Wall mounting your television transforms your living space, creating a cleaner aesthetic while freeing up floor space previously occupied by a TV unit. While professional installation is always an option, wall mounting is a satisfying DIY project that most homeowners can accomplish with basic tools and careful preparation. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process, from choosing the right mount to achieving professional-quality cable management.
Choosing the Right Wall Mount
Before purchasing a wall mount, you need to understand the three main types and which suits your needs:
Fixed Mounts
The simplest and most affordable option, fixed mounts hold your TV flat against the wall with no movement. They're ideal for dedicated viewing positions where you'll always watch from the same spot, and they create the cleanest, most flush appearance. Fixed mounts are also the easiest to install and put the least stress on the wall.
Tilting Mounts
Tilting mounts allow you to angle the TV vertically, typically 10-15 degrees downward. This is useful when mounting the TV above eye level (such as above a fireplace) to reduce glare and improve viewing angles. They're slightly more complex than fixed mounts but still straightforward to install.
Full-Motion (Articulating) Mounts
These mounts extend from the wall on an arm, allowing you to swivel the TV left and right, tilt up and down, and even rotate for different viewing positions. They're ideal for open-plan living spaces or rooms with multiple viewing areas. However, they're more expensive, more complex to install, and require more robust wall attachment.
Check your TV's VESA pattern—the spacing between the four mounting holes on the back. Common patterns include 200x200mm, 300x300mm, and 400x400mm. Your wall mount must support your TV's VESA pattern and weight. This information is in your TV's manual and on the mount's packaging.
Tools and Materials Needed
Gather these items before starting:
- Stud finder: Essential for locating wall studs. Electronic models with deep-scanning capability work best.
- Level: A long spirit level or laser level ensures your mount is straight.
- Power drill: With both drill bits and screwdriver bits.
- Socket wrench or adjustable spanner: For tightening lag bolts.
- Pencil: For marking drill points.
- Tape measure: For precise positioning.
- Lag bolts/screws: Usually included with quality mounts; ensure they're appropriate for your wall type.
- A helper: Lifting and positioning a large TV is much safer with two people.
Finding and Using Wall Studs
For secure mounting, you must attach the mount bracket to wall studs—the vertical wooden frames behind your plasterboard. Studs are typically spaced 450mm (18 inches) or 600mm (24 inches) apart in Australian homes. A stud finder helps locate their exact position and edges.
Run your stud finder horizontally across the wall at your desired mounting height. When it detects a stud, mark both edges and the centre. Verify by checking for a second stud at the expected spacing—if you find studs at consistent 450mm or 600mm intervals, you've found the framing.
Plasterboard cannot support the weight of a TV. You must mount into studs or use appropriate wall anchors rated for your TV's weight. For masonry walls (brick/concrete), use masonry anchors and a masonry drill bit.
Determining Optimal Mounting Height
The centre of your TV screen should be at eye level when seated in your primary viewing position. For most couches, this means the centre of the screen should be approximately 100-120cm from the floor. Many people mount TVs too high, causing uncomfortable neck angles during extended viewing.
If mounting above a fireplace (common in Australian homes), tilting mounts become essential. Even with a tilt, consider whether the viewing angle will be comfortable for extended sessions. The ideal position prioritises viewing comfort over aesthetic placement.
Installation Steps
Step 1: Mark the Bracket Position
Hold the wall bracket against the wall at your desired height, centred on the stud locations. Use your level to ensure it's perfectly horizontal, then mark the screw hole positions with a pencil. Double-check your marks against the stud locations—every mounting point should align with a stud.
Step 2: Drill Pilot Holes
Using a drill bit slightly smaller than your lag bolts, drill pilot holes at each marked point. The pilot holes should be about 5-7cm deep—enough to accommodate the lag bolt length. Drilling pilot holes prevents the wood from splitting and makes driving the lag bolts much easier.
Step 3: Attach the Wall Bracket
Align the bracket with your pilot holes and drive the lag bolts through the bracket holes into the studs. Use a socket wrench or adjustable spanner to tighten firmly, but don't overtighten—you can crack the studs or strip the holes. The bracket should be completely stable with no movement.
Step 4: Attach Mounting Arms to TV
Most mounts include separate arms or a plate that attaches to the back of your TV using the VESA holes. Lay your TV face-down on a soft surface and attach these components using the provided hardware. Ensure all bolts are tight but be careful not to overtighten and crack the TV housing.
Step 5: Mount the TV
With your helper, lift the TV and hang it on the wall bracket. The TV arms/plate should hook onto or slide into the wall bracket. Once positioned, some mounts have locking mechanisms that need to be engaged. Verify the TV is secure before letting go completely.
Always test the mount's stability by gently pushing and pulling the TV after installation. It should feel completely solid with no flexing or movement. If there's any wobble, check that all bolts are properly tightened and studs were correctly located.
Cable Management Solutions
Visible cables detract from the clean look of a wall-mounted TV. Here are options for managing them:
Cord Covers
Paintable plastic channels that mount to the wall surface and hide cables inside. They're easy to install and removable, making them renter-friendly. Run them vertically from behind the TV to your entertainment unit or power outlet.
In-Wall Cable Routing
For a truly clean look, run cables inside the wall. This involves cutting two holes—one behind the TV and one near your power outlet—and threading cables between them. Note that electrical codes in Australia prohibit running power cables inside walls unless using a proper in-wall rated cable or installing an electrical outlet behind the TV. Signal cables (HDMI, ethernet) can be run freely.
In-Wall Power Kit
These kits provide code-compliant in-wall power with low-voltage cable routing. They include a power inlet, power outlet, and pathway for HDMI cables, keeping everything behind the wall legally and safely.
When to Hire a Professional
Consider professional installation if you have an unusual wall type (such as metal framing), need electrical work for an in-wall power outlet, are mounting an exceptionally large or heavy TV (75+ inches), or simply aren't comfortable with DIY projects involving power tools. Professional installers typically charge $100-300 depending on complexity, and can ensure a safe, clean installation.