Mounting your TV on the wall can elevate your viewing experience while freeing up valuable floor space. Whether you’re in Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, or Burnaby, this guide will walk you through the process of mounting a TV safely and securely. And if you’d rather leave it to the pros, Microworks is here to help!
Contents
Step 1: Identify Your Wall Type
Before starting, determine the type of wall you’re dealing with:
- Drywall with wooden studs: This is the most common type and usually the easiest for mounting.
- Metal studs or loose masonry: If your wall falls into this category, you may need to install a plywood backer for additional support.
- Concrete or brick: This requires masonry drill bits and anchors designed for heavy loads.
Understanding your wall type ensures you choose the right tools and techniques for a safe installation.
Step 2: Choose the Right Mount for Your Needs
TV mounts come in three primary types:
- Full Motion Mounts: These allow the most flexibility, letting you tilt, swivel, and extend the TV. We recommend full-motion mounts for the ultimate viewing experience.
- Tilting Mounts: Ideal for reducing glare and offering slight vertical adjustments.
- Fixed Mounts: A simple, flush design for a sleek, no-frills look.
Step 3: Set The Height And Locate the Wall Studs
Before you locate the wall studs, find out where you want your TV. Once you know where you want the TV and where the studs are located, you can adjust the location of the TV slightly.
Height:
The standard for TV mounting is 42″ from the floor to the center of the TV. That said….
Most TV’s should be installed at eye level when sitting on your couch. At Microworks, we always find this to be a bit low, but here’s some things to consider:
-If above a fireplace, keep the TV as low as you can, as you don’t want to be craning your neck to watch a movie!
-If you’ll be watching the TV while standing up (ie from the kitchen), take that into account too.
-We like to lay the TV out in tape first, to see what feels comfortable (see the photo below)
For a secure installation, attach the mount to the studs behind the drywall. Here’s how to find them:
- Use a small magnet to locate the screws in the studs.
- Combine this with a stud finder to confirm their location.
Mark the edges of the stud to ensure you’re drilling into the center.
Step 4: Drill with Care
Drilling requires precision. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Inspect the hole as you drill: Pay attention to the material of the shavings.
- Wood: Light, flaky shavings are ideal.
- PVC: Smooth, plastic-like shavings indicate you’re hitting plumbing—stop immediately.
- Use a flashlight to inspect the hole to confirm you’re drilling into wood or masonry.
- Measure the drywall’s thickness at this stage to ensure your screws are long enough.
Step 5: Check Building Regulations
Before drilling, verify with your building management if modifications to the wall are permitted.
- Buildings with post-tensioned concrete or pre-tensioned walls may prohibit large holes for safety reasons. It’s always better to ask first.
Step 6: Mount the TV Bracket
Follow the instructions provided with your TV mount:
- Attach the wall bracket securely to the studs or masonry anchors.
- Most mounts allow you to rest the TV on the mount temporarily before tightening bolts. This makes final adjustments easier.
Step 7: Level and Adjust Your TV
Use a level to ensure the TV is straight. Adjust the mount as needed until everything is perfectly aligned. With full-motion mounts, you can tweak the TV’s position for optimal viewing angles.
At this point, you can take a few steps to ensure you viewing experience is the best it can be:
-Have an electrician give you a plug behind the TV to hide the power cable
-Have a Low Voltage specialist install a cable box behind your TV (if you’re still into cable in 2024!)
-Set up your TV by following the instructions and connecting your TV to wifi
Why Choose Microworks for Your TV Mounting Needs?
Mounting a TV is a rewarding DIY project, but it requires attention to detail and the right tools. If you’re in Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, or Burnaby and prefer professional assistance, Microworks is here for you!
Our experienced handymen handle everything from inspecting wall types to ensuring your TV is mounted securely and perfectly level.
Contact Microworks Today!
Ready to get started? Let us make your TV mounting project hassle-free. Reach out to Microworks today:
📞 [Your Phone Number]
📧 [Your Email Address]
🌐 [Your Website URL]
We’ll ensure your TV is mounted safely, securely, and with precision—so you can sit back and enjoy your favorite shows in style.
