consoles go? Plan how to hide or manage these wires. This is extra tricky on a slanted wall or in an attic.
Finding the Studs in a Slanted Wall
This is the most important step for safety. You are attaching a heavy TV to the wall. It must be secured into the wall’s structure (the studs).
H4 Why Finding Studs is Different on a Slanted Wall
Studs in a standard wall go straight up and down from floor to ceiling. In a slanted wall, the studs still run straight, but they might be going up towards the peak of the roof, following the angle of the wall. They are usually spaced 16 or 24 inches apart, center to center. Knowing this spacing helps when finding studs slanted wall.
H4 How to Find Studs
- Use a Stud Finder: This is the easiest way. Turn on your stud finder. Place it against the wall and slide it sideways, following the angle of the slope. The finder will beep or light up when it finds a stud edge. Mark it with your pencil. Keep sliding until it signals the other edge of the stud. Mark that too. The center of the stud is between these two marks.
- Check Electrical Outlets or Switches: Boxes for outlets and switches are usually attached to the side of a stud. Find an outlet or switch on the slanted wall. The stud is likely right next to it (usually on one side). You can tap or use your stud finder near it to confirm.
- Tapping Method: Tap lightly on the wall with your knuckle. Listen to the sound. Tapping over hollow drywall makes a different sound than tapping over solid wood (a stud). The solid sound means you found a stud. Slide sideways and tap until the sound changes back to hollow. Find the edges and mark the center.
- Measure from a Corner: If you can find one stud, you can often find others by measuring. They are usually 16 or 24 inches apart, measured along the wall’s surface. Mark where you expect the next stud to be and use your stud finder to confirm.
- Small Test Holes (Last Resort): If you cannot find studs using other methods, you can drill very small holes where you think a stud might be. Use a tiny drill bit (like 1/16 inch). If you hit wood, you found a stud. If you go straight through, you hit hollow space. You can easily patch these tiny holes later. Drill just above where the TV mount will cover the wall.
Once you find the studs, mark their centers clearly with your pencil. You will need at least two studs for the TV mount. Three is even better for a large TV and a heavy duty mount slanted wall.
Marking the Mount Location
This is trickier than on a flat wall because of the angle.
- Measure the Wall Angle: Use an angle finder tool or a smartphone app. Place it flat against the wall to measure the angle relative to straight up-and-down (vertical). Write this number down. This angle affects where you need to put the mount so the TV ends up in the right place.
- Find TV Center and Desired Height: Decide how high you want the center of the TV screen to be from the floor when you are watching.
- Calculate Mount Position: This is the hard part.
- Look at your TV mount instructions. They will tell you the distance from the mount attachment points to the top/bottom/center of the TV screen once installed.
- Because your wall is slanted, the mount will be higher up the wall than the TV screen’s center.
- Imagine a line coming straight out from the wall where the mount will go. The TV will hang or extend from this line.
- You need to figure out where on the slanted wall the mount must sit so the TV screen is at your desired height and angle. A full-motion mount makes this easier because you have more adjustment.
- Simple approach for full-motion mount: Find the desired position for the center of the TV screen in the room space. Then, look at your mount. How far does the arm reach? Where does the wall plate need to be attached on the slanted wall for the arm to put the TV center where you want it? Mark a point on the wall that corresponds to the center of the mount’s wall plate.
- Using the angle: If your mount doesn’t correct for the angle easily, you might need to use the wall angle measurement. If the wall slopes back, the mount plate will be higher than the TV’s final position. How much higher depends on the mount’s design and the angle. Some mounts have built-in angle compensation guides.
- Tip: Hold the TV mount wall plate against the wall near your marked stud locations. See how it sits. Use the level to check if the part the TV hangs on will be level, not the wall plate itself. With many mounts, the wall plate will follow the slant of the wall, and the mount’s arm or tilt feature lets you straighten the TV.
- Mark Pilot Hole Locations: Hold the mount’s wall plate against the wall. Line up the plate’s screw holes with the center of the studs you found. Use your level to make sure the plate is level horizontally (side to side). Mark the location of the screw holes on the wall inside the stud centers. Double-check these marks are exactly where you need them on the studs and are level side-to-side.
Preparing the Mount
Some angled wall TV bracket designs might need slight changes.
- Check the instructions that came with your specific mount. Some are designed specifically as a sloped wall TV mount and might have parts you adjust before putting it on the wall to account for the angle.
- If you have a standard full-motion mount, the wall plate usually just goes flat against the wall. The adjustments happen with the arm and TV plate later.
- Make sure all bolts and moving parts on the mount are working smoothly.
Installing the Mount on the Wall
Now it’s time to attach the mount securely. This is the most critical step for safety.
- Drill Pilot Holes: Using your drill and a drill bit slightly smaller than the lag bolts that came with your mount, drill pilot holes at the marks you made on the studs. Drill straight into the stud. The depth should be a little shorter than the length of the lag bolt. These holes help the lag bolts go in straight and prevent splitting the wood stud.
- Attach the Mount Wall Plate: Line up the holes in the mount’s wall plate with the pilot holes you drilled. Insert the lag bolts.
- Tighten the Lag Bolts: Use your socket wrench or adjustable wrench to tighten the lag bolts. Tighten them firmly, but do not overtighten. Overtightening can strip the wood or break the bolt. You want the wall plate to be snug against the wall.
- Check for Security: Once tightened, give the mount a firm tug. It should feel completely solid and not move at all. If it wiggles, you did not hit the stud properly or the bolts are not tight enough. You must fix this before hanging the TV. For a heavy duty mount slanted wall, this solid attachment is non-negotiable.
Attaching Brackets to the TV
Most mounts come with two vertical brackets that attach to the back of your TV.
- Lay the TV Face Down: Place the TV screen-down on a soft, clean surface like a blanket on a table or the floor.
- Find the VESA Holes: Locate the threaded screw holes on the back of the TV.
- Choose the Right Screws: The mount kit includes various screws and spacers. Find the screws that fit your TV’s VESA holes. Check your TV manual if you are unsure. Use spacers if the back of your TV is not flat or if the screws are too long.
- Attach the Brackets: Line up the mount brackets over the VESA holes. Insert the screws through the brackets and into the TV back. Tighten them firmly with a screwdriver, but again, do not overtighten. The brackets should be snug against the TV back (with spacers if needed).
Hanging the TV on the Mount
This step usually requires two people, especially for larger TVs.
- Connect Cables (Optional): It can be easier to plug in power and some video cables before lifting the TV onto the mount, depending on how the mount and TV are designed.
- Lift the TV: With your helper, carefully lift the TV. Hold it by the sides or the attached brackets.
- Engage the Mount: The brackets on the TV need to hook onto or connect with the wall-mounted plate or arm. Your mount’s instructions will show exactly how they connect. It might involve lowering the TV onto hooks, sliding it into place, or snapping it in. Take your time and line it up correctly.
- Secure the TV: Many mounts have safety screws or clips that lock the TV brackets onto the mount. Do not skip this step. These locks prevent the TV from being accidentally knocked off the mount.
Making Final Adjustments
With the TV safely on the mount, you can position it for the best view.
- Level the Screen: Use your level against the bottom or top edge of the TV screen itself (not the mount on the wall). Adjust the mount’s leveling feature (most mounts have one) until the screen is perfectly horizontal.
- Adjusting TV Angle Slanted Wall: This is where a good mount pays off.
- If you have a tilting mount, adjust the tilt mechanism until the screen faces your viewing area. You are fighting the wall’s slant here. You might need maximum tilt.
- If you have a full-motion mount (recommended), use the arm to pull the TV away from the wall. This lets you turn (swivel) the screen left or right and tilt it up or down independently of the wall’s angle. Position the arm and tilt the screen until it is aimed right at where you sit and is comfortable to watch. This is key for a good angled wall TV bracket.
- Tighten Adjustments: Once the TV is in the perfect position, tighten any knobs or bolts on the mount that hold the tilt, swivel, or extension arm in place.
Cable Management
Wires hanging down a slanted wall can look messy.
- Use Cable Ties or Sleeves: Bundle cables together neatly using Velcro ties or plastic sleeves.
- Attach to the Mount Arm: If you have a full-motion mount, you can often run cables along the arm and hide them with clips that come with the mount.
- Wall Channel: You can buy plastic channels that stick to the wall. You hide the cables inside the channel. Choose one that matches your wall color.
- In-Wall Routing (Advanced): For a very clean look, you can run cables inside the wall. This is harder on a slanted wall and may require cutting holes, fishing wires, and patching. Make sure you use special fire-rated cable sleeves if going inside walls. Be aware of insulation in an attic wall installation.
Special Cases
H4 Drywall Slanted Wall Mount – Is it Possible?
Mounting a TV only into drywall on a slanted wall is very risky. Drywall is not strong enough to hold the weight of a TV, especially when gravity is pulling it down the angle.
- Never use standard drywall anchors for a TV mount on a slanted wall. They are not strong enough.
- If you must mount where there are no studs, you need special heavy-duty drywall anchors designed for very heavy items (like toggle bolts that spread out behind the drywall). However, even these are less secure than hitting studs.
- For safety and stability, always aim to hit at least two studs when mounting a TV on a slanted wall. A drywall slanted wall mount using only anchors should generally be avoided for TVs. It might work for very small, light monitors, but for a standard TV, find the studs.
H5 What if Studs Are Not Where You Need Them?
If the studs are too far apart or not located ideally for your TV size and position, you have a few options:
- Shift TV Position: The easiest fix is to slightly move where you planned to put the TV so the mount can hit two studs.
- Use a Wider Mount: Some TV mounts have a very wide wall plate with many holes, giving you more flexibility to line up with studs that are spaced differently.
- Add Blocking Behind Drywall: This is a bigger job. You would cut a section out of the drywall between the studs. Install horizontal wood pieces (blocking) securely between the studs. Then you can attach your TV mount to the blocking. This requires patching and painting the drywall.
- Mount a Plywood Board: Attach a sturdy piece of painted plywood to the studs (making sure the plywood hits at least two studs, preferably three). Then, attach the TV mount to the plywood. This provides a strong anchor point anywhere on the plywood, regardless of where the studs are behind it. The plywood should be thick enough (like 3/4 inch) and large enough to cover the space between the studs and provide enough area for the mount.
H4 Mounting on a Knee Wall
A knee wall is a short, slanted wall, often found in attics or under stairs. It’s essentially the lower part of a slanted roof wall.
- Mounting a TV on a mount TV on knee wall uses the same principles: you must find the studs inside the knee wall. These are usually shorter studs that run from the floor joists below to the roof rafters above.
- Because knee walls are short, the TV will sit lower. This can be good for viewing from a low couch or the floor.
- Use a stud finder and the tapping method to locate the studs in the knee wall. The rest of the installation steps are the same. Ensure your mount is appropriate for the size and weight of the TV and the viewing angle from a lower position.
Safety First
- Never guess where studs are. Always confirm with a stud finder or other methods.
- Use the hardware that came with your mount. It is designed to work together and carry the weight. If you need different hardware (e.g., longer lag bolts for thicker drywall), make sure it is high-quality and rated for the weight.
- Get help lifting the TV. TVs are heavy and awkward. Dropping it can break the TV, the mount, or injure you.
- Don’t overload the mount. Check the weight limit and TV size limit of the mount.
- Read the mount’s instructions carefully. Every mount is a little different.
- Check the wall condition. Make sure the drywall is in good shape and the studs seem solid.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Mount not level: Most mounts have a way to make minor level adjustments even after the plate is on the wall. Check your instructions. If not, you might need to slightly loosen and readjust the lag bolts (use shims if needed), but be careful not to weaken the connection.
- TV angle still not right: If you used a tilt-only mount, you might not have enough adjustment range for a steep slant. A full-motion mount is usually needed for greater control over the screen angle. You might need to change to a different type of mount.
- Can’t find studs: Try all the methods listed. If you still can’t find them, consider adding blocking or a plywood sheet over the studs you can find elsewhere, as described above. Don’t risk a drywall slanted wall mount without proper support.
- Mount feels loose: STOP. Take the TV off immediately. The mount is not safely attached. You did not hit the studs correctly, or the bolts are not tight, or the studs are weak. You must fix this before re-hanging the TV. Redrill pilot holes if needed, ensure they are centered on the studs, and use the correct size bit and lag bolts.
Mounting a TV on a slanted wall is totally doable with the right plan and care. Finding the studs is the most vital step. Choosing a mount that can handle the angle (often a full-motion type) makes setting the final TV position much easier. Take your time, be safe, and enjoy your newly mounted TV!
FAQ: Mounting a TV on a Slanted Wall
H4 Can I mount a TV on a wall that isn’t straight up and down?
Yes, you can. It needs careful work and the right mount. The wall must have studs or solid wood behind the drywall to hold the weight safely.
H4 What kind of TV mount is best for a slanted wall?
A full-motion mount (with an arm) is usually best. It lets you move the TV away from the wall and adjust the screen angle so it faces you straight, even if the wall is slanted. A tilting mount might work for a slight slant, but often doesn’t offer enough adjustment for steep angles.
H4 Do I have to find studs on a slanted wall?
Yes, absolutely. You must attach the TV mount into the wall studs. Drywall alone will not hold a TV safely, especially on a slanted wall where gravity pulls on it differently. Finding studs slanted wall is key.
H4 How do I find studs in a wall that is slanted?
Use a stud finder, tap on the wall and listen for solid sounds, measure from corners, or check near electrical outlets. Studs run straight up and down, even on a slanted wall, usually 16 or 24 inches apart.
H4 Can I use drywall anchors to mount a TV on a slanted wall?
No, this is not safe for standard TVs. Regular drywall anchors are not strong enough for the weight, especially on an angled wall. You must use lag bolts that go into the wall studs.
H4 How do I make the TV screen straight when the wall is slanted?
Use a mount with angle adjustment or an arm. A tilting mount lets you tilt the screen up or down. A full-motion mount lets you pull the TV out and angle the screen side-to-side and up-and-down until it is level and facing your viewing area. This is the job of the adjusting TV angle slanted wall feature on the mount.
H4 What is a knee wall? Can I mount a TV on one?
A knee wall is a short, slanted wall, often in attic rooms. It follows the roof angle but doesn’t go up to the peak. Yes, you can mount TV on knee wall, but you still need to find the studs inside it and use a proper mount.
H4 Are there special mounts for slanted walls or ceilings?
Yes, some companies make specific sloped wall TV mount or slanted ceiling TV mount products. These are designed with features to make installation and angle adjustment easier on non-vertical surfaces. Check the mount’s description to see if it’s made for angled use.
H4 What is a heavy duty mount slanted wall?
This refers to a TV mount built to hold heavier TVs safely on a slanted wall. It usually has a strong wall plate and thick arms. Using a heavy duty mount slanted wall is important for larger TVs to ensure the mount and the attachment to the wall are secure.
H4 What do I do if I can’t find studs where I want the TV?
You might need to shift the TV position slightly to line up the mount with studs. Or you can add extra wood blocking behind the drywall (a bigger job) or attach a sturdy plywood board to the studs and then attach the mount to the plywood board. Do not mount into drywall alone.
H4 Is attic wall TV installation harder than in a regular room?
It can be. Attic walls are often slanted and may have insulation that makes finding studs tricky. Running cables might also be harder. But the basic steps (finding studs, using the right mount) are the same.
H4 Can a angled wall TV bracket fix the angle problem?
Yes, the term angled wall TV bracket often means a mount, like a full-motion one, that has features to let you set the TV angle straight, even though the bracket is attached to an angled wall. Choosing the right bracket is key.