How to Mount Your LCD or Plasma TV

So, you got a brand new, flat screen Plasma or LCD TV. Congratulations. You've got that lucky wall picked out to mount it on in your family room that will quickly become a refuge. There's only one remaining question - How to wall mount your flat screen TV?

The first thing you should think about is whether you are planning to hire an expert or do it on your own. If you are unclear about any of the following information, you're better off to hire someone to mount the TV. If, however you'd like to dirty your hands a little and take a chance of making goofs just to have a sense of accomplishment, then read on.

After you've set aside an hour or so to get this job done and picked out the wall, it is important to figure out whether the wall is an exterior or interior wall. Though it's not the case every time, walls on the interior will usually give you fewer difficulties than exterior walls.

Obviously, we are assuming that you've already made certain that your flat screen Plasma or LCD TV can be wall mounted, right? In the event that you haven't done this, you don't need to stress out. While most flat screens on the market now are in fact mountable, a few early models are not. Make sure you check the box. Can you see the words “VESA Compatible” or some modification of that? Then you're in luck, and you can now continue. And, because you have done a little research and picked out the right wall bracket for your display, you can get right to the fun part - the tools. If you have some of the basic tools in your tool box, including a tape measure, drill, and a screw driver, you are doing well. It's also helpful if you've got a stud finder to be sure you don't try to mount your new TV in just drywall.

Once you have an idea of where you want the TV, check for wall studs and make placement revisions. You shouldn't forget to confirm that you're near an outlet or you will have a pointless television screen on your wall. Once you have found studs, you can fasten the wall brackets to the back of the TV screen. Take care of this prior to placing the TV mount on the wall so you are aware if any adjustments should be made to the final mount placement.

Now, make a mark the places where anchor bolts need to be put in and pre-drill the holes, because they can be a challenge to start. You should also go ahead and cut space for cabling when you place the anchors and then you will be able to run the cables. Be certain the mount is level and then sink the anchors. Once the brackets and mount are secure, ask a buddy for a little bit of help to lift the TV on to the wall. You aren't going to want to try to lift it yourself because the units are pretty heavy and bulky if they are lifted alone.

Now for the best part - sit back with a cold drink and watch the big game on your new wall mounted LCD TV.