How to Install a TV Over a Fireplace

The mantle above a fireplace makes a natural home for a flat screen TV, centering the room's two biggest draws in one location. Furthermore, the brick or cement facade of a fireplace will hold a big screen TV much more securely than the wooden studs on a standard wall. The two central concerns are heat and the placement of the wiring. Once you solve them, there shouldn't be any impediment to installing a TV above a fireplace.

Things You'll Need

• TV mount
• Adhesive wiring tube
• Spray paint
• Anchors
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• Socket wrench
• Drill
• Masonry drill bit
• Thermometer
• TV
• Comforter or towels
• Glue

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of your TV and use a piece of chalk to mark the location on the mantle where you want to mount it. It should be roughly at eye level when you sit down to watch it. When fireplaces are involved, you may need to place the TV a little higher, but beware of mounting it too high--you don't want to have to crane your neck just to watch your favorite programs.

2. Tape a thermometer to the mantle in the same location as the TV. Start a fire and allow it to build to a hot temperature, then check the thermometer. If it reads 100 degrees F or over, then the heat from the fireplace will likely damage your TV, and you should resolve either to never build a fire while the television is installed or to install the TV somewhere else. (In most modern homes, the mantle is merely a facade, which means this shouldn't be a problem.) Check your TV manual to determine exactly which temperatures are safe for it.

3. Mark the spots for the mounting screws by raising the first section of the TV mount into position on the mantle. Lower the mount once you have finished marking the correct spots.

4. Drill holes in the spots you have marked using a masonry drill. Insert anchors into the holes to provide a firmer grip. Many mounts will come with anchors designed for use with brick or cement walls; if yours doesn't, use a #8 plastic anchor, which should do the job adequately.

5. Fit the first section of the mount in position over the holes and secure it to the wall with mounting screws. Use a screwdriver or socket wrench to tighten the screws securely, then test the stability of the mount by giving it a few gentle pulls. It shouldn't move at all.

6. Lay a thick comforter down on the floor, or towels if you don't have a comforter you want to get dirty. Place the TV, screen-side down, on top of the comforter, taking care not to nick or scratch it.

7. Install the second section of the TV mount on the back of the TV by fitting it into place and tightening the screws. Most flat screen TVs have marked positions where you can install the mount. Consult your owner's manual for the precise location.

8. Lift the TV up onto the mantle and lock the two pieces of the mount together. They should slide into position readily, and can be secured using a self-contained locking mechanism. Check both sides of the mount when you're done to make sure it is completely secure.

9. Run the power cord and wiring to the cable box, DVD or VCR through a plastic cable tube. Secure the tube to the mantle using glue or adhesive. Position it parallel to the ground and make sure it runs the entire length of the mantle. Run the wiring to the floor only after it is clear of the fireplace and won't be affected by the heat.

10. Plug in your TV and watch as normal.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, always retain the services of a friend or two when installing a TV over a fireplace. Big screen TVs can be quite heavy and some able-bodied assistance will reduce the chance of accidents.

• If you want to disguise the existence of the cables, try spray-painting the cable tube the same color as your mantle.

• These instructions are intended for flat screen and LCD TVs. Never attempt to mount an older tube-base television in this manner.