How to Mount an HDTV onto a Wall in Your Home

We recently bought a beautiful 50" HDTV, as a replacement for a smaller 40" that just died. The smaller HDTV used to sit on a small entertainment table in the living room, but when we brought the larger upgrade home it did not look right, so we decided we wanted to have the HDTV hang on the wall.

We had options; we could use a cheaper universal wall mount, or one that allows you to pull the HDTV out slightly with a swivel arm. Considering the fact that wall mounts are a bit pricey for just a standard one, we went with the standard; although a swivel arm would have been really neat to have.

Before going out and buying a wall mount though, there are some things you have to consider, and sadly, sometimes hanging a wall mount is not even an option. You must make sure that you have studs in the wall; otherwise the wall mount will not be able to hold its weight, and yes, it will fall; so before rushing out to buy that wall mount, use an electric stud finder and make sure you have studs behind the wall.

Once you find the studs, make sure they are at least at the center of the wall; otherwise your HDTV will hang slightly off center. This is not really that terrible, but if you want it perfectly at the center of the wall, make sure your studs are located there.

Now that your studs are found, you can go out and buy any wall mount you want. Check online for price comparisons first though.

In order to install your wall mount, you will need to first hold the mounting bracket up to the wall to pencil mark where you have to drill your holes into the wall in order to hold the mount up. Make sure they line up with your studs, and you a level to make sure your holes are evenly marked.

Once you have marked off where you need to drill, have another person hold up the brackets, while you drill them into place.

Next you must attach the actual mount to the back of your HDTV. This part is very simple, and you just use the included bolts.

After the mount is attached to the back of your HDTV, you and a partner now pick up the HDTV, and slip the mount onto the brackets on the wall. Most wall mounts will make a clicking sound, to let you know everything is in place.

You can now enjoy the extra room in your living room and the sleek new look of your HDTV hanging on your wall.