Louisiana housing is shaped by flooding, humidity and wind: many homes are slab-on-grade or raised on piers and stem walls, brick veneer is common, and about 12 percent of units are manufactured homes. Older neighborhoods in New Orleans and Baton Rouge also have plaster walls and historic masonry.

median year homes were built: 1983; median year homes were built
built in 2000 or later: 29.9%; built in 2000 or later
built before 1960: 17.4%; built before 1960
single-family homes: 68.9%; single-family homes
in buildings with 5+ units: 10.9%; in buildings with 5+ units
mobile homes: 12.2%; mobile homes

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (tables B25035, B25034, B25024)

Common wall types

Wood-stud drywall walls over slab or raised floors

Where: Most single-family houses, including raised foundations built above flood levels.

Mounting: Studs are typically 16 inches on center. Lag into at least two studs; raised houses may have more floor movement, so keep mounts firmly in the framing.

Brick veneer

Where: Many suburban and rural houses and fireplaces in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Shreveport.

Mounting: Brick veneer is a facing, not a structural wall. Interior mounts go into the studs behind drywall; do not anchor a mount into veneer from outside or inside.

Plaster and masonry in historic districts

Where: Older homes in New Orleans neighborhoods such as the French Quarter and Garden District, and in other historic areas.

Mounting: Plaster can crack and masonry can be soft. Pre-drill slowly, use toggle bolts where there is no stud, and ask about preservation rules for exterior or visible work.

Concrete and metal-stud condo walls

Where: Mid- and high-rise condos in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Mounting: Concrete needs masonry anchors and a hammer drill; metal studs need snap toggles or added blocking. Associations usually require approval and a certificate of insurance.

Light framing in manufactured homes

Where: About 12 percent of Louisiana housing units, found across rural parishes.

Mounting: Wall panels are thin and studs may be spaced wider, so the mount must hit framing.

Tips before you mount

Lag the mount into at least two studs (usually 16" on center) with 5/16" lag bolts about 2.5" to 3" long; a full-motion arm puts much more leverage on the wall than a flat mount, so it should never hang on drywall anchors alone.
Brick-veneer houses: mount into the studs behind the interior drywall. Treat the veneer as decorative; it cannot carry a TV load.
Plaster and lath: locate framing first and pre-drill slowly; where no stud lines up, use toggle bolts or snap toggles rated for the TV and mount weight rather than plastic plug anchors.
Metal studs: use snap toggles or toggle bolts rated for the load, or have wood blocking added behind the drywall before the mount goes up.
Hiding wires: the National Electrical Code (NEC 400.12) does not allow a regular TV power cord to run inside the wall. Use an in-wall rated recessed power kit, and choose low-voltage cable rated CL2 or CL3 for in-wall HDMI and speaker runs. On masonry walls plan a paintable surface raceway.
Over a fireplace: check the TV maker's heat limits and measure surface temperature where the screen would sit; heat rises from the firebox, and a mantel or deeper surround can redirect it. Masonry and stone surrounds need masonry anchors, not drywall anchors.
Humidity and salt air: for a covered patio or porch, use an outdoor-rated TV and stainless-steel hardware, seal cable entries, and keep electronics out of direct rain and storm spray. Louisiana's flood risk also makes it wise to avoid mounting expensive equipment low on ground-floor walls.
Condos and apartments: ask the association or landlord whether drilling is allowed, and get the installer's certificate of insurance (COI) naming the association before work day. Before work starts, tell the installer the wall type, the TV size and weight, and the mount type. These change the anchors, labor time and price.

Sources: Census Reporter, ACS 2024 1-year: Louisiana (B25035, B25034, B25024) · LSU AgCenter: Foundations and Floors · LSU AgCenter: Raising Above the Floods. General guidance only — your installer will confirm the right method for your wall.