How do I mount a TV on the wall by myself?
Thinking about skipping the handyman and mounting your TV on the wall solo?
Good news: you can absolutely do it yourself — if you’re well-prepared, have the right tools, and follow the steps carefully. Mounting a flat-screen TV on the wall adds a sleek, modern look to any room and frees up space — no bulky stands or wobbling consoles.
At Express Mounting, we’ve helped hundreds of Atlanta homeowners who first tried to DIY their installation — and while many succeeded, others needed help fixing tilted, unsafe, or damaged setups.
This guide walks you through how to safely and confidently mount a TV on the wall by yourself, including what tools to use, how to lift it without help, and when to call a pro.
Is it safe to mount a TV solo?
✅ Yes — but only under certain conditions.
If your TV is under 50–55 inches and relatively lightweight, you can likely handle it on your own. But TVs over 65 inches tend to be heavy, awkward to handle, and can easily tip or fall during solo installation.
Also consider your wall type:
- Drywall with wood studs? Totally doable.
- Brick or concrete? You’ll need extra tools (and strength).
- Mounting over a fireplace? We strongly recommend help.
Pro tip: Use a table, ottoman, or adjustable stand to support your TV while mounting it solo — don’t try to lift it in mid-air without backup.
Tools you’ll need
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- ✅ Stud finder (to locate secure mounting points)
- ✅ Power drill with drill bits
- ✅ Screwdriver or impact driver
- ✅ Socket wrench (for lag bolts)
- ✅ Level (bubble or laser)
- ✅ Tape measure
- ✅ Pencil or painter’s tape for marking
- ✅ Compatible wall mount (rated for your TV size and weight)
- ✅ TV and screws that match your VESA pattern
Optional but helpful:
- Painter’s tape for guides
- Pillows or blankets to protect your floor
- Step ladder (especially for high mounts)
Step-by-step: how to mount a TV on the wall by yourself
1. Find and mark your wall studs
Use a stud finder to locate two solid wall studs spaced 16–24 inches apart. These will provide the structural support needed to hold your TV. Mark the center of each stud with a pencil or painter’s tape.
Tip: Always mount into studs. Drywall anchors alone are NOT safe for TVs, especially anything over 30 lbs.
2. Plan your TV height and position
Using your tape measure and level, determine the ideal height based on seating and viewing angle. Mark the top and bottom edges of where the wall mount will sit. Most people prefer the center of the screen to sit at eye level while seated — usually around 42–48 inches from the floor.
Mounting too high can cause neck strain, especially for extended viewing.
3. Drill pilot holes for the wall mount bracket
Hold your wall mount bracket up to the wall (use painter’s tape or place it on a box or table temporarily). Use your level to double-check alignment, then mark the hole locations.
Use your drill to make pilot holes into the center of the studs using a bit slightly smaller than the lag bolts you’ll be using.
4. Attach the wall plate to the wall
Line up the wall bracket with your drilled holes and use lag bolts to attach it to the wall. Use a socket wrench or impact driver to tighten the bolts securely.
Double-check that the bracket is level after tightening. It should feel firm with no wiggle or looseness.
Tip: If you’re using a tilting or full-motion bracket, make sure the arm mechanism is free-moving but not loose.
5. Attach the mounting arms to your TV
Lay your TV face down on a clean, soft surface (like a blanket or towel). Locate the four screw holes (VESA pattern) on the back and attach the mounting arms using the included screws. Make sure everything is evenly tightened and the arms are securely attached.
6. Mount the TV — safely and solo
Here’s how to lift the TV onto the bracket without help:
- Place a sturdy box, ottoman, or short table just below the mount to help lift and rest the TV if needed.
- Use both hands to carefully lift the TV and hook the mounting arms onto the wall bracket.
- Some brackets “click” into place — others require securing with locking screws underneath.
- Double-check alignment and make sure the TV is locked in fully.
For larger TVs, consider getting someone to help for this step — it’s the hardest part to do alone.
Optional: hide your cables for a clean look
Now that your TV is on the wall, don’t leave a tangle of wires hanging down.
Here are a few solo-friendly options for cable management:
- 🔌 Cable raceways – Paintable, surface-mounted channels that hide cords. Easy to install with adhesive backing.
- 🔧 In-wall cable management kits – Let you run HDMI and power behind drywall for a seamless finish (requires more tools and confidence).
- 🪵 Mounting a decorative board or shelf – Hide wires behind a floating shelf or wall panel.
Want a pro to handle the wiring part? We offer custom cable concealment services — fast, clean, and code-compliant.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even confident DIYers make mistakes. Here are the most common ones we see (and fix):
- ❌ Using plastic drywall anchors instead of lag bolts
- ❌ Skipping the stud finder and guessing
- ❌ Mounting too high above eye level
- ❌ Forgetting to tighten all locking screws
- ❌ Not checking for wires or pipes before drilling
- ❌ Leaving cables visible and messy
When to call a professional
DIY can be rewarding — but there are some scenarios where calling a pro is the smart move:
- Your TV is 65 inches or larger
- You’re mounting on brick, stone, concrete, or over a fireplace
- You want wires completely hidden in the wall
- You’re not confident using power tools
- You want it done perfectly — the first time
Why Atlanta homeowners trust Express Mounting
We’ve mounted thousands of TVs across Atlanta — from basic bedrooms to luxury home theaters. We bring:
✅ TV mounts (tilt, flat, and swivel)
✅ Power tools, anchors, and all hardware
✅ Fast, clean installation
✅ Brick, drywall, fireplace, and custom setups
✅ Guaranteed level and secure install every time
Skip the stress. Let us help.
Mounting your TV on the wall by yourself is possible — and if you’re comfortable with tools and follow the steps, it can be a satisfying project.
But if you’d rather skip the stress and guarantee a clean, secure install with no hassle, we’ve got your back.
👉 Visit ExpressMounting.com to book your TV installation in Atlanta, GA, get a fast quote, or ask questions.
📍 Express Mounting – Atlanta’s trusted choice for expert TV mounting, done right the first time.