How to Hang LCD TV and Plasma TV on A Wall

So you have just purchased a new flat-screen TV and now it's time to mount it on the wall. This might seem like a daunting task but at first in this how-to guide we have broken the process down into some easy-to-follow steps.

TV Mounts Under $100:

Atlantic Inc Thin Fixed TV Wall Mount for 25" to 37" Flat Screen TV	Atlantic Inc Medium Full Motion Articulating TV Mount in Matte Black	Atlantic Inc Large Titling TV Mount in Matte Black	Sonax TV Motion Wall Mount 10-32 Inches

Where to Place Your TV?

Many magazines show design plans that feature the TV over the fireplace. This sure does look great but it might not be the best position for you. One problem is that this means that the TV is mounted quite a bit higher than normal which can cause neck strain. Another potential issue is the fireplace itself. A real fireplace with a chimney won't have room for your wires and wall anchors. Some TVs also react poorly to the heat. If you are at all unsure about your TV's safety requirements, it might be wise to place the TV elsewhere.

If you can, choose an interior wall over an exterior wall. There won’t be as many obstructions for the electrical wiring. Make sure the interior wall you choose has a lot of free space, just in case you want to mount speakers sometime in the future. In general, it is also a good idea to keep the TV at eye level but this will differ from application to application. A rule-of-thumb for seated applications is that the center of the screen should be about 40”-45” from the floor.

If you are viewing TV primarily from bar height seating in the kitchen you will need a different height than if you are viewing a TV from your sofa in the living room. You will also need to consider factors such as power (is there an electrical outlet nearby?) as well as look for anything nearby that might cause glare.

If you are reluctant to put holes in your walls, take a look through our selection of TV stands and entertainment centers that offer the look of a wall mount without all the worry.

What Type of TV Wall Mount?

Take a look at the different kinds and decide which one is for you:

Low Profile TV Mount Bracket

These mounts are also called flat or flush mount brackets. These TV mounts stay in place and do not allow the TV to be moved in any direction. They also sit about 1 inch from the wall which make them great for spots with low clearance.

A flat mount TV bracket offers a sleek designer look but it can be a little more difficult to install than other mounts. The fixed mount also means it can be hard to access the back of your TV to manage your input adjustments. If you need to make cable changes or other adjustments, you might need to take the TV off of the mount.

Tilt TV Mount Bracket

The ability to tilt your TV up or down can help to prevent glare and create a more comfortable viewing position. A tilt TV mount bracket allows about 15 to 20 degrees of tilt in either direction, although there are models on the market that allow for even more. This is a popular choice for TVs mounted higher up on the wall (including over the fireplace) A tilt TV mount is also a great choice for the bedroom.

Swivel TV Mount Bracket

For the ultimate in flexible TV viewing, a swivel TV mount is the way to go. These models sit a bit farther away from the wall than the other two styles but they also offer the most flexibility. If you need your TV to be viewed from multiple vantage points then this is the style for you. Because of their flexible nature, these are also offer easy access to the back panel allowing you to switch components in and out with ease.

There are a few different kinds of swivel mounts: articulating arm brackets, full motion brackets and cantilever brackets. They generally all do the same thing. It all depends on what look you prefer.

Other Types of TV Mounts

Looking for something a bit more unique? There are many other types of brackets and mounts on the market including ceiling TV mounts, projector mounts and DVD mounts.

Popular TV Mounts:

Sanus VLT15-B1 37" - 65" Super Slim Tilt Flat Panel Mount	Sanus Full-Motion Wall Mount for up to 27" Flat Panel TV	Sonax E-5055-MP Tilting Flat Panel Wall Mount for 26" - 50" TVs

What Size of TV Mount to Choose?

The measurements of your TV will also dictate the type of TV mount that you can buy. It's extremely important to ensure that your mount is the correct size for the size and weight of your TV. If you are at all unsure, take the cautious route and speak to a professional before making your purchase.

Getting Ready to Install Your TV Mount

An average TV mount project will require the following tools:

• drill with a 3/16” bit
• socket set
• tape measure
• level
• hammer & nails
• utility knife
• electronic stud finder
• painter’s tape or post it notes
• screwdriver

Installing a Plasma or LCD TV Mount

It will probably take you between 1 and 2 hours to complete. The job will go a lot more smoothly if you have a friend or family member to help you. It's both safer and faster if you have one person to hold the bracket while the other one drills.

Before you start, make sure you read through the instructions of your mount and ensure you have all the proper tools and supplies.

This is a general guide to mounting your TV only. Your particular model might vary.

• Lay the TV face down on a soft surface (use a blanket if necessary). You don't want to scratch the surface.


• Check the back of your TV for 4 screws and then remove them. Sometimes they are covered with small plastic caps that you will need to remove first. If there is a stand attached to the frame, you will need to unbolt it.


• Attach the mounting arms to the mounting holes. Use the bolts provided with your mount kit. Try not to use a lot of force while threading the screws. You don’t want to damage them. Thread them with your fingers and use a screwdriver to tighten. Never use a power drill on your TV! Take your time and tighten the screws with your hands as far as they can naturally go.


• Once you are finished attaching the bracket, turn the TV over. It can be damaged if it is left face down for too long.


• Use an electronic stud finder (about $20 at the hardware store) to locate your studs. Confirm this by putting a nail in halfway. Remove your test nail and hammer in another nail about ½” on each side so you can determine the middle of the stud to get maximum support.


• Measure the distance between the top and bottom holes on each TV mounting arm. Mark two points in the center of each wall stud, corresponding to these holes. Use a level to ensure the mounting holes for each arm are even. Use painter's tape or a post-it that can be easily removed after you have finished.


• It's wise to do a second check at this point. Get someone to hold the mount in place while you quickly do a level check – you don’t want it to be crooked!


• Drill pilot holes for the wall bracket screws or bolts using a power drill.


• Attach the wall bracket plate to the wall using the screws or bolts provided with the wall mount kit. If the mount kit uses lag bolts, drive them in with a socket wrench. If you are using lag bolts, be sure to make them as tight as possible. Give the mount a pull to see if it’s a strong enough hold. (Note: Never use hollow wall anchors! They are not strong enough for this application.)


• Using the help of a friend, place your TV on the bracket and tighten any loose screws (if there are any). Usually this requires hooking the upper side of the bracket to the lip of the wall mount. If you have a flat TV mount, connect your wires before you lay the TV flat in place.


• Plug in your cables if you haven't already done so. Then it's time to sit back and enjoy your newly wall-mounted flat screen TV!

If you still have questions on your LCD TV or Plasma TV Mount just call our customer service team!