How to Wall Mount a TV (DIY) - Custom Step-by-Step Guide

  • Preparation & tools

  • Wall Inspection

  • TV Bracket

  • Measurements

  • Mount installation

  • Final adjustment

  • Done!

What’s the Structure Behind Your Wall?

Some walls have a framing structure — typically made of wood or metal studs — hidden behind drywall or plaster. Other walls, like concrete, brick, or stone, don’t have a frame. They’re solid all the way through and require a completely different mounting approach.

  • Wood studs (common in most U.S. homes)

  • Metal studs

  • Brick or concrete wall (solid wall)

👉 Try tapping on the wall: a hollow sound often means studs behind drywall; a solid thud could mean brick or concrete. A stud finder can also help identify wood or metal framing.

What’s the Outer Surface of Your Wall?

Tell us what material is covering your wall. This affects the type of drill bit, anchors, and screws you'll need.
  • Drywall (most common)

  • Stone or brick veneer

  • Wood paneling

  • Concrete

  • Tile

Let’s Get Your Tools Ready

Based on your wall material — Drywall and wall structure — Wood Studs, you’ll need the following tools
  • Stud Finder

    To locate the wood studs behind your drywall.

  • Drill and drill bit set

    To make pilot holes and drive in screws or bolts.

  • Measuring Tape

    To measure distances and set the correct TV height.

  • Level

    To ensure the TV mount is perfectly horizontal.

  • Socket Wrench and Socket Set

    To tighten lag bolts into the studs securely.

  • Pencil

    To mark drill points and mounting height.

Inspect the Wall for Studs

To safely mount your TV, you need to find the wood studs behind your drywall. Follow these steps:
  • 1. Place the Stud Finder on the Wall

    Hold the device flat against the wall, a few inches above the floor. Make sure it's calibrated if required (some digital models need a button press first).

  • 2. Slowly Slide Horizontally

    Move the stud finder slowly across the wall. Watch for the indicator light or beep that signals the edge of a stud.

  • 3. Mark the Edges of the Studs

    Once both edges are detected, mark them with a pencil. The center of the stud is between those two points. Typical stud spacing is 16 to 24 inches apart.

💡 Tip: Stud Finder Didn’t Work? Try a Magnetic One

If your digital stud finder fails to detect anything, try a magnetic stud finder. It works by finding the screws or nails used to attach drywall to the studs — and often works better in tricky spots.

Were You Able to Find the Stud Locations?
  • Yes

  • No

🚫 No Studs? We’ll Go Another Way

Can’t find any studs in your wall? No problem — you can still mount your TV safely using heavy-duty wall anchors.
You can use special drywall anchors rated up to 150 lbs each — just make sure to buy the right anchors:
TOGGLER SNAPTOGGLE BB Toggle Anchor with Bolts, (Pack of 10)
Perfect for TV Mounting
$ 19.90
Price as of April 24, 2025. Subject to change
Check on Amazon

⚠️ For TVs Over 80": Studs Are Required

Unfortunately, mounting a TV of this size without studs is not safe. Due to the weight and size of your TV, we do not recommend using wall anchors or any drywall-only mounting solutions.
Please try to locate your studs again using a stud finder or a magnetic alternative. Mounting directly to wood studs is essential for secure installation at this scale.

📐 Are the Studs in the Right Spot?

Ideally, the center point between two studs should match the center of your TV. But if the studs don’t line up with where you want to place your TV — that’s not a problem. We’ll help you choose a wall mount with a horizontal adjustment feature, which allows you to perfectly center your TV, even if a stud is directly behind where the center should be.
  • Yes

  • No

Choose a Trusted TV Mount

We’ve selected TV wall mounts that are compatible with your wall type and TV size — the same reliable models we use ourselves on real installations. These mounts are tested, trusted, and built to last.

Shop safely on Amazon — fast shipping, easy returns, and peace of mind.

Choose a Trusted TV Mount

We’ve selected TV wall mounts that are compatible with your wall type and TV size — the same reliable models we use ourselves on real installations. These mounts are tested, trusted, and built to last.

Shop safely on Amazon — fast shipping, easy returns, and peace of mind.

Measurements

Before you drill, take time to plan the exact height and position of your TV. Proper measurements ensure perfect placement and save you from patching extra holes later.
  • 1. Decide the Mounting Height

    Choose the optimal height for your TV based on your room and seating position.
    Need help? Use our TV Height Calculator for precise recommendation.

  • 2. Assemble the Bracket to the TV

    Attach the vertical arms to the back of your TV and temporarily connect them to the wall plate.
    Measure the distance from the bottom of the TV to the bottom wall-mount holes — you’ll need this in the next step.

  • 3. Mark the Bottom Holes on the Wall

    Find the center of the studs. Then add the distance from the previous step to your desired TV height and mark the bottom holes accordingly.

  • 4. Use the Paper Template to Mark All Holes

    Align the included paper template with the bottom marks. Hold it flat and level, then mark all four holes (or however many are needed) in line with the studs.

  • 5. Double-Check

    Before drilling, use a level to ensure all marks are perfectly aligned. This is your last chance to correct anything before committing to the holes.

Install the TV Mount

Follow these steps to securely attach the mount to your wall:
  • 1. Drill Pilot Holes

    Using a drill bit slightly smaller than your screws, make pilot holes at the marked positions. This helps prevent drywall or stud splitting.

  • 2. Attach the Mount with Top Screws


    Hold the mount against the wall and insert the top two screws, but don’t tighten them fully yet — this allows for final adjustment.

  • 3. Level and Finalize the Mounting

    Place a level on the top of the mount, adjust for perfect horizontal alignment, and fully tighten all screws once everything is straight.

  • 4. Hang the TV on the Mount

    Carefully lift your TV and attach it to the wall plate, following the instructions provided with your mount.

  • 5. Tighten Locking Screws (if applicable)

    Some mounts include locking screws or safety mechanisms. Make sure to tighten them to secure the TV in place.

Install the TV Moun on toggle bolts

Follow these steps to securely attach the mount to your wall:
  • 1. Drill the Holes

    Use a ½ inch (13 mm) drill bit to make a clean holes in the drywall at the marked spot.

  • 2. Insert the Anchors

    Push the anchor into the hole until the metal wings pop open behind the wall. Then pull back slightly on the anchor to set the wings flat against the inside of the wall.

  • 3. Tighten the Plastic Collar and Snap Off the Excess Tabs

    Slide the plastic collar tight against the wall and press it flush for a snug fit. Once the collar is secured, break off the plastic guide arms (usually by bending side to side) so the anchor sits flat and ready for mounting.

  • 4. Attach the Mount with Top Screws


    Hold the mount against the wall and insert the top two screws, but don’t tighten them fully yet — this allows for final adjustment.

  • 5. Level and Finalize the Mounting

    Place a level on the top of the mount, adjust for perfect horizontal alignment, and fully tighten all screws once everything is straight.

  • 6. Hang the TV on the Mount

    Carefully lift your TV and attach it to the wall plate, following the instructions provided with your mount.

  • 7. Tighten Locking Screws (if applicable)

    Some mounts include locking screws or safety mechanisms. Make sure to tighten them to secure the TV in place.

Install the TV Moun (on tile)

Follow these steps to securely attach the mount to your wall:
  • 1. Drill Through the Tile and Cement Layer

    Use a ceramic tile drill bit (or glass/tile bit) to drill a hole through the tile and the cement board underneath. The hole should be a few millimeters wider than your screw diameter to prevent pressure cracks in the tile.

  • 2. Drill Into the Stud Behind the Tile

    Switch to a standard wood drill bit and drill into the wood stud behind the wall.
This hole should be slightly smaller than the screw diameter to ensure a tight grip. Drill to the appropriate depth for your screw length.

  • 4. Attach the Mount with Top Screws


    Hold the mount against the wall and insert the top two screws, but don’t tighten them fully yet — this allows for final adjustment.

  • 5. Level and Finalize the Mounting

    Place a level on the top of the mount, adjust for perfect horizontal alignment, and fully tighten all screws once everything is straight.

  • 6. Hang the TV on the Mount

    Carefully lift your TV and attach it to the wall plate, following the instructions provided with your mount.

  • 7. Tighten Locking Screws (if applicable)

    Some mounts include locking screws or safety mechanisms. Make sure to tighten them to secure the TV in place.

Install the TV Moun a concrete/bricks wall

Follow these steps to securely attach the mount to your wall:
  • 1. Drill the Holes

    Use a masonry drill bit that matches the diameter and depth required for your wall anchors. Mark the spots, then drill straight into the concrete or brick wall, keeping the drill steady and firm.

  • 2. Insert the Anchors

    Place the wall anchors into the drilled holes. Gently tap them in with a hammer until they sit flush with the wall surface. Make sure they're secure before moving to the next step.

  • 3. Attach the Mount with Top Screws


    Hold the mount against the wall and insert the top two screws, but don’t tighten them fully yet — this allows for final adjustment.

  • 4. Level and Finalize the Mounting

    Place a level on the top of the mount, adjust for perfect horizontal alignment, and fully tighten all screws once everything is straight.

  • 5. Hang the TV on the Mount

    Carefully lift your TV and attach it to the wall plate, following the instructions provided with your mount.

  • 6. Tighten Locking Screws (if applicable)

    Some mounts include locking screws or safety mechanisms. Make sure to tighten them to secure the TV in place.

🔧 Final Adjustments

The last step before you kick back and enjoy your perfectly mounted TV.
  • 1. Level the TV (if applicable)

    If your mount allows for leveling, place a leveler on the top or bottom edge of the TV. Adjust until it’s perfectly horizontal, then tighten the bolts to secure it in place.

  • 2. Set the Tilt Angle (if applicable)

    If your mount supports tilting, adjust the TV to your desired viewing angle—especially useful if the TV is mounted higher on the wall. Tighten the tilt knob or locking screw to keep it in position.

  • 3. Connect Power and HDMI Cables

    Plug in the power cord and HDMI cables, if you haven’t already. Make sure the cables have enough slack and aren’t pulling tight when the TV is moved or tilted.

🎉 Done! Your TV is Mounted!

Congratulations — your TV is now securely installed and ready to go! Take a step back, grab the remote, and enjoy your perfect viewing setup. Whether it's movie night or game day, you're all set. Great job following through!