Tools and Materials
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Types of TV Wall Mounts and Other Considerations
- Mounting a TV on the wall is a great way to free up space in the room, plus it’s appealing from a design perspective. Flat-screen TVs are relatively light and easy to mount with the right knowledge. The key to installing one safely is to get the right model of mount for your TV and secure it correctly to a wall stud. The following instructions will serve as helpful, general guidance, but always defer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific information. Instructions can vary according to the manufacturer and mount type.
- Whether you’re mounting a 65-inch TV, a 55-inch TV or even one smaller than 32 inches, you should easily be able to find the right-size mount for the project. While these are the most common screen sizes available today, it’s possible to hang a TV larger than 75 inches as long as the hardware will support it.
- Mounting a TV is a job best handled by two people. Enlist a helper to make the work faster, easier and safer.
- You may be able to purchase a TV wall mount that’s compatible with your specific model of TV. If you can find one, you won’t have to worry about weight requirements as long as you install it correctly. You can also purchase a universal TV mount, but you’ll need to check the user’s manual for your TV to determine its precise weight. This will ensure the universal mount is strong enough to hold the TV.
- No matter what type of mount you choose, check that all the right screws and other necessary hardware are included. Most mounting kits will include fasteners, but if yours doesn’t, you’ll need to purchase them separately.
- When it comes to the mounting-hole configurations on the backs of TV mounts as well as the lengths of the screws needed to securely hang them, most manufacturers follow the VESA Mounting Interface Standard, formally known as the Flat Display Mounting Interface. Although a majority of manufacturers adhere to the recommended guidelines, there are a few that have their own — Samsung being one of the most prominent. This means that the mounting screws that come with most VESA-compliant TV mounts may not be long enough to secure a Samsung TV. Before purchasing a TV mount, do your research to determine that the lengths of the included screws are sufficient. If not, you may need to purchase additional fasteners to complete the project.
TV wall mounts come in three basic types:
- Fixed TV Wall Mount (or Low-Profile TV Wall Mount): This secures the TV to the wall but won’t pivot in any direction.
- Tilting TV Wall Mount: This allows you to make slight adjustments to the viewing angle to reduce screen glare or for better vision.
- Full-Motion TV Wall Mount: This type of mount is completely adjustable for many viewing angles. Some full-motion mounts have a telescopic arm for corner mounting. If you enjoy video games, a telescopic mount allows you to adjust for the most comfortable interaction or to position multiple screens for maximum visibility and immersion.
Don’t try to mount a TV on the wall if you’re not sure your model is compatible with the weight and hardware configuration of the mounting kit. Don’t attempt to mount a TV using standard wall hangers, hooks or anything not specifically designed to support a TV.
For more information, see Choose the Best TV Mount.
Mount the TV on a Wall
Here’s how to hang your TV with a wall-mounting TV bracket.
Step 1: Gather All Tools and Materials
Before you start drilling holes in your wall, make sure you have everything you need for the installation, including the correct hardware and fasteners. It’s easier to complete the entire mounting job in one session, and you’re less likely to make a mistake.
Step 2: Mark the Wall Location
Decide where you want your TV to be mounted. Individual preferences may vary, but in most cases you’ll want the bottom edge of the TV to be at or slightly below your eye level when seated. It’s best to measure your TV and then mark the outline on the wall with painters tape. Painters tape is inexpensive and can prevent you from making a costly error. Once you’ve marked the right spot, test it out by sitting in multiple locations around the room to ensure you’ve selected a height that'll allow for comfortable viewing without straining your neck or eyes no matter where you're seated. If one particular angle is challenging, consider a tilting or telescopic mount so you can make manual adjustments anytime you want.
You’ll need to account for the position of the mounting hardware on the back of the TV. This hardware must be secured to a wall stud within the outline you marked. See Step 3 below for details to ensure that your TV will be in the correct position once you’ve installed the mounting bracket. Make sure that the TV cord will reach the wall outlet and that the cables connecting the cable box, gaming system, etc. will reach the TV.
Step 3: Drill the Pilot Holes
You’ll need to attach the mounting bracket to the stud (or studs, depending on the configuration) to secure it properly. Use a stud finder to locate and mark the wall studs within the area you outlined with painters tape so you’ll remember where they are. (See How to Find Wall Studs for tips.) You may want to use vertical lines or a series of Xs to distinguish these marks from the pilot holes you'll mark next. If the wall studs don’t line up with your preferred mounting position, you can secure a piece of plywood to the studs and mount the TV mount on the plywood. If attaching your TV to a brick wall, you don’t need to find the studs, but you'll need to use concrete anchors and a masonry drill bit with your power drill.
Measure the back of your TV to determine the location of the mounting hardware. Then measure from the top and bottom edges you outlined with tape on the wall and mark the location where the mounting hardware will rest against the wall. Mark the pilot holes as well, ensuring they’ll catch the studs (if you're not using plywood). Check for level then drill the holes. For tips, see How to Drill a Pilot Hole.
If you don’t already have one, a power drill is a great investment and is useful for many DIY projects. Before purchasing your first drill, check out our Power Drill Buying Guide and our Drill Bits Buying Guide for help.
Step 4: Mount the TV
Get your helper to hold the mounting bracket up to the wall, lining it up with the pilot holes. Check for level. Use the recommended screws to secure the brackets to the wall studs.
Attach the mounting plate to the back of your TV with the fasteners and make sure everything fits tightly. Get your helper to hold one side of the TV while you both attach it to the mounting bracket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The TV should be flush against the wall and shouldn’t wobble. If your mount tilts or has a telescopic arm, test out the functionality to make sure it moves slowly and without shifting.
If you want to hide unsightly cords, there are many types of cord-concealment products available.