There are many advantages to installing your new TV on a wall mount. Among other things, this increases your available space and gives you better viewing angles.
However, without the proper tools or a clear strategy, installing your TV wall mount can be a real challenge. To avoid the risk of hurling a few harsh words in the process, you need expert advice!
Our installation specialists explain how to securely install a TV wall mount without risking damage to your TV or your wall.
Make sure your TV wall mount meets your needs
Before you even take out your toolbox, make sure that the TV wall mount you are about to install is really the right one for you.
For example, if your armchair or sofa is directly facing the wall on which you will be installing your mount, you can choose a fixed wall mount.
On the other hand, if your TV needs to be placed at an angle for a better view, be sure to install a swivel or full swing wall mount.
There are also tilt wall mounts, which are ideal when the TV is placed at an elevated position.
Finally, if you are considering installing your TV on the ceiling, there are also ceiling mounts designed for this purpose!
Have the right tools on hand
If you want to achieve a professional result without injuring yourself or spending the entire weekend setting it up, you should make sure you have some tools at your disposal before you start installing your TV wall mount.
To make your project easier, you should have these tools:
- Drilling machine
- Screwdriver
- Pencils
- Level
- Stud finder
Carefully choose where you will install your TV wall mount
The location of your wall mount should consider more than design. If you install it anywhere, you may have unpleasant surprises and have to move it soon afterwards.
You should take some things into account before drilling your walls.
Consider your wiring needs
You will probably connect your TV to other electronic equipment (Blu-ray player, AV receivers, etc.) to a power outlet. Try to place your stand close to these to limit the length of the connections.
The right height will prevent discomfort
If you attach your wall mount too high, you may experience neck discomfort after a few hours of viewing. This is why you should think about installing it at a height where you can look naturally and effortlessly.
Be sure to locate the studs
You don't want to go home and find your new OLED television smashed on the ground because the screws that were supposed to hold the stand in place came loose from the drywall. This is why you need to make sure that the screws you use are firmly set into a solid material.
The best way to make sure that the anchors are secure is to use a stud finder and screws of a good length. If you take the time to mark the areas where you can screw and reach a stud, you will slightly limit your placement possibilities, but you will have peace of mind!
Consider the surface on which the wall mount will be installed
You should also consider the characteristics of the surface where your TV wall mount will be installed.
For example, if you want to install it on a brick wall, you will have to use plugs with lag screws instead of conventional screws.
Make sure you don't underestimate the strength of some materials. Use a solid drill bit if you want to drill through a concrete wall!
Finally, remember that certain elements of the building mechanics could pass behind the wall. You don't want to electrocute yourself or cause water damage when you install your TV wall mount.
Steps to prevent your TV wall mount or TV set from coming loose
Now that you know exactly where you will attach your TV wall mount, it's time to get to work. Here is how to proceed strategically and securely fix your TV wall mount to make sure you do not get lost.
1. Mark the pilot holes
A failed mount installation can leave marks that are difficult to hide on a wall. You should always mark the exact locations where the holes will be drilled to avoid mistakes.
Once you have located the studs, get the TV stand base and a level. Align the holes in the base with the studs and mark the points where they intersect, while keeping the mount levelled. Mark these locations visibly. You can even drill a small hole at these points to make it easier for the screw to go in.
2. Install the TV mount to the wall
Once the pilot holes have been drilled, it is time to secure the base of your TV mount to the wall. Align it with the pilot holes and secure it with the screws and spacers that are usually supplied with the mount.
At this point, it may be a good idea to have someone hold the mount in place so that you can use both hands and screw perpendicular to the wall with ease. Note that this step is much more efficient on your forearms if you have a drill rather than a screwdriver!
3. Attach the mounting plate to the back of the TV
The mounting plate is used to distribute the weight of your TV as evenly as possible.
Modern TVs normally have specially designed holes for mounting on a stand into which you can screw the plate.
4. Attach the mounting plate to the wall mount
The last step is to attach the mounting plate to the base of the wall bracket already screwed to the wall. This varies depending on the type of TV wall mount you chose.
Once the TV has been secured to its mount, test the hinges of the mount.
Fillion Électronique: your AV equipment installation partner
In conclusion, with a little prep work and the right tools, installing a TV wall mount should take about 2 hours. However, you should know that the installation process can vary depending on the TV mount model.
In any case, if you prefer to avoid manual tasks, hire experts to do this for you. They will guarantee that the installation is solid and neat.
Contact the Fillion Électronique team for a professional TV wall mount installation service. Trained directly by audiovisual electronics manufacturers, they are always on the cutting edge of audiovisual integration.
