How To Wall Mount A TV

How to wall mount a TV, either Plasma or LCD, can be achieved in 5 steps.

1) Determine where to mount your TV. There are several things to consider such as sunlight, where can speakers be positioned, the distance from TV to seating for the size of the TV you are mounting. See our home theater seating section for general guidelines on seating distances.

Tip – First tip on how to wall mount a TV is when determining the height a mistake often made is to mount the TV at the same height as pictures. However pictures are usually viewed while standing where the TV will be viewed mostly while sitting. Therefore the bottom of TV should be eye level when sitting. This should provide a good compromise for viewing while sitting and not looking too low while standing.

2) Find the studs in the wall. The screws holding the TV to the wall must be screwed into a solid wood stud and not just the wallboard. Easiest way to find a stud is too use a stud finder. They can be purchased from most hardware stores for $20. When you find a stud, mark it in pencil on the wall. For most TVs you will need to find multiple studs. Once the studs are located and you know from step one the location for the TV mount. Now measure the vertical distance between the screw holes on the mount and determine horizontal height for the screen holes on the mount to place the TV where you have determined it should go. Then mark in pencil where the screws should go. Double check that the mount will be level by using a level or measuring the distance from the floor to the holes and making sure the distance is the same for both sides.

Tip - In new houses, studs are generally placed 16 inches apart. So if you find one, you can look for one that far away. Tip - Often, power outlets are placed adjacent to a stud, so look for studs by power outlets or other wiring boxes (such as cable outlet).

Tip - How to wall mount a TV time saver. Spend the $20 dollars on a stud finder. It is easier then patching holes in the wall from missing the studs.

3) Determine how to route the cables. There are a few options available on how to run the cables. One is to run the cables in the wall, another is to use a molding and paint/texture it to match the wall.

3a) Running the cables in the wall. This approach is to create a hole behind the TV and one lower by the equipment then run wire from the lower hole by the equipment up to the hole behind the TV. This is generally easier to do on interior walls then exterior because exterior walls contain additional insulation and fire blocks (horizontal wood between the studs usually about half way up the wall). If mounting on an exterior wall, use a stud finder to locate the fire block and see if you can bring the wires out of the wall before the wires need to cross it. Once the holes have been cut, run the cables from one hole to the next.

Tip - Make sure the hole behind the TV is placed around where the mount will be and in a location that allows the cables to reach the connections on the TV without running across the mount.Tip - The biggest concern when cutting holes in the wall is existing wiring in the wall. It's hard to be sure, but be careful not to drill or screw into any wiring. Be sure to turn off (at the circuit breaker) all power to the room, check the electrical plugs and lights to verify the power is off before making any cuts in the walls. This is a how to wall mount a TV must, do not risk electrical shock trying to save a few minutes.

Tip - If you're running cables in the wall, buy quality cables that will prevent interference from power wires and other wiring in the walls. See our article on inexpensive high quality cables for details on how to recognize quality cables.

3b) Use molding to hide the wires. This is a good option if you cannot (cement or brick walls) or do not want to cut holes in the wall. Create molding box by using half-inch wood on each side and covering with thin plasterboard or whatever your wall is made of. You can texture and paint it to match your wall and with your new the television catching everyone’s eye, the molding will not be noticeable to most people. Run the wires, before closing up the molding just case the ends to not fit through.

Tip - You can also purchase cable covers such as the Sanus VMCTB and paint them to match your wall.

4) Connect the TV mount to the wall. You are almost done. Check once more to make sure the mount will be level by using a level or measuring from the floor to the screw holes on each side to make sure they are the same. Drill small holes into the stud to enable easier insertion of the screws without cracking the studs. Usually the mounts come with screws and also tell you what size hole to drill.

How to wall mount a TV Tip - The biggest concern when mounting on the wall is existing wiring in the wall. It's hard to be sure, but be careful not to drill or screw into any wiring. Be sure to turn off (at the circuit breaker) all power to the room, check the electrical plugs and lights to verify the power is off before making any cuts in the walls. This is a how to wall mount a TV must, do not risk electrical shock trying to save a few minutes.

5) Hang the television on the mount. Before placing your TV on the mount, verify the mount is solidly on the wall by pulling on it to be sure it is firmly in place. Hanging the television on the mount is almost always a two-person job so find someone to help you with this last step. Your TV is heavy and the last thing you want to do is damage it or hurt yourself. Even if you ignored everything else we mentioned in this how to wall mount a TV guide, follow this one step and get some help.

How to wall mount a TV Tip – Many mounts have safety locks once the TV is on the mount. Be sure to lock these once the TV is mounted.

Congratulations you have completed the how to wall mount a TV guide. Enjoy your new television.

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