How to Hang a TV on a Wall

Are you looking for information on how to mount a TV on a wall? This article will go over everything you need to know about how to wall mount a TV, along with a step-by-step guide and a list of the tools and materials that you’ll need to complete the job.

What Tools Do I Need to Mount a TV on a Wall?

Below is a list of the tools you’ll need when hanging a TV on the wall:

• Drill
• Drill bits
• Spanner or socket wrench
• Spirit level
• Screwdriver

What Safety Equipment Do I Need to Hang a TV on a Wall?

Below is a list of the safety equipment that you’ll need to hang a TV on the wall, especially when drilling holes:

• Safety glasses
• Protective gloves
• Dust mask

What Materials Do I Need to Install a TV on the Wall?

Here is a list of the materials you’ll need to fix your TV to the wall:

• TV bracket
• Wall plugs
• Fixing screws
• Washers
• Bolts

How to Prepare for a Wall Mount TV Installation

Start preparing for installing your TV onto the wall by tapping the wall to determine if it's solid brick, plaster, or drywall in order to establish the type of material you’re fixing the bracket on. Ensure the brackets are suitable for the type of wall, for example plasterboard alone may require additional reinforcements.

Before drilling, always check for any live electrical wires behind the wall (and potential plumbing) to avoid any unwanted accidents or damage. If you're unsure, a qualified electrician can help safely detect any live electricity lines.

You should also make sure beforehand that there is someone nearby who can help you lift the TV onto the wall bracket when the time comes.

How to Hang a TV on a Wall Yourself

The step-by-step guide below highlights the best method for hanging a TV on a solid wall. It’s important to note that every wall bracket is different, so you should be sure to keep checking your manufacturer’s instructions while completing the job.

If you're not confident to hang the TV yourself, then you could hire a local handyman, although make sure they have experience in doing so before agreeing to pay them for the job.

Step 1

Start by putting the wall mount up against the wall and put a marking on the wall through one of the top fixing holes.

Step 2

Then, remove the bracket and check the wall using a pipe and cable detector to ensure there are no obstacles in the wall before you drill your holes in.

Step 3

Once you’re sure there aren’t any pipes or cables hidden behind the wall, you can then drill a hole through the wall where you just marked and insert a wall plug into the hole.

Step 4

You can then replace the wall bracket against the wall where you held it previously and insert the first fixing screw into the hole you have just drilled.

You don’t need to screw this all the way in just yet, as you need to get the bracket level and mark the other fixing holes before you can secure it properly to the wall.

Step 5

Place a spirit level on top of the bracket and adjust it as necessary until it is completely level.

Step 6

Once you’re happy that it’s level, you can then mark the other fixing holes ready for drilling.

Step 7

You will then need to move the bracket out of the way. You may not necessarily need to remove it completely from the wall, as you should be able to just tilt it out of the way so that you can drill your holes.

Step 8

Drill the rest of the holes according to your markings and insert wall plugs into each of the new holes.

Step 9

You can now insert the rest of the fixing screws and tighten them all up. Check once again that the bracket is completely level before moving on to the next step.

Step 10

Next, take your TV and remove the existing mounting bolts from the back. Attach the bracket arms to the back of your TV, securing them with the appropriate VESA screws (these should either have been supplied with your TV or as part of a wall mount kit). Make sure all screws are firmly secured, but avoid over-tightening to prevent damage.

Step 11

If your TV is still resting on its stand, now is the time to unscrew the stand and remove it.

Step 12

Next, you want to plug all of the cables into the TV before lifting it onto the bracket.

Step 13

When lifting it onto the bracket, you should have someone to help you as TVs can be heavy, and it can sometimes take a few adjustments before the TV slots into the correct place.

Step 14

Once your TV has been lifted into place onto the bracket, if the bracket contains a safety bar, this should then be inserted into place to prevent the TV from being able to come away from the wall.

Types of TV Wall Mounts

There are two main types of wall mount – a fixed wall mount and a moveable wall mount. The best TV wall mount for you will depend on your personal preference and whether you wish to move the TV around or not. Below is some information on each wall mount type:

Fixed Wall Bracket

This is the most common type of wall bracket, which is flat to the wall. This kind of bracket simply fixes the TV flat to the wall and doesn’t allow it to be moved around at all. This type of bracket is best if you are not interested in moving your TV to different angles and if you want a flush to the wall aesthetic. If you are looking to fix your TV flat to the wall without having the TV mount visible, then this is the best wall bracket for you.

Moveable TV Wall Mount

A moveable wall bracket is similar to a flat bracket, however, you can move it around to improve the viewing angle. There are three main types of moveable bracket – a swivel bracket that allows you to move the angle of the TV from side to side, a tilt bracket that allows you to move the viewing angle up and down, and a full-motion bracket that allows you to move your TV in all directions for the perfect viewing experience.

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