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We all know how difficult it can be to find a stud when you are hanging something on the wall. This is especially true in older homes with plaster walls where it is impossible to see behind the tile. Thankfully, there are 5 pro tips that will help you on how to find a stud behind tile and save time when installing your new drywall!
What is a Stud?
A stud is a vertical supporting beam that runs from the top to the bottom of an interior wall. Studs are normally located behind drywall or plaster walls so they can support weight and not cause any damage if the screws holding them up ever come loose.
In addition, studs allow for electrical wiring running throughout your home’s structure without damaging any part of it, which would be disastrous in worst-case scenarios like fires or floods. Without correctly locating nails into wooden studs, much damage could occur due to a lack of sturdiness in construction materials during inclement weather conditions outside.
How to Find a Stud Behind Tile
Tip 1: Use a Stud Finder
Stud finders are tools for finding studs in drywall construction. They’re mainly used to locate studs when hanging items on the wall, such as pictures, shelves, mirrors, and so on.
Nowadays, a stud finder is relatively inexpensive and can be bought at most hardware stores. To use this little device, you will need to pass it over the wall and let it scan for studs. This can be a little difficult if there is tile covering the entire area of the wall in question.
Tip Two: Use a Hammer and Nails
Don’t have a stud finder? Don’t worry! You can always use an old-fashioned method and tap with your hammer to see if you hear a solid thud behind the tile. If there is no sound, then that area is most likely not covered in drywall or studs. Proceed with caution as this could cause tiles to crack underneath it!
Tip Three: Tapping the Tile
If there is a tile covering the wall in question, try tapping the tiles near where you suspect studs are located.
You can apply light pressure by using your palm or fingers and see if it sounds hollow underneath. If no sound comes from it when tapped, then that area should be safe to hang heavy items onto!
Tip Four: Rely on Your Senses
Sight and touch can definitely help determine whether or not an area behind drywall has studs.
For instance, if you were hanging something extremely heavy like a large mirror, look for any signs of potential damage, such as cracks along the sheetrock edges beneath the plaster at this location. In addition, touching around these areas with your hand may also feel rough due to exposed nails sticking out.
Tip Five: Use a Stud Finder with a Magnetic Sensor
If you’re still having difficulty locating studs and the only thing available is your cell phone, try using an app that requires holding any metal object in front of the area where it feels hollow.
Another option will be to use a normal stud finder if one has access to its magnetic sensor. While this may seem like a bit of an unorthodox solution, it can come in handy if all else fails!
If none of this works, you can call a professional, and they will help you locate studs.
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