Flat-panel TVs offer some of the best pictures available, plus a sleek design that looks great in almost any décor. Their slender shape and light weight make them ideal for wall mounting.

In this guide, you'll find in-depth info for a safe and easy wall mount installation. For a basic overview of the steps involved, you can watch our video on wall-mounting a flat-panel TV. For tips on concealing your TV's power and audio/video cables, check out our articles about managing home A/V cables and installing in-wall wire.

Some people don't feel comfortable with certain aspects of the flat-panel TV installation process. If you'd prefer not to do it yourself, call our A/V Designers at 1-800-555-9407 and they can set you up with a certified professional installer in your area.

Before you get started

Make sure that you have a thorough understanding of local building and fire codes. Make sure you know what's behind the wall before drilling or cutting. Read and follow the safety guidelines below, as well as those in the owner's manual.

Can you do it yourself?

Take a look at the chart below. What kind of installation do you want to do? Do you feel confident with the skills and tools involved?

Some of the tools you'll need include: (A) electrical tape; (B) measuring tape; (C) a stud finder; (D) a utility knife; (E) a drywall saw; (F) string (for pulling wire short distances); (G) a fish tape (for pulling wire longer distances)

Take a look at the chart above to determine which tools you'll need. You'll also need a partner to help you with some of the installation steps. Please note that your TV's power cable isn't made to be safely installed in your wall — that means that if you want to keep that cable hidden, you'll need to hire an electrician to install a recessed AC outlet on the wall behind your TV. If you do hire an electrician, you could also ask him or her to pull your A/V cables.

Safety tips

• Be sure to use A/V cables that meet local building and fire code. Most codes require UL-rated wire labeled CL2 or CL3 for in-wall installations.
• Don't route your TV's power cable through your wall — it's not rated for safe in-wall installation.
• Make sure the area behind your wall is clear before cutting (using the techniques discussed in our in-wall wiring guide).
• If you drill through a fire block or firebreak, patch it with comparable material. If you drill holes between floors, seal them with fire-resistant caulk per National Electric Code standards.
• Turn off the power in areas you'll be drilling or cutting to avoid electric shock.
• When working in the attic:
  • If it's not a finished attic, be careful to walk only on ceiling joists.
  • These areas are often poorly ventilated. Stay hydrated and use a fan to circulate air if you can. Make sure someone knows that you're up there, and take breaks when you need to.
• When working on a ladder:
  • Place your ladder in a stable position close to where you're working. Don't reach.
  • Always have one hand on the ladder.
  • Face the ladder when ascending or descending.
  • Don't carry heavy items up the ladder that could cause you to lose your balance and fall.
• Before you connect your A/V cables to your TV, make sure both your TV and the source component (ex: receiver, DVD player, etc.) are unplugged.

Mounting bracket shopping tips

• Check your TV's owner's manual for mounting guidelines. Some models require use of a specific bracket, but most models are compatible with a number of brackets that follow VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) standards. You'll see the word "VESA" followed by a number, which tells you how far apart the holes on the bracket or TV are in millimeters. For example, VESA 75 means that there are 4 holes in a square, and each side of the square is 75mm long. VESA 100/200 means that the holes are in a rectangle, with two sides measuring 100mm and two sides measuring 200mm. You should be able to find that information in the owner's manual, or you can measure the holes yourself to determine which VESA standard fits your TV. Many mounting brackets are compatible with more than one VESA standard, so finding one to fit your TV won't be difficult.
• Always check the screen sizes that the bracket says it can hold, and stay within the appropriate range. You should also to check the maximum weight a bracket can hold and make sure that it can support your TV.
• Think about what you want your bracket to be able to do. Do you want to be able to swivel the TV left and right to avoid glare, or get a better view from different seats? Do you want to be able to nudge your TV up and down in case you don't get the bracket exactly where you want it the first time? There are lots of options out there, so keep such conveniences in mind.