How to Hang a TV on a Wall

By Kim
Last updated 28th June 2021 - Reading time: 8 mins

Are you looking for information on how to mount a TV on a wall? This article will go over everything you need to know about how to wall mount a TV, along with a step-by-step guide and a list of the tools and materials that you’ll need to complete the job.

how to hang a tv on a wall

What Tools Do I Need to Mount a TV on a Wall?

Below is a list of the tools you’ll need when hanging a TV on the wall:

  • Drill
  • Drill bits
  • Bolt tightener
  • Spirit level
  • Screwdriver

What Safety Equipment Do I Need to Hang a TV on a Wall?

Below is a list of the safety equipment that you’ll need to hang a TV on the wall:

  • Safety glasses

What Materials Do I Need to Install a TV on the Wall?

Here is a list of the materials you’ll need to fix your TV to the wall:

  • TV bracket
  • Wall plugs
  • Fixing screws
  • Washers
  • Bolts

How to Prepare for a Wall Mount TV Installation

To prepare for installing a TV to a wall, you should start by tapping the wall to determine the type of wall you’re installing your bracket to.

You will need to buy a bracket that is suitable for your TV and the type of wall you are installing it to.

You should also make sure beforehand that there is someone nearby who can help you lift the TV onto the wall bracket when the time comes.

How to Hang a TV on a Wall Yourself

The step-by-step guide below highlights the best method for hanging a TV on a solid wall. It’s important to note that every wall bracket is different, so you should be sure to keep checking your manufacturer’s instructions while completing the job.

Step 1

Start by putting the wall mount up against the wall and put a marking on the wall through one of the top fixing holes.

how to hang a tv on a wall step 1

Step 2

Then, remove the bracket and check the wall using a pipe and cable detector to ensure there are no obstacles in the wall before you drill your holes in.

how to hang a tv on a wall step 2

Step 3

Once you’re sure there aren’t any pipes or cables hidden behind the wall, you can then drill a hole through the wall where you just marked and insert a wall plug into the hole.

how to hang a tv on a wall step 3

Step 4

You can then replace the wall bracket against the wall where you held it previously and insert the first fixing screw into the hole you have just drilled.

You don’t need to screw this all the way in just yet, as you need to get the bracket level and mark the other fixing holes before you can secure it properly to the wall.

how to hang a tv on a wall step 4

Step 5

Place a spirit level on top of the bracket and adjust it as necessary until it is completely level.

how to hang a tv on a wall step 5

Step 6

Once you’re happy that it’s level, you can then mark the other fixing holes ready for drilling.

how to hang a tv on a wall step 6

Step 7

You will then need to move the bracket out of the way. You may not necessarily need to remove it completely from the wall, as you should be able to just tilt it out of the way so that you can drill your holes.

how to hang a tv on a wall step 7

Step 8

Drill the rest of the holes according to your markings and insert wall plugs into each of the new holes.

how to hang a tv on a wall step 8

Step 9

You can now insert the rest of the fixing screws and tighten them all up. Check once again that the bracket is completely level before moving on to the next step.

how to hang a tv on a wall step 9

Step 10

You should now get your TV and unscrew the fixing bolts from the back of the TV. Once these are out, you can then attach the bracket legs to the back of your TV. Tighten these up using the fixing screws that are supplied with your TV.

how to hang a tv on a wall step 10

Step 11

If your TV is still resting on its stand, now is the time to unscrew the stand and remove it.

how to hang a tv on a wall step 11

Step 12

Next, you want to plug all of the cables into the TV before lifting it onto the bracket.

how to hang a tv on a wall step 12

Step 13

When lifting it onto the bracket, you should have someone to help you as TVs can be heavy, and it can sometimes take a few adjustments before the TV slots into the correct place.

how to hang a tv on a wall step 13

Step 14

Once your TV has been lifted into place on the bracket, insert the steel bar to prevent the TV from being able to come away from the wall at all.

how to hang a tv on a wall step 14

Types of TV Wall Mounts

There are two main types of wall mount – a fixed wall mount and a moveable wall mount. The best TV wall mount for you will depend on your personal preference and whether you wish to move the TV around or not. Below is some information on each wall mount type:

Fixed Wall Bracket

This is the most common type of wall bracket, which is flat to the wall. This kind of bracket simply fixes the TV flat to the wall and doesn’t allow it to be moved around at all. This type of bracket is best if you are not interested in moving your TV to different angles and if you want a flush to the wall aesthetic. If you are looking to fix your TV flat to the wall without having the TV mount visible, then this is the best wall bracket for you.

Moveable TV Wall Mount

A moveable wall bracket is similar to a flat bracket, however, you can move it around to improve the viewing angle. There are three main types of moveable bracket – a swivel bracket that allows you to move the angle of the TV from side to side, a tilt bracket that allows you to move the viewing angle up and down, and a full-motion bracket that allows you to move your TV in all directions for the perfect viewing experience.

FAQs

How do you hang a TV on the wall without the wires showing?

You can hide the wires within the wall by drilling holes through using a core drill. The wires can then be fed through the wall and out at the bottom. This method only works if the wall is hollow. If this method is not suitable for you, you can buy strips that you place on the wall which hide the wires. You can run all of the wires through one strip, so then the only thing that is visible on the wall is that one strip.

How high should I mount a TV on the wall?

The height that you hang your TV wall bracket is down to personal preference. You want to think about the viewing angle when choosing the height for your wall bracket. Try sitting down and picturing your TV on the wall. Try to determine a comfortable viewing angle for you and your family at your chosen seating area, and then decide your height based on that.

Can I hang my TV above the fire?

While it may seem appealing to hang your TV above the fireplace, you should avoid hanging your TV above a fire that you use as the heat can affect the TV. If you don’t use the fire or if the fire is inactive, then you can install a TV above it. However, you should be aware that the viewing angle above a fireplace tends to be quite high, and this could start to become uncomfortable after a while as you may need to crane your neck to watch it.

Do I need to hire someone to mount my TV to the wall?

Mounting your TV to the wall is quite a simple DIY task that can be completed easily at home. However, you will need assistance when it comes to lifting the TV onto the bracket, so make sure there is someone nearby who can help you when it comes to this stage of the job. If you are unsure about any parts of the job or don’t feel comfortable fitting it yourself, you can, of course, hire a handyman to fit your TV to the wall for you.

Can I hang my TV on any wall?

Your TV is best hung on a solid wall as this will provide the most support. If you are installing your TV on an internal wall that isn’t a solid wall, then you will need to ensure that there is a stud or two behind the wall to support the screws. You can use a stud finder to find out where your studs lie behind the wall, and this will determine where you can hang your TV.

What is an adjustable TV bracket?

An adjustable TV bracket allows you to adjust the viewing angle in any direction. This type of TV bracket is great when you want the perfect viewing angle at different seating positions. It’s also very useful when you want to move the TV out of sunlight or away from other things that may distort the picture.

Sources

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlDuaAMiSxw
https://www.nicollandstewart.co.uk/wall-mounted-tv/what-tv-wall-mount-is-best

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