TV mounting at home: what to check before you book

Mounting a TV on the wall frees floor space and improves viewing angles, but a poor setup can mean sagging brackets, visible cables, or damage to plasterboard. Before you book a fitter—or tackle it yourself—use this guide to check the wall, electrics, and hardware so the job stays safe and neat.

Wall structure and weight limits

Your TV and bracket need a fixing that can carry the load. Solid masonry is usually straightforward; stud walls need you to fix into the studs, not just the plasterboard. If you are unsure where studs run or what the wall is made of, get a professional assessment—especially for larger screens.

Power, cables, and tidy finishing

Plan where power and signal cables will enter the wall or run in trunking. Many UK installs use a spur or an existing socket nearby; chasing cables into the wall or using a discrete conduit keeps the look clean. Agree on cable routing before holes are drilled so you are not left with a short lead or an HDMI that will not reach.

Bracket choice and viewing height

Match the VESA pattern and weight rating on the bracket to your TV. A tilt or full-motion bracket can help with glare, but it must still be rated for the screen size and weight. Eye level when seated is a common starting point for height, with a little adjustment for room layout and sofa height.

What to ask before you book

Ask whether the price includes supply of the bracket, cable management, and patching any exploratory holes. Confirm whether the fitter will test signal sources and that the mount is level before they leave. Clear photos of the wall and TV model help quotes stay accurate.