
Whether you just bought a new TV, are setting up the perfect home theater, or just rearranging the living room, mounting a television on the wall comes with many benefits. It can free up space on the floor, reduce potential damage from children and pets, create a cleaner look for your living space, and have better ergonomics when viewing your favorite shows.
As great as all that is, there are a few things you’ll need to first consider before mounting your TV. These include where it will be mounted, the tools you’ll need to do the job, and how to safely handle the television when it’s being installed. Fear not, this helpful guide will help you hang that TV with ease, so in no time you’ll be grabbing the popcorn, kicking back, and binge-watching that new series!
Tools You’ll Need to Mount Your TV
Before you try mounting your TV, there are a few tools you’re going to want to gather. These tools will not only make the job easier but help ensure you get the perfect mount every time. You’ll need the following:
1. Choosing a TV Mount
Before you go out and purchase a mount for your TV, you need to do a little research. The type of mount you select will depend on a couple of things. First, you need to inspect your TV to understand what size bracket you are able to use. Then, think about where your TV will be mounted, and which style of mount will work best in the area. Here are some of the different mount styles:
- Full-motion mounts: Allow you to swivel and rotate the TV
- Tilted mounts: Allow you to tilt the TV up and down
- Fixed mounts: Allow no range of movement when mounted
Some mounts allow you to swivel and rotate the TV, which is especially useful when mounting near corners. These are known as full-motion mounts. There are also tilted mounts, which allow you to tilt the TV up and down. Then, there are fixed mounts that don’t offer any sort of movement once mounted. These are typically the most affordable option.
2. Locate Studs
For a secure installation, locate the studs in your wall. Studs are the wooden or metal beams that provide structural support, and anchoring the mount into these is crucial for stability.
Using a stud finder, slide it along the wall to identify the location of each stud. Mark the edges and center of each stud with a pencil as you go. To mount most TV brackets, you’ll need two studs, so ensure that the distance between them matches the mounting holes on your bracket. If you can’t find perfect studs in your wall to mount your team, don’t panic. Later in this article we discuss mounting options without studs.
3. Decide TV Mounting Height
So you’ve gathered all your supplies and you’re ready to get started mounting your TV. But how high should you mount your TV? When measuring where to hang your TV mount, it is recommended to keep the center of the TV at eye level while seated. This will help improve ergonomics and take the strain off your body as you are watching your favorite shows. While this height may vary depending on the size of your couch, chair, or how tall you are, the average number is about 42-inches off the ground.
4. Attach the Mounting Bracket to the Wall
With the mounting height and stud locations marked, it’s time to attach the wall bracket. Place the bracket against the wall and check that it’s level using your level tool. Once aligned, mark where the screws will go and drill pilot holes at each point. Pilot holes help prevent cracks and make it easier to screw in bolts.
Align the wall bracket with the pilot holes and secure it using the screws and anchors provided in the mount kit. Tighten each screw firmly but avoid overtightening, which can strip the screws or weaken the hold.
5. Attach the Bracket to the TV
Next, attach the bracket to the TV itself. Most TVs have four mounting holes on the back, which are compatible with most mounts. If your TV is on a stand, you may need to remove it before attaching the bracket.
Line up the bracket with the holes on the TV, and attach it using the screws included with the mount kit. Ensure the screws are tight but avoid overtightening, as this can damage the TV. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific details on attaching the bracket.
6. Lift and Mount the TV on the Wall Bracket
Once the brackets are in place, it’s time to mount the TV on the wall. This step can be challenging, especially for larger TVs, so consider getting help to lift and align the TV with the wall bracket.
Carefully lift the TV and line up the bracket on the back of the TV with the bracket on the wall. Once aligned, secure it according to the mount instructions—usually, you’ll need to slide the TV into place or lock it in. After securing, double-check that the TV is stable and doesn’t wobble.
7. Cable Management for a Mounted TV
Once you decide to mount your TV, consider what you are going to do with all of the cords. There are a few ways you can manage messy cables for a seamless look. Cord clips can help keep your cables together and out of sight. Simply attach them to the backside of your furniture, and run your cables down, attaching them to the clips to keep them secure.
If you have a lot of cords running to devices like your DVD player or gaming systems, you can snake them through a cable channel to keep them hidden. For a real seamless look, you can even paint the channel the same color as the wall. Another option is to drill a hole behind your TV to run the cables behind the wall and keep them out of sight altogether.
8. Test the Mounted TV
After everything is mounted and organized, it’s time to test the setup. Start by gently pushing on the TV to make sure it’s stable and secure.
If you’re using a tilting or full-motion mount, test the range of motion to make sure it moves smoothly and holds its position. Connect any devices you plan to use with the TV, like streaming devices or gaming consoles, and check that everything is working as expected.
How to Mount a TV on the Wall Without Studs
You’ve gathered all your tools and found the perfect spot to hang your TV, but there’s just one problem. You don’t have any studs to work with. Don’t panic! You can still mount your TV even if you can’t find any studs. Whether you are trying to hang your TV on brick, above a fireplace, or somewhere else, here are a few ways you can finish the project without using wall studs:.
- Drywall Anchors: Drywall anchors provide additional support for screws in drywall. To use drywall anchors, first drill a pilot hole in the wall where you want to mount the TV. Insert the anchor into the hole, tapping it gently until it’s flush with the wall if needed. Then, attach the mounting bracket by screwing the bolts into the anchors, which will expand as you tighten to create a firm hold.
- Toggle Bolts: Toggle bolts are strong, spring-loaded fasteners that secure heavy objects to drywall. To use toggle bolts, drill a hole in the drywall big enough for the folded wings to fit through. Once the wings are inside, pull them back against the drywall, tightening the bolt to hold them securely. Toggle bolts are ideal for heavy TVs.
- Molly Bolts: Molly bolts are sturdy anchors that expand inside the wall to support medium loads. To use a molly bolt, drill a pilot hole, then insert the bolt into the wall. As you tighten it, the sleeve of the bolt will spread out behind the drywall, creating a firm hold. Once secured, you can mount the bracket onto the molly bolts by tightening screws into them. Molly bolts are ideal for most small to medium-sized TVs.
- Mounting Plate: A mounting plate is a metal plate that spreads the weight of the TV across a larger surface area. This is useful when the wall structure doesn’t provide enough support in a single spot. To use a mounting plate, position it on the wall where you want the TV to hang. Secure the plate using multiple anchors or toggle bolts across several points. Once the plate is secured, you can attach the TV bracket to the mounting plate.
Safely Handling a TV
As you are working through these steps to mount your TV, keep in mind not only that your new television is delicate and can be quite fragile, but that it is also easy to injure yourself. Take safety precautions to protect yourself and your valuables during this process. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always make sure you have two people handling the TV. Mounting your new television is not a one-person job.
- Before unboxing your TV, ensure there is somewhere clean, soft, and flat for you to lay it.
- Do not pinch the TV screen when carrying it. Place your hands at the top and bottom to avoid damage.
- Take note of your TV’s weight and the strength of your hardware
- Avoid over-tightening screws on your TV and mounting bracket.
- Always follow the instruction guide that comes with both your TV and your mount.
Now that you know how to safely mount your TV, you can gather your supplies, grab a friend to help, and get started. In no time, you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and have the perfect movie night with your new setup. Just don’t forget the snacks!