Mounting a TV looks simple until you’re holding a drill against a wall and wondering what’s behind it. The right method depends entirely on the wall type, and getting it wrong risks a damaged wall or a TV on the floor.
First, work out what your wall is made of
Knock on it. A solid, dull thud usually means brick or block. A hollow sound points to plasterboard on a timber or metal frame. A stud finder helps you locate the frame and, just as importantly, warns you about pipes and cables.
Brick and block walls
These are the strongest option. Use masonry drill bits and wall plugs matched to your bracket’s screws. Drill to the correct depth, clear the dust and tighten the bolts until the bracket sits firm with no movement.
Plasterboard on studs
Ideally, fix into the timber studs behind the board. They’re typically spaced about 400mm apart. If your bracket doesn’t line up with a stud, use fixings rated for the load. Never rely on ordinary plastic plugs in plasterboard for a heavy TV.
Choosing the bracket
- Fixed: sits flat and close to the wall, and is the neatest look
- Tilt: angles down slightly, handy when the TV is mounted high
- Full-motion: swings out and turns, which suits corners and open-plan rooms
Check before you drill
Use a detector to check for live cables and pipes. If you’re unsure, stop and get someone who knows. Also confirm your bracket’s VESA size matches the mounting holes on the back of your TV and that its weight rating exceeds your screen’s weight.
If you’d rather not risk it, we mount TVs across South West London on every wall type and tidy the cables while we’re there.
Need a hand with this?
Our TV Mounting & Wall Fitting service covers exactly this kind of job across South West London.