I bought a wall mount from monoprice which was cheaper than any store I could find... The problem is that the wall plate is only 20" across horizontally and my studs are located 24" apart...

What do I do now?? I was thinking of returning the wall mount and getting one of the bigger ones where the wall plate is a good 30" horizontally and I am guaranteed to hit at least 2 studs. But I dont know about their returns or shipping and handling etc...

My dad recommended me getting about 2-3 2x4's and attaching them to the studs and then attaching the mount to the 2x4's but the problem is that it would come out way more than I wanted since the mount is also tilting. Any recommendations? OR should I just get the bigger mount?

Check this thread out: Clicky (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1112691); some ideas in there. Good luck!

Plywood is thinner than a 2x4.

Plywood is thinner than a 2x4.

And, you can get a stain grade plywood, and stain it to match other furniture in the house...or paint it.

Would that be strong/stable enough to hold up the wall mount? Also, since i'll only be able to hit one stud with the mount i have, would I get a super long lag bolt to go through the wood and into the stud and one small bolt just to go into the wood in front on the other side?

My brother in-law had the same problem. We just used two bolts in the middle of the mount and attached it to the stud. Than got four drywall anchors and put those on the corners of the mount. Been up for almost two years now and still holding strong. Than also ended up doing the same for my brothers plasma. Both t.v.s are 42" btw. Not sure how big your screen is.

I'd get either 3/4" plywood or 1"x8" or 1"x10" (also measures 3/4" thickness) to span the distance. Not sure the size of your LCD, but most are much lighter than plasmas.

I'd get either 3/4" plywood or 1"x8" or 1"x10" (also measures 3/4" thickness) to span the distance. Not sure the size of your LCD, but most are much lighter than plasmas.

I'd steer clear of the 1x dimensional lumber as it will be more apt to split than plywood due to their different constructions.

If I were you I'd span the distance between the studs w/ 3/4" cabinet grade plywood (lag bolted to each stud). I would then use some large 'toggle' bolts through the plywood to mount your flat panel mount. This will ensure more than enough holding power for your TV. Then stain the plywood as suggested earlier to whatever color matches your decor. Maybe bevel the edges with a router to give a clean look. You get the idea.

Just an opinion, but that is how I would go about it.

Good luck!