How To Mount a Big Screen TV on The Wall

TV Mount

Mounting your big screen HDTV on the wall is a simple project and when you do it yourself, you can save money as opposed to hiring a professional. The job can be accomplished in an hour but here is what you need to remember. Never do this job by your lonesome self. Have two or more people, preferably friends or family members who are strong to join you. The reason for this is twofold.

One, you reduce the chances of your expensive TV from crashing down.  Second. This means is that you will be at a loss and you will not get to enjoy the games, the TV shows and movies you have been dreaming about. Lastly, it could result in injuries especially if it were to fall on you.

The majority of home owners are skeptical about mounting their $1,000 to $10,000 big screen TV on the wall. Thanks to innovative mounting solutions, your TV will be safe on the wall.  So let’s get started.

What you need

With every task, you need tools to accomplish your goal. Below are a few tools you need to have before beginning the mounting.

  • Screwdriver – have a set if possible
  • Socket set
  • Stud finder
  • Pencil
  • Level
  • Dry wall saw
  • Power drill

These tools can be purchased from a store near you.

  • Other items needed
  • Large screen
  • TV mount
  • Man power inform of two or more strong people.

How to mount a TV on the wall – Step by Step Guide with Video and Text

Step One – Inspect what you have

This step is necessary as it helps to ensure that you have all the items required. Having a checklist will allow you to know what you have and what you don’t have. Make sure you have the correct size at hand.

For example, TV’s come in different sizes and so do their mounts. This helps to ensure that they can support the weight of the TV.  To shop for the right size especially if the purchase of the TV does not include the TV mount, you need to consult. Do you prefer fixed and non adjustable or adjustable (tilts and swivel) TV mounts? Talk to an expert and they will guide you.

Make sure that your TV or the TV you are about to purchase supports a wall mount. You can also check in the manual for this information plus the size of the appropriate wall mount. Look for Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) in the manual. If you find for example “VESA 55”, then you need to look for a TV mount with that number.

Step Two – Choose where to mount

Each home is designed differently and this is where you need to take a little time to select the perfect position. There are several things you have to consider. First, the eye level. When selecting the perfect position, consider your eye level. Use a picture for demonstration purposes. When you look at the picture, do you experience neck strain? If so and still don’t want to choose another position, you can opt for a tilt and swivel mount.

Secondly, is the selected position directly opposite a window? Natural light results in a lot of glare. Same to artificial light. The best position should not result in a glare as it can prevent you to enjoy your shows as well as result in eye strain. If you still prefer the position, you can invest in heavy curtains or blinds which will prevent a lot of light from streaming in. What about at night? You can use a tilting mount instead.

Thirdly, many people love the position above the fireplace. If your fireplace is for decoration purposes only, you can mount it there. If you use the fireplace from time to time, then it’s not a great position.

Step Three – Fix the mounting brackets

If your TV comes with a base (which essentially they all do), it’s time to remove it. If it’s a new one, you don’t have to fix the base. Use the appropriate screw driver and place the base in the TV box. Place the TV with the screen side facing towards the floor. Ensure it’s on a soft padded flat item like a mattress. You can have one of the guys assisting you to hold the TV while standing on its side. This should be done when it’s on the couch or flat padded item.

Start by screwing in the sides of the brackets to the back of the TV. Make sure that all screws are used and are tightened. No wiggle room should be allowed. You can also use any washers that come with the bracket. This will ensure that it’s a tight fit.

There are models that will have a different wall mount. You can skip this step (Step Three) if your wall mount does not have a separate bracket. For example a fixed or tilt/swivel mount.

Step Four – Locate your studs

Locate the studs using the electronic stud finder. Studs are important as they help to support the weight of the TV and prevent damage to the wall. Mark each location where the stud are present (Use a pencil to accomplish this). This should coincide with the screw positions of your wall mount. Before mounting, make sure your chosen location looks great.

Using the electric drill, drill the holes according to the marks you made with a pencil. Your pilot holes need to be smaller than the bolts so select the right drill bit. Have two of your friends hold the wall mount to the wall with the screw positions aligning with your pilot holes.

Screw in the largest bolts and make sure they are tight. You can also use a socket and wrench for the bolts. Remember, building codes do not permit power cords to be buried in the wall. You may opt to use a Powerbridge or paintable cable raceways.

Once you have placed the TV mount on the wall, you need to ensure its well positioned. Use the spirit level to determine this. If the bubble is not at the center of the two lines, correct the alignment.

Step Five – Mount the TV and connect the cables

Mount the TV using the appropriate brackets and bolts. Once you have done so, test to see that no wiggle room is available. Now begin connecting the cables from the power cable to HDMI cables. Remember, having your power cord in the wall is not permitted. Use a powerbridge or paintable cable raceways. Before connecting to the power, make sure it’s off or it could result in injuries or damage to the TV.

Now that you are done, you can enjoy your large screen TV.

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