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Home repairs

How to Mount a TV on the Wall (Studs or Anchors)

  • 1 h 30 min
  • Easy
  • 7 steps
  • 10 tools
  • 3 parts
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A tape measure stretches across the four VESA holes on the TV's back, horizontally then vertically, and the numbers line up with the mount's label.

Step 1 of 7 Match the mount to your TV

Short answer

Check that the mount fits your TV's weight and hole pattern, find and confirm the studs, mark and drill pilot holes, bolt the wall plate to the studs, fit the brackets to the TV, then lift it on with a helper, lock it and check it.

Safety first

DIY friendly

Do these before step 1.

  • DANGERWires or pipes may run behind the wall. Avoid spots right above or below outlets and switches. Stop drilling if you hit anything odd.
  • DANGERNever run the TV's power cord inside the wall. It is a fire risk. Use a proper in-wall power kit fitted by an electrician.
  • WARNINGTVs are heavy and awkward. Use a helper to lift it. Never hang it alone.
  • WARNINGCheck the TV weight and VESA pattern against the mount's label before you drill anything.
  • WARNINGWear safety glasses and a dust mask when drilling. Drywall dust harms eyes and lungs.
  • WARNINGDo not stand under the TV while it is being lifted. Keep both hands on it until it is locked.
  • NOTICEUse only the screws and spacers that fit your TV. Wrong ones can crack the TV's back or fall out.
  • NOTICEAnchors or toggles are only for fixed or tilt mounts, and only if the mount maker rates them for your TV's weight. Never use them for a full-motion arm.

Stop and call a pro or the dealer if

  • the stud finder or nail shows no solid stud where the plate needs to go, and the mount maker rates no anchors for your TV and mount type
  • the wall is brick, concrete, or plaster over metal studs
  • you hit a wire or pipe while drilling or feel anything odd
  • the TV is heavier than the mount's rating, or the VESA pattern does not fit
  • the mount is a full-motion arm and you can't reach the studs

Mechy's guides help, but they don't replace the maker's manual, your training or your site's rules. If something doesn't match what you see, stop and check.

Tools

Tick what you have. In the app, Mechy ticks the ones it can see in your photos.

Parts and supplies

  • 1×TV wall mount with hardware kitRated above the TV weight; fits the TV's VESA patternCheck before you buy
  • 2×Lag bolts (supplied with mount)As in the mount kit; use every hole the instructions call forCheck before you buy
  • 4×TV screws and spacers (supplied)One per VESA hole; thread and length per the TV manualCheck before you buy Size chart

Steps

  1. A tape measure stretches across the four VESA holes on the TV's back, horizontally then vertically, and the numbers line up with the mount's label.

    Step 1 of 7

    Match the mount to your TV

    Find the VESA pattern (the square of 4 screw holes on the TV's back, in mm) and the TV's weight in its manual or label. Both must fit inside the range printed on the mount's label. If either does not, stop.

    A mount rated below the TV's weight can fail and drop it.

    Mount rating: Must exceed the TV weight Check it against your manual.

    Tape measure

  2. A stud finder glides sideways along the wall, a pencil marks the edges, and a thin bit pushes into the centre mark and stops at solid wood.

    Step 2 of 7

    Find and confirm the studs

    Slide the stud finder slowly across the wall and mark each edge, then the centre. Confirm by pushing a small nail or thin bit into the drywall at a spot the plate will hide. Wood resists; hollow does not. Mark the stud edges.

    Avoid spots near outlets or switches. Pipes and wires often run there.

    Stud spacing (US homes): Usually 16 in, sometimes 24 in, centre to centre Check it against your manual.

    Stud finder, Small nail or thin drill bit, Pencil

  3. The wall plate sits against the wall, a level on top moves until the bubble centres, and a pencil dots each slot over the stud lines.

    Step 3 of 7

    Pick the height and mark the holes

    Seat the middle of the screen at about eye level when you sit. Hold the wall plate on the wall with its holes over the stud centres. Set the level on top, wait for the bubble to centre, then mark every hole you will use.

    Plate: Level, with holes over stud centres Check it against your manual.

    Spirit level, Pencil, Tape measure

  4. The drill with its bit pushes straight into each pencil mark, through the drywall and into the stud, then backs out with a spiral of dust.

    Step 4 of 7

    Drill the pilot holes

    Fit the bit size the mount's instructions give. Put tape on the bit at the lag bolt length. Drill straight and level through the drywall into the stud centre to the tape. Vacuum the dust.

    Stop if the bit hits metal or goes in with no resistance. Check what is behind.

    Bit size: Per the mount's instructions Check it against your manual.

    Drill/driver, Drill bit for pilot holes

  5. The ratchet turns each lag bolt clockwise through the wall plate into the stud until the plate sits flat and tight.

    Step 5 of 7

    Bolt the wall plate to the studs

    Hold the plate over the holes and drive each lag bolt (a heavy screw with a hex head) by hand with the socket wrench until snug and the plate does not move. Stop there. Check the level again.

    Do not overtighten or finish with the drill. It strips the wood in the stud.

    Lag bolts: Snug, not forced Check it against your manual.

    Socket wrench or ratchet, Spirit level

  6. A screwdriver turns each screw clockwise through a bracket and spacer into a VESA hole on the TV's back until the bracket is flat and tight.

    Step 6 of 7

    Fix the brackets to the TV

    Lay the TV screen-down on a soft blanket. Pick screws of the right thread and length from the kit, adding spacers if the back is curved or recessed. Start each screw by hand, then snug it with the Phillips screwdriver.

    A screw that is too long can crush the TV's insides. Test it by hand first.

    Screws: Thread and length per the TV manual Check it against your manual.

    Phillips screwdriver

  7. Two people raise the TV, the brackets hook over the top of the wall plate, the TV settles down, and the lock pin slides into place.

    Step 7 of 7

    Lift on, lock, and check

    Plug in the cables first if the TV won't be reachable later. With a helper, lift the TV and hook the brackets onto the plate. Engage the lock or safety pins. Check the level, then pull firmly down and out to be sure it is secure. Re-check after a day.

    Both people keep hands on the TV until it is locked.

    Spirit level

Common mistakes

  • Drilling without confirming a stud or checking for wires and pipes.
  • Using a mount whose rating or VESA range does not fit the TV.
  • Overtightening lag bolts and stripping the stud.
  • Using screws that are too long and damaging the TV.
  • Lifting the TV alone or not engaging the lock.

Questions

How do I install a TV on a wall?

Check that the mount fits your TV's weight and VESA pattern, find and confirm studs, bolt the wall plate into them, fix the brackets to the TV, then hang it with a helper and lock it.

Can I mount a TV without studs?

Only with anchors or toggles that the mount maker rates for your TV's weight and mount type. Never use them for a full-motion arm.

What is a VESA pattern?

It is the square or rectangle of four screw holes on the TV's back, measured in millimetres. The mount must support that pattern.

How high should I hang my TV?

Put the middle of the screen near eye level when you are seated.

Can I hide the power cord in the wall?

Not the TV's own cord. Use an in-wall power kit fitted by an electrician.

Updated

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