TV Installation & Wall Mounting

Bracket Types

Full-motion brackets require more robust wall fixings because of the leverage involved.

VESA Compatibility

VESA defines the mounting hole pattern on the back of TVs. Common sizes: 100×100, 200×200, 400×400, 600×400 (mm, horizontal × vertical). Confirm the bracket supports the TV's VESA pattern before ordering.

Survey — Assessing the Wall

Stud walls (timber frame with plasterboard)

• Use a stud finder to locate studs (typically at 400mm or 600mm centres)
• For most TVs, fix through the plasterboard into at least two studs
• If the VESA spacing doesn't align with studs, fit a horizontal timber noggin between two studs or use a spreader board
• Do not fix into plasterboard alone — plasterboard fixings are not load-rated for a TV, particularly full-motion brackets

Solid masonry walls (brick, block, stone)

• Fix directly into the masonry using M8 or M10 coach bolts with rated wall plugs (Fischer or similar)
• Confirm the wall is solid — drill a test hole to check

Plasterboard on masonry (dot-and-dab or battened)

• Fixings must reach the masonry — not just fix into the plasterboard or the air gap behind it
• Use long bolts to reach through plasterboard + air gap + masonry (total can be 50–70mm before solid masonry)
• Or locate a batten position and fix there

Procedure

Step 1 — Confirm TV position

Mark the desired centre of the TV on the wall. Confirm:

• Correct height — seated viewing: 90–110cm from floor to centre of screen is typical
• No pipes or cables behind the wall (use a cable/pipe detector)
• The wall structure can support the weight

Step 2 — Locate fixings

Stud wall: Use a stud finder; confirm with a thin nail probe if uncertain. Mark the stud centres.

Masonry: Mark the hole positions from the bracket template.

Step 3 — Fix the wall plate

• Drill pilot holes at the marked positions
• For masonry: insert wall plugs and fix with coach bolts to the specified torque
• For stud walls: use wood screws long enough to penetrate into the stud by at least 40mm beyond the plasterboard
• Use a spirit level to confirm the wall plate is horizontal before tightening fully

Step 4 — Cable management

Before hanging the TV, plan the cable route:

In-wall concealment (plasterboard walls):

• Cut a hole behind the TV position and a hole at the equipment location below
• Use a cable drop kit (flat oval conduit for in-wall use) — feed HDMI, power, and other cables through the wall
• Mains power cables must be in rated conduit and routed vertically — all in-wall mains wiring must comply with BS 7671

Surface trunking (masonry walls or where in-wall routing is not possible):

• Use paintable plastic trunking to route cables down from the TV to the AV equipment or socket
• Cut accurately and use corner pieces for a professional finish

Step 5 — Hang the TV

1. Attach the bracket arms/hooks to the back of the TV using the VESA bolts supplied with the bracket
2. Hang the TV onto the wall plate — confirm it clicks/locks securely
3. If the bracket has tilt adjustments, set to the desired angle and lock
4. Connect all cables

Step 6 — Final check

• TV is level
• All cables connected and tidy
• TV powers on and all sources work
• Bracket fixings have not worked loose after hanging the TV
• No cables are pinched or stressed where the TV tilts/swings

Above-Fireplace Installations

Mounting above a fireplace is a common request but comes with important caveats:

• Height: Above a fireplace is often too high for comfortable viewing — discuss with the customer before proceeding
• Heat: Check whether the chimney breast gets warm — heat damages the TV and bracket. If in doubt, advise against it or confirm the fireplace is decorative only
• Cable route: Getting cables from the TV down behind the chimney breast often requires drilling through the chimney breast, using surface trunking, or routing up and around

Common Issues

Related Documents

• Getting Started — AV Installation