How to Mount an 85-Inch TV: A Two-Person Job, Step by Step

Everything about mounting an 85-inch TV is the same as a 55-inch — except that every mistake is bigger. The panel is 74 inches wide and 42 inches tall, it weighs up to 110 pounds, and it bends if you lift it wrong. Here's how we do it.

What you need

• A heavy-duty mount rated 125 lb or more with VESA 600×400 or 800×400 — picking the mount
• Stud finder, 4-foot level, tape measure, painter's tape
• Drill, 3/16-inch pilot bit (wood) or masonry bit (concrete)
• 5/16-inch lag bolts, or sleeve anchors for masonry
• A second person — not optional

1. Plan the position with tape

Tape the TV's outline on the wall: 74 × 42 inches. Sit on the sofa and look at it for a minute. Is it centered on the seating, not the wall? Does it block a switch or a window? The TV size calculator confirms the viewing distance, and the height calculator the center height (usually 42–48 inches for a sofa).

2. Find solid backing

• Wood studs: find two, 16 or 24 inches apart, and confirm the centers with a small nail.
• Concrete or block: common in Florida; drill into the block webs, not the hollow cores. Mounting on concrete.
• Metal studs: heavy toggles and a backer. Mounting on metal studs.

3. Mount the wall plate

Hold the plate at the height that puts the TV center where you want it (the mount instructions give the offset from plate to screen center). Level it, mark, drill pilots, and drive the lag bolts until snug — don't crush the drywall. Check level again.

4. Attach the brackets to the TV

Lay the TV face-down on a soft, flat surface wider than the TV. Use the correct screw length and spacers from the mount kit; too long can damage the panel, too short strips. Tighten evenly.

5. The lift

Two people, one on each side, lift from the bottom edge — never by the top corners, which flexes the panel. Walk it to the wall upright, raise it together, and hook the top of the brackets over the plate. A third pair of eyes helps line up the hooks.

6. Lock and check

Engage the safety locks or screws at the bottom. Check level, press gently on each corner, and look behind for cables pinched against the wall.

When to call someone

If the wall is plaster, the studs don't line up, or you're over a fireplace, it's worth having a two-person crew. See heavy-duty mounting for 85-inch-plus TVs.

We mount TVs up to 85 inches for $129, and 86 inches and larger from $179 with two technicians.

Gear mentioned in this article

Mounting Dream Fixed TV Wall Mount Low Profile TV Bracket for 42-90 Inch TVFixed bracket: the panel sits flat, closest to the wall.Check price → PERLESMITH Tilting TV Wall Mount for 23–60 inch TVs up to 115 lbsTilting bracket: angles the screen down when it hangs high.Check price → Franklin Sensors ProSensor M210 13-Sensor Stud Finder, Live Wire DetectionStud finder: locates the framing behind the drywall.Check price → Swanson 9” Die Cast Aluminum Torpedo Level with Rare Earth Magnetics TL002MLevel: gets the bracket straight on the first try.Check price → Prime-Line 9056277 Hex Lag ScrewsLag bolts for wood studs.Check price →

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Frequently asked questions