I’m planning to mount two Ikea Besta TV units (two-shelf models) to the wall, but it’s proving to be more challenging than I anticipated. Here’s the situation: * Each unit has three mounting points where screws are required to secure it to the wall. * I don’t plan to store heavy items in the shelves, and the TV will be wall-mounted separately. * Tried reaching out to Ikea , but they were not able to help The problem is the mounting points on the units don’t fully align with the wall studs. I can get one stud per unit, but the other two mounting points will have to be fixed into drywall. After doing some research, I’ve come up with a few potential solutions, but I’m unsure which is the best approach. 1. Use hollow wall anchors: * Attach two mounting points with heavy-duty hollow anchors in the drywall. * Secure the third mounting point into the stud. * I’m unsure if this would provide enough support over time. 2. Mount a wooden beam across the wall studs: * Secure a long piece of wood (mounting board) to the wall by screwing it into all available studs. * Then, attach the TV units to the mounting board. * The downside is that it might not look great from the sides due to the visible gap under the board, but I could add extra wood pieces to make it look flush. 2. Use a dovetail mounting system: * Install one part of the dovetail bracket on the wall and the other on the TV unit. * This would allow the TV units to be hung securely onto the wall-mounted bracket. * However, I’m less familiar with this method and whether it’s suitable for this setup. So Im looking guidance on the below. * Which of these approaches would you recommend? * Are there specific types of anchors or hardware that would work best for the hollow wall mounting? * Any tips for making the wood mounting board solution look more polished if I go that route? I’d appreciate any insights or suggestions from those who’ve dealt with similar projects. Thanks in advance!

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How to mount a TV unit to the wall?

I’m planning to mount two Ikea Besta TV units (two-shelf models) to the wall, but it’s proving to be more challenging than I anticipated. Here’s the situation:

Each unit has three mounting points where screws are required to secure it to the wall.
I don’t plan to store heavy items in the shelves, and the TV will be wall-mounted separately.
Tried reaching out to Ikea , but they were not able to help

The problem is the mounting points on the units don’t fully align with the wall studs. I can get one stud per unit, but the other two mounting points will have to be fixed into drywall. After doing some research, I’ve come up with a few potential solutions, but I’m unsure which is the best approach.
1. Use hollow wall anchors:

Attach two mounting points with heavy-duty hollow anchors in the drywall.
Secure the third mounting point into the stud.
I’m unsure if this would provide enough support over time.

2. Mount a wooden beam across the wall studs:

Secure a long piece of wood (mounting board) to the wall by screwing it into all available studs.
Then, attach the TV units to the mounting board.
The downside is that it might not look great from the sides due to the visible gap under the board, but I could add extra wood pieces to make it look flush.

2. Use a dovetail mounting system:

Install one part of the dovetail bracket on the wall and the other on the TV unit.
This would allow the TV units to be hung securely onto the wall-mounted bracket.
However, I’m less familiar with this method and whether it’s suitable for this setup.

So Im looking guidance on the below.

Which of these approaches would you recommend?
Are there specific types of anchors or hardware that would work best for the hollow wall mounting?
Any tips for making the wood mounting board solution look more polished if I go that route?

I’d appreciate any insights or suggestions from those who’ve dealt with similar projects. Thanks in advance!

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EricL

Hello @SouthFieldSnoop

I propose using 42 x 19mm 1.8m DAR Pine Premium - 1.8m. There is a 2.4-meter length available, but I suggest checking your local store if it has stock. On the condition that the studs are 450mm apart you should theoretically be able to anchor to at least four of the studs, but if you get lucky then you'll be able to anchor to all five studs at 450 centres.

I suggest using a stud finder to make sure that the studs are positioned correctly in your wall. I recommend putting one for top of the cabinet and one for the bottom. I also suggest adding extra angle brackets such as the Hafele 23 x 23mm Angle Bracket to secure the bottom of your cabinet.

I recommend using Zenith 10G x 65mm Gold Passivated Countersunk Rib Head Chipboard Screws - 50 Pack to anchor the timber to your stud wall. In regards to fitting the wood in your car, I suggest lowering the front back and leaning the rear seats back as well. You can then slide the wood from the back into the footwell of the front seat. However, if you only have a regular car and not an SUV, I suggest cutting the timber down to fit into your car.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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EricL

Hello @SouthFieldSnoop

For this particular project, I propose using your second method of attachment. By mounting a wooden beam across the studs, you can be confident that the cabinet is secure and is capable of taking on weight. There will no chance of a catastrophic failure unlike when mounting on just plasterboard where the chances of plasterboard failure is significant.

The wooden beam can be painted to the colour of the wall or the cabinet thereby disguising its purpose. This also allows you to install more anchor points for the cabinet instead of just relying on the 3 brackets provided.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

SouthFieldSnoop

Hi @EricL
Thanks for the response, just some more follow up questions

Should I just screw the beam into the studs, or should I add hollow wall anchors for extra support in between? Also, what kind of screws would be best for attaching the beam to the studs?

I’ve been looking at untreated wood from Bunnings, but I’m not sure if that’s the best option or if there’s something better I should consider. The height of the unit is 38cm, so I’m trying to figure out what width and thickness of the wood would work best for a sturdy mount and what screws would work best to mount the TV unit to the wooden beam.

Since my car can’t fit a full 240cm plank, I was thinking of using two 120cm beams instead. My only concern is that I might miss a stud where the two pieces join—would that be a problem, or is there a better way to handle this? or i could always get the pieces delivered and use a multi tool

Thanks
Sanoob

EricL

Hello @SouthFieldSnoop

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

AndrewNSW

Hi @EricL

Thanks for this advice I have an identical scenario where the studs don’t align to the mounting points on the Besta TV unit. I’m going to use the mounting board recommendation with the 65mm screws to attach the board to the studs. What length and gauge of screws should i use to attach the tv unit to the mounting board? The recommended board is 19mm thick so should I just be measuring something long enough to go through the tv unit mounts and the 19mm of the mounting frame? In my case this would be approximately 25mm with a washer.

Thanks

Andrew

EricL

Hello @AndrewNSW

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us.

I propose using Zenith 12G x 50mm Galvanised Hex Head Timber Screws - 10 Pack. My best suggestion is to drill pilot holes to prevent splitting the timber. I propose using temporary legs/timber off cuts for the cabinet so that it stays in place while you drill the pilot holes. Remember to double check your measurements and use a spirit level to make sure that the cabinet is level.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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