How to Hang a TV on a Wall: DIY Steps, Height & Cables

A wall-mounted TV looks clean and saves space—but the moment you pick up a drill, questions pile up. How high should it go? Do you need studs? What if your studs aren’t centered, your wall is brick, or you want it above the fireplace? And once it’s up, how do you hide the wires without breaking code or your drywall?

Good news: hanging a TV is a straightforward DIY when you follow a safe, step-by-step plan. With the right mount (matched to your TV’s VESA pattern and weight), a verified wall type (stud, masonry, or studless), and a simple cable strategy (in‑wall power kit or surface raceways), you can get a perfectly level, secure install and a tidy, theater‑worthy look.

This guide walks you through the entire process—from tools and mount selection to finding studs, setting the ideal viewing height, managing power and HDMI, and handling common headaches like off‑center studs and metal framing. Clear steps, pro tips, and quick checks start below.

Step 1. Gather tools and materials

Before you even get to the drilling, the fastest way for how to hang tv on wall safely is to stage your kit. The right tools prevent stripped bolts and crooked brackets. Grab the mount, basic drilling gear, and decide now whether you’ll hide power in‑wall or run tidy surface raceways.

• Wall mount with rated hardware (lag bolts/washers)
• Power drill and bits (wood; masonry if needed)
• Stud finder, tape measure, and level
• Phillips screwdriver and socket wrench
• In‑wall power kit (+ wallboard saw) or paintable raceways
• UL‑rated CL2/CL3 in‑wall A/V cables

Step 2. Choose the right wall mount (VESA, size, and weight)

Picking the correct bracket is the difference between a clean, safe install and a struggle. Before you move on with how to hang tv on wall, match your TV to a mount that supports its bolt pattern, size, and weight, and choose the motion style that fits your room.

• Match the VESA pattern: Check your TV’s manual or measure the holes (in mm), for example 200 x 200 or 400 x 400. Your mount must list that pattern (or a compatible range).
• Respect size/weight limits: Never exceed the mount’s max weight. Larger/full‑motion mounts often need higher ratings.
• Pick the motion style: Fixed = lowest profile; tilt helps fight glare or higher placements; full‑motion adds swivel/extend for off‑center seating.
• Confirm wall compatibility/hardware: Some mounts aren’t rated for concrete/brick, and may require separate anchors—follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Plan cable clearance: Ensure depth and access for power/HDMI behind the TV.

Step 3. Confirm your wall type and mounting method (stud, masonry, or studless)

Before any holes, identify what you’re fastening into. Use a stud finder (and a quick knock test) to distinguish wood studs from hollow drywall, note that exterior walls may have extra bracing, and verify if your surface is brick or concrete. The safest way for how to hang tv on wall is to match your wall type with a mount and hardware expressly rated for it.

• Wood studs: Anchor the wall frame into studs with the supplied lag bolts; aim for the stud centers and follow the mount’s instructions.
• Masonry (brick/concrete): Use manufacturer‑approved concrete anchors; some mounts require separate masonry hardware to be purchased.
• Studless drywall: Only use a purpose‑built “no‑stud” drywall mount (often rated around 22–55"). Follow the mount’s specific size/weight limits and install method (e.g., angled nails).

Step 4. Plan placement and viewing height

Great placement makes your setup comfortable and glare-free. For how to hang tv on wall the right way, center the screen on your main seating—not the wall—and avoid direct sunlight or reflections. A reliable rule: position the middle of the screen at seated eye level, typically about 42" from the floor. If furniture forces a higher mount, choose a tilting bracket so you can angle the screen down and reduce neck strain and glare.

• Use the 42" rule: Mark the screen center at ~42", then calculate top/bottom edges from your TV’s height.
• Mock it up: Tape a cardboard outline or have helpers hold the TV to confirm looks and sightlines.
• Plan symmetry, not studs: The wall bracket can slide left/right on many mounts to fine-tune centering.
• Glare check: If you can’t avoid reflections, prefer a tilt or full‑motion mount for small angle tweaks.

Step 5. Plan safe power and cable management

Clean installs start with a safe power plan. Before you continue with how to hang tv on wall, decide whether you’ll run cables in‑wall or use low‑profile surface raceways. For the most seamless look, use an in‑wall power relocation kit to place an outlet behind the TV and run UL‑rated CL2/CL3 A/V cables. If you’re renting or want a faster path, raceways hide power and HDMI neatly.

• In‑wall power kit: Puts an outlet behind the TV and plugs down low; follow the kit instructions.
• Surface raceways: Adhesive, paintable, rental‑friendly.
• Don’t fish the TV’s factory power cord in‑wall; use a listed in‑wall kit.
• Prewire a spare HDMI (and Ethernet) for future devices.
• Leave a small service loop for strain relief/full‑motion mounts.

Step 6. Locate and mark studs (or anchor points)

Accurate anchoring is the backbone of how to hang tv on wall securely. Use a quality stud finder, verify each stud’s center, and keep your Step 4 height mark visible. If you’re on masonry or using a studless system, you’ll mark the manufacturer’s anchor points instead of studs.

• Find edges, then center: Sweep with a stud finder, mark both edges with tape, then mark the center line.
• Verify with a tiny pilot: A small pilot hole or finish nail should hit solid wood—no give.
• Locate the second stud: Measure 16" (sometimes 24") from the first center and confirm with the finder.
• Masonry walls: Hold the bracket/template in the target area and lightly mark each anchor position.
• Studless mounts: Use the mount’s template/guide to mark the specific anchor pattern and keep within its size/weight limits.

Step 7. Mark and level the wall bracket

Hold the wall frame on your height mark, align slots over stud centers, and level the top rail; lightly mark all pilot holes. Keep the bracket centered to your seating (not the studs) if it offers left/right adjustment. Recheck level and centers, erase stray marks. This accuracy step streamlines how to hang tv on wall without re‑drilling.

Step 8. Drill pilot holes and secure the bracket

With the bracket leveled and holes marked, commit carefully. This is the point in how to hang tv on wall where accuracy counts: drill clean pilot holes at each mark, then secure the wall frame using the hardware rated for your wall—lag bolts into wood studs, and manufacturer‑approved anchors for masonry or studless kits.

• Drill straight: Aim for stud centers to maximize holding strength.
• Set all fasteners first: Start every bolt, then tighten evenly with a socket wrench.
• Verify and test: Re‑check level as you snug (don’t overtighten), then give the frame a firm two‑hand tug test.

Step 9. Install in-wall power/cable kit or surface raceways

This is where your “no‑wires” look happens. For a seamless result in how to hang tv on wall, install a listed in‑wall power relocation kit and run UL‑rated CL2/CL3 A/V cables between plates. Prefer a faster, rental‑friendly route? Use low‑profile, paintable raceways. Do this now, before the TV is on the bracket.

• In‑wall power kit: Cut top/bottom openings, mount the plates, snap/connect the kit’s pre‑wired power, and plug the lower module into an existing outlet. Pull UL‑rated CL2/CL3 HDMI/Ethernet between plates. Do not fish the TV’s factory power cord in‑wall.
• Surface raceways: Measure, cut, and stick channels from the TV down to a nearby outlet/component stack; add elbows/joints as needed. Route power and HDMI, then paint to match. Leave a small service loop for full‑motion mounts.

Step 10. Attach the mounting arms or plate to the TV

Set the TV face-down on a soft blanket, align the mount’s arms/plate with the VESA holes, and loosely start all screws before tightening. Use the correct screw length and included spacers so you don’t bottom out or bow the panel. Keep the quick-release/latch side accessible, and make sure screws don’t block tilt/swivel movement—this makes how to hang tv on wall in the next step painless.

• Use the supplied hardware: Correct screws/washers prevent damage and ensure a snug, safe fit.
• Keep it level: Match hole spacing on both sides so arms sit perfectly parallel.
• Mind ports and cables: Leave clearance for HDMI/power and add low-profile adapters if needed.
• Install pull cords/lanyards: Note where they hang—you’ll need them to lock the TV in Step 11.

Step 11. Hang and lock the TV on the bracket

With a helper, lift the TV by its edges, align the mounting arms with the top lip of the wall frame, and lower until the hooks fully seat. This is the moment in how to hang tv on wall when it all comes together: pull the quick‑release cords to lock (or insert the mount’s safety screws).

• Confirm locks: Ensure both latches/safety screws are engaged; tuck pull cords out of sight.
• Fine‑tune: Level the screen and set tilt/swivel, then snug the adjusters.
• Safety check: Give a firm two‑hand tug and verify cable/service‑loop clearance before letting go.

Step 12. Connect devices and manage cables neatly

With the screen secure, finish by connecting your gear and dressing cables so the setup stays tidy and serviceable. If you ran in‑wall lines, pull only enough slack; with raceways, open, route power/HDMI, then re‑close. This final pass of how to hang tv on wall prevents strain and clutter.

• Power first: Plug into the kit’s lower outlet or a surge protector.
• Use UL‑rated CL2/CL3 cables: Avoid tight bends behind the mount.
• Bundle slack: Use Velcro and keep signal separate from power.
• Close plates/raceways: Label both ends and test each input.

Step 13. Handle common challenges (off-center studs, above fireplace, metal studs)

Real walls don’t always match your plan. Off‑center studs, a tempting fireplace location, or metal studs can complicate how to hang tv on wall, but the fixes are straightforward when you pair the right mount and hardware to the situation. Use the tips below to stay safe and centered.

• Off‑center studs: Choose a wall frame wide enough to catch two studs (often 16" apart) and use the mount’s built‑in left/right slide to center the screen. A tilt or full‑motion mount also lets you aim the picture if your seating isn’t perfectly centered.
• Above fireplace: It’s seldom ideal due to heat/smoke. If you proceed, use a purpose‑built fireplace bracket that lowers the TV to eye height while viewing, and a tilting mount to reduce glare. Verify mantel clearance and keep wiring methods code‑compliant.
• Metal studs: Confirm the stud type first. Use only manufacturer‑approved hardware/mounts rated for metal studs—don’t substitute wood lag bolts. If your mount isn’t rated for metal framing, switch to a compatible solution or a listed studless system within its size/weight limits.

Step 14. Final safety checks and quick troubleshooting

Before you call it done, run a one‑minute safety sweep. This final pass for how to hang tv on wall verifies structure and cable strain so nothing shifts later. Confirm the bracket is secure and the TV is fully latched.

• Level: Recheck; micro‑adjust the mount or re‑center arms.
• Locks: Latches/safety screws engaged; all lag bolts snug.
• Tug test: Two‑hand pull—no wobble; re‑seat into studs/anchors.
• Cables: Service loops OK; no pinched HDMI; in‑wall kit/raceway only.

Ready to watch

Moment of truth: dim the lights, power up, and run your TV’s setup. If you followed the steps, you’ve got a level screen, safe anchors, and clean cables—no eye‑sore cords, no wobble, no guesswork. Sit back and confirm picture, sound, and inputs, then fine‑tune tilt or swivel for your seat.

Want to finish the room? Add a soundbar, surge protection, or a longer certified HDMI for gaming and streaming. When you need the right gear—mounts, in‑wall power kits, raceways, and UL‑rated cables—shop confidently at Electronic Spree and get fast delivery to complete your setup. Enjoy the view.