Flat Screen Mounting Tips

Mounting your flat screen television or monitor can be a relatively simple process if you know what you’re doing and you plan a basic wall mount. If you’re planning to use a more complex flat screen mounting solution, though, you may run into unexpected issues. These tips will help you with planning and executing more complicated flat screen mounting styles.

Recessed Installations

If you want your flat screen television to be flush with the wall, a recessed flat screen mounting is the way to go. To recess a flat screen, you’ll need to allow at least three inches of open space above the top of your television as well as on both sides of the plasma or LCD television. It’s also important to make sure the recess is deep enough to allow air to circulate behind the television set to prevent overheating. Keep in mind that if you choose to recess your flat screen mount, you’ll be stuck with the  size you choose later. Upgrading to a larger set will be difficult.

Finding Studs

The most important part of mounting your flat screen monitor or plasma television is placing the fasteners securely. That generally requires finding studs in the wall. There are a few tips you can use to help you find the wall studs for your flat screen mounting more easily. In new houses, studs are generally placed 16 inches apart on center. That means there will be 16 inches from the center of one wall stud to the center of the next. If you find one stud, you can easily locate adjacent ones.

Start looking for wall studs by checking where your wall outlets are placed. In newer construction, power outlets are usually placed adjacent to a wall stud.

You can usually locate a wall stud by tapping gently along the width of the wall. You’ll hear and feel the difference when you’re tapping over a stud. If that doesn’t work, or if you want more precision, you can pick up an inexpensive stud finder for about $20 at the hardware store.

Your flat screen mounting hardware should be positioned so that it is centered on the wall studs to take advantage of the strength and stability.

Corner Mounting

In many apartments and homes, there is little open wall space on which to mount a plasma television set. A corner wall mount allows you to use wall real estate that often goes to waste. Corner TV mounts can be tricky to install, but the extra effort is rewarded by a flat screen mounting solution that allows you to easily rearrange furniture and seating.

The right flat screen mounting hardware and devices can keep your television safe and make watching it more enjoyable. Take the time to choose the right television and monitor mounts and you’ll find the installation is much easier.