Should You Mount Your TV Yourself or Hire a Pro?
Wall-mounting your TV can transform a room — it saves space, looks cleaner, and gives you the perfect viewing angle. But before you grab a drill, there are some important things to consider. Here’s everything you need to know about TV mounting, from choosing the right height to deciding whether to DIY or call a professional.
The Best Height for Your Mounted TV
The most common mistake people make is mounting their TV too high. The ideal viewing position is with the center of the screen at eye level when seated. For most living rooms, this means the center of the TV should be about 42–48 inches from the floor.
For bedrooms where you’re watching from bed, you can mount slightly higher — around 55–65 inches to the center. If you’re mounting above a fireplace, consider a tilting mount so you can angle the screen downward for comfortable viewing.
Types of TV Wall Mounts
Choosing the right mount depends on your room layout and how you want to use the TV:
Fixed Mounts
The most affordable option. The TV sits flat against the wall with no movement. Best for rooms where you always watch from the same spot directly in front of the TV. These sit closest to the wall for the cleanest look.
Tilting Mounts
Allow you to angle the TV up or down. Perfect for TVs mounted higher than eye level, like above a fireplace or in a bedroom. They add only about an inch of depth compared to fixed mounts.
Full-Motion (Articulating) Mounts
The most versatile option. These extend from the wall, swivel left and right, and tilt up and down. Ideal for corner installations or open-concept rooms where you watch from different seating areas. They cost more but offer the most flexibility.
What Wall Type Do You Have?
Your wall type determines how the mount gets installed:
Drywall with wood studs: The most common wall type in Los Angeles homes. Lag bolts go directly into the studs for a secure hold. Always mount into studs — toggle bolts alone aren’t safe for TVs over 40 pounds.
Concrete or brick: Common in older LA buildings and lofts. Requires a hammer drill and concrete anchors. This adds time and complexity to the job.
Metal studs: Found in many LA condos and newer apartments. Requires special toggle bolts rated for metal studs. Not all mount hardware includes these, so check before you start.
Plaster walls: Common in older homes throughout Los Angeles. Plaster can crack easily if you’re not careful. Finding studs behind plaster requires extra care.
Wire Management: The Difference Between DIY and Pro
Nothing ruins a clean mounted TV like a tangle of visible cables hanging down the wall. Here are your options:
Cable covers (raceway): Plastic channels that attach to the wall and hide cables. They’re visible but neat. A good DIY-friendly option that costs $15–$30.
In-wall cable concealment: Cables run through the wall between two low-voltage plates — one behind the TV and one near the floor by your outlet. This gives the cleanest, most professional look. Note that running power cables inside walls requires an electrician or a rated in-wall power kit to meet code.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Consider DIY if: You have a standard drywall wall with accessible wood studs, a TV under 55 inches, a basic fixed or tilting mount, and you’re comfortable using a drill and stud finder.
Hire a professional if: You have a TV 65 inches or larger, concrete, brick, or plaster walls, you want in-wall wire concealment, the mount location is above a fireplace or in a corner, or you’re mounting in a rental and want to minimize wall damage.
A professional TV mounting typically costs $150–$350 in Los Angeles, including the labor and basic hardware. When you factor in the cost of buying the right tools, the risk of damaging your wall or TV, and the time involved, hiring a pro is often the smarter choice.
Common TV Mounting Mistakes to Avoid
Not finding studs properly: A TV that pulls out of the wall can damage your wall, your TV, and anything below it. Always verify stud locations with a stud finder and confirm with a small nail before drilling.
Forgetting about outlet placement: Make sure there’s a power outlet near your mounting location. Adding an outlet behind the TV is the cleanest solution but requires an electrician.
Ignoring cable box and streaming device placement: Plan where your cable box, Apple TV, or game console will go before you mount. A media shelf or in-wall storage box keeps things clean.
Using the wrong hardware: Different wall types require different anchors and bolts. Using drywall anchors on a heavy TV instead of lag bolts into studs is dangerous.
Get Your TV Mounted by Los Angeles Handyman
At Los Angeles Handyman, we mount TVs every day across LA — from studio apartments in Silver Lake to luxury homes in Beverly Hills. We handle all wall types, all TV sizes, and offer full wire concealment for a clean, professional look.
Call us at (213) 686-5039 or get a free quote to schedule your TV mounting. Same-day appointments available.