How to Install a Speaker in a Wall or Ceiling
To install speakers into your walls or ceiling, you'll need to run the wires through the walls and mount the speakers to supports. Whether you choose to install your speakers in the walls or ceiling makes little difference in the sound quality.
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Things You'll Need
- Masking Tape
- Level
- Pencil
- Keyhole saw
- UL Class 2 speaker wire
- Fish tape
Instructions
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1
Locate the studs closest to where you'd like to install your speaker. You'll want to install the speakers in between the studs.
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2
Tape the template that comes with the speakers in the center of the nearest studs. Check to make sure your configuration is level and plumb. Your template will tell you exactly what size hole to drill to insert the speakers. Trace the opening you need to cut into the wall or ceiling.
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3
Cut the hole using a keyhole saw or a drywall saw. Keep the section you cut open in case you can't install the speaker and need to patch the hole you just made. If the hole reveals plumbing, you need to relocate the speaker.
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4
Run the speaker wire through the wall, or fish speaker wire from an existing installation.
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5
Install the brackets to support your speaker if one is included with your speakers. Some speakers use clips to secure them to the inside of the wall.
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6
Strip the protective coating from the end of the speaker wire, and insert it into the speaker jacks. Test your speakers now if the wires are attached to an audio source. If not, locate the other end of the speaker wire and hook it up. Testing now will save trouble if you run into problems.
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7
Surround the speaker with insulation to enhance the sound. Secure the speaker into place, and do any necessary patching or painting.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't want to run the wire through the wall, use tape wire. Because it's so thin, it can be hidden with a coat of drywall and some paint.
Don't try to install speakers in exterior walls in a completed home. Once the insulation is in place, it's very difficult to run the wires through the walls. Use interior walls, or use tape wire to hide the wire.
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Comments
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bryans1971
Jul 19, 2010
Bad advice - to find the studs or joists drill a 1/8" hole and use a wire coat hanger to verify their location. If the hole for the speaker needs to be moved the 1/8" hole will be within the radius of the cutout and not a concern. If you make a mistake the piece of sheetrock that you cut out from the wall or ceiling will be too small to fit back in snugly - better to cut a piece for a patch from a 2x2 foot piece of sheetrock which is easily found at most building supply stores. If you use a hand saw you have an excellent chance of cutting into a pipe or electrical wiring or damaging the moisture barrier for your wall or ceiling insulation or with plaster ceilings of causing the two layers to separate and have a nice crack in your ceiling to repair and then repaint. A quality adjustable hole cutter like the ones sold by Hole Pro are great for both cutting holes and for cutting perfect...
