How To Mount a TV on Wall

Mounting a TV to the wall can offer a subtle, yet effective way of elevating and decluttering an entertaining space without having to make many permanent changes. 

Before mounting a TV, it's important to consider factors like the type of TV mount, where you'll place it, and the wall type you have.

Before you start drilling holes in the wall, there are a few key things you need to know that will help tell you how and what to use to mount a TV.

• Know what size you need: All TVs and mounts use the VESA standard, which standardizes the hole pattern on the back of the TV used to bolt the mounting frame to the TV. Consult the TV owner's manual to get the exact VESA size needed. 
• Identify the wall type: Most walls are drywall, which is backed by wood or metal vertical studs. The TV cannot be mounted to the drywall alone — it must be secured into the studs. 
• Picking the right TV mount: TV mounts come in different styles, and which one you pick depends on what's best for your space. Fixed mounts simply mount the TV to the wall with no movement.
• Determine where you want to mount your TV: Consider how you like to watch TV to select the best place. Keep in mind the location of the closest electrical outlet and the studs inside the wall. 

How to mount a TV on the wall

1. Mark the studs. Using the stud finder, find the studs in the area you want to mount the TV and mark the center point of each one. Studs are typically 2 inches wide and 16 inches apart, measuring from the center point. Some walls have studs 24 inches apart. The center point of a stud is where you'll drill the holes.
2. Tape the mount template to the wall. Use a level to make sure the template is straight. TV wall mounts come with a template that indicates the size and location of the holes to drill. You will want to drill four holes in total. The holes on the template must be placed over the centers of the studs, so this will dictate where the TV can be mounted. If the stud locations don't correspond to exactly where you want the TV to go, you can offset the mounting holes — that's why there are multiple hole options on the template. You can also adjust where you mount the hardware on the back of the TV.
3. Drill the holes. Using the drill bit size suggested by the TV mount instructions, drill into the four marked hole locations on the template. Drill in about 2 inches, through the drywall, and about an inch into the stud. For a wooden stud you don't want to drill the full screw length, just create a pilot hole to guide the screw. If you're not mounting to drywall, drill a hole the depth of the anchor then insert the anchors into the holes you have drilled. Always double-check the location of the holes before drilling. Once you've drilled the holes, remove the template,

With the proper tools, a friend to help, and the instructions that come with a TV mount, you too can mount a TV on the wall. Make sure the mount and TV are compatible by matching the VESA numbers. Always measure twice before drilling holes and always remember the TV can never be just mounted to the drywall, it needs to be secured to the studs inside the wall. If the studs aren't exactly where you want the TV to go, simply offset the mount using the paper template that comes with the mounting bracket.

Because of the weight of a wall-mounted TV, and the danger to pets and people should it fall, correct mounting is critical. If you have any doubts about any part of the process or your ability to follow the directions included with the TV mount exactly, call a professional TV mounter to help you out.