Space Requirements
Before installation, make sure your preferred location meets the following requirements:
Wi-Fi signal: Your Wi-Fi signal should be strong enough to support streaming audio and video on smartphones and laptops. Learn more about Wi-Fi requirements.
Ceiling height: Tonal requires a minimum ceiling height of 7 ft 10 in for the arms to extend fully. A 7 ft ceiling can accommodate most Tonal movements, but the arms may not reach their highest position.
If you have a slanted ceiling, we recommend having an alternative location available that meets the height requirements, just in case.
Floor height: The bottom of the Tonal bracket is installed 27 ½ in from the floor. Be sure to account for any additional flooring, such as exercise mats, that may increase the floor height.
Surrounding space: Allow at least 7 ft of clearance from the center of Tonal: 3 ½ ft on each side and 7 ft out from the wall.
Outlet: Tonal requires a grounded, three-pronged outlet within 6 ft of the installation location. If the outlet is directly beneath Tonal, it must be no more than 23 in from the floor. Any electrical work needed to move or install an outlet should be completed before installation day.
If your preferred location is more than 6 ft from an outlet, you may use an extension cord that is 14 AWG or heavier and long enough to reach the outlet.
Still have questions? Our team is here to help. Call us at 855-MY-TONAL!
Studs: Dimension, Type, and Spacing
Tonal must be securely anchored to an approved wall or framing system. Before installation, make sure your studs meet the requirements below.
Stud Requirements
Stud dimensions: Wood and metal studs must be 2 in × 4 in (nominal), with the 2 in dimension facing out from the wall. This allows the Tonal mounting hardware to be securely anchored into the studs. Learn how to identify your stud type and spacing.
Stud types: Wood and galvanized sheet-steel studs are supported. Aluminum studs are not approved.
Stud spacing: Studs must be spaced 16–24 in on center. The exact positioning of Tonal depends on the location of the studs within your wall.
Additional hardware: If your studs are spaced 17–24 in on center, additional hardware is required. Learn more about Wide Mount Adapter Bars and Tonal mounting bracket dimensions.
✅ Approved Framing Types (click to expand):
The following framing types are approved for standard Tonal installation:
Wood-frame 2×4: Continuous 2×4 wood studs extending from the floor to the ceiling joists. Walls are typically finished with drywall or wood paneling. The total wall surface thickness must not exceed 1.75 in.
Metal frame: Continuous 2×4 galvanized steel studs extending from the floor to the ceiling joists. The wall must be fully enclosed, and the steel studs must be 25-gauge or lower. Aluminum studs are not approved.
Fully exposed concrete slab or CMU: Fully exposed concrete slab or CMU (backfilled concrete masonry/cinderblock) walls are approved. CMU walls must be fully backfilled and have a bare, unfinished surface.
❌ Unapproved Framing Types (click to expand):
The following framing types are not approved for standard installation:
Floating walls: Walls attached only at the top or bottom are not approved because they do not provide adequate load distribution between the floor and ceiling.
Metal studs with spray foam: Not approved because spray foam within the stud cavities can prevent proper toggle bolt deployment and secure anchoring.
Furring strip walls (wood or metal): Not approved under standard installation requirements because they may not provide consistent structural backing. Release of Liability (ROL) may be possible depending on Field Operations review.
Superior Walls: Not approved because these precast wall systems are not engineered to withstand the load and shear forces required for Tonal installation. ROL may be possible depending on Field Operations review.
ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) walls: Not approved for standard installation. ROL may be possible in some cases.
Still have questions? Our team is here to help. Call us at 855-MY-TONAL!
Wall Surface Materials
Your wall surface must allow Tonal to sit securely and flush against the wall. Before installation, check that your preferred wall surface meets the requirements below.
✅ Approved Wall Surface Materials (click to expand):
The following materials are approved for standard Tonal installation:
Drywall / Sheetrock: Approved when the total surface thickness does not exceed 1.75 in.
PVC Slat Walls: Approved up to 1 in thick, provided the system is stable and allows Tonal to be securely mounted to the structural wall behind it.
Shiplap / Tongue and Groove: Approved up to 2 in total thickness, provided the material is securely fastened and installed over a structural wall.
Lath, Plaster, or Stucco: Approved when the total surface thickness does not exceed 0.75 in. This ensures the mounting hardware can properly anchor into the wall structure.
⚠️ Wall Surfaces That May Require Additional Review (click to expand):
Some wall surfaces may require additional review or approval before installation:
CMU (concrete masonry/cinderblock): May be approved after further review. The wall must meet Tonal's structural requirements.
Shadow boxes: May require a Release of Liability (ROL) before installation. ROL may affect warranty coverage.
Plywood or 2×4 backing: May require a Release of Liability (ROL) before installation. ROL may affect warranty coverage.
Exposed metal studs: May require additional review. Providing clear photos of your preferred installation space can help determine whether the location is suitable.
❌ Unapproved Wall Surface Materials (click to expand):
The following materials are not approved for standard Tonal installation:
Insulation board: Not approved because it does not provide sufficient structural integrity for secure anchoring.
Corrugated paneling: Not approved because Tonal must sit flush against the wall.
Wainscoting: Not approved directly behind Tonal. Wainscoting may remain around Tonal, but the section behind the Trainer must be removed so Tonal can sit flush against the wall.
Garage rails or indoor ledges: Not approved directly behind Tonal. The section behind the Trainer must be removed or relocated so Tonal can sit flush against the wall. The rail or ledge must also not interfere with the required ceiling clearance.
Brick walls: Not approved for standard installation because brick may be a veneer rather than a structural material, and approved hardware is not available for reliable installation on this surface. ROL may be possible in some cases.
Solid concrete with added material: Not approved for standard installation.
PVC (non-slat wall systems): Not approved.
Superior Walls: Not approved by the manufacturer.
Metal studs with foam insulation: Not approved because the insulation can prevent the mounting hardware from deploying correctly.
ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms): Not approved.
Aluminum: Not approved because it is not suitable for the required structural support.
2×2 wood walls: Not approved because they do not meet Tonal's flex-load requirements.
Venner brick: Not approved.
Still have questions? Our team is here to help. Call us at 855-MY-TONAL!
Tonal Installation Considerations
Before choosing your installation location, keep the following considerations in mind:
Nearby bathrooms or kitchens: Walls adjacent to bathrooms or kitchens may contain plumbing or electrical components that could affect installation. Our installers will assess the location to determine whether it is suitable.
Outdoor installation: Tonal cannot be installed outdoors. A garage may be suitable if it meets Tonal's environmental requirements:
Operating temperature: 50°F–95°F
Storage temperature: -13°F–113°F
Relative humidity: 0%–90%, non-condensing
Noise: Tonal's cables are designed to operate smoothly and relatively quietly, but Tonal is not completely silent. During a workout, Tonal produces noise comparable to a dishwasher. Learn more about Tonal's noise level.
If you have sensitive neighbors or rooms nearby where others may be working, sleeping, or relaxing, consider how sound from your workouts may affect them.
Commercial spaces: Tonal may not be suitable for all commercial environments. If you're planning to install Tonal in a commercial space, contact our team to confirm whether your location is eligible.
Still have questions? Our team is here to help. Call us at 855-MY-TONAL (855-698-6625).
Our team is happy to help with any questions on installation!
Please call us at 855-MY-TONAL to discuss any concerns or specifics for the installation.