A Guide: How to Mount a TV on a Wall

Wall mounting a flat screen TV has become standard practice in a majority of homes today. So as an AV integrator, mounting a flat screen TV to the wall is an important skill to have. Mounting a TV to the wall saves a lot of space, makes the room look cleaner and offers an exceptional viewing experience. If properly installed, a wall-mounted TV is safer than a free-standing TV. Plus, it's a great way to give your customers' living area a sleek and organized look.

This is a relatively easy skill that should serve you well as an installer and be valuable on a majority of projects you come across. This step-by-step guide will take you through the process of how to wall mount a TV and hide the cablesstep-by-step. 

1. Choose the right type of TV mount

Just like there are many different types and sizes of TVs, there are also many different types of TV mounts. Depending on the customer's needs, they may need a small or large TV. What type of viewing angles will the customer want? Will it be okay if the viewing angle of the TV can't be adjusted after it is installed? Is the mount rated for the size and weight of the TV?

Depending on the scope and specifics of your project, you'll want to choose one of the following types of TV mounts:

When choosing a TV wall mount, make sure that it is designed to fit the TV you are mounting and that it is appropriately rated for that TV's size and weight.

2. Determine the right position for the TV

Before mounting the TV, think about the best location to install the TV for the ideal height and viewing angle. You'll want to consider the layout of the room and where viewers are going to be seated.

Other key factors to consider:

• Choose a location with easy access to power outlets, cable input sources and connections for speakers or other accessories
• Determine where media components such as cable boxes and gaming consoles will be stored
• Avoid installing the TV screen where it will be exposed to direct sunlight
• Height of the TV viewing angle — usually the optimal viewing height is having the screen at the viewer's eye level when seated, however, some customers may prefer the location slightly higher

3. Make sure you have the right tools

After you've determined the location and height of where you plan to mount the TV, you can get started on the mounting process. Make sure to have the right tools for the job.

You'll need the following:

• Pencil
• Stud finder
• Tape measure
• Level
• Power drill
• Screwdriver

In addition to these tools, you'll want an assistant to help you with lifting and mounting the TV. This is especially important for bigger televisions.

4. Find the wall studs

When mounting a TV to the wall, you must screw the mount into studs to have sufficient support for the weight of the TV. Once you've picked out the ideal location, it's easiest to find the studs with a stud finder.

• Find two wall studs
• For bigger mounts, you might need three studs
• When you find the location of each stud, mark the stud's center with a pencil

It's also possible that the mount's instructions will tell you how many studs need to be found for that particular mount.

5. Mark and drill the pilot holes

Measure the distance between the top and bottom holes on each TV mounting arm and mark two points in the center of each stud that correspond with these holes. Use a level and tape measure to ensure that the holes are evenly spaced and level on both studs.

Use the mounting bracket as a frame and place it flat against the wall. Align the screw locations with the pilot hole marks and test that the bracket is level. After double checking your marks and that the bracket is level, drill pilot holes into the studs where you made the marks for mounting.

6. Mount the bracket to the wall

Place the mounting bracket to the wall and align it with the pilot holes you drilled. Have an assistant hold the bracket for you, if necessary. Drive the screws into the holes with a drill, ensuring they are tight enough to keep the bracket snug with the wall but don't overtighten. You don't want the bracket to bend or warp and you don't want it to sink into the drywall. After finishing, check to make sure that the bracket is level one last time. You should also make sure to leave access to any power or wire connections before mounting the bracket.

7. Attach the mounting plate to the TV

Each TV mount will have its own set of instructions on how to attach it to the TV you've chosen. The mounting plate for a fixed TV mount will be simpler to attach than the mounting plate for a full motion TV mount. So just follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to attach the mounting plate of your specific mount to the back of your TV.

8. Mount the TV to the wall

You'll want to get help with this last step. Although newer flat screen TVs might have gotten lighter than their predecessors, they are still too bulky and most likely too heavy for one person to mount on the wall alone.

Check the manufacturer’s guide for this step also because the way each mounting plate affixes to the wall mount varies from product to product. Double-check that the connection between the wall mount and the TV plate is secure. After you plug in the TV and all related accessories, the TV is ready to watch.

9. Organize and hide TV cables

A professional TV installation isn’t complete until the cables are properly managed and concealed. Here’s how to hide cables in the wall for a neat look: First, consider routing cables through an in-wall cable management kit. If running wires inside the wall isn’t an option, use cable raceways or cord covers to conceal them along the wall. Then, use zip ties or Velcro straps to bundle any excess cable behind the TV to prevent tangling. Be sure to keep any power cables separate from AV cables to prevent signal interference.

FAQs about mounting a TV

How do you mount a TV on a brick wall?

When figuring out how to mount a TV on a brick wall, there are several important factors to consider. Mounting a TV on a brick wall requires special anchors designed for masonry since plastic anchors or regular screws will not provide adequate support. Start by marking the designed mounting location then using a hammer drill with a masonry bit to create pilot holes for the anchors. Secure the mounting bracket to the wall using concrete or sleeve anchors that can support the TV’s weight. Be sure to avoid drilling into mortar as it is weaker than brick.

How do you mount a TV on the wall if there are no existing studs?

When studs aren’t available in your designed mounting location, there are several alternative solutions. One option is using toggle bolts or molly bolts rated for the TV’s weight – this will distribute the TV’s weight across a larger surface area of the drywall. Another approach is installing plywood backing behind the drywall that spans across multiple studs, then mounting the TV bracket to this board. For heavier TVs or full-motion mounts, consider finding a different location on the wall with proper stud support.

Can you mount a TV above a fireplace?

Yes, you can mount a TV above a fireplace but understanding how to mount a TV over a fireplace requires careful consideration of several factors. First, check the heat exposure by using a thermometer to measure the wall temperature when the fireplace is in use. Excessive heat and soot from the fireplace can damage the TV over time. You’ll need to ensure proper clearance above the fireplace and possibly install a heat shield or mantel to deflect heat. Also, consider using a tilting mount to improve the viewing angle as this location is typically higher than the optimal viewing height. Additionally, you’ll need to plan your cable management carefully since running cables through this area may require fire-rated cable.

Conclusion

Knowing how to hang a TV on the wall and how to hide TV cables are valuable skills AV integrators should know. By following these steps and considering your specific environment, you can achieve a professional, clean installation.