What Is a Wall Stud?
Before You Begin
Why do you should probably find studs, anyway?
Locate the Stud’s General Location
Find the spot where you wish to find a stud.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
If the sound and feel start hollow and become increasingly solid, you’re approaching a stud.
If the sound begins to become hollow again, you’ve passed the stud.
Use Some Strong Magnets
For this method, get small-yet-strong magnets such as neodymium magnets.
Repeat the process vertically on more drywall screws to mark the stud’s placement.
Flashlight Method
Even the most perfectly finished drywall has imperfections under the right light.
Look for Drywall Dimples
Look for dimples in the drywall representing the location of drywall screw heads.
Phone Method
These days, you’ve got the option to do anything with a smartphone.
Even find a wall stud.
Choose the Smallest Drill Bit
Look through your drill bits and pull out the thinnest one.
If you hit wood after the drywall, you’ve found a stud.
This is crucial when hanging heavy objects with large fasteners.
The nail needs to be at least 1 inch long to pass through the drywall and penetrate the stud.
If it pops through, there’s no stud there.
If it hits something solid, requiring you to continue to drive it, you’re in a stud.
Warning
This method assumes your studs are placed on 16-inch centers.
Also, there’s a chance your studs are installed incorrectly and are on an uncommon center.
The easiest way to find a stud in the wall is to use a stud finder tool.
If the wall feels and sounds hollow, you’re between studs.
If it sounds and feels solid, you’re on a stud.
Most often studs are placed on 16-inch centers, meaning there are 14-1/2 inches from edge to edge.
