How to Mount a TV

If you’re reading this, you probably just purchased a nice flatscreen for your house. Yet, you have no earthly idea how to mount it on the wall. Whether it's a 24-inch or 80-inch TV, we can help you out.

Mounting a TV is a straightforward project, but precision is key to ensuring your screen stays securely on the wall. Missing a wall stud or using the wrong hardware can lead to an expensive accident.

Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to doing it right.

Difficulty level: Beginner

Before starting, gather these items:

1. TV Wall Mount Kit (Ensure it is rated for your TV’s size and weight)
2. Stud Finder (Crucial for locating the wood framework behind the drywall)
3. Power Drill & Drill Bits
4. Bubble Level (Often included in the mount kit)
5. Socket Wrench (To tighten the heavy lag bolts)
6. Painter’s Tape or Pencil
7. A Friend (Do not try to lift the TV onto the wall alone!)

Attach the brackets to the TV: Step 1.

Lay your TV face down on a soft surface like a blanket or carpet. Locate the four mounting holes on the back of the TV. Line up the vertical mount extensions (brackets) over these holes and secure them tightly using the screws provided in your mounting kit.

Locate and mark the wall studs: Step 2.

Drywall alone cannot hold the weight of a TV. Use a stud finder to locate two wood studs in the area where you want to hang the TV. Mark the exact center of each stud with a pencil or painter’s tape.

Position the wall plate and mark pilot holes: Step 3.

Hold the main wall plate up against the wall, lining it up over your stud marks at your desired viewing height. Place a bubble level on top of the plate to ensure it is perfectly straight. Use a pencil to mark the specific spots through the mount’s holes where your screws will go into the studs.

Drill pilot holes: Step 4.

Set the wall plate down. Using your power drill and a wood drill bit slightly smaller than the lag bolts, drill straight into the wall at your pencil marks. This prevents the heavy bolts from splitting the wooden studs when you drive them in.

Mount the wall plate: Step 5.

Hold the wall plate back up to the wall and align it with your drilled holes. Insert the heavy lag bolts provided in your kit and tighten them into the wall studs using a socket wrench until the plate is completely flush and secure against the drywall.

Hang and secure the TV: Step 6.

With the help of a friend, carefully lift the TV by its sides. Hook the brackets attached to the back of the TV onto the wall plate. Once it is resting securely on the plate, tighten the safety screws or lock the safety bar at the bottom of the brackets to ensure the TV cannot slide or tilt off the mount.