How To: Find Studs in a Plaster Wall
- Find an Electrical Box. Electrical boxes for outlets and light switches are supposed to be attached to studs. ...
- Knock on the Wall. This one may seem old fashioned, but gently knocking your hand along the wall and listening for differences is a pretty accurate technique to find ...
- Use a Magnet. The magnet trick! ...
- Use a Metal Detector. ...
What is the best way to find a stud in a wall?
How to Find a Wall Stud with 7 Easy Methods.
- 1. Use a Stud Finder. Zstock – stock.adobe.com. Using an electronic stud finder is the most reliable way to locate a stud behind drywall and make a ...
- 2. Knock on the Wall with Your Knuckles.
- 3. Locate Your Switches and Outlets.
- 4. Investigate Around Your Windows.
- 5. Inspect Your Trim to Find Nail Holes.
How to find a stud in a stud partition wall?
The basic stud partition framework
- Top and sole plates. Mark the line of the sole plate first - there will probably be two lengths, with a gap for the doorway.
- Positioning the partition: If the floor joists run at right angles to the partition, no special requirement is necessary other than to keep the sole plate on one floor board ...
- Fitting vertical studs. ...
- Fitting the noggins. ...
What is the best wall stud finder?
Top 5 Stud Finders
- Best Accuracy: Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710+ Professional Stud Finder
- Best Grip: Zircon Stud Finder
- Best Laser: BLACK+DECKER Line Laser
- Best For Metal Scanning: VIVREAL Stud Finder Wall Scanner
- Best Multipurpose: Tavool Stud Finder Wall Scanner
How do you find studs in your walls?
Though stud finders may have different features, using them includes the same basic steps:
- Before you figure out how to use a stud finder, check to make sure its batteries are working and that the power is on.
- Then, decide how high on the wall you’d like to hang your item. ...
- Place your stud finder up to the wall, with the flat side against the wall.
- Calibrate the stud finder, using the manufacturer’s directions. ...
Will stud finders work on plaster walls?
Because standard stud finders detect a change in density inside the wall, they don't work on lath and plaster – the density inside these walls is not constant enough. If you have just moved into an older home and your stud finder isn't doing its job, invest in a metal scanner instead.
How do you find wood studs behind plaster?
1:093:13How to Find a Stud in a Plaster Wall (Without a Stud Finder) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut if you just go across you can see boom it pulled a little bit if I go back there you can see itMoreBut if you just go across you can see boom it pulled a little bit if I go back there you can see it sticks. There's a nail holding the lath into a stud right behind plaster.
How far apart are studs in plaster walls?
16 to 24 inches apartStuds in older homes are generally 16 to 24 inches apart. Check which side of your outlet is attached to the stud and measure off the next 16-24 inches to find the next one. You can use any of the above methods to ensure you've found the next stud on your wall.
Can I hang a TV on plaster walls?
You most certainly can mount this on lath and plaster walls. The key is finding the studs - and honestly finding the center of the studs. The mount itself is really heavy, and then you're putting a heavy television on the end of a long lever.
How do you mount a TV on a plaster wall without studs?
How to mount a tv on a plaster wall without studs using togglesPlace your TV mount on the wall. ... Use a level to make sure the mount is levelled properly.With a pencil or marker, draw marks on the wall.Put aside the TV mount.Use a drill bit as large as the toggle when folded.Drill the holes.More items...•
How much weight can plaster walls hold?
Both plaster and drywall can hold roughly the same amount of weight. A screw driven into a stud in both plaster and drywall can hold 80–100 pounds (36–45 kilos). Anchored screws or other fasteners set into the wall where there is no stud can hold up to 20 pounds (9 kilos).
How do you hang something heavy on a plaster wall?
The ideal solution for hanging pictures on plaster is to use a picture hanging system like the all-in-one click rail cable hanging kit. This system works by simply installing a rail along the wall, and pictures then hang from cables attached to the rail, and are fastened with hooks.
Can you hang things on plaster walls?
Luckily, items can be hung from plaster walls, and in some cases, it's easier to hang things from plaster walls than it is drywall. The wood lath behind the plaster is strong and can support up to 25 lbs of weight, given the screw is driven directly into the wood.
What's behind plaster walls?
Rock Lath and Plaster Rock lath was a common base layer for plaster walls between 1900 and 1960. Unlike wood lath, which is applied in strips, rock lath is 4-foot long sheets of hole-filled, chemically treated rock that's designed for wet plaster application.
Is plaster stronger than drywall?
For one thing, plaster is by nature a more durable finish than drywall, even high-level drywall finishes. In addition, plaster outperforms drywall in a number of key areas, including insulation, soundproofing, and fireproofing. One additional point in plaster's favor is that by nature, mold can't grow in plaster.
How do you tell if your wall is plaster or drywall?
A pushpin test is what some experts do to find out what wall they're working with quickly. Take a pushpin and press it on the wall using your thumb. If the pin pokes into the wall easily, that's drywall. If it doesn't, then that's plaster.
How do I know if my wall is plaster or concrete?
Turn off the power to that outlet (or the whole house, if you are not sure) before removing the cover. If you see a paper surface on front and back, with plaster in between, it is wallboard. If you see an indication of wood strips or metal mesk behind the plaster, it is a solid plaster.
How do I know where the studs are in my wall?
Here's how to find a stud in the wall quickly and easily, with or without a stud finder:Locate the nearest light switch or power outlet. ... Look for dimples in the wall. ... Use windows as a guide. ... Tap the wall. ... Drill a hole. ... Fish around with a wire hanger. ... Try a stud finder app. ... Or just use a stud finder!
How do you find a stud without a stud finder?
1:003:585 genius ways to find studs in a wall... without a stud finder! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you're having trouble locating which side of the box the stud is on one easy thing to do is takeMoreIf you're having trouble locating which side of the box the stud is on one easy thing to do is take the switch plate off and actually look in the box for the nail that nails the box to the stud.
How do you find a stud in a wall that knocks?
1:033:04How To Find a Stud Without a Stud Finder - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhere the stud is where the stud where there is no stud it'll sound hollow kind of like a drum. SoMoreWhere the stud is where the stud where there is no stud it'll sound hollow kind of like a drum. So if I knock over here. Hear that hollow as I come over here. Hear that solid back to Hollow.
Can I use a magnet to find a stud?
0:002:29Find Studs with Neodymium Magnets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn this video K&J magnetics we use some neodymium magnets to find the hidden studs behind drywall weMoreIn this video K&J magnetics we use some neodymium magnets to find the hidden studs behind drywall we start using this large magnetic thumbtack on which we put up piece of scotch tape.
How to find studs in plaster?
A multi-scanner and metal detecting stud finder that pegs down nails that fix the lath to a stud instead of detecting density will hit the “sweet” spot. A simple wire scan or other techniques can help you pinpoint the studs or joists in plaster walls or ceilings.
How to detect studs in a wall?
A magnet will hit the spot and detect the presence of studs in a straightforward way. Tool up with the most attractive magnet and attach a portion of dental floss or strand around it. Suspend the magnet along the wall and move it along in a snail’s pace horizontally .
What is lath stud?
Laths have horizontal fastening on vertical studs, with wire mesh added and two seams of plaster applied over the strips. The lath and plaster construction makes it challenging to pinpoint the studs to mount heavy objects like shelves and electronics.
How to determine joist and stud region?
To ascertain joist and stud region, mount on the attic and give rafters a walk-through but not in-between to measure up the first joist’s location.
What to use for two mounting holes?
If you want to use two mounting holes and can’t find another stud, substitute it with a plasterboard anchor at the reinforcing point for firm and steady support
How to tell if crown molding is studs?
Examine the baseboard and crown molding minutely for noticeable nails as a clue leading to studs or ceiling joists. You can tap the wall gently for a thud but not a hollow sound.
What happens when you tap on a wall with no studs?
When you tap on wall seams with no stud, you will hear a resonance generated by the hollow space beneath. If your knuckle hits the mark containing a stud, the sound changes to a dull thunk pitch. Move across the wall and check for a pattern to manifest itself to sense the stud spacing.
What happens when you knock on a wall without a stud?
When you knock on wall sections without a stud, you will hear more resonance from the hollow space behind. Once your knuckle hits the spots where a stud is located, the sound will change to more of a dull thud.
How to see if a light switch is on one side of a stud?
To see which side the stud is on, take the switch plate cover off and take a peak inside. Either turn the breaker off, or be careful not to touch any wires before attempting this or you can get a nasty shock.
How to make a magnet stick to a wall?
It works every time! Grab the strongest magnet you have and tie a piece of dental floss or string around it. Dangle the magnet against the wall and slowly move it horizontally across the wall. You have to go slow. Every so often, the magnet will stick to the wall a bit on the stud location. It has to be a strong magnet for this to work, so those floppy pizza magnets won’t cut it.
How far apart should a house be framed?
Most houses built in the last 100 years were framed 16″ O.C. (on center) and some were framed 24″ O.C . although many old houses may have unusual stud spacing so this method may not work for everyone.
Do pizza magnets cut studs?
Every so often, the magnet will stick to the wall a bit on the stud location. It has to be a strong magnet for this to work, so those floppy pizza magnets won’t cut it. The reason this works is because the wood lath is nailed to the studs, and the magnet is attracted to those nails.
What happens when you knock on a wall without a stud?
When you knock on wall sections without a stud, you will hear more resonance from the hollow space behind. Once your knuckle hits the spots where a stud is located, the sound will change to more of a dull thud. Move along the wall and look for a pattern to show itself, and you’ll slowly be able to see your stud spacing.
What is a stud pop?
This simple stud finder is a powerful magnet that pops into place when a stud fastener is detected. Just like my magnet trick, but a bit more refined than tying dental floss around a magnet. Check it out here!
How to make a magnet stick to a wall?
It works every time! Grab the strongest magnet you have and tie a piece of dental floss or string around it. Dangle the magnet against the wall and slowly move it horizontally across the wall. You have to go slow. Every so often, the magnet will stick to the wall a bit on the stud location. It has to be a strong magnet for this to work, so those floppy pizza magnets won’t cut it.
How does a magnet work on wood studs?
The reason this works is because the wood lath is nailed to the studs, and the magnet is attracted to those nails. Keep in mind there are some spaces between lath vertically so if you’re not having much luck try moving the magnet up or down a bit so that it is over top one of the hidden nails.
How to see if a light switch is on one side of a stud?
To see which side the stud is on, take the switch plate cover off and take a peak inside. Either turn the breaker off, or be careful not to touch any wires before attempting this or you can get a nasty shock.
How far apart should a house be framed?
Most houses built in the last 100 years were framed 16″ O.C. (on center) and some were framed 24″ O.C . although many old houses may have unusual stud spacing so this method may not work for everyone.
Find an Electrical Box
If you find an electrical box that is flush with the wall, then it’s probably in a stud.
Knock on the Wall
Knock your hand along the wall to find out where studs are. When you hear more resonance from behind a space, then that’s a sign there is one in front too!
Use a Magnet
For the best magnetic method, you need a strong magnet. Dental floss or string work well with this technique but not necessarily pizzas because they’re too floppy and won’t stick to walls as we want them to!
Use a Metal Detector
Even though it makes you look like a genius because you can find objects and coins underground, finding studs in walls has nothing to do with finding things on the ground…we are finding metal but not by finding its magnetic properties…so walk around your house with an industrial-strength metal detector finding which area of the house is denser than others..
Frequently Asked Questions
With lath and plaster walls, the wall surface must have a consistent density level and be less dense than the wood stud. Lath and plaster walls, on the other hand, may not always be detected using a stud finder because of their very diverse method of construction.
Final Thoughts
Finding studs in plaster walls can be a tricky task, but with the right tools and techniques, you’ll have no problem finding one. The tips we’ve provided on “how to find a stud in a plaster wall” should help you get started finding your first stud location without too much effort!
How to find a stud in a wall?
Beginning at the nail, move the scanner straight up the wall. If it registers metal at intervals, it is finding a series of nails and you have found a stud. If it registers metal constantly, you have found a pipe inside the wall; in that case, sweep the scanner over a wider expanse of wall to find another spot where it registers metal. Repeat the process there.
How many inches are studs?
Studs not installed at 16-inch increments are probably installed at 24-inch increments. As an alternative to using an electrical outlet, look at the baseboard in the room and locate a place where it has been nailed to the wall. It is probably nailed to a stud. Begin your scan there.
Do stud finders work on lath?
Because standard stud finders detect a change in density inside the wall, they don't work on lath and plaster – the density inside these walls is not constant enough. If you have just moved into an older home and your stud finder isn't doing its job, invest in a metal scanner instead.
