Rhode Island has some of the oldest housing in the country: the median home was built in 1964 and about 45 percent of units predate 1960. Wood-frame construction with plaster walls is typical in older neighborhoods, and drywall on studs is standard in newer builds.

median year homes were built: 1964; median year homes were built
built in 2000 or later: 11.8%; built in 2000 or later
built before 1960: 44.9%; built before 1960
single-family homes: 59.8%; single-family homes
in buildings with 5+ units: 18.1%; in buildings with 5+ units
mobile homes: 0.8%; mobile homes

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

Common wall types

Plaster over lath in wood frame

Where: Pre-1960 houses in Providence, Newport, Pawtucket and Woonsocket, including historic districts.

Mounting: Plaster cracks if drilled carelessly; locate studs, pre-drill slowly and lag into studs. Light TVs can use toggle bolts between studs.

Triple-decker wood frame

Where: Providence, Pawtucket and Woonsocket; Providence triple-deckers were built about 1895-1925 as three stacked units of wood construction on brick foundations.

Mounting: Walls are wood-framed, and interiors are often plaster, so stud mounting works well. Rental units may have landlord rules.

Drywall on wood studs

Where: Newer and renovated homes across the state.

Mounting: Studs are typically 16 inches on center; use 5/16" lag bolts into at least two studs.

Brick or stone foundation and basement walls

Where: Basements of older homes and triple-deckers.

Mounting: Use masonry anchors in solid masonry; control moisture before finishing a basement.

Condo and mid-rise walls

Where: Providence, Warwick and coastal condominium buildings.

Mounting: Metal studs and concrete are common; use snap toggles and concrete anchors, and expect association rules.

Tips before you mount

Plaster on lath: find studs with a stud finder and confirm with a small pilot hole; drill pilot holes slowly without hammer action to limit cracking, then lag into studs with 5/16" lag bolts about 2.5" to 3" long, or use toggle bolts for light loads.
Stud walls: studs are usually 16" on center. Lag the mount into at least two studs with 5/16" lag bolts, typically about 2.5" to 3" long; a full-motion arm puts far more leverage on the wall than a flat mount, so it should never hang on drywall anchors alone.
Triple-deckers and rentals: get landlord approval before drilling, and a COI where the owner or association requires one.
Metal studs (common in apartments and condos): use toggle-style anchors such as snap toggles rated for the TV and mount weight, or have the installer add wood blocking behind the drywall.
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 cables rated CL2 or CL3 for in-wall HDMI and speaker runs.
Coastal outdoor spaces in Newport, Narragansett and shore towns: use an outdoor-rated TV and stainless-steel hardware for salt air, and protect connections from moisture.
Over a fireplace: check the TV maker's heat limits, since heat rising from a firebox can exceed what electronics tolerate; anchor into solid masonry or framing rather than the surface finish.
Before work starts, tell the installer the wall type (studs, plaster, masonry or concrete), the TV size and weight and the mount type. These change the anchors, labor time and price.

Sources: Census Reporter, ACS 2024 1-year: Rhode Island (B25035, B25034, B25024) · Rhode Island Historical Preservation: Oakland Avenue historic district, Providence · SAH Archipedia: Rhode Island buildings. General guidance only — your installer will confirm the right method for your wall.