5 Questions to Ask About Mounting a TV

Mounting a TV on your wall is a great way to save space and prevent the device from toppling over. However, attaching a TV to the wall isn’t as simple as it may seem. To mount a TV safely and securely, hire an experienced professional, like an electrician or handyperson. Before calling a pro, you can prepare for the conversation by asking yourself these TV-mounting questions.

1. Where would you like the TV mounted?

When you hire someone to mount a TV, one of the first things they’ll ask is where you want it mounted. Typically, it’s easier (and less expensive) to mount a TV on drywall or plaster than on brick or concrete. So, if you’re installing a TV in the middle of an empty plaster wall, you’ll likely pay less than if you mounted it above a brick fireplace. Understanding where the TV will go also helps the pro figure out how long the project will take and determine which tools to bring.

2. How big is the TV?

The weight and size of your TV will also affect how much it costs to mount. In short, it’s more expensive to mount heavy or larger TVs because they require bigger TV mounts—which are pricier than smaller ones. For example, a TV that weighs between 30 and 50 pounds will cost $15 to $100 to mount. Meanwhile, a TV that weighs 70 to 110 pounds would cost $40 to $300 to mount.

3. Will you provide the TV mount and other accessories?

You’re free to buy your own TV mount, or you can have the pro purchase it for you. No matter which option you choose, you’ll need to discuss it with the pro ahead of time.

If you decide to buy the TV mount on your own, be sure to pick a size that’s compatible with your specific TV. You can check this by looking at your TV’s VESA numbers and the mount’s VESA numbers. (VESA is a sizing standard for TV mounting.) The mount’s VESA numbers should match or be larger than your TV’s.

4. Would you like any additional services?

When speaking with your TV mounting professional, let them know if you’d like any other services as well. Tackling multiple projects at the same time can often save you money since you won’t have to pay for separate service calls.

For example, if you want to keep your TV wires and cables out of sight, you can pay extra for wire concealment. In that case, your total TV mounting costs would be around $1,000. Or, if you need a new outlet to plug in your TV, you can have an electrician install one for around $300. Want to install surround sound to pair with your new TV? That’ll cost $240 to $1,320.

5. When do you need the TV mounted? 

Your local TV mounting pro will also want to understand when you’d like the work completed. Depending on their schedule, there might be a wait before someone can come to your home, so try to reach out well in advance if you need the TV installed by a certain date (for example, if you’re hosting a movie night or having friends over to watch a game).

Once the pro is at your house, it’ll take about an hour to mount a TV to drywall. If you’re mounting the TV to a brick wall, the process could take several hours.