Common TV Mounting Mistakes to Avoid

Posted on September 25th, 2024.

 

So, you're thinking about mounting that sleek new TV, huh? There’s a lot more that goes into it than just picking up a drill and going to town on your wall. Getting the perfect TV setup involves more than you might imagine.

 

The first step is selecting the right wall mount. Not all mounts are created equal, and your choice can dramatically impact both the aesthetics and functionality of your TV setup.

 

Each type serves a different purpose, and choosing the wrong one can lead to a less-than-ideal viewing experience. It’s worth taking a moment to understand the strengths and limitations of each option before making your decision.

 

Next on your checklist should be ensuring that the mount you choose is compatible with your TV’s size and weight. Miscalculating this could lead to catastrophic outcomes—nobody wants to hear their TV crash to the floor. Many people overlook the specifications required for a proper mount, but this isn't something to leave to chance. Your TV's manual or specification sheet is your best friend in this scenario, guiding you on the weight and VESA pattern compatible with different mounts.

 

Speaking of ensuring things are done right, let's talk about precision placement. This is often where many DIY projects go awry. If you’ve ever ended up with a crooked picture frame, you’ll understand the frustration that comes with imprecise mounting.

 

The key is measuring accurately and marking before you pick up that drill. Double-checking your measurements can save you a lot of headache down the line. Use tools like a level and a stud finder to make sure everything is aligned and secure. By anchoring your mount to studs or using appropriate anchors for your wall type, you're not just hanging a TV – you’re investing in lasting durability and safety.

 

Here, taking the extra time to measure twice really pays off, ensuring that your TV not only looks good but stays put.

 

Incorrect TV Wall Mount Selection

Different wall mounts serve different purposes, and choosing the wrong type can cause numerous issues, from restricted viewing angles to structural instability. Primarily, TV wall mounts come in three varieties: fixed, tilting, and full-motion:

• A fixed mount, as the name suggests, holds the TV in a stable, unmoving position against the wall. While this is a great option for rooms where the viewing angle is straight on, it's not the best choice if you need flexibility.
• Tilting mounts allow for a bit more versatility, as you can angle the TV up or down, which can help reduce glare from windows or lights. However, tilting mounts still don't offer horizontal movement.
• Full-motion mounts provide the most flexibility, allowing you to adjust the TV's position both vertically and horizontally, making them ideal for rooms where you have multiple viewing positions.

 

Choosing the correct TV wall mount involves more than just selecting the type. You also need to consider the size and weight of your TV. Each wall mount has specific weight limits and supports particular screen sizes. Selecting a mount not suited for your TV can lead to disastrous consequences, including the TV falling or the mount detaching from the wall. Always consult your TV's manual or specifications sheet to determine its weight and recommended mount type.

 

Poor Placement of the TV Bracket and Wallplate

Poor placement can lead to several significant issues, most notably instability and alignment inaccuracies. An incorrectly positioned wallplate not only jeopardizes the structural integrity of your mounted TV but also can affect your overall viewing experience. You might end up with a TV that's off-center, tilted, or worse, prone to detaching from the wall. TV mounting fails often occur due to simple measurement errors or misjudgments in the placement phase, so it's critical to get this step right at the start.

 

Defining where exactly you want to position your TV on the wall involves more than just eyeballing it. You need to measure the height and make sure that it matches your typical viewing angle, particularly when seated:

• Use a level and a tape measure for precision.
• Mark the spots where you intend to drill with a pencil, making reference points to guide your installation. Measuring twice and drilling once can save you a lot of headaches later on.
• Align your TV bracket correctly with the wallplate positions, ensuring they match perfectly. 
• Also consider the location of studs in your wall, as mounting on studs gives added stability. If your measurements aren't spot-on, you may find that the wallplate does not sit flush against the wall or the TV bracket won’t align properly, leading to an incompetent mount.

 

Improper Height for TV Mounting

Another major pitfall when mounting a TV is getting the TV wall mount height wrong. Often, the inclination is to place the TV higher up, especially above fireplaces or in living rooms where wall space can be limited. However, mounting the TV at the incorrect height can lead to significant comfort and viewing issues.

 

Why is the correct TV mounting height so important? When the TV is mounted too high, it causes viewers to tilt their heads up, leading to neck strain and discomfort. Over extended periods, this can turn simple movie nights into a pain in the neck—literally. Conversely, mounting the TV too low can cause a downward angle that isn’t comfortable either. The best height ensures a natural and comfortable line of sight from your seated position.

 

To determine the optimal TV wall mount height:

• Consider the TV size and your typical viewing setup: A common recommendation is to have the center of the TV screen at eye level when you’re seated. For most situations, this translates to the center of the screen being around 42-48 inches above the floor. This can vary based on the size of your screen; larger screens might require slight adjustments.
• Make sure that the bottom of the TV sits around 12-24 inches above your main seating surface: Use a tape measure and test out different heights by marking and temporarily positioning the TV before making any permanent decisions. This helps you visualize the setup and make more informed choices.
• Consider your seating arrangement: Arrange your seating and mark spots to see how it feels in different seating positions. Consider any recliners or seats that might tilt backward, as this will affect your line of sight. Mounting the TV lower can significantly enhance the viewing experience for these setups.

 

Ignoring Wall Structure and Stud Location

Neglecting to account for wall structure and stud location can severely compromise the stability and safety of your mount, leading to disastrous results. For example, if you’re mounting a flat panel TV directly onto drywall without securing it to studs, you risk the TV pulling away from the wall, especially given the weight of modern flat screens.

 

Most walls in homes are either drywall, plaster, or concrete, and each requires different mounting strategies. For drywall and plaster walls, you need to locate the studs because these surfaces alone are not strong enough to support the weight of a TV. A stud finder can significantly help in this regard, identifying the optimal spots for securely anchoring the mount. If you’re dealing with concrete walls, special masonry anchors are needed.

 

Locating studs accurately is pivotal for a successful installation: 

• Use a high-quality stud finder to detect the studs behind your walls.
• Once you identify the center of the stud, mark it with a pencil. This ensures that your wall mount anchors or screws hit the solid wood behind the drywall.
• When mounting a TV on a wall, anchor the mount directly into wood studs to provide the best support and reduce the risk of the TV falling or tilting. If the studs are not conveniently located where you want to mount the TV, you can use a mounting plate or a piece of plywood as a bridge between two studs.
• Pay attention to the spacings, as wall studs are typically spaced 16 to 24 inches apart. Use a measuring tape to double-check these distances and guarantee that your mount brackets align perfectly with the studs.

 

Related: TV Mounting: DIY vs Professional, Which Saves More Money?

 

Wrapping Up

Want to mount your TV? These tips could save you a headache. 

 

Realistically, not everyone has the time or the know-how to handle these details effectively. That's where professional services can step in to alleviate the stress.

 

Gravity Solutions offers a seamless and expert installation service tailored to your specific needs and room configurations. From fixed mounts to versatile full-motion ones, our experienced team handles every aspect of TV mounting—from type selection and alignment to securing wall fixtures—with precision and care.

 

Opting for professional TV mounting spares you from the trial and error that often comes with DIY projects. Picture this: a perfectly-mounted TV, no unsightly wires, and no concerns about its stability—all while you sit back and relax. With our wide range of handyman services, we cover all aspects, from electrical work to wall repairs, ensuring that everything is in its right place.

 

Why go through the hassle yourself when experts are just a call away? Get in Touch Now!

 

For any questions or to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or give us a call at (404) 316-2328.