How to Run Ethernet Through Walls (Without Drilling Everything)

A wired ethernet connection is the most reliable thing you can do for your home office. But the idea of drilling through walls stops most people before they start. The good news: you don't always need to drill. And when you do, it's less complicated than it looks. Here's how to approach it.

Option 1: Cable Raceways (No Drilling Required)

Cable raceways are plastic channels that mount to your wall surface with adhesive or screws. Your ethernet cable runs inside the channel, hidden from view. They come in white, black, and wood-grain finishes to match your room.

This is the best option for renters, for rooms where drilling isn't practical, or for anyone who wants a clean result without major work. The limitation: raceways are visible on the wall surface, though a well-chosen color makes them nearly invisible.

Best for: Renters, quick installs, single-room runs along baseboards or crown molding.

Option 2: Running Cable Under Flooring or Behind Baseboards

If you're willing to do a bit more work, ethernet cable can be routed under carpet edges, beneath floating floor panels, or behind baseboards. This hides the cable completely without touching the walls at all.

Flat ethernet cable (also called slim or flat patch cable) is designed specifically for this — it slides under carpet or door thresholds without creating a visible bump.

Best for: Runs between rooms on the same floor, under doors, or along floor edges.

Option 3: Through the Wall via Existing Openings

Before drilling, check what's already there. Electrical outlets, cable TV ports, and HVAC vents often share wall cavities that ethernet cable can pass through. A fish tape or glow rod kit lets you guide cable through these existing paths without new holes.

This approach requires patience but produces the cleanest result — a wall plate with an ethernet jack, no visible cable.

Best for: Permanent installs where you want a professional finish.

Option 4: Drilling Through Walls (When You're Ready)

When other options don't work, drilling is the right call. The process is simpler than most people expect:

1. Use a stud finder to locate studs and avoid them (or drill through them if needed with a long bit)
2. Drill a small hole at the entry and exit points
3. Use a fish tape or wire fishing kit to pull the cable through
4. Install keystone wall plates at each end for a clean finish
5. Patch any gaps with low-voltage mounting brackets and wall plates

The most common challenge is navigating fire blocking — horizontal wood barriers inside wall cavities. A flexible drill bit extension solves this.

Tools You'll Need

• Fish tape or glow rod kit
• Stud finder
• Drill with long bit (for through-wall runs)
• Keystone wall plates and jacks
• Cable staples or raceways for surface runs
• Flat ethernet cable (for under-floor runs)

The Clean Desk Takeaway

Running ethernet doesn't have to mean tearing up your walls. Start with raceways or under-floor routing — they're faster, reversible, and cleaner than most people expect. When you're ready for a permanent install, drilling through walls is a one-afternoon project that pays off every day with a stable, fast connection.