Wall Mount on Cinderblock

The instructions for wall mount installation specify 32" on center of wall studs. However, I am intending to mount to a cinderblock wall. Has anybody done this? Any advice would be appreciated.

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Cement blocks would work just fine. You’ll want to use a lag bolt that will anchor to the cement and a masonry bit to drill the holes. Avoid the “Tap Con” style screws as they don’t bite all that well into cement. Real lag bolts have a wedge that expands metal that grabs the inside of the hole. The way I would do it is mount a 2x4 with lag bolts and some construction adhesive (like PL400) to the blocks. Then you can mount the table to that.

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I had found this reference when doing similar work for a basement renovation - you may find the information useful.
https://www.confast.com/articles-cinder-block-fasteners/

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You did good asking this question.

Couple things to consider when hanging something with this much mass off a wall. If you can it would be helpful to know what type of CMU you have. Real, true cinder blocks are not used as much any more but in some parts of the country they are still available and a listed material for construction. But today’s cinder and concrete blocks are not the same as those produced years ago.

Some background from the National Concrete Manufacturers Association: What is the difference between a “cinder block” and a “concrete block”? - NCMA

So my question is how old are these cinder blocks and are they truly cinder block or are the concrete blocks? Cinder block has a lower density and less strength especially in tension which is how you would be loading the wall if you hang something off the face of the wall. CMUs are designed with high compressive strength and just like concrete they have low tensile strength without reinforcement.

Are you going to be drilling below grade as in a basement wall? If yes then you could create a potential moisture problem or even cause the block to crack causing structural issues.

I agree with not using TapCon screws.

I suggest you read the article below (same as posted above) and others. I have no connection to ConFast, Hilti, or any other manufacturer of anchoring systems. But I’ve used many of their products over my 40 years in construction of high rise buildings, power and chemical plants, schools, and other facilities.

If/when you are drilling into CMUs, contain the dust as it is harmful. It’s as bad as asbestos. So use a HEPA vac and suck up the dust right at the drill bit as you drill to contain the Silica dust. It can drift all over the place if you don’t.

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