Make a false wall?

Stacey Lynne
by Stacey Lynne

I'm looking for a low-cost way to build a false wall. I'm moving into a rental and not allowed to mount my 55" TV so I'm looking to build a section of false wall to mount it to. The plan is to then secure it using minimal screws (maybe just 4 total) to existing studs at the base and higher up where small holes would be less noticeable.

  7 answers
  • Judy Bulman Judy Bulman on Jul 27, 2018

    Hi Stacey! For the amount of time, effort and expense, you may find it more economical to purchase an entertainment type system that includes a floating bracket to hang your tv. I've seen them at Walmart and they look nice, more of statement piece of furniture, not cheesy. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ameriwood-Home-Summit-Mountain-Wood-Veneer-TV-Stand-for-TVs-up-to-55-Wide-Medium-Brown/6528881

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 27, 2018

    Hi Stacey, You might be better off using a TV cabinet to hold it, as a wall would not be cheap to make and it would have to be very stable too........

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jul 27, 2018

    Hi Stacey,

    This is an interesting concept to say the least, it is a clever way to mount a large TV.

    You would need substantial support for your bracket, what came to mind is a pallet, remove the slats and attach them to 2 X 4's on the ends and maybe 1 down the middle. Or a second hand table top with the 2 x 4's attached on the bottom of it.

    This is a busy project for you and very dependent on the strength of your false wall and how it is attached, wouldn't it be simpler to get a sturdy stand and avoid a possible mishap costing you a 55" tv. There are many attractive ones for not much more than the price of a bracket. Shop at second hand stores or Craigslist, people dissolve homes all the time and are literally giving away things.

    Hopeful this will work for you, but please read your contract carefully and be sure you can attach screws/nails to the wall, you need to have this in writing to protect you and the landlord.

    Best to you.

  • Sew crazy Sew crazy on Jul 27, 2018

    I agree with the first comment that a wall would be extremely difficult to plan and build and then what do you do with it when you leave? What I have seen in your situation is a very easy and modern look, an artist’s easle! They are very stable, you can stain or paint them to match whatever your color scheme is and they can be angled for best viewing. They run about $100 to 200 for a very large one, but even at that it is much less than building a wall and taking it down later!

  • Mitzi Mitzi on Jul 27, 2018

    By the time you purchase the materials to build a false wall, you could have purchased a narrow unit to put the TV on that you could secure it to and you would be able to take that unit with you to your next rental place.

    Otherwise, you need to mount 3/4" plywood to 2x4's flat. That way your bump out, false wall, only comes forward 2 1/4". The plywood only needs to be as wide as your TV. I would put additional 2/4's behind the plywood where your mounting brackets are to hold the TV mount. Of course, you should try to mount those first 2x4's into the studs. So recapping, you will have a piece of 3/4" plywood at least as wide as your TV with 4 - 2x4's behind it, 2 of which are attached to the wall where the studs are, and the studs should be at 2' intervals, with your mount attached to the front of the plywood going through the plywood and into the additional 2x4's. I hope that makes sense. Those directions came from my hubby who builds sets for the studios and is constantly building false walls.

    Good luck.

    Again, I would personally just get a nice piece of furniture and use earthquake straps to make sure the TV doesn't move.


    • Stacey Lynne Stacey Lynne on Jul 29, 2018

      Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for. I also have an idea to decorate the section to match my decor! 👍😁

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 28, 2018

    Hello again, Had you thought to contact the manufacturer and ask if they had a replacement stand? or maybe a TV repairer or place you purchased TV. Good luck!

    • Stacey Lynne Stacey Lynne on Jul 29, 2018

      I know I can buy I stand but I'm also trying to maximize square footage and avoid taking up floor space by using a cabinet or something to set a large TV on. This is why I thought the "false wall" concept for a section just large enough for a TV mount may work.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 29, 2018

    Well the only other options I can think of is Sell your TV and get one with a stand. The dump might have old TV's with stands they might let you have.......