In this day and age, it is rare to find a television that is not a flat screen. In fact, many modern TVs come with “smart TV” features such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity along with all of the traditional options for cable and video input, so they essentially operate as an extension of your computer system. No matter how you use your flat-screen TV, you will want to exercise care when mounting it on the wall.
Step No. 1: Find the studs.
The first step to successfully installing your new flat-screen TV is to find the studs in your wall. The studs are much stronger and more stable than the drywall, so you will want to make sure that your TV is attached to a stud when you mount it on the wall. The easiest way to do this is to use a stud finder, but if you have experience with other home improvement projects, you will probably be able to find the studs just by knocking on the wall. Another easy way to find studs is to measure 16″ from the corner of the room. This is likely the location of the first stud, and you will be able to find studs in 16″ increments from there (assuming your house is built to code).
Step No. 2: Choose a high-quality bracket.
You will need to attach the brackets to the back of your flat-screen TV before you mount it on the wall, so make sure that the brackets you have chosen are high quality and appropriate for the size and shape of your TV. A good wall mount will run you between $50 and $60, a small price to pay for a sturdy resting place for your TV. Most TVs have three or four holes in the back where you will screw in the wall mount, so double-check that the TV and bracket are compatible before you purchase anything.
Step No. 3: Remove the base of the TV.
Many flat-screen TVs come with the option to either mount them or leave them sitting on a shelf or TV stand. If your TV has a base already attached, you will need to remove the base when you attach the brackets to your TV.
Step No. 4: Keep the TV screen protected while you are installing the brackets.
You will need to keep the TV safe and stable while you attach the brackets, and the easiest way to do this is by protecting the screen with a soft cloth. If you choose to go this route, carefully lay the TV face down on the cloth before you begin attaching the brackets. However, some manufacturers recommend leaving the TV upright (this is more common with plasma screen TVs), so make sure that you read the owner’s manual before beginning the work.
Step No. 5: Drill holes in your wall that match the bracket.
Do not try to make holes in your stud/drywall with just the mounting screws. Drill holes ahead of time, and then screw the wall mount into those holes. This will be much easier and foolproof than trying to combine the steps.
If you are trying to hide the TV cords in the wall, you will want to drill those holes now as well. Your mounting bracket should have a square hole you can line up with for this step. You will then want to cut a matching hole in the wall about a foot from the floor. The TV cords will go in the top hole (through the bracket) and out the bottom hole.
Step No. 6: Mount your TV.
Carefully line up the holes in your TV bracket with the holes in the wall mount. Bolt your TV bracket to the wall mount, tightening the bolts carefully. Exercise caution when releasing the TV and make sure that the bracket will hold.
Once your TV is up on the wall, you will be ready to watch all of your favorite programs.
