Get matched with top tv mount installation pros in Danville, CA

In most cases, you should not put a TV on a fireplace mantel. The minimum width required to put a TV safely on a shelf or mantel is 10 inches, but pre-made mantels are usually too shallow, averaging at only seven inches deep. If you do choose to place a TV above a mantel, it should be mounted to the wall. However, do so cautiously as heat radiating from the fireplace could potentially cause damage to electronics.

There are a few easy ways to locate a wall stud without a stud finder. First, try knocking on the wall with your knuckles. Most parts of the wall will sound hollow, but when you tap over a stud, it will sound more solid. Alternatively, since studs are spaced 16 or 24 inches apart, you can measure those distances from a corner of the room, which will always have a stud.

The VESA mounting standard refers to the layout of the mounting holes on the back of all televisions that follow the standard. These holes appear in the same place on all TVs of a certain size. This allows the mounting bracket and hardware manufacturers to build the brackets to fit the VESA standard. Ideally, if everyone follows the VESA standard, any brand of TV should fit any brand of mounting bracket, as long as the sizes match up correctly.

The cost to have a TV professionally mounted typically ranges from $160 to $360, with a national average of about $260. This price is for labor and does not include the TV mount itself. Several factors can affect the final cost, including the size of the TV and the type of mount used; for example, a fireplace mount costs more than an under-cabinet one. If you want to hide the wires within the wall, the price can increase significantly, potentially to $1,000 or more. For an accurate estimate, it is best to contact a local TV mounting service.