After completing over 10,000 TV mounting service jobs across Los Angeles, we've learned what works and what doesn't. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about TV wall mounting, whether you're considering DIY or hiring a professional TV mounting service near you.
Why Mount Your TV on the Wall?
Wall mounting your TV offers several benefits that make it the preferred choice for most homeowners:
- Space saving - Eliminates the need for a TV stand or entertainment center
- Better viewing angles - Position your TV at the perfect height and angle
- Cleaner look - Creates a modern, streamlined appearance
- Child and pet safety - Reduces risk of TV being knocked over
- Reduced glare - Tilting mounts let you adjust for lighting conditions
Types of TV Wall Mounts
Choosing the right mount is crucial for your TV installation. Here are the main types:
Fixed Mounts
The simplest and most affordable option. Fixed mounts hold your TV flat against the wall with no movement. Best for rooms where you always watch from the same spot, like bedrooms.
Tilting Mounts
Allow you to angle the TV up or down (typically 5-15 degrees). Perfect for mounting above fireplaces or in rooms with glare issues. This is our most popular TV mount installation choice.
Full-Motion (Articulating) Mounts
The most versatile option. These extend from the wall and swivel left/right while also tilting. Ideal for corner installations or open floor plans where viewing angles vary.
Understanding Wall Types
The wall type determines how your TV wall mounting will be approached:
Drywall with Wood Studs
The most common wall type in Los Angeles homes. Always mount into studs for maximum security. Studs are typically spaced 16" apart.
Drywall with Metal Studs
Common in newer construction and commercial buildings. Requires special toggle bolts or snap toggles rated for your TV's weight.
Concrete or Brick Walls
Requires a hammer drill and concrete anchors. This is where professional TV mounting service really pays off - one wrong move can crack the wall.
Plaster Walls
Found in older homes. Plaster is more brittle than drywall, requiring careful drilling technique.
Finding Studs: The Critical Step
Improper stud finding is the #1 reason DIY TV installations fail. Here's how the pros do it:
- Use a quality stud finder - Cheap ones give false readings. We use professional-grade magnetic and electronic detectors.
- Verify with multiple methods - Check with the stud finder, then confirm by drilling a small pilot hole.
- Find the center - Studs are 1.5" wide. Find both edges to locate the center for maximum holding power.
- Mark clearly - Use painter's tape to mark stud locations without damaging your wall.
Cable Management Options
Nothing ruins a beautiful TV wall mount installation like visible cables. Here are your options:
In-Wall Cable Routing
The cleanest solution. We cut holes behind the TV and near your outlet, then run cables inside the wall. Note: Running power cables in-wall requires an electrician-installed power kit to meet code.
Cable Raceways
Paintable plastic channels that mount on the wall surface. A good option when in-wall routing isn't possible.
Cord Covers
The simplest solution - fabric or plastic sleeves that bundle cables together.
Height and Placement Guidelines
Proper height is essential for comfortable viewing:
- Eye level when seated - The center of the TV should be at eye level from your primary seating position
- Typical height - 42-48 inches from floor to TV center for most living rooms
- Above fireplace - Use a tilting mount and accept that it will be higher than ideal
- Bedroom - Higher placement is okay since you're often reclined
DIY vs Professional TV Mounting Service
When should you hire a TV mounting service near you? Consider professional help if:
- Your TV is 65" or larger
- You have concrete, brick, or plaster walls
- You want in-wall cable concealment
- Studs don't align with your desired location
- You're mounting above a fireplace
- You want it done right the first time with a warranty
Common TV Mounting Mistakes
After fixing thousands of DIY TV mount installations, here are the mistakes we see most often:
- Not hitting studs - Using drywall anchors alone for heavy TVs
- Mounting too high - The "above the fireplace" height for regular viewing
- Wrong mount type - Using a fixed mount when flexibility was needed
- Forgetting about cables - Not planning cable management before mounting
- Not checking level - Even slightly crooked TVs are noticeable
How Much Does TV Mounting Cost?
TV mounting service costs vary based on several factors:
- TV Size - Larger TVs require heavier-duty mounts and more careful handling
- Mount Type - Full-motion mounts cost more to install than fixed mounts
- Wall Type - Concrete and brick cost more than drywall
- Cable Management - In-wall routing adds to the price
At Zomg the Handyman, our TV mounting service starts at competitive rates with upfront pricing. Book through our booking page to see exact pricing for your specific job.
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Book TV Mounting Service →Conclusion
TV wall mounting can transform your living space when done correctly. Whether you tackle it yourself or hire a professional TV mounting service, the key is proper planning: choose the right mount, locate studs accurately, plan your cable management, and mount at the correct height.
If you're in Los Angeles and want a guaranteed professional installation, book with Zomg the Handyman online. We bring 15+ years of experience to every TV mounting service job, and we won't leave until your TV is perfectly mounted and you're completely satisfied.