How to Wall Mount a TV
If your expensive flat screen TV is taking up space on a big entertainment center and dangerously wobbling when it’s barely bumped, then now is the time to wall mount that thing.
Wall mounting your flat screen TV creates space, improves your viewing angles, and provides a theatrical experience to your binge-watching lifestyle.
While most wall mounting kits will include a guide, we’ve put together our own brief guide to help get you started on how to wall mount your TV. (You may need a helping hand for some of the following).
Purchase the correct wall mount kit
Make sure you purchase a wall mount kit that is the correct size and supports the weight of your TV. Most kits will have a compatibility chart you can find online.
If you would like to adjust the viewing angle of the TV, perhaps if you’re mounting over a fireplace or at a higher angle, you’ll want a full-motion mount that allows you to turn and tilt the TV.
Once you’ve purchased and received your wall mount, start out by screwing the included wall mount brackets with hooks onto the back of your TV per the kit’s instructions.
Find the studs
You’ll want to make sure to accurately locate any studs within the wall where you’d like to mount your TV. A stud finder will help you locate and mark the studs. If you don’t already have a stud finder, you can find one for around $20 at a local hardware store or online.
A less accurate method for stud finding is to simply knock on the wall until you hear a hard, solid sound, as opposed to a more hollow, empty sound.
No studs? You’ll need to use toggle bolts and/or dry wall mounts to safely secure your TV mount. Both are available at your local hardware store, online, or may even be included in your mount kit.
Mark and measure
Once you’ve found two studs in the area you’d like to mount, hold your mount against the wall (you may need that extra hand for this part) and use a pencil to mark where the screws should be drilled into the studs.
Be sure the pencil marks are level and the mount is correctly placed in your preferred viewing angle.
Pre-drill holes
Use a drill bit about ⅛ smaller than the diameter of the screws you’ll be using to allow the screws easier access through the drywall and stud.
Avoid screwing into the wall without a pre-drilled hole as it may split the drywall and/or wood stud and ruin your opportunity to mount in that location.
If you have metal studs you’ll need a drill bit designed for penetrating metal.
Screw in the mount
Align your mount with the pre drilled holes and make sure everything is level and measured correctly, then screw in the supplied screws into your pre drilled holes. Again, you will probably need a hand with holding the mount against the wall.
Mount the TV!
Now you can finally hang the TV onto the wall mount with the hooks on the brackets you’ve attached to the back of the TV. Once you’ve settled the TV into the mount, take a step back and check out how it looks.
If it's not level or wobbly, you may need to tighten screws to prevent movement, or if it’s not level you may need to loosen screws and re-adjust the mount accordingly then re-tighten the screws.
Congrats! You’ve now wall mounted your TV for the ultimate at home viewing experience.