Wall Mounting Your Plasma TV

So, you got a new, flat screen LCD or Plasma TV. Congrats. You've got a perfect wall decided on to mount it in the family room that is soon to become your oasis. There is just one question that remains - How to wall mount your flat screen TV?

The very first thing that you need to consider is whether you're going to mount it on your own or hire an expert. If you're hesitant of any of the following, you're probably better off to hire someone to take care of the job. If, however you'd like to get your hands dirty and probably make at least a couple of miscalculations and mistakes just to have a sense of accomplishment, then read on, brave one.

Once you have chosen the wall and set aside a few hours to get this job done, you need to figure out whether that wall is an exterior or interior wall. Though not the case every time, walls that are on the interior will usually give you less trouble than their exterior counterparts.

Obviously, we're assuming that you've previously determined that your LCD or Plasma television can actually be mounted, right? In case you have not done this yet, don't worry too much. Be aware that though many flat screens on the market now are mountable, there are several early models that aren't. Take a good look at the box. Do you see the words “VESA Compatible” or something similar to it? If it is there, you're in luck, and you can now proceed. And, since you've done your research and selected a suitable wall mount bracket for your display, you can get straight to the entertaining part - the tools. If you've got some of the basic tools in your toolbox, like a tape measure, screw driver, and a drill, you're doing okay. It's also a good idea if you've got a stud finder so that you don't wind up mounting your new TV in only drywall.

Once you've got an idea of where you'd like the flat screen, check for a stud and make some placement modifications. You shouldn't forget to be sure that you are close by an electrical outlet or you will just have a wasted TV screen on the wall. Now, go ahead and attach the wall brackets to the back of the television screen. You need to do this before you put the TV mount on the wall so that you know if any adjustments must be made to the final mount placement.

Once final adjustments are made, make marks the places where anchor bolts are going to be put in and drill the holes, as they're often hard to start. Also, go ahead and cut space for cabling once you put in the anchors and then you can run the cables. Make certain the mount is level and then sink the anchors. After the mount and brackets are installed, ask a friend for a little help lifting the screen on wall. You really are not going to want to attempt to do this alone since the televisions are fairly heavy and bulky if they are lifted alone.

Now the best part - sit down with a cold drink and watch a movie on your new wall mounted Plasma TV.