Mounting a TV is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to a room. It frees up floor space, improves viewing angles and makes a space look finished. It is also a job where small mistakes, like missing a stud or using the wrong anchor, can end with a cracked screen. Here is exactly how pros do it.
Tools and materials you'll need
- A TV wall mount rated for your TV's size, weight and VESA pattern
- Electronic stud finder
- Drill/driver with bits (and a hammer drill with masonry bits for brick or concrete)
- Level (a 24" level is ideal), tape measure and pencil
- Socket wrench for lag bolts
- Painter's tape for marking the TV outline
- A helper for lifting the TV. Anything over 55" is a two-person job.
Step 1: Check your TV and choose the right mount
Look at the back of your TV for the VESA hole pattern (for example 300×300 or 400×400) and check the weight in the manual. Choose a mount whose VESA range, size range and weight rating all cover your TV. Then decide on the style: fixed, tilting or full-motion. Our guide to TV wall mount types explains which one suits your room.
Step 2: Pick the spot and the height
For most living rooms, the center of the screen should sit around seated eye level, roughly 42" from the floor. Use painter's tape to outline the TV on the wall and sit in your usual seat to check it. See how high to mount a TV for a size-by-size chart.
Step 3: Find and mark the studs
Run your stud finder across the area and mark both edges of each stud. Wall studs are usually 16" apart on center (sometimes 24"). Confirm with a small finish nail or pilot hole. You want to drill into the center of the stud. If your home has metal studs, standard lag bolts will not hold. Use hardware made for metal studs or call a pro.
Step 4: Attach the brackets to the TV
Lay the TV face-down on a soft, flat surface. Remove any stand. Screw the vertical mounting arms to the VESA holes using the screws from the mount kit. Use spacers if the back of the TV is curved or has recessed holes. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten, or you may damage the TV's threaded inserts.
Step 5: Mount the wall plate
- Hold the wall plate at your marked height, centered on the studs, and level it.
- Mark the bolt holes, then drill pilot holes into the stud centers (usually 7/32" for 5/16" lag bolts).
- Drive the lag bolts with a socket wrench until snug. Recheck level before final tightening.
Brick or concrete? Use a hammer drill and the masonry anchors included with (or rated for) your mount. Drill into solid brick rather than the mortar joints whenever possible.
Step 6: Hang the TV and lock it in
With a helper, lift the TV and hook the arms onto the wall plate. Engage the safety locks or screws so the TV cannot lift off. Then adjust the tilt or extension and check the level one more time.
Step 7: Connect and hide the cables
Connect power and HDMI before pushing a full-motion mount back to the wall. For the cleanest look, route cables through the wall with a code-compliant in-wall power kit, or use a paintable raceway. See how to hide TV wires.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using plastic drywall anchors instead of studs
- Mounting too high (the most common complaint we hear)
- Choosing a mount rated below your TV's weight, especially for full-motion arms
- Running a regular power cord inside the wall, which violates electrical code
- Skipping the safety lock on the bracket
Frequently asked questions
Can I mount a TV without studs?
On drywall, a TV should be anchored into wood studs whenever possible. If studs are not where you need them, use a mount with a wide wall plate that reaches studs, or heavy-duty toggle anchors specifically rated for the TV and mount weight. Standard plastic drywall anchors are not safe for TVs.
How long does it take to mount a TV?
A straightforward drywall install takes most DIYers 1–3 hours. A professional usually finishes in about an hour, longer for masonry, fireplaces or in-wall cable concealment.
What size screws do I need to mount a TV?
The screws that attach the brackets to the TV are usually M4, M6 or M8, depending on the TV. Most mounts include a selection. The wall plate is typically attached with 5/16" lag bolts into wood studs.
Is it cheaper to mount a TV yourself?
DIY saves the labor cost (see our TV mounting cost guide) if you already own the tools. A professional brings the right anchors, stud finder and level, and takes responsibility for a secure install, which matters most for large TVs and masonry walls.