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Deciding

TV mounting DIY wizard

A step-by-step walk through the whole job — your TV, your wall, the mount, the tools, the install and a safety check — with an honest answer at the end on whether it is a job for you.

Your progress is saved in this browser, so you can come back to it mid-job.

Let's mount your TV

Eight short steps. At each one you answer a question or tick a checklist, and the wizard adapts the next step to your wall and your TV.

6,300+TVs mounted
2016Mounting since
8Guided steps
  • Step-by-step instructions for your wall type
  • A tool list adapted to your wall
  • A safety checklist before you hang anything
  • Brackets matched to your TV's size and weight
Complete TV mounting kitMount, level, stud finder and hardware in one searchSearch on Amazon →

Tell us about your TV

This decides the mount, the hardware and whether the job needs a second person.

Screen size

TV weight (check the spec sheet)

Small to medium (32" – 43")

Bedrooms, kitchens and smaller living spaces.

Recommended: Fixed mount

Shop mounts for 32"–43" TVs →
Large (50" – 55")

Most living rooms.

Recommended: Tilting mount

Shop mounts for 50"–55" TVs →
Extra large (65" – 75")

Large living rooms and home theatres.

Recommended: Full motion (articulating)

Shop mounts for 65"–75" TVs →
Premium (77+")

Big dedicated rooms and home cinemas.

Recommended: Full motion (articulating)

Shop mounts for 77+" TVs →
How to find your TV's weight

Check the sticker on the back of the TV, the manual or the spec sheet, or search the model number with "specifications". You want the weight without the stand — or look it up in our model database.

Check your wall

Different walls need different fixings and tools. This is where most DIY installs go wrong.

Stud spacing (use a stud finder)

Need a stud finder? →
Tips for Drywall walls
  • Mount into studs. Drywall on its own is only for small TVs (about 32" and 30 lb) on anchors rated for the load.
  • Studs are usually 16" or 24" apart, centre to centre.
  • Use a stud finder, then confirm with a small pilot hole.
  • Use 3"–4" lag bolts into the studs.

Use a stud finder, or try:

  • Knock test: studs sound solid, gaps sound hollow.
  • Outlet trick: outlets are usually fixed to the side of a stud.
  • Magnet: a strong magnet finds the drywall screws in the studs.
Tips for Brick or masonry walls
  • Drill the brick or the mortar joint, whichever lines up with the mount holes.
  • Use carbide-tipped masonry bits.
  • Sleeve anchors or expansion bolts hold best.
  • Pre-drill slightly smaller than the anchor.

Special tools needed:

Rotary hammer with masonry bits → Concrete anchors and sleeves →

Good choice: brick walls hold a TV very well, and there are no studs to find — the anchors go straight into the wall.

Tips for Concrete walls
  • An SDS rotary hammer makes the job far easier.
  • Anchors must be rated for your TV's weight.
  • Chemical anchors need time to cure before loading.
  • Vacuum the holes out before setting anchors.

Special tools needed:

Rotary hammer with masonry bits → Concrete anchors and sleeves →

Good choice: concrete walls hold a TV very well, and there are no studs to find — the anchors go straight into the wall.

Choose your mount

Based on your TV's size, one type is marked as recommended — but it is your room.

Weight rating

Choose a mount rated for at least 1.5 times your TV's weight, and check that its VESA range covers the hole pattern on the back of your TV.

Check the exact VESA pattern of your model →

Tools checklist

Tick what you already have. The list adapts to your wall.

Tools ready0/0

Essential tools

Cordless drill with bits Required

For pilot holes and driving screws. A 20V drill is plenty.

$99-149
Search on Amazon →
24" digital level Required

Gets the bracket straight. A digital one is easier to read.

$20-40
Search on Amazon →
Electronic stud finder Required

Finds the studs. Pick one that also detects live wires.

$20-50
Search on Amazon →
25 ft tape measure Required

For the height, the stud spacing and the cable run.

$10-20
Search on Amazon →
Carpenter's pencils Required

For marking studs, drill points and the level line.

$5-10
Search on Amazon →
Socket wrench set Required

Most mounts use hex bolts; a ratchet speeds things up.

$25-50
Search on Amazon →

Safety equipment

Safety glasses Required

Protect your eyes from drilling dust. Anti-fog helps.

$10-15
Search on Amazon →
Work gloves Required

For handling heavy mounts and the TV. Pick a pair with grip.

$15-25
Search on Amazon →
N95 dust mask

Especially for masonry: protects your lungs from dust.

$15-30
Search on Amazon →

Specialised tools

Rotary hammer with masonry bits Required

Essential for brick and concrete; a regular drill will not do it.

$149-249
Search on Amazon →
Concrete anchors and sleeves Required

Heavy-duty anchors rated for a TV in masonry.

$15-25
Search on Amazon →
Heavy-duty lag screws Required

1/4" × 4" lag screws for wood studs.

$10-15
Search on Amazon →
Cable management kit

An in-wall kit or surface channel for a clean cable run.

$20-40
Search on Amazon →
In-wall power kit

Runs power behind the wall safely for a truly clean look.

$50-80
Search on Amazon →

Missing several? Shop them together

Essential tools bundleEverything for a basic drywall installSearch on Amazon → Masonry tools bundleA complete kit for brick or concreteSearch on Amazon → Complete pro kitAll the tools plus cable management for a professional finishSearch on Amazon →

Installation

Tick each item as you go, then mark the step complete.

Steps complete0/6
1Plan the placement✓

Tape the outline of the TV on the wall with painter's tape before committing.

2Find the support✓

Never hang a TV on drywall alone — always studs or anchors rated for the load.

Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when drilling masonry.

3Fix the wall bracket✓

Have a helper hold the bracket while you check level and mark the holes.

4Prepare the TV✓

OLED and QLED panels are fragile — never press on the screen.

5Hang the TV✓

Any TV over 40" needs two people. Do not do this alone.

6Connect and tidy up✓

Label your HDMI cables at both ends — it makes future changes easy.

Two people for anything over 40"

Never lift a large TV onto the wall alone. Have a helper for lifting and positioning, and take breaks.

Not comfortable with any step? Stop and hire a professional: a falling TV can seriously injure someone.

Safety check

Go through every item before you walk away. Items marked critical are not optional.

Checks passed0/10
Critical items remaining

Confirm every critical item (marked in red) before you use the TV.

Maintenance

Check the mount every six months: vibration and settling can loosen hardware over time.

Important

If any check fails, do not use the TV until it is fixed. When in doubt, call a professional installer.

You did it!

Here is a summary of your install and what it took.

TV size
—
Weight
—
Wall
—
Mount
—

Achievements

Getting startedYou started the wizard
PlannerTV and wall assessed
Tool masterSix or more tools ready
DIY installerEvery installation step completed
Safety firstEvery safety check passed
SpeedsterFinished in under 30 minutes
Mount masterFinished the whole wizard

Should you mount the TV yourself? A TV under 55" on drywall with wood studs is a genuine DIY job with the right kit and a helper. Masonry, metal studs, fireplaces, big panels and full-motion arms are where a flat-rate installation beats a weekend of risk.

When DIY makes sense — and when it does not

DIY is realistic when

  • the TV is under 55" and under 50 lb
  • the wall is drywall on wood studs
  • you use a fixed or tilting mount
  • you have a helper, a stud finder and a level

Call a pro when

  • the TV is over 55" or over 50 lb
  • the wall is brick, concrete, stone, plaster or metal studs
  • it goes above a fireplace
  • you want a full-motion arm
  • you cannot find the studs after 15 minutes

The failures we see most

The most common DIY failure is a fixing that does not match the wall: lag bolts driven into metal studs spin and pull out, plaster crumbles when drilled with hammer action, and anchors set in stone veneer instead of the wall behind it come loose months later.

The second is height. A TV mounted "where it looks right" standing up is almost always too high from the sofa. Set the centre at seated eye level before you drill anything.

Project overview

Time
2–4 hours for a first install
Difficulty
Intermediate
People
Two for any TV over 40"

The DIY shopping list

If the wizard says you can handle it, this is the kit that does the job.

Tools and fixings

Franklin Sensors ProSensor M210 13-Sensor Stud Finder, Live Wire DetectionStud finder: locates the framing behind the drywall.Check price → CondoMounts MSK8001 Steel Stud TV Mounting KitAnchors made for steel studs.Check price → Klein Tools 935R LevelLevel: gets the bracket straight on the first try.Check price → Zircon® MultiScanner™ A200 Stud Finder with Metal & Live Wire DetectionStud finder: locates the framing behind the drywall.Check price →

As an Amazon Associate, TV Mount Q earns from qualifying purchases. We never show a price here: Amazon prices change daily, so the button takes you to the current one.

Frequently asked questions

Can I mount a TV myself?
Yes, if the TV is under about 55", the wall is drywall on wood studs and you have a helper, a stud finder and a level. Bigger TVs, masonry, metal studs and fireplaces are better left to a professional.
How long does it take to mount a TV?
Two to four hours for a first-time installer, including finding studs and levelling. A professional installer usually takes about an hour.
Do you need two people to mount a TV?
For anything over about 40", yes. Lifting a large panel onto the bracket alone is how screens get cracked and people get hurt.
What tools do I need to mount a TV?
A drill with bits, a level, a stud finder, a tape measure, a pencil and a socket set — plus a rotary hammer and masonry anchors for brick or concrete. The wizard builds the list for your wall.

Prefer to have it done?

Our technicians mount TVs same-day on any wall, with the right fixings on the van. Flat-rate pricing from $119.

Get my installation priceCall (877) 676-8880

Next step

Which mount fits it?VESA pattern and weight by brand and sizeHow high should it go?Floor-to-centre height from your seatVESA sizes by TV sizeWhich patterns each screen size uses