If your wall studs are farther apart than your TV mount allows, don’t rely on drywall to fill the gap. First confirm the spacing and wall type, then use a mount that spans the studs, a manufacturer-approved extension, a suitable board secured to the studs, or a qualified installer. The safe method depends on your exact wall and mount.
Start by checking the wall and mount
Measure the distance between the centers of the structural studs where the mount would go, and compare it with the spacing range in the mount’s installation manual. Also check the wall type, the TV and mount weight limits, and whether the mount’s instructions support the proposed installation method. A mount that fits the measured spacing may be the simplest solution.
Before drilling, locate and mark the studs, and check for hidden wires or pipes. The manual for Harbor Freight item 64357 calls for attaching that model to wood studs and checking for hidden utilities before drilling; those instructions are specific to that mount, not a universal specification for every wall or product. Harbor Freight item 64357 installation instructions
Ways to bridge wider stud spacing
| Option | When it may help | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Choose a mount with a wider wall plate | The plate’s specified spacing includes the measured stud layout. | Exact stud-spacing range, wall type, TV and mount weight limits, and included hardware. |
| Use a compatible wall-plate extension | Your existing mount supports an extension that reaches the studs. | Compatibility with your exact mount model and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. PERLESMITH advises contacting its support team for extension information. PERLESMITH FAQs |
| Attach a suitable mounting board to the studs | A board can span the gap and give the mount a supported surface. | Board suitability, secure attachment to structural studs, and how the mount may be attached to the board under its instructions. |
| Hire a qualified installer | The wall construction, capacity, or attachment details are unclear. | The installer’s qualifications and the scope of work. |
PERLESMITH describes attaching hardwood boards or a wall-plate extension bracket to the studs before attaching the mount. Perlegear likewise describes a suitable board or another secure bridging method for wider spacing. These are manufacturer recommendations, not a universal board design: the cited guidance does not establish standard board dimensions, fastener counts, or allowable loads. Follow the instructions for your own mount and wall, and ask a qualified installer if the method is not clearly supported. Perlegear FAQs
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- VIVO Adapter Solutions: This VESA Adapter Kit allows 32" to 55" flat panel TVs with large VESA patterns to fit standard mounts
- Compatibility and Function: Makes it possible for 100x100mm VESA mounts to fit 300x200mm, 200x300mm, and 300x300mm TV hole patterns, and 200x200mm VESA mounts to fit up to 400x400mm TV hole patterns
- Solid Steel Build: A durable steel design ensures long-lasting quality and enables these sturdy brackets to support weights up to 66 lbs
- Low Profile: The black color blends well with most screens and TV mounts to maintain a low-profile appearance
Why drywall alone is not a general workaround
Do not assume drywall can carry a TV simply because it covers the space between studs. Perlegear says its mounts should not be installed on drywall alone. Samsung says the wall must be able to support the TV; its discussion of toggle bolts is conditional on the wall’s capacity and does not establish that any toggle bolt works for every wall or mount. Wall materials and mount designs differ, so follow the exact product instructions rather than treating a drywall anchor as a substitute for a supported attachment. Samsung: Things to consider before mounting your Samsung TV to a wall
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Follow the instructions for the exact product
Use the mount manual for pilot-hole size, fastener type and placement, tightening, and any approved extension or board installation. Instructions for one model do not automatically apply to another. For example, Perlegear’s PGLF12 manual says the wall must support four times the combined weight of the TV and mount. That is a requirement in the PGLF12 manual only; it is not a universal TV-mounting rule. Perlegear PGLF12 support manual
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【TV Mount Compatibility】Extended bracket for 16” or less than 16" wall plate, fitting 16” - 24” wood studs. (including non-standard spacings like 17"/18'"/19"/20"/21"/22"/23")
- 【Easy for TV Centering】Easy centering TV in position by shifting mount from left or right, 8’’ space to adjust TV in centered position.
- 【Safety & Stability】Max 154lbs loading capacity to make TV stable and safety.
- 【Easy Installation】Pre-label hardware package, sliding block available for easy adjustment.
- 【Only fits wood stud installation】Warm Tips: This extension is NOT for dry wall alone installation.
Rank #4
- VIVO Adapter Solutions - Please be sure and check the mount compatibility before ordering. These extenders are designed for vertical VESA brackets only (must not be wider than 1.25").
- Increase Ceiling Mount Compatibility - Allows your low VESA pattern TV to be used with ceiling mounts without fear of collision.
- Extends TV VESA Pattern - Installs over your TV’s existing VESA pattern and raises it 6.5” to increase compatibility with a wide array of vertical VESA bracket TV mounts.
- Designed for Vertical VESA Bracket Mounts - These vertical extenders are designed to work only with TV mounts that use vertical VESA plates/brackets and cannot be used with other types of brackets.
- Easy Installation - Get your TV mounted in no time with the provided hardware that secures the bracket to any VESA compatible ceiling mount.
Rank #3
- Extension Bracket for TV Wall Plate- This TV wall mount extension bracket extends wall plate to 24” to fix your problem of wide 16- 24” stud gap, fits for 16” or Less Than 16" Wall Plate of tv wall mount.
- Easy Centering Your TV for Better Viewing - Our TV wall mount extension bracket with sliding function which is the perfect solution for your off-center stud. Helping you to center your TV where you exactly want. Providing you better Viewing Experience.
- Universal Compatibility fits Most Types of TV Wall Mounts - This extension bracket is designed to fit TV wall mount of any brands, extending wall plate to fit 16” - 24” wood studs. All the necessary mounting hardware were included for your easy installation. Caution: This mount is NOT for dry wall alone installation! Please do not install it on dry wall alone.
- Stable and Reliable Choice - Heavy duty steel brackets which won’t take much space but it is sturdy, stable and secure.
- Excellent Customer Service: Pipishell is dedicated to provide professional customer service before and after purchase. What you can get are high quality full motion TV mount, sufficient assembly hardware, effective solution, and friendly customer service.
Rank #2
- Adapter Compatibility and Function: Enables 100x100mm VESA mounts to be compatible with 300x200mm, 200x300mm, and 300x300mm TV hole patterns, and allows 200x200mm VESA mounts to accommodate TV hole patterns up to 400x400mm
- Compatibility: The vesa Extender Stand Adapter fits LED, LCD TVs and monitors from 32 - 55 inches and supports up to 66 pounds ( 30 kg )
- Solid Steel Construction: Made of sturdy steel, the vesa mount extender is designed to securely mount the screen as long as the TV or monitor stand is mounted in a load - bearing manner
- Easy Installation: Package includes vesa adapter mount bracket kit x 1, mounting hardware kit x 1, detailed user manual x 1; Anyone can realize easy installation; But please bring your own phillips screwdriver and open-end wrench
- Important Note: Includes M8x30 and M6x30 bolts. Please check bolt size compatibility with your VESA mounting holes before purchasing
- Identify and mark the studs and check for hidden utilities before drilling.
- Confirm the measured spacing, wall type, TV weight, and mount limits against the exact manuals.
- Select only a mounting method the manufacturer supports for that mount and wall.
- Stop and consult a qualified installer if the wall’s capacity, construction, or attachment method is uncertain.
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