Installing a Wall Mount TV, DIY or Call a Handyman?

TV Wall Mount

DIY Wall Mount TV

Installing a wall mount TV can be a challenge for most homeowners. The last thing you want is for your wall mount TV to come crashing down when your family is watching television. It is worth paying to get it done properly.
There are three basic types of wall mount TV brackets. Low- profile fixed mounts, tilting mounts and full-motion mounts. Most flat TVs are designed for wall mounting, but make absolutely sure yours is before you shop for a mount. Look for “VESA” (Video Electronics Standards Association) on the manual or the TV itself, followed by a number such as “VESA 75.” Any mount with the same VESA number will work with your TV. Also, consider wiring before you choose a mount. If you plan to run wiring inside your walls, the mount design may determine how and where you can install an outlet and cable connections.
It takes three people to position a wall mount TV, one to sit on the couch and two to hold the TV. When you’ve found the right height, measure from the bottom of the TV to the floor. The most common mistake people make when picking a spot for a TV is placing it too high. Looking up at the screen can give you a sore neck and a murky picture (especially if the TV mount doesn’t tilt). There is no “correct” height. A lot depends on the size of the room and the size of the TV. The farther back you can sit from the TV the less you have to tilt your head.
Next, you have to decide if you want to center it on the wall or where is the best position for everyone in the room to be able to see the TV. If the TV has a base plate then that needs to be removed and the mounting plate mounted on the back of the TV with the screws provided. The instructions will give measurements for mounting the bracket on the wall but the easy way is to mount all the brackets on the back of the TV. With the TV on the floor measure from the floor up to the mounting holes. Add to this the measurement from the floor to the bottom of the TV and mark the wall. With a stud finder locate the center of the studs and with a level locate the bracket on the wall and mark the bolt locations. It is a good idea to drill a pilot hole for the lag bolts so that you do not split the studs. The holes should be 1/8″ smaller than the lag bolts. If there are not enough studs to bolt into then you will have to use appropriate wall anchors.
Note before drilling holes in the wall where there are no studs check that there are no wires that you could hit.
Now that the bracket is on the wall you can hang the TV on it and tighten the locking screws so that it will not fall off.

About the Author: Stan The Ancaster Handyman

My name is Stanley McCall. I was born in Scotland and came to Canada when 11 years old. Growing up in Brantford my mother instilled in me the importance of having a career. I decided after working my summers in factories that I would rather work with my mind than labour in factories all my life. Because of that decision, I went to Mohawk College to get a career in Mechanical Design Drafting. I found that I have a skill for understanding design issues and designing solutions in my mind then conveying that on paper so that it could be built. Throughout my career, I have designed food processing equipment, case packaging equipment, paper mills, sawmills, printing presses and steel mill equipment. I ended my career working for a global consulting engineering company checking the designs and drawings of junior engineers who had engineering degrees but no experience conveying their designs on paper so that it could be built. While I was pursuing my career I raised a family, renovated three houses and did over 20 years of volunteer work as a director in charge of the maintenance of Mount Forest Camp. Unable to retire to a rocking chair in 2014 I started my business as The Ancaster Handyman. Many people have said to me that it is hard to find a good handyman. I decided that I would be a good handyman and that it would be easy to find me and know that you have found a good handyman. To accomplish this I would have to be a good handyman, get lots of reviews and testimonials in as many places as possible on the internet so that no matter where people found me on the internet they would know that they have found a good handyman. Someone with integrity who they could trust to do a good job and could rely on to give them sound advice. Proof that I have accomplished this is seen in the fact that I have been recognized by Trusted Pros to be the best handyman in Ancaster for three years now. I am also a lifetime member of ACHP (The Association of Certified Handyman Professionals". I am Ancaster's only Certified Profesional Handyman. To be a member of ACHP you have to be committed to running an ethical business. If I say I can do a job you can trust me to do a good job. If I didn't feel I could do a good job I would refer you to someone else. If you want a cover-up job so that you can sell your house you have found the wrong handyman. I do not do cover-up jobs. My reputation and membership in ACHP is too important to risk over making a quick buck.

2 Comments

Shane April 5, 2020 at 12:22 pm - Reply

Yes! It’s worth paying for a installation and calling a handyman. In order to avoid crashing or any accidental damage due to falling, proper installation is a must. My friend had to face this situation! What happens if 3 people are not available. Also, how to check if there is no wire hidden?
- Stan The Ancaster Handyman April 6, 2020 at 10:56 pm - Reply
  
  Hi Shane
  If you don’t have three people you get the client to tell you when you are holding the TV where he wants it then you get him to give you a measurement. To check for wires I have a stud finder that detects wires.

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