Watch a movie under the stars with this deck or patio upgrade
Outdoor TV mounting requires selecting a location at least six feet from your fireplace, grill, or pool to protect your setup from heat and water damage.
Weatherproof outdoor televisions cost $1,500 to $6,000 and feature durable frames plus bright, non-glare LED panels built to withstand extreme weather and outdoor conditions.
You need an outdoor-rated mount that handles heavier weatherproof TVs better than indoor mounts, with articulating options allowing you to tilt for multiple viewing angles.
Hiring a local electrical professional keeps your outdoor TV setup safe with proper GFCI outlet installation and protected wiring that prevents water intrusion and cable damage.
When the weather is pleasant, nothing rivals spending time outside. Imagine hosting a game-watching party or movie night on your deck or patio. Or picture taking in the news while waiting for your burgers to finish grilling. Make these dream scenarios a reality by installing an outdoor television for next-level outdoor living.
Here are six of the best outdoor TV setup tips to get your started.
If you plan to keep your TV outside all year long, purchase a weatherproof television. These models are graded for the outdoors, made to withstand extreme heat, cold, humidity, dust, moisture, pollen, and insects. Composed of high-impact resin or powder-coated aluminum, they boast more durable exterior frames than traditional TVs. Plus, many have bright, non-glare LED panels. Plan on spending between $1,500 and $6,000 for these TV sets.
Figure out where you’d like to place your outdoor TV setup. To keep it out of the way of water and heat, locate it at least six feet from your fireplace, grill, or pool. For further protection, situate it under a pergola or gazebo, or even a roof, or awning.
Ideally, the TV should not receive direct sunlight and should face north, so the sun is behind it. In case of any direct sun exposure, make sure it has a direct-sunlight-readable outdoor display with a high-temperature panel.
You can mount a TV on an existing wall (on a deck, fence, or patio) or via a pole or the ceiling. Be sure to use a mount rated for the outdoors, as indoor mounts can deteriorate under the elements. Plus, outdoor mounts tend to be stronger and better able to handle outdoor TVs, which are usually heavier than traditional models.
For windier areas, consider an articulating wall or pole mount, which will let you tilt the TV for more viewing angles. Whichever mounting strategy you choose, make sure to install the TV high enough so viewers can easily see it.
Even if you purchase an outdoor TV, it’s wise to place it in a weatherproof cabinet to protect it from outdoor elements and would-be thieves. Look for one with caulked seams, weather-stripped perimeters, and lockable doors. As an alternative, you can secure your TV to a wall using a wall mount. Screw a strong cable into its back, place access caps over the screws, lock the cable loop ends together with a padlock, and secure the TV to the wall mount.
Hire an electrician to install the necessary wiring, including a ground-fault current interrupting (GFCI) outlet. Then decide if you’d like your outdoor cable setup to be wired or wireless.
Wireless cable is usually easier to set up. As an added plus, cable companies often offer small cable boxes that you can easily hide behind an outdoor TV setup.
That said, wired tends to be the most reliable way to connect your TV. If you go that route, you’ll need to purchase cables with a UV light-protective layer. You’ll also need to protect loose wires with outdoor-rated conduit or pipe coverings to prevent them from thinning and cracking outside. Consider a drip loop, a 180-degree loop that helps prevent water intrusion.
Unlike a secluded den, the outdoors is loud. You’ll need to contend with leaf-blowers, rumbling trucks, possibly noisy neighbors, and more. Put in a sound bar (wired or wireless) right below your TV to amplify the audio across your outdoor space.
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All My Sons Moving & StorageExcellent experience in mounting our 77 inch TV with in wall cable management. Service was efficient and would highly recommend!
Tether HouseI hired this company to do a local move with a standard amount of things needing moved for a single person (couch, bed, tv, dresser, kitchen table being the biggest), moving from one apartment to another with a very small commute from old to new apartment. I was quoted for this move to be...
MVM Moving & Storage - ColumbusI had a great experience with this company. They installed a small TV on the wall of my kitchen between two cabinets. Team came out and did a very thorough inspection and quote. The rep who installed the TV had to do some extra work to snake the cords behind the wall from the top cabinets...
The Theater PeopleNice group of workers, very friendly. Day 1 covered everything before starting, seemed very organized. Things seemed to be going great. Day 2 they didn't show up until around 10:00a.m. and work crew was cut in half, was told they had another job. Day 3 they didn't show up until around...
CertaPro Painters of ColumbusI'd reccommend Kyle and Home Systems in a second. Kyle shoed up on time and finished the work in just over an hour. Cleaned up any mess and overall was very professional. Offered suggestions as to where to mount the tv and concerns with the wiring. Top notch work!
The parts are under warranty but the labor I have paid for. They have had my tv down for several months. Several different repair people have shown up. Their responsiveness is terrible. They don't have their stuff together. They keep messing up the meeting time. I've given them enough time to...
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