Whether you are trying to hang a picture or attempting to install chair rail or shelving, it is important to secure these items to wall studs. If you don’t locate a stud then in time, the wall will begin to wear away. The hole will grow larger, and the object you hung will become loose. It could also fall, damage your wall, or create a much larger hole.
Instead of taking chances, try some of these tips:
Find the First Stud and Go from There
Okay, now all you need to know is how to find the first stud. Typically, there are studs next to window frames, doorframes, and electrical boxes, so these are usually good places to start. You can then measure from that point to the next stud.
Measurements between Studs
Due to current building codes, most newer homes have wall studs that are 16 inches on center. This simply means that there is 16″ from the center of one stud to the center of the next one. The problem is that all homes are not built the same way. If you own an older house, the wall studs may be up to 24″ apart, or worse yet, they may be spaced at irregular intervals.
Making Sure Wall Studs are Where They Should Be
To make sure you’ll hit a stud when you start drilling or nailing, there are some handyman’s tips you can use.
- Drywall, crown molding, and baseboards are secured to studs, so you should be able to locate the studs by finding the seams between panels or between lengths of trim.
- You can try sliding a magnetic across the wall. If the wall is not too thick, the magnet should react to the nails found in the studs.
- Use a stud sensor or “stud finder.” There are many different brands available, and the battery-powered models work the best.