Mounting Your Big Screen TV on the Wall.
So, you just brought home your new flat panel HDTV. Congratulations! Whether you have an entertainment center to place your TV or you plan on mounting it to your wall you have some work ahead of you! But, don't fret...it isn't that bad. You just have to be informed and know what you are doing before you start drilling a hole in the wall.
Flat panel TVs practically beg to be wall mounted. They are light enough to mount without an extensive support structure built in. Even the lightest of flat panels needs some support, however, especially if you are a worrier. Depending on the size and weight of your TV and the composition of your wall, you will need different supplies and different supports.
First, let's go all out. Say you purchased the largest LCD on the market at 52 inches, and you have standard dry wall as your walls, you will need a few things. First, you need to make sure you have all the mounting hardware you are going to need to properly mount and secure this monster of a TV to your wall. Usually, HDTVs come with mounting hardware, factory made for that specific TV. However, if you are going with a low end or midrange brands, you may have to purchase mounting hardware separately. The salesperson where you bought your TV will know what you will need and will be able to point you in the direction of that department. When you purchase mounting hardware separately, make sure to speak with someone about what you are buying to ensure it will support your HDTV.
Next, you will need some tools. Your basic tools will be a drill, possibly a hammer, possibly a saw, and possibly some nails. You may also need some two by fours, but only if you have a very large TV and weaker walls (ie old plaster).
Find your wall studs and make sure you use them as your main support structure. If you have a smaller size HDTV, the wall studs might be enough to fully support your TV. A safe cut-off point for the size the studs can hold is less than 27 inches. Be wary over 27 inches, as different brands and models weigh more than others. Some models up to 32 inches can work off just the wall studs, but it really depends on the weight of the TV.
The next step in support is for mid size flat panels, from 32 to 38 inch screens. Even the most lightweight mid size HDTVs are a bit to much for your wall studs alone. Don't worry, it won't take much to shore up the support. You will need one two by four. Cut it to fit behind the TV, but long enough to secure to two wall studs. If you can manage three (it depends on your home's structure) all the better, but two wall studs work fine as your base support. Once the two by four is secured to the base studs, follow the mounting hardware instructions included with the TV or the hardware. You basically do the same thing for the largest size range. You just add more two by fours at different points in the studs for more secondary support.
Now, sit back and enjoy your wall mounted flat panel HDTV!
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