The actual height you mount your TV will depend on the layout of your room. If you’re mounting it above a fireplace or in an alcove, the height of these structures will determine the mounting height of your TV. However, Bob Villa recommends positioning your TV 42 inches on-center in conventional rooms with standard seated viewing.

You may be able to mount your flat screen TV above your fireplace for a more streamlined look in your living room. In fact, TV mounting professionals can hang your flat screen TV flush with a wall or from a tilting or full-motion bracket mount in any room in your home. A tilting or full-motion mount may be the best option above a fireplace so you can tilt the TV down for the best viewing angle. Whether the wall above your fireplace is brick, drywall, concrete, stone or plaster, most television mounting services can accommodate your needs. Hardier wall surfaces like concrete or brick will require more labor and expertise to mount, and will likely have a higher price range.

If you want your AV and cable wires hidden in the wall, you will also pay a higher price due to the added time and skill to properly drill the holes and run wires. Before mounting your TV above your fireplace, consult with the manufacturer about necessary distance from heat sources. If the space above your fireplace gets too warm, another location could be better for the longevity of your TV. Your television mounting services may take between one and two hours, or more depending on your home theater setup.

Elevate your home style with television mounting services. The national average price for television mounting services ranges between $100 and $130. Factors that can affect cost are the material of the wall you want the TV mounted on, whether you want the wires hidden, and any additional entertainment system connection you desire. It probably costs more to mount a TV on brick, stone or concrete than on drywall or plaster due to the added labor required to drill holes. For example, a company may charge an additional $99 to mount a TV on a brick wall. Here are some examples of average costs for television mounting services:

• Basic TV wall mount: $40. Does not include bracket, device connection or strip management.
• TV wall mount: $119. Includes bracket, mounting services, strip management system (for concealing external wires), and connection of all entertainment devices.
• TV wall mount with wires hidden inside wall: $139.
• Installation of additional electrical outlet: $65.
• TV wall mount over fireplace with wires hidden: $179-$249.
• TV wall mount and up to 5 speakers wall-mounted with hidden wires: $399.

You need several tools to mount a TV on a wall. Often, the tools that are needed include safety goggles, a stud finder or hollow wall anchors, a level, a power drill and bits of various sizes. You’ll also likely need a socket wrench and screwdriver set. If you don’t have these tools, hire a TV wall mount installer near you who can do the job and bring their own tools.

TV wall mounts are generally universal. This is because most TV wall mounts comply with standards set forth by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). Thanks to this set of standards, any mount you buy is likely to be a universal TV wall mount. However, exceptions do apply. Certain brands may not follow VESA standards, and though this is rare, it’s worth checking to make sure you’re buying a VESA-compatible universal TV mount.

Yes, a TV mounting service is often able to install a home theater system as well. Companies and technicians who offer flat-screen TV wall mount installation service may offer package deals on installing surround sound and other parts of a home theater installation. To find the best TV mounting service near you that can install a surround sound system in your home, compare companies side by side. Choose a service that’s within your budget and book an appointment instantly.

There are several types of TV mounts, including fixed mounts, tilting mounts and full-motion mounts. A fixed mount is sturdy but offers no movement, and a tilting mount tilts vertically. A full-motion TV mount swivels and tilts for the maximum number of possible viewing options. You can also mount your TV from above with a ceiling TV mount. Whichever TV mount you choose, ensure it can support your TV’s weight and size. If you need help choosing and installing a TV mount, contact a TV wall mount installer near you.

Yes, it’s possible to mount a TV on drywall. To make sure the job is done right and you don’t end up damaging your wall or injuring yourself, consider contacting one of the best TV wall mount installers near you. When contacting professionals, make sure you tell them you wish to mount a TV in drywall. 

Electricians, handymen and TV installation specialists may all provide television mounting services. The person who does the mounting should be qualified and knowledgeable about basic construction concepts as well as working with audiovisual cables. In general, no specialized certificates are required to provide television mounting services, but as always do your diligence and make smart hiring decisions.

It’s important to find an experienced professional who will ensure the TV wall mount meets building code. Most regions have fire codes that don’t permit high-voltage power cords behind walls (low-voltage wires like HDMI and video cables are generally acceptable). A basic wall mount on drywall may take approximately one to two hours, while more complex mounts on brick or stone with hidden cables can take three or more hours. If you need more electrical outlets installed near your entertainment system, you may want to hire an electrician. Check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

Mounting a TV can take as little as one to three hours. However, the time it takes to mount a TV depends on the size and location of the TV, the complexity of the setup and additional factors. In general, more complex systems will require more time. A typical installation will include installing a TV mount on the wall, floor or ceiling, mounting the TV to it, routing cables so they’re not visible  and testing to make sure the system works. Hire a TV mounting service in your area to make the job easier.