Tennessee homes are mostly wood-frame, with brick veneer common in many areas, a median build year of 1988 and about 7.5 percent manufactured homes. Crawl spaces are widespread in Memphis and Nashville, and older neighborhoods have plaster walls.

median year homes were built: 1988; median year homes were built
built in 2000 or later: 33.7%; built in 2000 or later
built before 1960: 16.7%; built before 1960
single-family homes: 72%; single-family homes
in buildings with 5+ units: 15%; in buildings with 5+ units
mobile homes: 7.5%; mobile homes

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

Common wall types

Wood-frame drywall walls

Where: Most houses in Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Memphis suburbs.

Mounting: Studs are typically 16 inches on center; lag into at least two studs.

Brick veneer exterior

Where: Brick homes are common in Memphis; veneer is a facing over wood framing.

Mounting: Mount into interior studs, not exterior brick.

Plaster in older homes

Where: Midtown Memphis, East Nashville and historic districts.

Mounting: Pre-drill slowly; use toggle bolts or lag into studs.

Manufactured homes

Where: About one in 13 units, mostly rural.

Mounting: Thin panels; mounts must hit framing.

Condo and apartment walls

Where: Nashville and Memphis mid- and high-rise buildings.

Mounting: Metal studs and concrete; use snap toggles and concrete anchors.

Tips before you mount

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.
Brick veneer: mount to interior studs. Avoid drilling through the exterior for wiring unless penetrations are sealed.
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.
Covered patios: Tennessee summers are hot and humid. Use an outdoor-rated TV and stainless-steel hardware, 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.
Condos and apartments: ask the association or landlord whether drilling into walls needs approval, and get the installer's certificate of insurance (COI) naming the association before work day.
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: Tennessee (B25035, B25034, B25024) · Basement Systems: crawl spaces in Tennessee · Lookout Pest Control: crawl space encapsulation in Memphis. General guidance only — your installer will confirm the right method for your wall.