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If you don’t have studs in the area where you want to install your TV mount, you may still be able to install a TV mount on drywall. The easiest way to install a mount on drywall is by using drywall anchors—but not just any plastic anchors. Choose molly bolts or toggle anchors, which have a weight capacity of around 50 pounds. For added support, consider pairing drywall anchors with a wall mounting plate. Extra heavy TVs may need to be mounted via the ceiling joists or beams.

It depends on the specifics of your project. If you’re using a stud to secure your object to the drywall, you won’t need the extra support of drywall anchors. But if there aren’t any studs in the area where you plan to hang the object, you should use drywall anchors.

The two most common types of drywall are ½-inch and ⅝-inch thick white or gray drywall. Most walls are ⅝-inch thick because the drywall is slightly more resistant to damage and it helps dampen sound considerably. It’s also much heavier, which is why most ceilings are ½-inch thick. There are special use cases where you want to use ⅝-inch thick drywall for ceilings, such as between a garage and living space, and the ceiling above a finished basement.

There are several things you should not do when installing drywall. Common mistakes include: adding too many screws, over-sanding, not adding backing support, and installing drywall unevenly. You also should avoid screwing into the same place twice, installing Sheetrock with tapered edges on the outside, and making too many joints.