How to Find a Beam in the Wall

Whether you are completing a remodeling project or just hanging a heavy decorative piece on the wall, you may need to locate a beam inside. A beam inside the wall is the most secure place to hang a picture, mirror or other item that needs to be anchored. You may also need to know where a beam is located to avoid it when planning some other remodeling task. No matter what the reason, you can locate a beam in the wall with the proper tool and procedure.

Stud finder
Pencil

Instructions

- 1
  Place the back of a stud finder against the wall where you need to locate the beam and turn it on. Do not turn on the stud finder before placing it against the wall or it may not calibrate properly. Don't let the stud finder break contact with the wall until you have located the beam.
- 2
  Allow the stud finder to calibrate, which usually takes just a few seconds. A light will blink or a tone will sound when it is finished, depending on the particular stud finder you are using.
- 3
  Move the stud finder slowly and evenly across the wall until it lights up or makes a sound, depending on your stud finder. The light or sound indicates you have found the beam. Mark the location with a pencil. If you can't find the beam, re-calibrate the stud finder because you may have been on a beam the first time you calibrated it. Try to locate the beam again.

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