Whether you’re just getting around to upgrading from your ancient CRT TV or you’re just sick of calling professionals to help you with every step along the way, knowing how to wall-mount your sleek new TV safely and dependably is definitely a worthwhile skill to have. With the Super Bowl just around the corner, there’s no better time than now to elevate your home’s entertainment style and quality with a stunning flat screen TV. And with this simple, step-by-step guide you’ll be able to handle all the work needed to mount your new TV on the wall where everyone can enjoy it for years to come.
Step 1: Measure Your TV and Purchase a Corresponding Mount Kit
Wall-mounting TVs has been a popular option for homeowners for years now, meaning that the process of finding a mount kit which suits your TV in particular is as streamlined as possible. Simply measure the dimensions of your flat screen and find a mount kit which suits the range of measurements your TV falls under.
Step 2: Attach TV Mounting Bracket to TV
Consult your TV’s manual for specific warning about movement and placement, some plasma TVs in particular shouldn’t be rested with their screen facing down. If this is not the case for your TV place it screen-down on a soft, clean surface and locate the pre-made mounting holes on your TV’s rear. Align your TV mounting bracket over these holes and secure it using the bolts in the kit and a screwdriver. Do not use a drill for this step! Make sure that the bracket arms you attach are as firmly screwed in as possible to prevent any looseness or crookedness later in the installation.
Step 3: Find the Best Placement for Your TV
Once your TV is installed and you’ve done everything from rearranging furniture to carefully threading electrical wiring through the wall you’re not going to want to move it again any time soon. Find a wall which is ideally placed to minimize glare from windows and lights, is suitably centered in the wall both horizontally and vertically, and which is close to an outlet. It’s always better to spend time planning your TV placement then to spend time regretting your TV placement.
Step 4: Find the Wall Studs
Use a quality stud finder to find the center stud in your ideal TV placement and mark it. Check this point a few time to rule out any risk of faulty indications. From this center point measure 16 inches to either side and check those points to make sure that there are studs there too. Mark these studs as well once you’re certain you’ve identified them. (To make sure the stud finder works run it over your chest until it beeps, then turn to whoever is nearby and confidently declare that “it can find studs, alright.” Laugh. Back to work.)
Step 5: Attach Wall Mounting Bracket to Wall
Align your wall mounting bracket over the wall studs you marked off and drill pilot holes into the center of the studs to secure the bracket to the wall as securely as possible. Once secured, make sure that the bracket is level and then use the screws and bolts included in your mounting kit to fully attach it to the wall. If there’s a space to pass wires through the wall built into the bracket create a small opening in the drywall which will be covered by the TV once it’s hanging. Create a matching opening near the power outlet to pass the cables through fully.
Step 6: Hang the TV and Connect the Cables
Have one or two friends lift the TV and guide the TV mounting bracket into the wall mounting bracket. When the two brackets are aligned connect all cables and the power supply before securing both brackets together at every point possible. Carefully release the TV once it’s secured to test for weaknesses and when you’re confident about the resting security of the mount give it a few tugs to check for wobbliness, and unevenness. Then check that the cables and power supply are working properly and enjoy your brand new wall-mounted flat screen TV.
