How To Find A Stud Behind Ceramic Tile
When you think of studs, the first image that comes to mind is wooden walls. But in reality, a stud is simply an architectural term for any vertical structural member in a wall, ceiling or floor. It can be constructed out of wood, metal or even drywall. The important thing is that the width and location of each vertical member must be accounted for when designing your home. If you’re looking to add some spice to your home by creating a cool DIY project with tiles and you’re not afraid of getting your hands dirty, then this article is for you. In it, we discuss how to find studs behind ceramic tile so that you can create a perfect spot for installing your new tiles.
Step 1: Finding Studs Using a Hammer and a Knife
When you are sure that the ceramic tiles are fastened to the wall, use a knife to make a small dent on the wall and hammer it hard a couple of times. If the hammer goes through the wall, then there is no stud behind it. If the hammer stays on the wall, then there is a stud behind it. This is an easy method that does not require any expensive tools and can be done even by a novice. However, this method is not 100% accurate because it is possible to miss a stud even if you make a dent with a hammer. This is why experienced DIYers do not solely rely on this method to find the stud behind their walls.
Step 2: Finding Studs Using Electronic Tools
You can also use electronic stud finders to find out where the studs are behind your walls. These are small electronic devices that come in various shapes, sizes, and costs depending on the features that they offer. You can use them just as you would use a hammer and a knife to find the stud behind the wall. These tools send an electronic signal through the wall until they come in contact with a stud. Once you press a button to stop the beep sound from the device, you will know that the device has touched a stud. Before buying such a device, keep in mind that the best stud finders will find the stud behind your wall by sending an ultrasonic signal through it. These are more accurate than electromagnetic stud finders as electromagnetic waves are easily distorted.
Step 3: Find The Center of the Stud
The most accurate way to find a stud is to find the center of the stud behind the wall and then mark it with a pencil. Once you have found the exact center of the stud, use a straight edge to draw a line between the center of the stud and the edge of the wall. This line will be the center of the wall. Then, use a ruler and mark a dot at every 16 inches along the vertical wall. This should give you a clear idea of where exactly the studs are behind the wall. The process may seem time-consuming but it is worth it when you are installing tiles or mounting a TV wall mount with ease.
Conclusion
Studs are essential elements of a building’s structure. But when you’re planning to add some extra detail to your home by creating a beautiful wall tile work, you’ll want to know where these studs are located so that you don’t mess up your hard work. There are a number of ways to find the studs behind the wall so that you can safely hang new tiles behind them. From hammering a knife into the wall to using advanced electronic stud finders, there are several ways to locate the position of these important architectural elements. Once you’ve found the location of the studs behind the wall, you can easily create a perfect spot for installing your new tiles.
