Textured walls — you see them all over Salt Lake City homes: popcorn ceilings turned into walls, knockdown finishes, and that charming orange-peel look. They give rooms character, but they can also make mounting a TV feel a bit like trying to hang a picture on a brick oven. You know what? It’s doable. This guide walks homeowners through a clear, practical process for Tv Mounting on textured walls, with tips that save time, avoid dust, and keep your TV safe. Whether you’re prepping for game night, a streaming binge, or redoing your living room, you’ll get helpful steps and when to call in the pros at Utah TV Mounting.

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Why textured walls feel scary — and why that fear is overblown

Let’s be honest: textured walls look intimidating because the surface isn’t smooth. That makes finding a flat spot for a bracket trickier. But here’s the thing — texture doesn’t change the structure behind the drywall. The studs, the load-bearing wood or metal, are still where they always were. So while the surface complicates measurement and neat finishing, it rarely changes the actual anchor points.

Who is this for? Homeowners on the Wasatch Front who want a clean, secure install without surprises. If you like doing things yourself but would rather avoid drywall dust or guesswork, keep reading. If you’re nervous about electrical, masonry, or ceilings, you’ll still learn enough to talk confidently with a technician.

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What you’ll need — tools and parts that actually help

Gathering the right gear up front saves a ton of back-and-forth. Here are reliable choices we use in the field and recommend for DIYers:

• Stud finder: Bosch or Zircon models work well; choose one that detects deep studs and live wires.
• Level: DeWalt or Stabila 24-inch is my go-to.
• Drill/impact driver: Milwaukee or DeWalt — battery-powered for mobility.
• Anchors and fasteners: lag bolts for studs; Toggle bolts, molly anchors, and Tapcon screws for masonry.
• Oscillating tool or drywall sander: for trimming texture behind a bracket if necessary.
• Socket set, screwdriver set, and a helper: TV mounts are heavy; two people make it safe.

Quick reference table for anchors:

Anchor	Best for	Typical max load
Lag bolt into stud	Sturdy wood or metal studs	150+ lbs (single)
Toggle bolt	Hollow drywall without stud	50–100 lbs
Tapcon	Masonry or brick	Varies by size (check package)

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Find the right place — height, viewing angle, and locating studs

Start with ergonomics. A general rule: the center of the screen should be at eye level when seated. For most couches that means the center sits 42–48 inches from the floor, but measure your chairs — every living room is different. Planning for a slight tilt mount? Factor that into height so the picture isn’t looking down at you funny.

Next, locate studs. Move the stud finder slowly — texture can fool cheap units. Mark the edges and confirm by measuring 16 or 24 inches from a confirmed stud. Tap the wall if you’re old-school; a solid sound usually indicates a stud. Seriously, the stud is the backbone here — miss it and you’ve invited trouble.

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Prepare the wall — dealing with texture without making a mess

Here’s where texture can be a nuisance. You want the bracket plate to sit flush. If the texture is shallow, double-nut it: use extra washers or thin shims behind the plate to compensate. If the texture is thick (heavy knockdown or popcorn-style plaster), you’ll need to remove a small patch of texture so the bracket sits flat.

Use an oscillating tool or a drywall rasp. Cut carefully. Cover furniture with drop cloths and tape plastic sheeting — Salt Lake City dust gets everywhere if you’re not careful. And yes, it’s a minor pain; but it’s better than a wobbly mount or a last-minute drywall patch.

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Mounting step-by-step — the nuts and bolts (literally)

Alright, let’s actually mount it. Follow these steps slowly and check twice.

Step 1: Attach the wall bracket to the wall first. Hold it up, mark the pilot holes directly into the stud marks or anchor spots. Use a level — don’t eyeball it. Even a one-degree tilt is noticeable on a widescreen.

Step 2: Drill pilot holes that match your lag bolts or anchors. For studs, use a drill bit about the shank size of the bolt. For masonry, use a hammer drill and the right Tapcon bit. If you’re using toggles, make the hole sized for the folded toggle.

Step 3: Secure the bracket. Torque the lag bolts snug, but don’t over-torque and strip the wood. With toggle bolts, make sure the wings open fully behind the drywall before tightening.

Step 4: Mount the TV rails to the TV. Match the mount to the TV’s VESA pattern; most brackets include multiple screw sizes. Use the correct length screws with washers — too short and they’ll pull out; too long and they’ll damage the insides of the TV.

Step 5: Lift the TV with a helper and hang it on the wall bracket. Many mounts have safety screws or locks — engage them. Check level again; small lateral adjustments once it’s hanging are normal.

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Cable management and finishing touches

Nobody wants a spaghetti nest below a flat screen. You’ve got options: surface raceways (paintable), in-wall power kits (often require an electrician by code in Utah), or wireless HDMI if you want minimal cabling. I like Legrand in-wall kits for a neat appearance. And for surge protection, pick a UPS or a high-quality surge strip — Salt Lake City’s weather can mean power quirks.

Finish the textured patch with a small skim of joint compound if you removed texture. Feather the edges and match the texture pattern with a sponge or spray can texture. It’s a little arts-and-crafts moment, but it pays off.

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Troubleshooting: common mistakes and quick fixes

TV tilting forward? Check that the bracket is fully seated on the wall plate and that safety screws are engaged. Pop-out anchors? Replace them with a toggle or move to a stud. Wobble after tightening? You might be on a metal stud — use self-tapping metal screws or specific toggles designed for metal framing.

One mild contradiction: a textured wall can both hide small installation mistakes and amplify bigger ones. Small gaps in texture are barely visible; a sagging mount is obvious. So don’t cut corners.

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When to call a pro — and why it’s sometimes worth it

Honestly, you can handle most textured-wall mounts yourself. But call a pro if you encounter plaster (not drywall), major masonry, hidden electrical behind the mounting zone, or a TV mounted over a fireplace — those situations need specialized tools and permits sometimes. If you’re replacing a huge screen or planning a recessed in-wall install for AV components, it’s smart to get a professional quote.

We do a lot of jobs around Salt Lake City, from cozy condos to rambler basements. If you want confidence, fast cleanup, and a tidy finish that blends with your textured wall — that’s what Utah TV Mounting does every day.

Ready to stop guessing and get your TV mounted right? Call us at 801-383-0493 or Request a Free Quote and we’ll come out, assess your wall, and give you a clear plan — no fuss, no guessing.