On Sep 30, 5:05 am, Jim wrote:

I think that will do it. I'll use two squares of plywood however.
The one in the family room serving as a face plate she can cover
as desired. Spanning the studs both front and rear should spread
the loads easily.

Andy comments:

Jim, it may be "overkill", but it'll make you feel better if you
do it.... Overkill isn't bad if you have the space, time, and money,
and you obviously have them..... I was going to suggest the
method you suggested, but didn't know how your wife would
greet the "ambiance" of the plywood in the laundry room..
Anyway, as long as you want to go to the extra trouble, it
looks like a good plan to me....

Andy in Eureka, Texas P.E.

PS You might consider putting some sort of small shelf
on the plywood in the laundry room, and using it to
hang up keys, or detergent, or pictures of Elvira.....
...... some sort of practical use that makes it acceptable.....