Wall mounting a television can free up floor space and give a room a cleaner appearance, but the installation involves more than choosing an open section of wall.
The television, mounting bracket, wall construction, viewing position and cable plan all need to work together. Addressing those details before installation helps prevent an uncomfortable viewing height, visible cords or a bracket that does not fit the television.
Here is what Scottsdale homeowners should check before scheduling a TV wall-mount installation.
Confirm the Television and Mount Are Compatible
Televisions use mounting holes on the back of the cabinet. The spacing between those holes is commonly described as the television’s VESA pattern.
The mount must support:
- The television’s VESA pattern
- The television’s weight
- The screen size
- The desired range of movement
- The wall attachment method
Do not select a bracket based only on screen size. Two televisions with the same diagonal measurement can have different weights and mounting patterns.
Check the television manual or manufacturer’s specifications for its weight and mounting pattern. Then confirm that both fall within the bracket manufacturer’s stated limits.
The correct bolts and spacers also matter. Bolts that are too short may not engage properly, while bolts that are too long can damage the television.
Choose the Right Mount Style
Fixed mounts
A fixed mount keeps the television close to the wall. It is a good option when the screen can be installed at the correct viewing height and does not need to move.
The low-profile design can leave limited space for connecting cables after the television is hung. Cable connections and outlet placement should therefore be reviewed beforehand.
Tilting mounts
A tilting mount allows the screen to angle downward. This may help when the television needs to be mounted slightly above the preferred viewing height. Tilting also provides more access behind some televisions, depending on the bracket design.
Full-motion mounts
A full-motion mount can extend, turn and tilt. It may be useful in rooms with multiple seating areas or when the television needs to angle away from the wall.
Because the television extends outward, the mount places additional leverage on the wall attachment. The wall structure, fasteners and bracket rating are especially important with this type of mount.
Identify the Wall Construction
A wall may appear to be ordinary drywall while containing wood studs, metal framing, masonry or another backing material. Possible mounting surfaces include:
- Drywall over wood framing
- Drywall over metal framing
- Concrete block
- Poured concrete
- Brick
- Stone veneer
- Tile
- A framed fireplace surround
Each surface requires an appropriate fastening method. Hardware intended for wood framing is not automatically suitable for concrete, metal framing or hollow masonry.
A stud finder is helpful, but it should not be treated as the only check. Fastener locations, wall thickness and the possibility of utilities behind the surface must also be considered.
If the wall material is unknown, send close-up and wide photos before purchasing hardware or scheduling the installation.
Do Not Assume Drywall Alone Will Support the TV
The television’s weight needs to transfer into a suitable supporting surface through hardware rated for the application.
Standard plastic wall anchors are not an appropriate substitute for locating adequate support. Some mounting systems use specialty anchors, but their suitability depends on the wall, mount design and manufacturer’s instructions.
Full-motion mounts create different forces than fixed mounts because the screen can extend away from the wall. A fastening method that appears adequate while the television is flat against the wall may not be appropriate when the mount is extended.
When adequate support cannot be confirmed, the mounting plan should change rather than relying on questionable attachment points.
Plan the Viewing Height Before Drilling
There is no single correct mounting height for every room. The right position depends on:
- Seating height
- Distance from the television
- Screen size
- Whether viewers sit or stand
- The mount’s tilt range
- Furniture beneath the television
- Sound bars and other accessories
- Glare from windows or lighting
Before drilling, mark the proposed screen location with painter’s tape. Sit in the normal viewing position and look at the outline for several minutes. This simple step often reveals that the first proposed position is too high, too low or off-center from the seating area.
Be Careful With Fireplace Locations
Mounting above a fireplace can create additional concerns involving heat, viewing height, wall construction and the location of utilities.
Check the television and fireplace manufacturers’ instructions before proceeding. A mantel does not automatically guarantee that the television will remain within an acceptable temperature range.
The area may also contain masonry, metal framing or a chimney assembly that requires a specialized mounting method. If the television would need to be placed uncomfortably high or the wall construction cannot be confirmed, another location may provide a safer and more comfortable result.
Decide How the Cords Will Be Managed
Cable planning should happen before the television goes on the wall. Common options include:
- Leaving cords visible
- Using a surface-mounted cable cover
- Routing low-voltage signal cables through an approved system
- Positioning furniture to conceal cords
- Having a properly qualified professional install power at the television location
Power cords and low-voltage cables are not interchangeable. A standard television power cord should not simply be pushed inside the wall.
Any new receptacle, altered electrical wiring or other electrical work should be handled by an appropriately qualified professional. A surface raceway may provide a simpler cord-management option when in-wall power work is outside the project scope.
Include Accessories in the Layout
The television may not be the only item that needs a planned location. Consider:
- Sound bar
- Streaming device
- Cable or satellite box
- Game console
- Media shelf
- Antenna connection
- HDMI cables
- Power connections
- Remote-control sensors
A sound bar can change the required spacing below the screen. A full-motion mount may also need enough cable length to extend and rotate without pulling on a connection.
If a shelf will hold equipment below the television, plan both installations together so they are centered and spaced properly. See our Scottsdale shelving installation guide for additional planning details.
Prepare the Area for Installation
Before the appointment:
- Remove decorations and furniture near the wall
- Confirm the television model number
- Have the mount and included hardware available
- Identify all accessories being installed
- Confirm where the screen should be centered
- Provide photos of the wall
- Mention tile, masonry or stone surfaces
- Disclose known plumbing or electrical lines
- Obtain property-owner approval when renting
Large televisions may require more than one person to lift safely. The route from the box or stand to the installation area should remain clear.
What to Send With an Estimate Request
Useful information includes:
- Television size and model number
- Television weight, if available
- Mount brand and model
- Fixed, tilting or full-motion design
- A photo of the full wall
- A close-up of the wall surface
- Desired screen location
- Sound bar or accessory details
- Cord-management preference
- Scottsdale-area ZIP code
If you have not purchased a mount, say so. The television model and desired movement can help identify what specifications the bracket must meet. You can also review our guide on how to prepare for a more accurate estimate.
Request a TV-Mounting Estimate
Crestline is not currently an Arizona-licensed contractor. Arizona work is limited to qualifying minor projects under $1,000 in aggregate labor, materials and other project costs that do not require a permit and are not part of a divided larger project. Electrical alterations are not included in ordinary TV mounting.