Get matched with top tv mount installation pros in Doswell, VA

Finding a professional to mount your television to the wall is a little challenging because no licenses exist for this type of work. You could ask friends or neighbors for recommendations. Check out online reviews, too. Typically, though, almost any local handyman can do the work. A local electronics store or the place where you bought the TV may have a recommendation for you. A local framer or drywall installer might do the work for you as well. If you need an outlet installed for the new TV, an electrician may do both items for you.

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.

Do not install a TV above an active fireplace or wood-burning stove because of excess heat and temperature fluctuations. Another place that can be tricky for electronics is the bathroom, where moisture can be a factor. If you choose to mount a TV in these areas, you should find a weather-resistant appliance.

Yes, you can mount a TV on plaster walls—as long as you attach it to the studs. Alternatively, you can use toggle bolts, molly bolts, or another type of hardware that’s strong enough to support a TV. 

If you aren’t comfortable with this type of project, you can hire a pro. The cost of mounting a TV to a plaster wall ranges from $25 to $600 (or more), depending on the TV’s weight, size, and other factors.