How to Mount a TV Over a Mantel
The slimness of modern TVs gives owners many more options in placing or mounting them than did the big, bulky and heavy TVs of yesterday. Whether the TV is a plasma or an HDTV, wall mounts offer the advantage over regular TV stands of more free space in the room. One particularly popular location is above the fireplace mantel, combining what would otherwise be two conflicting focal points in the room. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Power drill and bits
- Screwdriver
- Level
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
- Socket wrench
- Pencil
- Cable-wire tester/locator
- Helper
Instructions
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Preparing the TV
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1
Unbolt and remove a stand if there is one installed on the back of your TV.
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2
Attach the mounting arms of the TV mounting bracket to the mounting holes in the back of the TV using a screwdriver. These should be secure, but make certain not to force them.
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3
Use the level to make certain the mounting brackets are level with each other. Readjust them if necessary.
Preparing the Wall Mount
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4
Measure the desired height for the center of your wall mount from the top of the mantel and mark this point with a pencil. This point needs to be at least half the height of the TV.
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5
Measures the holes in the wall mount bracket to determine the spacing needed for the anchors.
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6
Situate where the anchors will be going into the wall, using the level to make certain they are even. If the wall above of the mantel is made from drywall, make certain the anchors will be going into the wooden studs. Mark these locations with the pencil.
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7
Use the power drill to drill pilot holes, which are holes that are slightly smaller than the screws that will be going into them, into the wall.
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8
Attach the wall mount bracket to the wall using the appropriate screws or bolts.
Hanging the TV
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9
Have one or more individuals lift the TV up to the appropriate height.
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10
Using the manufacturer’s instructions, lock the TV mounting arms to the wall bracket.
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11
While holding the TV, give the installation a few light tugs to make certain it is secure.
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12
Connect all the cables to the TV. It should now be ready for viewing.
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1
Tips & Warnings
For the simplest instructions and the most secure fit, consider purchasing a wall mount kit made by the manufacturer of your TV.
The type of material used in the wall above your mantel will determine the type of anchor to buy. For brick walls, sleeve anchors can be used. If it is drywall, you will need to locate the studs; this can be done using the stud finder. Lag bolts should be used when working with wooden studs. If your wall has metal studs, consider contacting a professional, as most metal studs are not strong enough to support the weight of a TV.
It can sometimes be easier to attach the cables to the TV before mounting it on the wall.
It is important to make certain the temperature above your mantel will not exceed the operating threshold of the TV to prevent damage to the electronics inside. Begin by taping a thermometer to the wall above the mantel. Build a fire, and let it burn for some time; monitor the thermometer to see when the temperature has stabilized. Compare this value to the range listed in the TV's technical specifications to make certain it is not too high.
The height of the TV can be an important factor is viewing comfort. Ideally, the center of the screen should be at eye level when seated; since most mantels will result in a TV being mounted higher than that, consider using a tilted wall mount. This will angle the TV downward, thereby reducing the strain on the neck.
References
- Photo Credit Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
