When you want to save space and have a clean look for your entertainment system, mounting your TV is the best option. Knowing how to install a television correctly ensures that your electronics and the wall don’t get damaged.
Most TV mounts must occur on a load-bearing wall. If the structure runs at a 90-degree angle to your joists, there is an excellent chance that you’ve found one. Some can also be parallel.
Since the installation point must safely support four times the weight of your entertainment equipment, it may be necessary to speak with a contractor or experienced professional if you’re unsure of the wall’s support structures.
What Tools Are Needed to Mount a TV?
You’re going to need several tools available to have a successful experience when mounting your TV. When you have these items available, the total time required to complete this project is about two hours or less.
1. Stud Finder
Mounting your television to the drywall is a recipe that leads to disaster. This tool helps you to locate the wood stud behind the sheetrock to give you the most support. You could use a pen or pencil to mark each location, although some painter’s tape is a better solution.
2. Power Drill
Installing the hardware by hand for a TV mount takes forever. Having this tool available will speed things up significantly. It helps to use carbide-tipped bits to make pilot holes in the sheetrock. Most screws need a Philips bit to finish the work.
3. Level
Trusting your eyes to see if your TV mount is level usually means your television will be crooked. Having this tool ensures that you have a straight installation and zero unnecessary holes.
4. Tape Measure
Some mounting systems don’t give you a way to drill pilot holes through your sheetrock to the studs. If this issue happens with your TV installation, you need this tool to measure the distance between each piece of the mountain bracket.
You’ll need the equipment to complete the mount, based on your TV model. Check the VESA measurements in your owner’s manual to ensure you purchase the correct product.
If you want to keep your wiring hidden, you’ll need to run cables behind the drywall of your TV mount or use a wireless system. You could also purchase a cover that matches your wall color or tuck them into your décor.
How to Finish Your TV Mounting Project
The first step of your television mounting project is to decide where you want the TV. Viewing angles are an essential consideration because the best picture quality comes from direct line-of-sight. If you change your mind after installing the equipment, you’ll be left with extra work and useless holes in your sheetrock.
Many people choose an installation above the fireplace because it is a natural focal point. As long as you have studs available to use, almost anywhere on a wall is a potential spot for the TV.
After you’ve decided on where to place the television, you must locate the wall studs. Your stud finder slides across the wall until it makes a sound or visual indication that you’ve found the wood. Place painter’s tape or mark the line with a pen or pencil.
If you received an installation template with your TV mount, attach it to the wall now. Use painter’s tape to limit the risk of damage.
Once you’ve located the stud, you can mark and drill the pilot holes for the TV mount. Hold the equipment up to the wall, using your level to ensure it is flat and straight. Make light marks where you need to place the screws, then drill the hole at the correct spot.
Attach your mounting bracket to the wall. It may be helpful to have someone hold the equipment while you press the screws into the pilot holes with your power drill.
After the mounting bracket is secure, you can attach the plate to the TV. You’ll find the attachment holes on the back of the television to use. Some models have these areas covered in plastic or screws already placed in them. You may need to remove them before proceeding with the plate attachment.
At this stage, you’re ready to mount the television to the wall. This step is tricky, so it usually helps to have another set of hands available. Lift the TV carefully, especially if you have a heavy model. Line the mounting plate with the bracket you installed on the wall. Each connection has a different set of instructions to follow, making it necessary to thoroughly read the guidelines.
Once you have the plate attached to the bracket, your television should be securely mounted to the wall. You can now run your cables to the various peripherals to enjoy your home entertainment experience.
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