TV mounting: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What tv mounting is

TV mounting fixes a television bracket to a wall securely, finds the studs, routes the cables and hangs the set at a comfortable viewing height. Some people also want the wires hidden inside the wall, which brings in electrical work for the outlet.

Signs you need it

  • You want the TV on the wall and off the stand, and the wall has no mount yet
  • The wall is drywall, plaster, brick or tile, and you are not sure what will hold the bracket
  • You want the cables hidden in the wall, behind a cover or in a recessed box
  • The old mount is loose, bent or not rated for the TV's size and weight
  • You are moving a TV to a new room and want it hung at the right height

What the pro does

  • Check the TV's weight and the mount's rating, and confirm the wall type and the stud locations
  • Mark the mounting height for comfortable viewing, and mark the bracket layout with a level
  • Locate the studs, or use wall anchors rated for the TV's weight, then drill pilot holes
  • Fix the wall plate to the studs or anchors with the correct lag bolts or screws
  • Hang the TV on the bracket, check that it is level, and tighten the locking hardware
  • Route and cover the cables, then test the picture and sound from the viewing position

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • TV size and weight, which set the bracket type and the number of fasteners
  • Wall type, such as drywall, plaster, brick, stone or tile, which changes the fastening method
  • Whether the TV must be mounted over a fireplace or in a corner, which needs a different bracket
  • Whether cables are hidden in the wall, and whether a new in-wall power outlet is needed
  • Number of components on the wall, such as a soundbar, media box or shelf
  • Whether an old mount or TV stand must be removed and the holes patched

What a written quote should spell out

  • The mount type and its weight rating, with the TV size it suits
  • Whether stud finding, anchors or toggle bolts are included
  • Cable routing, the cover and any in-wall box, listed as separate lines
  • Any in-wall outlet or power work, listed for the licensed electrician
  • Patching of old holes, listed separately
  • Warranty on the mount and labor, and what the manufacturer covers

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will the mount hold my TV's weight, and what rating does it carry?
  • How do you find the studs, and what anchors do you use if the wall has none?
  • What height will the TV sit at, and how did you choose it?
  • Can the cables go inside the wall, and who runs the power to the wall?
  • How do you patch the holes if I move the TV later?
  • Will the TV be level, and how do you check?
  • What warranty covers the mount and the labor?

Red flags

  • They mount a heavy TV with anchors that are not rated for the weight
  • They drill without finding the studs or checking for wires and pipes
  • They say the outlet behind the TV is fine without checking it
  • They leave the TV crooked or the bracket loose
  • They run cables into the wall without a cover or a plan for the power

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can choose the TV spot, check the mount's weight rating against the TV, and mark the studs with a stud finder. Drill only after checking for wires and pipes, and do not open an outlet or run power inside the wall yourself, because in-wall power is live electrical work. Call a pro for a heavy TV, a tile or brick wall, a fireplace mount, or any in-wall cable and power.

Licenses and permits

TV mounting is not commonly a licensed trade. Running power or adding an outlet inside the wall often needs a licensed electrician, and some areas require permits for in-wall work. Check with your state or local licensing agency and your local building office before that work.

TV mounting questions

Can I mount a TV on drywall without a stud?

Only with anchors rated for the TV's weight, and many TVs need stud support. Ask the installer to check the wall and the weight rating before you drill.

How high should the TV be mounted?

Many people set the center of the screen near seated eye level, though the right height depends on the seating and the room. Ask the installer to mark it with you before drilling.

Can the cables go inside the wall?

Often yes, but a power outlet inside the wall often needs a licensed electrician, and the cable must be rated for the wall. Ask the installer how the wall will be finished and patched.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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