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How To Mount A TV On The Wall

Jed Smith Profile image

Written by:

Jed Smith
Updated January 18, 2023

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Wall-mounted TVs can do a lot to make your home more spacious and company-friendly, as well as give you more options for arranging your spaces. Knowing how to wall mount a TV will help you get the most out of your precious indoor real estate, and there are a few easy and relatively inexpensive options available to you. You may not experience your top-rated TV well until you mount it the way it should be done.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Choosing your wall mount location carefully based on light, heat sources, foot traffic, and stud locations is crucial
  • Make sure your TV is VESA-compatible before purchasing a wall mount
  • Don’t attempt to remove a built-in TV base unless it’s possible to do so without damage according to the manufacturer

Once you’ve decided how you want to do the installation and determine what height you want it at (eye level, a bit above eye level, etc.), mounting your TV generally only takes a few steps and a few common household tools if you’ve got any handy around.

Wall Mount Types

There are a few different basic categories of wall mount systems.

  • Swivel TV wall mounts allow you to pivot your TV horizontally for adjusting viewing angle depending on where in the room you’re watching.
  • Fixed TV wall mounts, as the name suggests, aren’t adjustable, but are set flush against the wall, saving even more space than most
  • Tilting TV wall mounts allow for adjustments to vertical angle, which makes them good for mounting higher on the wall than many
  • Full-motion TV wall mounts allow for vertical and horizontal adjustments, and some models also have a telescoping arm, making them good for mounting in a corner position and general versatility. This could also be a good option if you are going to mount one of the top-rated TV for an RV as it can be moved out of the way to conserve space. The range of motion that a full-motion mount can offer can transform your home’s entertainment viewing experience.

Tips Before Starting

Whichever variety you choose, keep in mind that all TV wall mounts have a size and weight limits that must be observed to avoid damage to your TV and your walls. Once you’ve determined what size and weight limit you’ll need for your TV, there will be steps to preparing and mounting your TV and wall that will generally apply to most situations. Remember to handle your TV well lest you risk causing harm to your screen, which may need you to get rid of a blue screen on the TV.

First, you’ll want to determine the exact location you want to mount your TV. Also, be sure to check out our article on how high a TV should be mounted before you get started. Keep some things in mind when deciding:

  • Be sure to select a VESA-compatible wall mount- nearly all flat-panel TVs are VESA compliant
  • If your TV’s base is attached, make sure it’s removable without damaging the TV before deciding to mount it
  • Choose a location with close and easy access to power and cable outlets. Doing this will make it easier to cable manage and hide the wires from the TV.
  • Decide where peripherals such as game consoles, DVD players, and stereo amplifiers will be put- if needed, you may want to put a shelf or storage unit beneath the mounting area for such items
  • Make sure you’ve chosen a weight-bearing wall (one that is able to safely hold four times the weight of all mounted equipment) and try to pick a spot out of direct sunlight, moisture, and heat, as well as one out of the way of foot traffic

Tools you’ll need

  • Standard level
  • Power drill
  • Stud finder
  • Tape Measure
  • twist drill bits

General Steps

Keep in mind that these are the general steps involved, and that exact details and some techniques will change depending on the mount type, walls, and TV.

  1. Using the stud finder, locate, locate the wall studs closest to your chosen mounting location- you may have to adjust your location if no studs are near it, so it’s best to have chosen a spot with studs at the center
  2. Measure the width of the mounting bracket’s attach points and mark the two drill points on your wall with a pencil, using the level to make sure they’re vertically even
  3. Drill your pilot holes at the drill points
  4. Attach your mounting bracket to the wall using the drill and the included screws
  5. Attach the mounting plate to your TV as per the instructions included in your mount
  6. Mount your TV to the wall and make sure it’s secure

The last step before you enjoy watching your favorite shows is to rescan the TV to get all the channels. You can easily find out how to rescan tv if you have no clue on how to do it. Additionally, should you have to move or replace the TV, you can read about how to remove the TV from a wall mount.

F.A.Q.S

What kind of screws and other hardware should I use to mount my TV?

This will vary somewhat depending on the building material the wall is made of, but twist drill bits, wood or drywall screws, a power drill, measuring tape, and level will all be essential.

What is VESA?

The VESA system is a standardized way of measuring the distance in millimeters between the four mounting holes of a consumer TV or display. Most TVs and displays are VESA-compliant.

Can I mount a TV on a brick wall?

Yes, though it takes considerably more planning and skill than mounting in drywall or wood, so it’s not generally recommended to the average consumer.

STAT: 42″ from the floor is generally considered a good height at which to mount a TV for people of average height (source)

STAT: A standard 50″ flat panel TV weighs from 28-55lbs on average (source)

STAT: If mounted to studs with the proper hardware, drywall can support weights of up to 100lbs (source)

Jed Smith Profile image
Jed Smith
I’m a musician and recording engineer and live in Queens. I have a cat. Her name is Elsa. I love to write about consumer tech and musical instruments.