One of our most requested services is mounting and wiring an HDTV over a fireplace. I’ll help take you through the checklist of things to consider, as well as things you’ll need to have an HDTV mounted over a fireplace. This blog doesn’t actually cover the installation, but has examples of our installations below. As we’ve installed hundreds of HDTV’s over fireplaces, we have tools and experience that help to minimize any damage, if any damage is needed at all. I make this point because while the cost of a professional installation may seem pricey, the tools needed for a correct, concealed, and safe installation combined with the possible drywall (or other material) repair is going to be a lot higher if you don’t already have the tools you need. I can’t say enough about having experience with fishing the wires and knowing what you are up against with fireplace vents, fire-blocking, and unseen obstacles. These installations can be tricky.
Things to consider:
- HDTV Size – Will it work over the fireplace? Do I have someone to help hang it?
- Fireplace/Mantel Height – Will it be comfortable to watch TV from your seating area?
- Concealed Wires – This should be obvious, but we always run the wiring so it is hidden
- Fireplace Material – Can I get HD wiring and an electrical outlet to that location
- Mounting Style – Fixed, Tilt, Articulating, Motorized
- Equipment Location – Where will my HD Box, Blu-Ray, AppleTV, etc. be located?
- Surround Sound – Are the sources routed through a receiver? Do I want sound coming through my HDTV?
Once you’ve decided to move forward, the following items are needed:
- The HDTV
- HDTV Mount – We use Strong Mounts
- HD Cables such as HDMI, Component, Optical
- Control Cable – If you are using a Universal Remote
- Network Cable – If you want a hardwired network connection for Netflix, Pandora, etc.
- Speaker Wiring – If you’re adding a surround sound system, don’t forget the sub-woofer
- Electrical Outlet – You may need a licensed electrician. We include a surge protected outlet for our installs
- Tie Wraps, Midlite Plates, Remodel or Surface Mount Boxes – Low Voltage and Electrical
Tools, Bits, & Misc:
- Screw Gun
- Bits – Philips Bit, Sockets, Pilot Bits, Masonry Bits (for brick/stone)
- Socket Kit
- Straight-Blade Screwdriver
- Philips Screwdriver
- Allen Wrench Kit
- Rock Saw
- Tape Measure
- Stud Finder – With electrical and metal sensor
- Good Level – Not Torpedo
- Pencil – Never mark with a sharpie or pen
- Lag Bolts/Anchors – The lags supplied with the mounts are often cheap or over-sized
- Ladders – 4′ or 6′ generally work for most installations
- Wire Strippers
- Wire Cutters
- Glow Rods
- Tarps and Vacuum – Keep things clean
- Bonus Tools – Snake Camera for viewing inside the wall
Tips & Tricks for HDTV Installations:
- Never use a screw gun to install the mounting brackets to the HDTV
- Make sure you use the proper holes and size screws for securing the bracket to the HDTV
- A good pencil with an eraser is a great tool to save you lots of headaches
- Always use a proper size pilot bit before installing the lag bolts
- DO NOT over-tighten the lag bolts
- All new construction projects should have 1-1/4″+ conduit from equipment areas to the fireplace location
- If you aren’t 100% sure, call a professional
