DIY: Mount a Flat Panel TV on Your Wall

So, you finally bought a flat-panel TV - now you've got to figure out how to set it up. Instead of paying an arm and a leg to a professional, why not DIY? My boyfriend and I recently purchased a flat panel TV, and decided to DIY the mount - though we're not particularly handy, it was an easy job that took just minutes, and the results look very professional. We didn't even kill each other in the process! If you can drill a hole, you can mount a TV - it's that simple.

What you'll need:
Drill
Screwdriver
Stud finder or magnet
Level
Tape measure
Mount

When choosing a mount, you must consider the size of your flat panel TV and the functionality you require. There are several types of mounts, including stationary mounts, tilting mounts and articulating arm mounts. If you don't care to swivel or tilt your flat panel TV, you will be fine with a stationary mount - they're generally less expensive than the other types, too. A tilting mount will allow you to tilt the TV up or down, so you can customize your viewing angle. An articulating arm mount is the most versatile of the three - with one of these, you can swivel the TV from side to side, tilt it, and swing it away from the wall, making the connections on the back of the TV easier to reach. These tend to be a great deal more expensive than their simpler counterparts.

No matter which mount you choose, make sure it's rated to handle the weight of your flat panel TV. Also, check to see if the mount you've chosen will fit your TV. Most mounts and flat panel TVs are universally compatible, but there a few that are not, so check the VESA standard on both TV and mount before you buy.

Mounts can be purchased at a variety of places, including electronics stores like Best Buy and Circuit City, warehouse stores like Costco and Sam's Club, and even big box stores like Walmart. Electronics stores will have the widest selection, but they'll also have the highest prices. The mount will come with everything you need except tools, which can of course be purchased at any hardware store.

Once you have all of the equipment you need, it's time to start mounting. Every mount is different, so be sure to read the instructions included with your mount carefully. The following instructions should apply to most universal mounts. There are two parts to the mount, the wall mounting bracket that is screwed to the wall and the hook brackets that are screwed to the flat panel TV. While this could be done by one person, it will be much easier with two!

1. Determine the area where you want to hang the flat panel TV and mark the wall at the correct height.

2. Attach the hook brackets to the back of the flat panel TV using the supplied screws. Most wall mounts will allow you to adjust the height of these brackets as desired. Measure the distance from the top of the hooks to the top of the TV, and write down or remember this measurement.

3. Use your stud finder to locate the studs nearest to the area where you want to hang the flat panel TV, and mark their centers. If your walls are plaster and lath, a standard stud finder may not work for you. The best tool for finding studs in this type of wall is a magnet - it will be attracted to the many nails that attach the lath to the studs. Do not worry if the studs are not exactly centered where you want the TV to go - you'll be able to adjust it once it's hung. Just choose the closest studs available.

4. Now that you've determined where the studs are, place a mark on the stud line indicating where the top of the flat panel TV should be. Measure down from this mark, using the measurement you took earlier of the distance from the top of the TV to the top of the hook bracket, to determine where the wall mounted bracket should go. Mark this spot, then measure from the floor and mark the same spot on the other stud.

5. Hold the mounting bracket up to the wall and line up the top set of screw holes with the marks you've made. Place the level on top of the mount to make sure that the mount is level. Adjust as necessary. Two people make this task much easier.

6. Check the installation instructions included with the mount to determine what size drill bit to use. Drill the appropriate holes and secure the mount to the wall with the included screws. Once the mount is held in place with 2 screws, check for level again, and adjust if necessary.

7. Install the 2 bottom screws and give the mount a firm tug to make sure that it is secure.

8. Lift the flat panel TV up to the mount and hook the hook brackets over the wall mount. Again, this is easier with two people, as flat panel TVs can be heavy. Slide the TV along the wall mount to determine the correct placement, then finish by installing any safety bars or locks that were included with your mount.

Now, all that's left to do is kick back and enjoy your new TV. Mounting a flat panel TV isn't nearly as hard as the pros would have you believe. This DIY project is simple, and the results are well worth the small amount of effort. Trust me, if we can do it, so can you.