Wall mounting a monitor arm seems straightforward until you're staring at your drywall wondering if toggle bolts will hold your 27-inch display—or if you'll wake up to a crashed monitor and a hole in your wall.
After reading dozens of Reddit horror stories about monitors falling off walls (and one memorable post about a $1,200 ultrawide crashing onto a keyboard), I put together this guide. Here's everything you need to know about mounting your monitor arm safely—whether you're drilling into studs or relying on drywall anchors.
The Big Question: Studs or Drywall?
This is where most people get confused. Here's the simple answer:
| Scenario | Mount To | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor under 15 lbs + fixed arm | Drywall (toggle bolts) | Low weight, minimal leverage |
| Monitor 15-25 lbs | Studs preferred | Safer long-term |
| Monitor over 25 lbs | Studs required | Drywall can't handle the weight |
| Articulating arm (any weight) | Studs strongly recommended | Pulling force at extension is significant |
| Ultrawide or curved monitor | Studs required | Heavy + awkward weight distribution |
The key insight: It's not just about weight. An articulating arm that extends 20+ inches from the wall creates significant leverage. A 15 lb monitor at full extension puts way more stress on the mount than a 15 lb monitor flat against the wall.
What You'll Need
For Stud Mounting (Recommended)
- Stud finder (electronic preferred)
- Drill with 3/16" bit for pilot holes
- 3" lag screws (5/16" diameter) — usually included with mount
- Level
- Pencil
- Socket wrench or adjustable wrench
For Drywall Mounting (Lighter Monitors Only)
- Toggle bolts (rated 50+ lbs each)
- Drill with appropriate bit for toggle size
- Level
- Pencil
Step-by-Step: Mounting to Studs
This is the safest method and what I recommend for any monitor over 15 lbs.
Step 1: Find Your Studs
Use an electronic stud finder and mark both edges of the stud. Studs are typically 1.5 inches wide and spaced 16 inches apart (sometimes 24 inches in older homes).
Pro tip: Once you find one stud, measure 16 inches in either direction to find the next one. This helps confirm your stud finder is accurate.
Step 2: Mark Your Mounting Holes
Hold the wall plate against the wall at your desired height. Use a level to ensure it's straight. Mark the screw holes with a pencil.
Height guideline: The center of your monitor should be at eye level when seated. For most people, this means the mount plate goes 4-6 inches above desk height.
Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes
Using a 3/16" drill bit, drill pilot holes into the stud at your marked locations. Drill about 2.5 inches deep for 3-inch lag screws.
Important: If you hit resistance and the drill bit comes out with wood shavings, you're in the stud. If it goes through easily with white dust, you missed the stud and hit drywall.
Step 4: Install Lag Screws
Drive the lag screws through the wall plate and into the pilot holes. Use a socket wrench for the final tightening. The plate should be snug against the wall with no wobble.
Step 5: Attach the Arm and Monitor
Follow your arm's instructions to attach the articulating arm to the wall plate. Then mount your monitor to the VESA plate on the arm.
Always keep two hands on the monitor when attaching it. Have someone help if the monitor is heavy or awkward.
Step-by-Step: Mounting to Drywall
Only use this method for monitors under 15 lbs with fixed or short-reach arms.
Step 1: Choose the Right Toggle Bolts
Get toggle bolts rated for at least 50 lbs each. You'll typically use 2-4 bolts depending on your mount. The combined rating should be at least 3x your monitor weight.
Why 3x? Toggle bolt ratings assume straight downward force. An articulating arm creates angular force that reduces effective holding power.
Step 2: Mark and Drill Holes
Mark your mounting holes using a level. Drill holes sized for your toggle bolts (usually 1/2" for standard toggles).
Step 3: Install Toggle Bolts
Thread the toggle through the wall plate hole, then fold the wings and push through the drywall. Pull back while tightening to ensure the wings spread behind the drywall.
Step 4: Test Before Mounting Monitor
Critical step: Before attaching your expensive monitor, hang something of similar weight on the arm and leave it for 24 hours. Check for any sagging or movement. If the mount shifts at all, don't trust it with your monitor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Trusting Drywall Anchors for Heavy Monitors
I've seen this go wrong too many times. Plastic drywall anchors are designed for pictures and shelves, not 25 lb monitors on articulating arms. Even "heavy duty" anchors can fail over time as the drywall slowly crumbles around them.
2. Missing the Stud
If your lag screw goes in too easily, you missed the stud. Remove it, patch the hole, and try again. A screw in drywall provides almost zero holding power.
3. Not Accounting for Arm Extension
A monitor arm at full extension creates a lever effect. The further the monitor extends from the wall, the more force on the mount point. Always check your arm's weight rating "at full extension," not just the static rating.
4. Ignoring Wall Type
Not all walls are the same:
- Wood studs: Standard lag screws work great
- Metal studs: Use self-tapping metal screws or toggle bolts
- Concrete/brick: Use concrete anchors and a masonry bit
- Plaster over lath: Treat like drywall, but it's more brittle
Weight Limits: A Reality Check
Here's what different mounting methods can realistically hold:
| Method | Rated Capacity | Real-World Safe Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Single toggle bolt | 50-100 lbs | 15-20 lbs |
| Two toggle bolts | 100-200 lbs | 25-35 lbs |
| Single lag screw in stud | 200+ lbs | 50+ lbs |
| Two lag screws in stud | 400+ lbs | 100+ lbs |
Why the difference? Manufacturer ratings assume perfect installation and static loads. Real-world use involves vibration, accidental bumps, and the leverage effect of articulating arms.
When to Call a Professional
Consider hiring a handyman or contractor if:
- You have plaster walls (they crack easily)
- You can't locate studs
- You're mounting multiple heavy monitors
- Your wall has unusual construction (concrete, brick, metal studs)
- You're not comfortable with power tools
A professional installation typically costs $50-100 and gives you peace of mind that your $500+ monitor won't end up on the floor.
The Bottom Line
For most home office setups, mounting into studs is the way to go. It's not much harder than drywall mounting, and it's significantly safer for monitors over 15 lbs or any articulating arm setup.
If you must mount to drywall, use quality toggle bolts, keep the monitor under 15 lbs, and test the mount before trusting it with your display.
Looking for a wall-mounted monitor arm? Check out our best heavy duty monitor arms for large displays, our guide to the best triple monitor arms for 34-inch setups, or start with a best dual laptop stand if you're building a clamshell workspace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mount a monitor arm to drywall without studs?
Yes, but only for lighter monitors under 15 lbs. Use heavy-duty toggle bolts rated for at least 50 lbs each. For monitors over 20 lbs or articulating arms that extend far from the wall, always mount into studs. The leverage from an extended arm can exceed drywall anchor ratings over time.
How do I find studs in my wall?
Use an electronic stud finder for accuracy. Studs are typically spaced 16 inches apart (sometimes 24 inches in older homes). You can also knock on the wall—studs sound solid while hollow areas sound, well, hollow. Look for nail pops or seams in the drywall as additional clues.
What size lag screws for wall mounting a monitor arm?
Use 3-inch lag screws with a 5/16 inch diameter for wood studs. Pre-drill with a 3/16 inch bit to prevent the wood from splitting. For heavier monitors (25+ lbs), consider 1/4 inch diameter lag screws for extra holding power.
Will toggle bolts hold a heavy monitor?
Quality toggle bolts can hold 50-100 lbs each in drywall according to manufacturer ratings. However, the pulling force from an articulating arm at full extension can exceed this over time. For monitors over 20 lbs with articulating arms, mounting into studs is the safer choice.
How far should a wall-mounted monitor arm extend?
Most wall-mounted arms extend 15-25 inches from the wall. When choosing an arm, consider the weight capacity at full extension—not just the static rating. The further the arm extends, the more leverage force on the mount point.
This guide covers standard residential wall types. For commercial buildings or unusual wall construction, consult a professional installer.