Wall Mounting (Hanging) a Flat Screen TV

By Bluehammer Admin

Wall mounting your new flat screen TV not only looks great but also saves space. The following are some helpful tips when it comes time to hang your flat screen TV.

To Conceal or not to Conceal, That is the Question.

When you hang your TV, one decision that needs to be made is whether or not you are going to conceal the cables in the wall. Cables can either be pulled behind the drywall from behind the TV down to behind the receiver or left in front of the drywall. If left in front of the drywall, there are cable-holding products on the market to make the installation look clean. This decision will add labor costs and impact the overall cost of installation. Aesthetically, it is nicer to not have cables visible.

Cost Factors of Hanging Your Flat screen TV

Both labor and material costs factor into this project. If you are a capable do-it-yourselfer and don't need to wire electricity, then you can easily save money by hanging it yourself. This project is easier with 2 people so call a friend! Below are the main cost factors in the project of hanging your flat screen TV.

Purchase and installation of TV wall mount (assuming you already have your TV)
Labor of pulling wires behind the wall (if applicable)
Installation of electrical outlet (if none is located where you are hanging your TV)

Hanging Your Flat screen TV

Follow the steps below to hang your TV. Remember to get a second person to help you. Make sure the wall mount you buy is rated to hold the size of your TV. Wall mounts come in different styles and options such as having the ability to swing out away from the wall.

Attach wall mount brackets to your TVFollow the manufacturer directions to attach the brackets. Each bracket should screw into the back of your TV in the screw holes provided.
Determine where the TV will hang.TV's should be viewed at eye level or slightly above eye level for optimal viewing. Measure your tv and where the bracket sits and then mark on the wall the height and width of where it should go.
Attach the wall mountThe wall mount has multiple places it can be attached to the wall. You want to find a stud in which to screw the bracket to. Mark your studs, make sure your wall mount is level and mark your holes and screw the wall mount to the wall.
Cut cable access (if concealing your cables)Now is the time to cut openings in the drywall. Cut one behind the TV and one for the cables to come out down below. Fish all your cables in through the top and out through the bottom leaving the cables that connect your TV coming out the top hole. You can add finishing plates for a cleaner look.
Install electrical outlet (if needed)Make sure your electricity is off. If you are hanging your TV where there is no electrical you can install your electrical box and tie into an existing outlet at the same time you are cutting for concealing your cables. It is recommended you hire an electrician for this unless you have experience with electrical.
Attach the cables to your TV and hang itThis is where a second person comes in. Connect the cables and hang the TV brackets on the wall mount like a picture frame. Make sure to feed the cables down so they don't bunch up inside the wall. Secure the TV per the manufacturer instructions.
Finish your connectionsPlug in the power and connect the other cables to your receiver or box.

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