[garyttu]

I have a ceiling mounted projector screen that i'm planning to mount myself (with help), its about 80lbs. and about 114" long. It comes with a mount plate on each end with 4 screw holes on each side (represented by X in the layout below).


I want to mount it as shown on a ceiling:




I was just going to get 2 2x4s and some strong-tie joist hangers (fastened with wood screws) to connect each joist perpendicularly in line with each set of Xs.

Then I would use wood screws to secure each end of the screen's ceiling plate, through the ceiling drywall and into the side of each 2x4.


Does this sound structurally adequate? I'm a little paranoid about making sure it is secure enough with the 80lbs. of weight. Any suggestions on what length of wood screw? I'm assuming I should get wide enough to fill as much of the hole as possible (there's no specification from the screen company and i'll use washers as necessary). Is 1 2x4 on each end sound good enough for this weight?


Thanks in advance for the help. The wiring is actually the easy part for me

, but not that experienced with the load bearing diy stuff.

 

[bluewaves]

Is this a screen that is recessed into the ceiling??? If that's the case I would get the same size dimensional lumber as the ceiling is framed in, use joist hangers to attach them to the existing framing and then a proper deck screw or small lag bolt and you should be fine, 80lbs isn't really that large of a load.

 

[garyttu]

It is actually going to be hung on the ceiling (non-recessed). A new issue that has come up, is that in order to align the screen in the center of the room/wall, the ends have to line up with a pair of air vents on the ceiling which prevent a cross joint/bridge to be inserted where they are needed. There are current 2x4s on both sides of the vent (one shown in the first photo) but they are not braced in except for just nails (probably since they are only holding the vents in place). See below:






Any ideas? I could use the hook mounts I suppose that came with it, but that just doesn't sound as sturdy/safe as using the flush mount plates.

 

[olyteddy]

Any reason you can't move it six inches one way or the other and mount it to the existing joist? 2 or 4 screws (and maybe a couple togglers) should easily hold 80 LBS. Heck, Snap Toggles by themselves should hold that: http://www.toggler.com/products/snaptoggle/overview.php

 

[garyttu]

I think the problem with that is- if I move it back- it is right behind the vents then and airflow goes directly onto the screen (not sure if that will cause any movement/waves. If I move it forward, its pretty far out into the room (it already is out a good couple feet to go in front of some furniture.

 

[garyttu]

What about this? The screen comes with a hook hanging option (1 hook at each end). I could use it to hang like this-


Side view:



Any thoughts?

Which option is more stable?


I could even recess the hooks past the drywall so that the whole unit is flush. Assuming I get the right chain/hook hardware, I would assume that a single 2x4 (sideways) or 4x4 would support the chain being wrapped around it just fine...

 

[gitSehT]

It seems like you have decent access from the attic, why not drill your desired hole locations through the drywall and then feed up a coat hanger or wire to find your locations. Then remove the insulation in that area and cut some 2x4 (or 6" or 10") to fit and then screw those into place covering the holes you just made and creating a support to screw into.

 

[garyttu]



Quote:
Originally Posted by gitSehT  /t/1470861/securing-projector-screen-to-ceiling#post_23274666


It seems like you have decent access from the attic, why not drill your desired hole locations through the drywall and then feed up a coat hanger or wire to find your locations. Then remove the insulation in that area and cut some 2x4 (or 6" or 10") to fit and then screw those into place covering the holes you just made and creating a support to screw into.

Thanks for the response. If you look higher in the thread you can see some pictures indicating that there are vents in the exact locations I would have to place the 2x4s, so I cannot properly support them. Otherwise, that would have been the best method.


In any case, i'm pretty convinced to go with option 2 in my illustration above. Using the chains will actually make mounting much easier and I can recess it enough so that its just as flush with the ceiling. A couple 2x4s or 2x6s on joist hangers, with chains attached should hold well over 400lbs, and this screen is only around 90.

 

[macfan]

Gary:


I think your estimate on the weight of your screen might be a bit over done. I think because it is bulky it is causing you to misjudge its weight. I have a 92" electric screen, can easily lift it by myself with one hand, and I have had a heart attack so have limited strength. I see no reason why you can't screw or lag bolt some 2 X 4 or 2 X 6 supports between your joists and screw your screen into those through the drywall into the supports. I would fasten the supports vertically to give you a greater surface to hit through the drywall. Maybe I am looking at it wrong but it doesn't seem to be that big of a problem to me.

 

[macfan]



Quote:
Originally Posted by garyttu  /t/1470861/securing-projector-screen-to-ceiling#post_23274799


Thanks for the response. If you look higher in the thread you can see some pictures indicating that there are vents in the exact locations I would have to place the 2x4s, so I cannot properly support them. Otherwise, that would have been the best method.


In any case, i'm pretty convinced to go with option 2 in my illustration above. Using the chains will actually make mounting much easier and I can recess it enough so that its just as flush with the ceiling. A couple 2x4s or 2x6s on joist hangers, with chains attached should hold well over 400lbs, and this screen is only around 90.

Living near the Flint, Michigan ghetto there is a not very nice name for what you are proposing to do. Like Mike Holmes says, "Do it right the first time." Looking at that vent I think there is a way to build a support around it. If you can put a 2 X 4 on top of the joists and hang a chain from it you can hang a support/2 X 4 from it too.