Buzz
Mounting a flat-screen TV on the wall is an aesthetically pleasing experience that you’re sure to enjoy. With the advancements in flat-screen TVs, HD, and plasma displays, more and more people are choosing to mount their devices on the wall. In reality, the process is relatively simple and not overly expensive. A sturdy TV mount typically costs around 1 million VND or more. For more details on how to mount your TV on the wall, read the following article.
Steps
Attach the Mount to the TV
Find and purchase a mount of the correct size online or at electronics retail stores.
Remove the stand that comes with the TV (if applicable). If the stand isn’t pre-attached when unboxing, there’s no need to install it; we’ll remove it shortly to mount the TV on the wall.
Place the TV face down (screen side down) on a soft, padded surface. If there are specific precautions about laying a plasma TV flat on a carpet or floor, refer to the manufacturer’s manual for details. Some plasma screen manufacturers recommend keeping the TV upright during the mounting process.
Locate the four screw holes on the back of the TV. These are for attaching the mounting bracket. The bracket may consist of three pieces, with two smaller brackets designed to attach to the TV.
- Remove any pre-installed screws from the holes if necessary. Many TV manufacturers include screws in the mounting holes during assembly.
Position the mounting bracket on the back of the TV, aligning it with the holes. Ensure the bracket is oriented correctly before securing it with screws.
Use a screwdriver to tighten the bolts securely. The bracket should be firmly attached to the TV without any movement. You may need to use the included washers to ensure a tighter fit.
Mount the TV on the Wall
Identify the wall studs. Mark the center of the studs. Standard wall studs are typically about 3.8 cm wide (after drying and planing to 4.28 cm x 8.56 cm). If you mount the TV without drilling into the studs, the weight of the TV will strain the drywall, potentially causing both the wall and the device to be damaged.
- The best way to locate studs is by using a stud finder, which can be easily rented from local hardware stores.
- Alternatively, you can estimate the studs by measuring approximately 34.24 cm from the nearest corner, then continue measuring every 34.24 cm if your home is built to standard specifications.
- If you’re unsure where the studs are, tap the wall with your knuckles. A hollow sound indicates drywall, while a denser sound suggests a stud. Test by driving a small nail into the suspected area. If the nail goes in easily, it’s drywall; if it’s harder to drive in, you’ve found a stud.
Use a level and pencil to mark the studs. The TV must be perfectly aligned and balanced, so take the time to measure and mark carefully before mounting to ensure a visually appealing result.
Drill pilot holes into the marked spots, following the screw hole pattern on the back of the mounting bracket. The pilot holes should be slightly smaller than the wall anchors you’ll use. This will make the process smoother.
Position the mounting bracket against the wall, aligning it with the studs and pilot holes you just drilled. From this point onward, you may need an extra pair of hands to assist.
Hold the mounting bracket against the wall and secure the largest bolt into the pilot hole.
Hang the TV onto the bracket. Tighten the nuts on the bracket to securely attach the TV to the mount.
Ensure the bracket is sturdy and can support the TV’s weight before letting go. Then, plug the cables into their respective ports and turn on the power.
And that’s it! Your TV is now mounted on the wall.
Tips
- Avoid drilling holes to run cables along electrical outlets or TV cables on the wall, as you might accidentally drill into them.
- Purchasing in-wall rated cables (type 2 or 3) can save time and money if you don’t plan to relocate the TV.
- You can also use a metal coat hanger to guide cables through holes.
- To hide cables, create a hole behind the TV mounting location and another near the baseboard.
- Having someone assist you in holding the bracket and lifting the TV makes the process much easier.
- Mount the TV above a wall power outlet to avoid installing a new one.
- TV power cords are essentially electrical wires and do not interfere with video cables.
- The easiest way to locate wall studs is by using a stud finder.
Warnings
- In-wall TV wiring systems, as shown in the image, are unsafe as they may not comply with structural and fire safety regulations.
- Ensure the TV is securely mounted and won’t fall after installation.
- Electrical wires and conduits may be inside the wall, so drill carefully.
- Use appropriate in-wall rated cables for concealing wires.
Things You’ll Need
- Drill/screwdriver set and wrench
- Screwdriver
- Level
- Utility knife (if hiding cables)
- Metal coat hanger/wire
- Stud finder
