Building a TV stand alternative to wall mount that will not tip over
Hi,
I want to mount a TV on a wall but I can't do it because I live in a rented apartment with 2" thick walls with no studs (just plaster with metal mesh in the middle). I'm thinking of building a wooden TV stand like the one on the attached image but I want to make sure it won't tip over from the weight of the TV and it will be great if I get some advice here. I'm restricted from the arrangement and furniture in my apartment to only a certain place and height position for the TV and that's why I'm using a TV wall mount that can change the viewing angle. The TV wall mount extends up to 59.6 cm /23.5" and will be used to attach the TV to the stand I plan to build. The TV weighs 24.2 kg / 53.35 lbs and the TV wall mount weighs 10.5 kg / 23.15 lbs. I wonder how long should the legs of the stand extend to prevent the stand from tipping over?
I will greatly appreciate your advice and any ideas.
A stand would have to be very large and heavy to keep a 50lb TV from falling over.
You'd be better off putting the feet on the TV and placing it on a counter or piece of furniture.
Thank you for the reply Pjmax,
I have no doubt about the strength of the stand. The stand will be build with strong wood studs, main post is 2"x9" and the legs are 2"x4" and studs like that are rated to withstand 80 lbs force on a point. These studs will be attached together with metal brackets that can hold 1000 lbs. I'm not concerned about the strength of the stand I'm confident it won't break or bend, what I'm concerned is the stability of its design regrading the possibility to topple over.
I would recommend having two legs coming out from the stand below the TV. The single-leg design will allow the stand to tip forward left, or forward right.
The legs will need to be at least 1/3 longer than the TV in all directions. Including the farthest distance it can articulate out.
The vertical part of the stand needs to be turned 90 degrees or a 90-degree stiffener should be added. 2x material is not very rigid on the 1 1/2" dimension.
Why do you want to build a TV stand then have the TV's wall mount bracket extended all the way out away from the stand? That is the most unstable way you could position the TV. Simply do away with the wall mount and attach your TV directly to your wooden stand.
I agree with every response posted here so far. I know sometimes we get these ideas & we just gotta make it work. Some projects just end up being more trouble than they are worth.
I agree with PD that you wont have to extend the TV out the full 23" to get the tilt that you want.
Secondly, if you really just gotta have it this way, I would suggest getting a couple of sand bags & throw across the feet from side to side. That should hold the back down & act as a counter weight.
Again, I agree with others. Just buy or build yourself table to set it on & throw a nice table cloth/covering over it & sit the TV on that.
The sandbag idea is the way to go if you want this set up. But buying a table or cabinet is the better choice. But even then you should secure the TV to the table vis screws or straps.
even then you should secure the TV to the table vis screws or straps
Our TV in the living rm sets in front of a window. I have a string attached to the back of the TV ans the window lock to guarantee the TV won't be accidentally knocked over.
I also think setting the TV on a stand/cabinet makes the most sense.
I'm not a big fan of wall mount TV's. Pro's and Cons...
Pro's: It's out of he way. That's it.
Con's: Wires running up the wall, You can't change furniture layout, You always have to look up, tough to see if you lay down on the couch, pita if you need to get to the back of TV to "fix" anything, And if you replace it, that could be a pain also.
We have a TV setting on top of a very high dresser cabinet in our bedroom. It's as if it was a wall mount. Very uncomfortable watching TV in that room. Head must be propped up and always must look up. Can't lay flat or on side because TV is not level with eyes. Living room TV is on cabinet at eye level. We can be in almost any position and still view it in comfort. Also our cable goes out often enough that I must get to the back of TV to set up OTA antenna. Can't do that too easily if wall mounted.
Thank you all for your replies, I really appreciate your input.
To explain why I need this, I made a rough 3D of the layout of my tiny apartment and I'm attaching several images of it. The missing wall is all windows and a balcony door. I'm really restricted with the space and possibilities where to put the TV. The corner above my computer table is the only place. I'm a freelancer working from home and have to watch the computer all the time. In addition to using it as a TV I plan to use the TV also as a larger second computer monitor so I can watch it from longer distances when I'm on the kitchen table or on the futon or when I exercise. The place where the red cabinet is would have been a good place for the TV but it is kind of built into the wall so I can't use that space. I need the TV wall mount so that I can easily change the viewing angle. The last two of the attached images show the view from the futon and on the last one is with the TV angle changed.
How about ideas with somehow screwing the wooden leg of the TV stand to the floor? I'm attaching a photo of the floor in the apartment. The little pieces easily come out but it appears concrete under it.
Attaching it to the floor is an option but would require a hammer drill and some drop anchors.
You said there are no studs in the wall, but this is not possible. There has to be something holding up the plaster and metal lath. Another option is to is some hollow wall anchors like these: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hillman-...6260/202982713 Use them to attach a 2x or 1x board to the wall and then attach your TV mount to that.
But I thought you said it's a rental and you're not allowed to put holes in the walls. Putting holes in the floor is just as "bad" and if landlord suspects or finds out you will be responsible for any fixes.
Build a freestanding, substantial computer desk with an extended back that can support the TV. Here is an example.
This is a computer desk unit built with 2X6 and 1X6 lumber screwed together in a "ladder" configuration. The 2X6 legs at the back are higher than the desktop and support box shelves for printers.
As the title says, I'm going to be mounting this TV, (42 inch Vizio weight 35 lbs) on the wall. Here is the wall specs. the wall is 7'6" floor to the lip, ceiling is unfinished. At the top of the cement wall is a 5" space before the sill.
Caveat: we are in isolation and will be until there is a vaccine. Wife is immuno compromised and we just won't risk it. so, I have to work with items I have on hand: I have screws for the back of the TV to go through the wood (1x4x8) and washers for a good solid hold.
Problem here is that I have only 1 piece of wood. So, I plan to cut it in half and mount the tv to the wood. Next, I will cut 2 small pieces to go over the lip, these will be from scrap 2x4's which I have. I plan to attach the 1x4 to the2x4 scraps using 2 black construction screws and glue. (Loctite Power Grab) Then I plan to put the whole thing up and attach the 2x4s to the sills again using black construction screws.
My concern is whether or not this will hold the weight. I have no engineering experience and hope someone here can lend me some thoughts.
I want to make a ring out of 1/4” Baltic Birch plywood. The outside diameter will be 10” and the inside 8”
Very simple cut but I haven’t use my router for quite some time and I remember you got to use it CW or CCW when you cut a circle but don’t recall which one is the right way. I will be using 1/4” 2 flute bit (I also have a 4 flute one)
Thanks