Mounting a TV on the wall frees up space and can look great, but a poorly mounted TV is a hazard. This guide covers what to think about before drilling.

Choose the right bracket

Brackets come in three main types:

• Fixed (flat): sits close to the wall. Best when the TV is at the right height and directly in front of the seating.
• Tilting: angles the screen down a little. Useful when the TV sits higher, such as above a fireplace.
• Full-motion (articulating): swings out and turns. Useful for corners and open-plan rooms, but places much more load on the wall when extended.

Check the bracket matches the TV’s VESA pattern (the hole spacing on the back of the TV) and is rated for the TV’s weight, with a margin.

Know your wall

• Plasterboard on timber studs: the most common in Casey homes. The bracket must be fixed into studs with suitable screws or bolts. Plasterboard alone will not hold a TV.
• Plasterboard on steel studs: common in some newer homes. Needs fixings designed for steel or heavy-duty cavity anchors rated for the load.
• Brick or block: strong, using masonry anchors. Hollow brick and render need the right anchors.
• Hebel and lightweight panels: need specific anchors made for the material.

If studs are not where the TV needs to go, noggings (timber blocks between studs) can be installed behind the plasterboard.

Get the height right

A common mistake is mounting the TV too high. As a rough guide, the middle of the screen should be near eye level when seated. Above a fireplace is often too high for comfortable viewing unless a tilting or pull-down bracket is used. Sit in your usual seat and mark the wall with tape before deciding.

Cables

Hanging cables spoil the look. Options include:

• Surface cable covers painted to match the wall
• Running cables inside the wall cavity, entering and exiting through cable plates
• Placing media equipment in a cabinet below

Running low-voltage cables (HDMI, antenna, network) inside the wall is fine for a handyman where the cavity is clear. Moving or adding power points is electrical work and must be done by a licensed electrician. Never run a power cord inside a wall.

Check what is in the wall

Before drilling, scan for pipes and cables. Behind kitchens, bathrooms and near existing power points, services are more likely. A stud finder with live-wire detection helps, but it is not perfect.

Soundbars and accessories

Soundbars can be mounted below the TV on their own bracket or attached to the TV bracket. Check the weight limit of the TV bracket if attaching extras.

Outdoor TVs

TVs in alfresco areas need weather-suitable brackets and placement under cover, out of direct rain and sun. Outdoor power must be installed by an electrician.

Rentals

Tenants in Victoria need the landlord’s consent before making changes like wall mounting. Get permission in writing first.

How we can help

We mount TVs on plasterboard, brick and other walls across Berwick and the surrounding suburbs, with cable concealment where practical. See TV wall mounting or get a free quote.