Wall-mounting your TV is an excellent way to free up space, improve the viewing experience, and give your living room a sleek, modern look. Whether you have a brand-new flat screen TV or are upgrading your entertainment center, this guide will walk you through the steps to safely and securely mount your TV using a TV bracket.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
- TV bracket (make sure it's the right tv mount for the size of your TV)
- Stud finder
- Power drill
- Drill bit (masonry bits for brick or stone walls)
- Lag bolts
- Toggle bolts or snap toggles (for plasterboard walls)
- Tape measure
- Painter’s tape
- Pencil
- TV mounting kit (including the mounting plate, screws, and washers)
- Cable box or game console (optional for easy access after mounting)
- Spirit Level
Step 1: Choose the Right TV Bracket
Before you start, it’s essential to select the correct TV bracket for the size and weight of your TV. The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) numbers are a helpful guide to ensure compatibility. Check the back of the TV for mounting holes and VESA measurements, which will help you determine the correct bracket. Vogel's has a wide variety of TV brackets and you can search by type, brand of TV or a specific size, such as a 55 inch TV bracket.
There are several types of mounts:
- Fixed mounts: Hold the TV flat against the wall. These are ideal for places where the TV will remain stationary, like above a fireplace.
- Full-motion mounts: Allow you to tilt, swivel, and extend the TV. These are perfect for larger rooms where you need to adjust the viewing angle.
Step 2: Find the Ideal Location
Determine the best place to mount your TV. Consider the viewing angle, eye level position, and where your power outlets and cable box are located. The optimal viewing height is usually when the center of the screen is at eye level when you're seated, which typically places the bottom of the TV about 40-42 inches above the floor.
Mounting on Different Types of Walls:
- Wood studs: The best way to mount a TV is by securing the bracket to wood studs. Use a stud finder to locate the centers of the studs, which are typically spaced in 16-inch increments.
- Metal studs: Use toggle bolts or snap toggles if you are mounting on metal studs.
- Plasterboard walls: For plasterboard walls, use toggle bolts or drywall anchors.
- Brick or stone walls: You'll need masonry anchors and masonry bits for drilling.
Step 3: Mark the Mounting Locations
Once you’ve chosen the ideal location, use a tape measure and pencil to mark the screw locations for the mounting bracket. Use a stud finder to find the stud locations and mark the spots with a pencil mark.
For plaster walls, it's a good idea to use painter’s tape to minimize damage when marking the locations. For brick walls, ensure you have the correct masonry bits and concrete screws.
Step 4: Drill the Holes
Use a power drill to drill pilot holes in the marked spots. Make sure you use the correct drill bit for your wall type. For brick or stone walls, use a masonry drill bit.
If you're drilling into wood studs, make sure the holes align with the stud locations for a secure hold. For plasterboard walls, use toggle bolts to ensure the TV's weight is supported.
Step 5: Attach the Mounting Plate to the Wall
Once the holes are drilled, attach the TV mounting plate to the wall using the appropriate lag bolts, toggle bolts, or masonry anchors. Make sure the plate is level before fully tightening the screws.
For extra stability:
- Double-check the weight limits for the type of mount you are using.
- Ensure the screw heads are securely tightened but not overtightened, as this could damage the wall or mounting plate.
Step 6: Attach the TV to the Bracket
Now that the mounting bracket is securely fastened to the wall, it's time to attach the back of your TV to the bracket. Most TV wall brackets come with a set of screws and washers designed to fit the mounting holes on the back of the TV. Ensure the bracket aligns with the VESA standard for your TV.
If you're using a full motion tv wall mount, make sure to check that the screen size and weight of your TV are within the bracket's specifications.
Step 7: Adjust for the Perfect Viewing Angle
Once the TV is mounted, adjust it for the perfect viewing angle. If you have a full-motion mount, you can tilt and swivel the TV until you find the most comfortable position. Keep the center of the screen at eye level for the best viewing experience.
Step 8: Conceal Cables
For a clean look, hide the power cord, cable box cables, or any game console cords. You can use cable management covers or run the wires behind the wall if you have easy access.
Step 9: Final Checks
Before calling the job done, double-check:
- The TV is securely mounted.
- The bracket is level.
- You have easy access to power outlets and connected devices.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
- TV not level: Double-check the mounting plate and bracket to ensure everything is properly aligned.
- Wall damage: If you accidentally drill too large small holes, use drywall anchors or masonry screws to fix the issue.
Conclusion
Mounting your TV on the wall can seem intimidating, but by following these steps and paying close attention to details like stud locations, the size of the TV, and screw heads, you can safely mount your TV for the best viewing experience. For first-timers, take your time, double-check your measurements, and refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Whether you’re mounting a Samsung TV or a newer flatscreen, this guide will help you get it done right the first time.
Leave a Reply