Below, we've laid out the steps involved in wall-mounting your flat-panel TV. We've also shared some installation tips that we've found to be useful, but only follow them if they don't conflict with the TV's or bracket's owner's manuals.

Attaching the TV portion of the bracket

Wall mounts are generally composed of two pieces — one that you'll attach to the TV, and another that you'll mount to the wall. The portion on the TV then attaches to the piece on the wall, and voilà, you've got a wall-mounted TV. Your first step will be to attach the TV portion of the mount to the back of your TV.

• Most flat-panel TVs don't have their mounting holes exposed — they'll be covered by a plastic cap. Just use a screwdriver to pry them off.

Like most flat-panel TVs, the one pictured above has four plastic caps over the holes used for wall-mounting. You can use a screwdriver to pry them off.

• Avoid lying the TV face down on the glass, since it can be permanently damaged. We recommend using the TV's pedestal to keep it upright. If you don't go this route, you can lean it up against a couch or table, using soft material (like a blanket) to protect the glass. If you do lay it on the floor, lay it on a soft blanket, and keep it well out of the way of foot traffic.
• The TV portion of the bracket often comes in two pieces. Make sure that you line up the screw holes on each side, so that the mount is level.
• If you're using a tilting or swiveling mount, make sure the screws attaching the mount to the TV won't impede the mount's movement. If they do, don't worry — wall mounts typically have multiple sets of screw holes to choose from, and you can simply use another set.

Measuring for your TV

Follow the steps below to figure out how high to mount your bracket on the wall. Also check the owner's manual for additional tips.

• Start by attaching the wall portion of the bracket to the TV portion of the bracket already on your TV.
• Next, measure the distance from the bottom of the panel to the bottom of the wall portion of the bracket. Since the bottom edge of the TV probably isn't on the same plane as the bracket, you can use a level to ensure you get an accurate measurement.
• Measure the height of your panel, and use a pencil or masking tape to mark this measurement on your wall. Make sure the middle of the TV screen will be at around seated eye level, and that the screen will cover up any power or A/V outlets you're planning to install behind your set. It might take a couple of tries to figure out exactly where you want your TV screen.
• Once you've figured out where the bottom of your screen should be, use your previous measurement to determine where the bottom of the bracket should be. Mark that spot.

To figure out how high to mount the bracket: (1) Measure the distance from the bottom of the wall bracket (A) to the bottom of the panel (B). (2) Make a mark on the wall where you want the bottom of the TV to be. (3) Using your measurement from (1), mark the wall where the bottom of the bracket should be.

Attaching the wall portion of the bracket

• To safely and securely mount your TV to the wall, you'll need to drill the bracket into wooden studs. After you've chosen your ideal TV mount location, use a high-quality stud finder to locate nearby studs. We recommend using one that can tell you where the exact center of each stud is, to ensure that your TV is securely mounted. Mark each stud with a pencil or masking tape.
• If your stud finder can't tell you where the center of the stud is, you'll need to figure it out manually. Once you've chosen which studs you're going to use, verify where each stud is located using an awl or thin nail. Hammer the nail into the wall partially until you hit the stud, then pull it out, move it about 1/4" to the side, and repeat until you only hit drywall. Do the same in the other direction. Then, find the middle of the stud by measuring the distance between the two drywall-only holes. Mark it — you'll want to mount the bracket on that middle line.
• Verify that the mounting holes in the bracket line up with the center of the studs.
• Always use a level to verify that the bracket is level before securing it to the wall. Follow the mounting directions in the owner's manual. Have your helper keep it stable while you screw it into the wall to make sure it stays level.
• Verify that the bracket is level before mounting the TV. It's much easier to make changes now than after the TV's on the wall.
• Note: Brick, solid concrete, and concrete block mounting — Not all brackets are mountable on concrete or brick, and only some will include the appropriate hardware. You may need to order additional materials from the manufacturer or purchase some supplies from your local hardware store, such as concrete wall anchors. Be sure to follow the instructions in the owner's manual.
• Note: Metal studs — If your house has metal studs, you should not wall-mount your TV. Most metal studs are too weak to support that much weight.

Routing cables for your TV

Below, we'll cover some basic things to keep in mind when running the power and A/V cables for your TV. You can find complete details on concealing wire outside your walls and routing wire inside your walls in our wiring guides.

• If you route your cables along the outside of your wall, you'll want to keep the power and A/V cables separate to avoid interference. Don't bundle them together, and try to keep a couple of inches of distance between them throughout the run. Some cable management raceways include two separate wiring channels for this purpose.
• If you're going to run the A/V cables inside the wall:
  • Shut off the power to the area you're working in.
  • You'll need to cut holes for the A/V cables to enter and exit the wall. Use your stud finder to check for obstacles behind the wall. Then drill a pilot hole. This is a small exploratory hole, drilled in the center of the space. Use caution when drilling pilot holes, so you don't plunge your bit into a pipe or electrical conduit. Next, insert a sturdy wire (such as a bent coat hanger) into the pilot hole, and explore the space behind the wall where you'd like to cut. You should also explore nearby crawlspaces or review your electrical and plumbing plans (available from your builder) to make sure you know what's behind the drywall before you cut. Don't cut unless you know that the area behind the wall is clear.
  • When cutting drywall, use a hand-held drywall saw (not an electric one) and cut slowly. Cut the drywall in one piece, on an inward slant, so that it's easier to patch later if necessary.

Use a sturdy wire (such as a bent coat hanger) to explore your pilot holes. Be sure that the space behind the wall is clear before cutting.

Many brackets have pre-existing holes for A/V cables. Trace the one that's closest to the A/V connectors on your TV. Drill a pilot hole, and explore the space behind the wall where you'd like to cut. Once you know that area is clear, cut the hole in one piece using a drywall saw.

Hanging the TV on the wall

• Do not attempt to do this part on your own. Ask a helper to assist you in lifting the TV and lining up the bracket. Have him or her keep it steady while you screw the bracket on the back of the TV onto the bracket on the wall.
• Before you fully secure the two bracket portions, check that your TV is level one more time. If your bracket allows for tilting or swiveling, now is a great time to make any minor adjustments.
• Finally, connect the A/V and power cables to your TV.

When you attach the bracket on the back of the TV to the bracket on the wall, have your helper assist you in lifting the TV, lining up the bracket, and keeping it steady. If you have an adjustable bracket, use a level to position the screen.