TV Mounting: Height & Stud Finder Tips

Pick the right height first: for living rooms, aim roughly 42-48 inches from floor to screen center so it is at eye level while seated. In bedrooms where you view while reclined, drop it a few inches. If you are pairing a soundbar or center speaker, leave clearance and plan the vertical stack before drilling.

Find solid structure: most studs are 16 inches on center. Use a stud finder and confirm with a small pilot hole. For metal studs, use proper toggles and avoid over-torquing. On masonry or brick, switch to sleeve or wedge anchors and the correct hammer drill bit.

Match the mount to the TV: check VESA pattern, weight rating, and whether you need tilt, swivel, or full-motion for glare control. Do not assume one-size-fits-all; some larger sets need longer M8 bolts or spacers. Read the mount manual before hanging to avoid stripped threads.

Plan cabling early: decide if you will hide HDMI and power in-wall or use a surface raceway. Use in-wall rated cable and a recessed power kit if you want a clean look; never run a standard power strip inside the wall. Label HDMI cables so future swaps are easy.

Dry fit before you drill: tape the mount outline on the wall, check for level, and confirm the viewing angle from your main seats. If you are above a fireplace, check heat output and consider a mantel shield or a pull-down mount to improve neck comfort.

Run final safety checks: snug but do not overtighten lag bolts, make sure the wall plate is level, and engage any safety locks on the TV brackets. Once the TV is on, use micro-adjust if available and re-check level after a day in case the drywall compresses slightly.

If you want a pro-grade, clean installation with hidden cables and soundbar alignment, HelpTek can handle the TV mounting, low-voltage cabling, and setup so you get a safe and polished result.