article

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.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


Replacing Your Washing Machine

With moving parts, water and dirt, washing machines perform some tough work.

Double up! Stylish Solutions For Shared Bedroom Spaces

Fitting multiple kids in a house can be challenging, and when they have to double - or tripl - up (or more!) in one room, style can take a hit.

How To Cut Your Costs Building A Pool

Having a pool can be one of the most enjoyable parts of homeownership, but building it can be an expensive undertaking. "If you're planning to install a pool, be prepared to open your wallet," said US News. "PK Data reports that the average cost of a residential in-ground swimming pool was $39,084 last year."

Maintaining Your Hot Water Heater

Water heaters generally have a lifespan of 8-12 years, but as with anything, the better care you take of it, the longer it will last. There are several easy "set it and forget it" tips that you can use with your water heater, like keeping the thermostat at 120 degrees, and always maintain two feet of clearance around the appliance. You can also conserve money on your gas bill by setting your heater to its "vacation" setting when leaving town. This will keep the pilot light going without heating the water.

7 Rules for Choosing The Right Area Rug

You just moved into your new home. You've purchased the perfect furniture and accessories. You even found the perfect area rug to add to your hardwood floors, but you're totally stumped on which size to buy.

8 Ways to Love Your Small Space More

When we run stories on living in homes with petite proportions, you often tell us, "Small? You should see my house!" Because we aim to please, we've rounded up some of the tiniest rooms on Houzz, picking those that pack plenty of ideas and function into a small space. We think that these are indisputably compact. But, more important, do you?

Follow These Steps Before Starting Your Kitchen Remodel

If your kitchen is looking a bit dated, consider a remodel to upgrade its efficiency and looks. Here's a quick guide to planning your kitchen update:

Is Your Furnace Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality?

The push to make our houses as energy-efficient as possible has, in some cases, led to unintended consequences. Because modern houses are less drafty due to tighter-fitting windows, doors and weather stripping, pollutants that were vented in the past are trapped inside. Most of the pollutants are relatively harmless, but some can be dangerous, and they all contribute to what some people call "sick house syndrome."

Expert Advice for Styling Beautiful Home Photography

Annette Joseph shares her tips for styling beautiful home photography and finding the soul of a room.

How To Design An Entryway That Fits Your Need

It's easy to think you need to live like a robot to have a beautiful home, but that's not the case! The design for your home should always support your unique lifestyle. Designing a house that embraces your life and look is easy: Notice how you live.

See More Articles