Flat Screen TV: How to Mount on a Wall in 8 Easy Steps

Mounting a flat screen TV on a wall is a great way to save space and create a stylish, modern look in your home. While it may seem intimidating, installing a wall mount is actually quite easy as long as you follow these 8 simple steps.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Supplies

Before starting any installation, you’ll need to make sure you have all the right tools and materials on hand. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Tools

  • Power drill
  • Drill bits
  • Stud finder
  • Level
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Screwdrivers
  • Socket wrench set
  • Safety goggles

Hardware

  • TV wall mount bracket
  • Lag bolts
  • Washers
  • Concrete anchors (if mounting onto concrete)

Cables

  • HDMI cable
  • Power cable

Once you have all these supplies ready, you can move onto choosing the installation location.

Step 2: Choose the Installation Location

When deciding where to mount your flat screen TV, there are a few key factors to consider:

Viewing Distance

Your TV should be a far enough distance from your viewing position(s) for comfortable viewing. Here are some general guidelines:

  • 32” TV: 3-5 feet away
  • 43-49” TV: 4-7 feet away
  • 50-59” TV: 5-8 feet away
  • 60-69” TV: 6-9 feet away
  • 70”+ TV: 8-11 feet away

Of course, preferences vary so adjust to your liking.

Height

The center of your TV should be at eye-level when you’re seated, to avoid straining your neck. An ideal height is:

  • Seated eye level: Bottom of screen ~18-24 inches from floor
  • Standing eye level: Bottom of screen ~36-60 inches from floor

Use a tape measure to determine the right height.

Layout

Make sure your seating arrangement allows for comfortable TV viewing without glare from lamps or windows. Mark the layout with tape.

Step 3: Find the Wall Studs

Wall studs provide the solid backing needed to securely mount your TV bracket. Here’s how to locate them:

Use a Stud Finder

Slide an electronic stud finder horizontally across your wall until it detects and marks the stud edges. Mark these edges with pencil.

Check Visually

Inspect your wall for drywall nails/screws that may indicate stud placement. Mark any you see.

Validate with a Nail

As a final check, use a thin nail to probe the possible stud areas. If your nail hits solid wood, mark as a stud edge.

Step 4: Mark the Mounting Holes

Now that you know your desired TV location and the best spots to secure lag bolts into studs, it’s time to mark where holes need to be drilled.

Measure and Level

Use a level and tape measure to determine:

  1. Stud centers
  2. Desired TV height
  3. Bracket height needed to align with your TV’s back mounting holes
  4. Exact bracket placement centered on the studs

Use a pencil to make light marks.

Double Check

Have a friend visually confirm all your height and layout measurements before committing to drilling.

Step 5: Drill Pilot Holes

With your measurements triple checked and mounting holes marked, it’s nearly time to screw in the bracket. But first, some pilot holes will make this easier and prevent wood splitting.

Use Correct Drill Bit Size

The drill bit should be slightly narrower than your lag bolt diameter. Here’s a guide:

  • 1/4” bolt = 3/16” pilot hole
  • 3/8” bolt = 5/16” pilot hole
  • 1/2” bolt = 3/8” pilot hole

Drill Pilot Holes

Set your power drill to a low speed setting. Positioning it perpendicular to the wall, gently drill pilot holes at each marking. Drill slowly and carefully until you hit solid stud.

Vacuum Wall and Check Holes

Use a vacuum to clean your wall since drilling creates a lot of debris. Insert lag bolts into each hole to confirm they are drilled straight and deep enough.

Step 6: Mount the TV Bracket

With your holes neatly prepped, it’s time to mount that bracket! Proceed carefully and methodically.

Prepare Bracket and Hardware

Separate your bolts, washers and tools so they’re easily accessible. Read your bracket manual to understand how it should align.

Position Bracket

Align your bracket’s holes with the pilot holes you drilled and insert a bolt/washer combo into each hole.

Tighten Bolts

Use your socket wrench to tighten each bolt in an alternating crisscross sequence so the tension is even. Make them very snug.

Double Check Alignment

Confirm your bracket is visually level by setting the bubble level both vertically and horizontally across it. Adjust as needed.

Step 7: Mount and Connect TV

The messy work is done! Mounting your TV is the fun, easy part.

Lift TV

With a friend, carefully lift your TV and position its back mounting holes over the bracket arms.

Slide TV Down

Slide the TV down onto the arms until its weight is fully secured. You should hear clicking sounds.

Connect Cables

Connect your HDMI cable and power cord to the appropriate TV ports so your entire setup is ready to enjoy.

Step 8: Safety and Function Checks

Before fully securing your TV in place, do some final safety and function tests.

Confirm Stability

Gently attempt to slide the TV left/right and tilt it forward/back to check the bracket doesn’t allow movement.

Check Visibility

Power on your TV and ensure you have a crisp picture/signal from your viewing position without glare issues.

Adjust Height or Location if Needed

Use integrated bracket height adjustments or shims if you need to change the placement slightly.

Tighten Wall Plate Safety Screws

These prevent accidental TV sliding/lifting off the arms. Tighten them with a screwdriver.

And that’s it! By following these 8 methodology steps for safely mounting a TV bracket, positioning your TV, drilling proper pilot holes, securely installing lag bolts into studs, lifting your TV onto the arms, and verifying ideal visibility, you can now enjoy your perfectly wall-mounted flat screen TV!

Ready to install your wall mount and start streaming? Just follow these 8 clearly-defined steps from start to finish. With the right tools, careful measurement, and help from a friend, you’ll have your flat screen perfectly mounted in just a few hours.

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