Mounting a projector on the wall is quite a tricky task, especially for the sack of drywalls. So you need to know exactly how to mount a fixed projector screen on drywall.
Because sometimes the drywall on your wall or even the ceiling proved to be not enough – to support a heavy projector or even a 100-inch projector screen.
On the other hand, while mounting a fixed projector screen on the drywall look for the solid parts of it to place the screen mount to ensure solid support. However, you could also mount the projector without drilling as well.
Also check out: Best projectors under 150
How to mount a Fixed Projector Screen on Drywall
Before diving into mounting a fixed projector screen on drywall; you better decide which mounting option would be suitable for you. Is it wall mounting or ceiling mounting?
Either way, the drywall won’t be enough to support the hooks and bolts. To make it work you’ll have o place them on joists or the solid timber supporting the wall or ceiling.
During the process, you could also make use of predrilling to easily put those hooks or anchors in instead of drilling them onto the joists. Therefore gradual methodical drilling is the only way that you have to go for.
Step 1: Install Projector Screen Media Room
During this step make sure to avoid installing a projector screen over a window since it receives direct daylight.
Moreover, the ambient light could rob the light from the projector itself — so don’t use the screen as a substitute for curtains. In short, don’t use them as blinds because sunlight could damage the screen material compared to ordinary blinds even before you know.
Before starting the whole process you must know that projectors could produce the best images in a dim to dark environment.
Even the faintest light shines brightest amidst the shadows while brighter ambient lights tend to swallow the light of projectors. Unless they produce light as bright as 3000 ANSI lumens.
However, the best place where you could place the screen is the one where you have control over the number of ambient lights around you via light switches, mood lighting, and curtains.
Step 2: Wall Mount or Ceiling Mount?
Here the best way to make the most out of the home cinema or entertainment experience is by adding a wall mount or ceiling mount. However, you’ll have to decide by yourself which one of these mounting options would be suitable for you.
- In case the room is filled with furniture then ceiling mounting would be suitable for you. While for the rooms with unimpeded aisles the wall mounting would be the most useful option… you wanna have!
- Before implementing the process you must know that the best wall-mounted screen types are ones that could be pulled down and retracted for easy storage. While the fixed screens are the relatively heavier type and hang like picture frames.
- Place the projector screen where you could have a clear projection. Based on what type of projector you have. For instance check whether your projector has a feature of rear projection, ultra-short-throw, or any other feature.
Step 3: Create a Template for Marking Predrill Holes
You better keep in mind that you’ll have to anchor the device about 1 ½ -inches away from the wall on the ceiling throughout the step. Even if there is a narrow window trim or picture frame below the screen.
During the process, you need to create a template using a piece of cardboard. So you could mark predrill holes by utilizing it.
Here the main reason for this is that the typically fixed projector screen weighs between 30-60 pounds. The best part about creating a template is that it makes screen installation much more precise and easier all-in-all.
Moreover using this template you could even make sure that the predrilled holes for screws are evenly spaced from one another. However, they should also be evenly spaced away from the wall as well.
It’ll allow you to extend the screen to bypass the aforementioned window trim or wall art – if you wish to do.
Step 4: Predrill the Hole
To boring through tough drywall you’re going to need a 3/16 drill bit. As you can see that it’s a two-fold step; so it’ll be better to predrill for an accurate installation of real screws and easier down the line. It’ll also help you to keep tabs on whether you’ll hit a ceiling stud or something else.
In case you can’t determine whether a joist is being hit or not then unfold a metal wire hanger and poke it into the predrilled holes. This way you could sense more comprehensibly whether you’re hitting the joist or not.
Step 5: Hitting the Studs
While installing something as heavy as a projector screen you need to hit the studs or the joist. However, if you can’t hit any studs then start using the anchor bolt instead.
On the other hand, if you can access the ceiling joist through the home attic then make a cross-brace alternatively. You could easily make a cross-brace by attaching a perpendicular 2 x 4 board between the joist under the installation and the spot where predrilled holes are located.
After installing the board hopefully it should act similarly to the joist.
The best part is that it proves to be a solid place to attach the screen without worrying about the empty drywall crumbling from its weight!
Moreover, it could serve as a solid space to hook and anchor the screen while distributing its weight in a more balanced way.
Step 6: Raise & Install the Screen
Now get a second set of hands to install the heavy screen itself. During the process use a three-step ladder or two-step stools beneath either set of predrilled holes. With the help of your partner start lifting the screen towards the ceiling.
After that fix, one end of the screen by using a drill and screws start tightening the screws but not all the way. Now secure the screws once you’ve fixed another end of the screen but not all the way either. Similarly, start tightening the screws of the other alternate two sides as well.
Keep doing it until the mount is flush with the ceiling. Although ensure that you don’t over-tighten the screws throughout the process.
Step 7: Raise & Install the Projector Screen
It becomes easier to take the thread rope or string delivered to the screen handle to reach the projector screen handle.
Plus you could also create a hooked end on the strengthened metal hanger to prevent the string from dangling in front of the window or something. Now you can extend the handle reach with ease. Now, just align the projector screen with the projector and you’re good to go.
Conclusion
After exploring the overall article now you must have known how to mount a fixed projector screen on drywall. Therefore if you follow each step properly then hopefully you’ll mount the fixed projector screen on drywall without any hassle!