Most Oklahoma homes are single-family wood-frame houses, frequently with brick veneer outside and drywall inside, built on slabs because basements are uncommon. Tornado risk shapes construction, with storm shelters and safe rooms common, and manufactured homes make up a larger share of housing than in many states.

median year homes were built: 1982; median year homes were built
built in 2000 or later: 28.4%; built in 2000 or later
built before 1960: 20.3%; built before 1960
single-family homes: 75.2%; single-family homes
in buildings with 5+ units: 11.7%; in buildings with 5+ units
mobile homes: 8%; mobile homes

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

Common wall types

Wood-frame walls with drywall

Where: Most houses in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman and their suburbs.

Mounting: Studs are typically 16 inches on center. Lag the mount into at least two studs with 5/16" lag bolts.

Brick veneer over wood frame

Where: Common exterior finish across the state.

Mounting: The brick is a decorative layer; interior walls behind it are ordinary stud walls. Mount into studs inside, and do not anchor loads to the veneer.

Slab-on-grade houses

Where: Nearly all of the Oklahoma City area; only a small share of homes there have basements.

Mounting: Walls are framed on slab. Garage and utility spaces may expose block or concrete walls needing masonry anchors.

Manufactured and mobile homes

Where: Rural areas and mobile-home communities statewide.

Mounting: Walls are thin and studs may be spaced wider, so the mount must hit framing. Add blocking for heavy or articulating mounts.

Concrete safe rooms and storm shelters

Where: Many homes in tornado-prone areas such as Moore and Oklahoma City suburbs.

Mounting: Reinforced concrete walls need hammer-drilled masonry anchors; do not drill into a rated shelter's walls or door without checking the manufacturer's guidance.

Plaster and older masonry

Where: Older homes in Guthrie, Tulsa's Brady and Maple Ridge areas and Oklahoma City's historic districts.

Mounting: Plaster can crack if drilled carelessly; locate framing and pre-drill slowly.

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 multiplies leverage on the wall, so it must never hang on drywall anchors alone.
Brick veneer: mount to the interior studs, not the exterior brick. Drilling through the veneer for cables should be sealed against water.
Safe rooms and shelters: concrete walls need a hammer drill with 1/4" concrete screws or 3/8" sleeve anchors. Check the shelter manufacturer's guidance before drilling any rated assembly, since penetrations can affect the rating.
Manufactured homes: locate framing carefully and add blocking behind thin paneling for heavy TVs or full-motion arms.
Hiding wires: NEC 400.12 does not allow a regular TV power cord to be concealed inside a wall. Use an in-wall rated recessed power kit, and run CL2- or CL3-rated low-voltage cable for in-wall HDMI and speaker lines.
Garages, patios and outdoor rooms: Oklahoma summers are hot and humid in places and storms are frequent. Use an outdoor-rated TV with stated temperature limits, stainless-steel hardware, and a surge protector; unplug sensitive electronics or use surge protection for lightning and power events.
Over a fireplace: check the TV maker's heat limits and clearances; masonry surrounds need masonry anchors.
Before work starts, tell the installer the wall type, the TV size and weight, the mount type and whether the building has rules for contractors. These change the anchors, labor time and price.

Sources: Census Reporter, ACS 2024 1-year: Oklahoma (B25035, B25034, B25024) · Builder Online: Predictable Destruction, building in Tornado Alley · NBC News: Why aren't there more storm shelters in Oklahoma? (basements in Oklahoma City area). General guidance only — your installer will confirm the right method for your wall.