Mounting a television may look simple. You choose a wall, attach a bracket and hang the TV. However, a small mistake can leave the screen crooked, damage the wall or even create a serious safety risk. Understanding the 9 Biggest TV mounting mistakes home owners make can help you protect your television and create a more comfortable viewing experience.
At AMH Electronics, we often help homeowners correct installations that were placed too high, attached incorrectly or completed without a plan for wiring and connected equipment. Here are nine problems to avoid before mounting your next television.
1. Mounting the TV Too High
One of the most common mistakes is placing the television far above a comfortable viewing position. This often happens when a TV is mounted over a fireplace or when the installer chooses a location based on wall space instead of seating height.
Looking upward for an extended period can cause neck and eye discomfort. Ideally, the center of the screen should be close to the viewer’s natural eye level when seated. Nevertheless, screen size, seating distance, room layout and reclining furniture can affect the final position.
Before drilling any holes, sit in the main viewing location and test the proposed height. A cardboard template can help you visualize the screen before installation.
2. Using the Wrong Mount
Not every bracket fits every television. The mount must support the TV’s weight, screen size and mounting-hole pattern. It should also provide the movement the room requires.
Common mount styles include:
- Fixed mounts for a slim, stationary installation
- Tilting mounts for higher mounting locations
- Full-motion mounts for rooms with several viewing positions
- Manufacturer-specific slim mounts for select television models
Choosing an undersized or incompatible bracket can make the installation unsafe. In addition, a mount that extends from the wall creates more leverage and places greater stress on the attachment points.
3. Failing to Secure the Mount Properly
A large television is too heavy and expensive to attach without confirming the wall structure. Drywall alone usually does not provide enough support for a typical TV mount.
The installer must locate suitable wood studs, metal framing, masonry or installed blocking. Then, the correct fasteners must be selected for that structure. Tile, stone and other specialty surfaces require additional tools and experience.
This is one of the most dangerous TV mounting mistakes because a failed attachment can damage the television, wall, furniture or anyone nearby. Proper anchoring matters even more with a full-motion bracket.
4. Not Checking for Pipes and Electrical Wiring
Walls may contain electrical cables, plumbing, gas lines and low-voltage wiring. Drilling without checking the area can damage one of these hidden systems.
A stud finder can provide useful information, but it does not replace careful planning. Installers should consider nearby outlets, plumbing fixtures and the likely path of wiring before selecting fastener locations.
If the proposed wall contains plumbing or other obstacles, another mounting location or installation method may be safer.
5. Hiding the TV’s Power Cord Inside the Wall
Many homeowners want a clean installation without visible wires. Unfortunately, simply pushing the television’s factory power cord or an extension cord through the wall may not provide a safe or code-compliant solution.
A professional installation uses an appropriate recessed electrical outlet or a listed in-wall power-relocation system. Low-voltage cables also need the correct in-wall rating when routed through enclosed spaces.
Planning power, HDMI, network and other connections before mounting the TV creates a cleaner result. More importantly, it prevents the need to reopen the wall later.
6. Installing a TV Above a Fireplace Without Checking Heat
A television above the fireplace may fit the room visually, but heat can shorten the life of the electronics. The mounting height may also be uncomfortable.
Before installation, consider:
- The television manufacturer’s clearance requirements
- Heat produced by the fireplace
- Mantel depth and heat deflection
- Wall and chimney construction
- Viewing height from the seating area
- Access to power and signal wiring
In some rooms, a fireplace installation can work well with careful planning. In others, a different wall provides a safer and more comfortable solution.
7. Ignoring Glare and Viewing Angles
Windows, glass doors and ceiling lights can create distracting reflections. A screen that looks good during installation may become difficult to see at another time of day.
Before choosing the final location, check the wall during both daylight and evening hours. Also, consider where people will sit and whether the screen remains visible from those positions.
Motorized shades, lighting control or a tilting mount can reduce some problems. Still, choosing the right location from the beginning usually produces the best result.
8. Forgetting About the Soundbar and Connected Equipment
The television is only one part of the system. Streaming devices, cable boxes, gaming systems, soundbars and network connections all require space, power and cable access.
For example, a soundbar should be positioned so the television does not block it. The mount must also leave enough room to reach HDMI inputs and service the equipment.
Some installations place connected devices behind the TV. Others use a cabinet or centrally located equipment rack. Either way, planning these details prevents clutter and makes future service easier.
9. Trying to Lift a Large TV Without Enough Help
Modern televisions are thin and can be difficult to grip safely. Large screens may flex or crack if they are lifted incorrectly. Their size also makes it difficult to see the mounting hooks while placing the TV on the bracket.
Two or more people may be required, depending on the screen size and mounting location. Specialty models and oversized televisions can require additional equipment.
Attempting the lift alone can damage the screen or cause an injury. Therefore, the installation plan should account for both the television’s weight and its physical dimensions.
Why Professional TV Installation Matters
Avoiding common TV installation mistakes requires more than making sure the screen looks level. A professional installer considers wall construction, bracket capacity, viewing height, glare, ventilation, power, signal wiring and future equipment access.
AMH Electronics can provide:
- Professional TV and soundbar mounting
- Correct placement and viewing-height recommendations
- Secure installation on appropriate wall structures
- Clean cable management
- In-wall low-voltage wiring
- Coordination for properly located electrical power
- Streaming-device and component installation
- Audio-system setup and system testing
The result is a cleaner installation that is easier to use and better suited to the room.
Schedule Professional TV Installation in Phoenix
A crooked screen or visible cable is frustrating. However, poor anchoring, hidden electrical hazards and fireplace heat can become much larger problems.
Avoid costly TV mounting mistakes by having the installation planned and completed correctly. AMH Electronics provides professional TV and soundbar installation throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley and surrounding communities.
Contact AMH Electronics to schedule your TV installation and enjoy a secure, clean and comfortable setup.
