TV Mounting Nashville can dramatically improve the look of any room. It also frees up your floor space for seating and other furniture items.

But don’t be fooled, mounting a TV requires a great deal of skill and effort. One wrong move and your TV will thud onto the floor.

Most homes are built with drywall, which is backed by wood vertical wall studs. To hold the weight of a TV, the mount must be secured into the studs. If you don’t install the mount into a stud, you risk damaging the wall and possibly the TV. The studs in most walls are spaced about 16 inches on center. For that reason, it’s a good idea to use a stud finder to locate the locations of the studs behind the drywall. This information will help you select a mount that’s designed for your specific wall.

After finding the location of the studs, you’ll need to mark them on the wall. For this, you can either use a pencil or a stud finder. We recommend using a stud finder, as it’s the most accurate tool for this job. A stud finder is an electrical tool that reads the magnetism of metal in the wall and tells you where the studs are located. It also gives you the depth of each stud so you can avoid drilling into wiring or pipes.

Using the stud finder’s results, locate the studs on the wall where you want to hang the TV. It’s important to find the EXACT center of each stud. If you don’t, you will be drilling through a metal plate that won’t support the weight of your TV.

Most wall mounts come with a template that indicates the size and location of the holes to drill into the wall. Before drilling, we recommend taping the template to the wall with painter’s tape. This will prevent you from ripping the paint off of the wall when you remove the template. Then, use a level to ensure the template is straight.

When drilling into a wall, it’s important to use a drill bit that matches the bolts included with your mount. For example, a wood bit will not work on metal studs. If you’re not sure what type of drill bit to use, consult your mount’s instructions or ask an expert at your local hardware store.

When you finish mounting the wall mount, it’s a good idea to lay the TV on it and secure it to the mount with the provided hardware. If the mount is heavy, we suggest having a friend hold it up so you can make adjustments as needed. Then, place the level on top of the TV to confirm it’s level before tightening all of the screws or bolts firmly.

TV Weight Requirements

When selecting a mount for your TV, consider the size and weight of both the TV itself and the mounting hardware. Failing to consider these factors can compromise stability and potentially lead to damage to the TV and/or mount during installation or operation of the system.

Selecting a mount that does not meet the size and weight requirements of your TV/Monitor can result in the mount sagging or failing mechanically during installation. Most manufacturers will specify the VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) mounting pattern specifications on the back of the TV and a corresponding mounting pattern on the mount, to ensure compatibility.

Not Considering Viewing Preferences and Room Layout

When assessing potential mounting locations, make sure to consider the room layout and seating arrangement to ensure optimal viewing experience. Take into account factors such as distance from seating area, natural light sources to minimize glare, and any other obstructions that may impact visibility.

Not Using the Correct Screw Size

When installing your TV wall mount, use the mounting kit provided to ensure the proper length screws are used for the project. Using the incorrect length screws could result in damage to your TV or mount, and will not be covered under any manufacturer’s warranty.

Not Following Mounting Instructions

It is important to carefully follow all mounting instructions to ensure the proper placement of the mount, and that it is securely fastened to the wall. Not following these guidelines can result in damage to the TV or mount, and can affect the overall functionality and aesthetic of your home entertainment setup.

Not Understanding VESA Compatibility

Whenever you are choosing a mount for your TV, make sure it meets the VESA (Video Electronics Standards Assoc.) mounting pattern specifications on the back of the television and the corresponding mounting hole pattern on the mount. This will prevent the mount from sagging or failing during installation and operation of the system.

When mounting a TV/Monitor on a hollow wall, be aware that total weight limitations of about 100 pounds will apply. You will need to use a toggle bolt system rather than just drywall screws when mounting heavy equipment like this.

Mounting Hardware

Whether you are installing a wall mount or a ceiling mounted TV, the right mounting hardware will be necessary to ensure your project is completed correctly and that the TV can be securely attached. Most mounting kits will include fasteners, but if the kit you purchased does not have them, be sure to purchase them separately. Different mounts are constructed of various materials, so it is important to check the user’s manual for your television and mount to determine the exact weight requirements. You may also want to invest in a stud finder to locate the wood studs behind your drywall.

After you have the stud location and weight requirements figured out, it is time to start working on the actual mounting installation. First, the wall bracket needs to be secured to the studs in the wall. This is best done with a drill, though a screwdriver or ratchet can be used as well. It is a good idea to use a variable speed drill when drilling into drywall to avoid stripping the screws.

Once the wall bracket is firmly attached to the studs, it is time to attach the mounting plate to the TV. It is a good idea to ask for help at this point, as the mounting plate will need to be aligned with the VESA mount holes on the back of the TV chassis. Then, the lower nuts will need to be tightened.

If you want to keep your wires neat and tidy, some mounts will offer cable management solutions that include clips, sleeve, or channels. This will allow you to hide unsightly cables, giving your TV a cleaner look.

When you are finished, it is a good idea to have a friend test the TV by pushing on it or rotating it to make sure everything is secure and level. If there is any wiggle or rattling, it is time to tighten the screws a bit more. If you are not comfortable working with power tools or don’t have the energy to take on this DIY project, Puls professional TV installers will mount your TV for you. They will bring all the tools needed and can handle a wide range of TV mounting scenarios.

Wire Management

The last thing you want after mounting your TV is a tangled mess of cords and wires. To keep your space looking sleek, invest in a cable concealer or kit to run power, HDMI and other low-voltage cables behind the wall without tripping over them. A SANUS Ultimate in-wall cable management system offers up to 8’ of length to hide your cables while still providing easy access. Simply cut the cover so it fits between your TV and outlet, tuck the cables inside it, then peel off the paper and stick it to the wall. It even comes in a color that blends with your wall so it’s invisible.

While it may seem obvious, make sure the mount you’re buying can support your TV’s weight before hanging it. Most mounts will list a maximum screen size and weight on their packaging, but you can also check by checking the back of your TV for standardized mounting holes. Those patterns, often called VESA, are a quick and easy way to determine whether your flatscreen is compatible with your desired mount.

When it comes to mounting your TV, the options are endless. Whether you’re looking for a fixed mount for a sleek, minimalist look, a tilt mount for glare reduction or a full motion mount to follow the action in multiple directions, there’s something out there that will work for your home.

If you’re not sure how high to mount your TV, consult the owner’s manual or a salesperson at Abt. We can help you find a comfortable height that’s proportional to your room’s size and seating distance.

Once you’ve settled on a location for your TV, you can start the actual installation. Before drilling, use a stud finder to locate drywall studs in your walls. Aim for studs that are 16” apart or closer. If you drill into drywall and don’t hear a hollow sound, there is no stud there and you’ll need to choose another spot. It’s also helpful to have a second person to assist with lifting your TV when mounting it. While a smaller TV might be manageable for one person to lift, anything over 50” needs to be lifted by two people to avoid potential damage.