Things You'll Need:
- Measuring tape
- Stud finder
- Mounting piece
- Outlet (optional)
- Floating shelf or mantel (optional)
- Cord cover (optional)
- Staple gun and staples (optional)
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Step 1
For mounting a flat screen TV to the wall, you first need your mounting hardware. It can be purchased at a variety of electronic or appliance stores; the cost ranges from about $60 to several hundred dollars. When you get your hardware, the first step is to screw the mounting brackets to the back of the TV. There should be holes that line up with the bracket. Put on the flat washer, lock washer and bolt screw. Then attach the wall bracket by first locating two wall studs at least 12 inches apart, pre-drill a hole for each screw, and screw in the bracket to the wall. Hook the monitor brackets onto the wall bracket until it slides into place. Slip the safety bar on the bottom of the wall bracket to hold into place.
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Step 2
Now that your TV is up, decide the best method for your wires. The easiest solution with the least work is to buy a wire cover, normally sold in a variety of colors so it can match your wall color. Twist tie your wires together to keep them close together, put the wire cover over top and use the nails that fit over it that come with the cover to attach it to the wall.
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Step 3
The next solution that is the next easiest would be to install a mantel or molding below your TV that can have the wires hidden behind it. Try to make sure an outlet is behind the mantel as well or leads to an outlet not far away to have the least amount of wire exposed. To attach the mantel, locate the studs in the wall and attach a small piece of wood with long bolt screws to the studs. Next, line up the mantel over top the piece of wood, with the wires inside. Then use either nails or screws to attach the mantel to the piece of wood mounted to the wall. If you do the molding, make sure it’s the molding that has a hollow center, one that mounts at a diagonal. To attach the molding, use a nail gun. Put one nail at the top and at the bottom of the molding piece. Also put one every couple inches, nailing it against the wall and ceiling. Or, if there's a chair rail, just against the wall. Run the wires down the corner and to an outlet.
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Step 4
You can install a new outlet behind the TV or just slightly to the side. Check your current circuit lines to see how much voltage is already on the line. If there is enough room to add to it, then you can take the existing wires there, add a splicer and use a plastic box to contain the connectors nailed against a stud board behind the wall. The bring the wire to the stud behind your TV. Cut out the wall board and insert another plastic box to contain the electrical wires and attach a new outlet. Make sure to follow the instructions for grounding the outlet and attaching the wires. If you feel uncertain about any aspect of this Step, contact a professional.
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Step 5
You can also run the wires behind the wall against the wall stud and then have an insert for it to come out and plug into the wall. Cut a hole near the back of the TV where it can’t be seen, pull the wires to the stud, secure with ties and nail against the stud using square nails that will hold the wires against the stud without damaging them. Try to do a couple near your hole. Cut another hole near the outlet to let the wires out, again, near the hole. Tie the wires together and nail against the stud to keep them together. You can then attach either a cover over the hole minus the small place for the wires to come out. Or, you can re-attach the wall board and use the plaster mix to smooth it over, sand it down and repaint it.
Comments
bisscuitt said
on 6/17/2009 iConceal is a more aesthetically pleasing cable hide. It is available in some stores in the UK and worldwide from http://www.iconceal.tv/