Tech Talk: TV Wall Mounts - DIY or Pro Install?
So you are going to get a new, bigger, better flat screen tv, and you decided this one is going on a wall. But you have never had your tv on a wall mount before. You know your friends have put up some of their own, so it cannot be rocket science. Do you do-it-yourself (diy) or pay for a professional to put it up for you? And if you do it yourself, where do you start?
For those of you without interest in DIY projects, there are several options for professional installation. If you are purchasing from vendors like Best Buy or Amazon, you can add on installation, including wall mounting with a starting cost of approximately $100 (the wall material and tv size may alter your pricing; check with installers for additional information).
Items needed: Measuring tape, pencil, screwdriver/drill, level (some wall mount kits include a small level or build one into the mount itself).
Steps
What is the size and weight of your TV? You will need this information to choose the correct wall mount. Pick a wall mount system that holds the specified total weight of your tv when it is free of the tv stand (most flat screen tv’s come with a removable stand to allow for wall mounting). Nearly all tv’s manufactured today can be attached to a VESA mount.
Determine the wall type where you want your tv mounted. If your walls are made of drywall, you are in luck, as most of the wall mounts commonly sold include the screws/bolts for mounting to drywall (make sure to check the included contents of the mount you are considering). If your walls are brick, plaster or something else, check with your local hardware store to ensure you are mounting using the appropriate items.
Measure your wall space, and then verify the width of your tv will fit within it. BTW, flat screen tv’s are advertised by the screen’s diagonal width, not the true width of the TV, which would also include any screen bezel/frame. Either consult your tv’s manual or measure to determine the width of your tv. Divide the wall space in half to find the wall’s center point (also determine how high you want the tv mounted above the floor and any counters you may have below where the tv will be mounted). Mark the center point in the wall with a pencil mark you will be able to find again. Hold the mount plate over the marked center point of where you want your tv, and use your level (or the included level in your mount kit) to mark the mount holes with your pencil.
After you have ensured you have the mount holes level on the wall, drill tap holes (holes smaller than your screws/bolts for your mount). Mount your wall mount plate on the wall.
Attach the mounting hangers on the back of your tv.
Hang the tv on the wall mount.
Connect wires, turn on your tv, and begin enjoying your efforts!