Yes, you can safely mount a TV on a slanted wall. It is possible to hang a TV on a wall that is not straight up and down, like a wall under a vaulted ceiling or in an attic room. But, it needs the right tools, the right type of mount, and careful steps to make sure the TV is held securely and safely. It is different from putting a TV on a flat wall, and you need to know these differences before you start.
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Why People Mount TVs on Slanted Walls
Rooms with slanted walls often have special charm. Think of a cozy attic space, a room with a vaulted ceiling, or a modern home design. These walls can save space on the floor. Putting the TV on the wall keeps floors clear. It can also put the TV at a better viewing height. Mounting a TV on a slanted wall can make a room look more finished. It uses space that might not be used otherwise. People choose this for bedrooms, living rooms, and even home theaters. It solves the problem of where to put a large flat screen TV when floor space or wall space is limited.
Why Slanted Walls Are Different
Mounting a TV on a slanted wall is not like mounting one on a regular flat wall. A regular wall is straight up and down. A slanted wall goes back at an angle. This angle makes things harder.
First, gravity pulls the TV straight down. On a flat wall, the wall mount takes this weight easily. On a slanted wall, the weight still pulls down. But the angle means the mount on the wall has to hold the weight in a different way. It pulls the mount away from the wall more.
Second, finding the wood studs inside the wall can be tricky. Studs are the wood parts behind the drywall that you screw mounts into. They hold the most weight. On a slanted wall, the studs might not be straight up and down. They might follow the angle of the wall or they might be plumb (straight up and down). You need to know which way they go.
Third, marking where the mount goes needs extra thought. You want the TV screen to be level with the floor, not slanted like the wall. This means the mount must go on the wall at the correct height and angle so the TV hangs straight.
These differences mean you need a special type of mount and a careful plan. Using a standard mount might not work or could be unsafe.
Choosing the Best Mount for a Slanted Wall
Picking the right TV mount is very important for a slanted wall. Not just any mount will work. You need one designed for this type of wall or one that can be adapted. The goal is to find the best TV mount for slanted wall.
There are a few types that can work. An angled wall TV mount is made just for this. It has features that help it fit flat against a slanted surface. It might have special parts or a design that lets it sit correctly on the angle.
An articulating TV mount slanted wall can also be a good choice. This type of mount has arms that let you move the TV. You can tilt it, swivel it, and pull it away from the wall. For a slanted wall, an articulating mount lets you hang the TV and then adjust its angle so the screen faces you directly and is level. You can often adjust the part that connects to the wall to fit the slant. Then you adjust the arms and TV plate to get the TV screen straight. This type is flexible but can be more complex to install.
A simple slanted wall TV bracket might also be available. This is like a standard mount but built to sit on an angle. It is less flexible than an articulating mount but holds the TV close to the wall.
When choosing, always check the mount’s weight limit. It must hold your TV’s weight safely. For larger, heavier TVs, look for a heavy duty mount slanted wall. This mount is built stronger and uses more screws or bigger screws to attach to the wall. Check the VESA pattern on your TV (the holes on the back for mounting). The mount must match this pattern.
Some mounts come with special parts or instructions for slanted walls. Read the product details carefully. Look for mounts that mention use on angled walls or vaulted ceilings.
Gathering Your Tools
Before you start mounting flat screen slanted wall, get all your tools for mounting TV on slanted wall ready. Having everything at hand makes the job easier and safer. You will need tools to find the studs, drill holes, attach the mount, and hang the TV.
Here is a list of tools you will likely need:
- Stud Finder: An electronic stud finder is a must. You need to find the wood studs behind the drywall. On a slanted wall, a regular stud finder might still work, but finding plumb studs on an angled surface can be tricky. Some people use a powerful magnet to find the metal screws used to attach the drywall to the studs.
- Level: You need a level to make sure the mount is positioned correctly so the TV hangs straight. A long level is helpful. Some people use a digital level.
- Drill: A good power drill is needed to drill pilot holes and drive the lag bolts or screws. Make sure it has enough power.
- Drill Bits: You will need wood drill bits for making pilot holes in the studs. The mount instructions will tell you the right size. You might also need a bit for masonry or concrete if your wall is not drywall over wood studs.
- Socket Wrench or Wrench Set: Lag bolts often need a socket wrench or an adjustable wrench to tighten them securely into the studs.
- Tape Measure: For measuring heights and distances on the wall.
- Pencil: To mark the drilling spots on the wall.
- Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes when drilling.
- Gloves: Optional, for grip and protection.
- Helper: Mounting a TV, especially on an angled wall, is often a two-person job. One person holds the TV while the other guides it onto the mount. Lifting the mount onto the wall can also need two people.
- Painter’s Tape: Can be used to mark drill spots without marking the wall directly.
- Vacuum or Dustpan: To clean up dust after drilling.
Having the right tools for mounting TV on slanted wall is key to a successful and safe installation.
Fathoming the Wall Structure
Finding the studs behind a slanted wall needs careful work. Studs are usually 16 or 24 inches apart, measured from the center of one stud to the center of the next. On a slanted wall, the studs might run straight up and down (plumb) or they might run at the same angle as the wall. You need to figure this out.
Using a Stud Finder:
Move the stud finder slowly across the wall. It should beep or light up when it finds a stud. Mark the edges of the stud lightly with a pencil. Then find the center between the edges. Do this for a few studs to see if they are plumb or angled.
Sometimes, slanted walls are part of roof structure. The studs (rafters) might be angled. Your stud finder might work differently on an angle. Practice on a known wall if you can.
Other Ways to Find Studs:
* Tapping: Lightly tap the wall with your knuckle. It will sound hollow between studs and more solid where a stud is. This takes practice.
* Finding Outlets or Switches: Electrical boxes for outlets and switches are usually attached to the side of a stud. You can measure from one side of the box to find the center of the stud.
* Small Pilot Holes: If you are having trouble and your stud finder is not reliable on the angle, you can drill a very small hole where you think a stud is. If you hit wood, you found one. If you go through drywall into empty space, patch the hole and try again a little to the side. Keep the holes small and low where the mount will cover them.
Once you find the studs, use your level to see if they run straight up and down or follow the angle of the wall. This tells you how to line up the wall mount plate. Remember, securing TV mount on slanted wall means screwing into these studs. Drywall alone will not hold a TV.
Planning the Mount Position
Where you put the mount on the slanted wall is super important. You need the TV screen to be at a good viewing height and level with the floor. The angle of the wall affects this.
Hold the mount plate against the wall at the angle it will sit. Use your level to imagine where the bottom of the TV will be. Mark the place on the wall where the center of the TV should be when it is hanging level.
Then, look at your mount’s instructions. They will tell you the distance from the mount’s center to the top or bottom of the TV. Measure down (or up) from your desired TV center mark to find where the mount plate should go.
Remember, the mount plate will likely sit angled on the wall. The TV bracket that attaches to the TV is what will hang straight down or allow adjustment to be straight.
Use your level to mark a level line across the wall where the top or bottom of the mount plate needs to be. Even though the wall is slanted, this line will help you line up your drill points correctly in the studs so the mount plate sits at the right angle needed for the TV to be level.
Measure carefully. Mark your stud centers along this line. You need to drill into the studs, not just the drywall. The mount instructions will show you which holes in the mount plate should line up with the studs.
The Installation Process
Now it is time for the main part: putting the mount on the wall and hanging the TV. Take your time and follow the steps carefully.
Step 1: Mark and Drill Pilot Holes
You have already marked the spots on the wall where the mount will go, lining up with the studs. Double-check your measurements and stud locations. Use the pencil to make clear marks.
Now, use your drill and the correct size drill bit (check your mount instructions) to make pilot holes at the marked spots. Drill into the center of the studs. These small holes guide the lag bolts and make them easier to drive in. The depth of the pilot hole should be a little less than the length of the lag bolt.
Step 2: Attach the Wall Mount Plate
Hold the wall mount plate up to the wall, lining up the holes in the plate with the pilot holes you just drilled. Have your helper hold the plate if it is heavy or awkward on the angle.
Insert the lag bolts (the big screws that came with the mount) through the mount plate holes and into the pilot holes in the studs.
Use your socket wrench or adjustable wrench to start tightening the lag bolts. Tighten them firmly, but do not overtighten. Overtightening can strip the wood inside the stud. You want the mount plate to be held very tightly against the wall. This is a key part of securing TV mount on slanted wall.
As you tighten, check that the mount plate is sitting correctly on the angle you planned.
Step 3: Attach TV Brackets
Lay your TV screen down on a soft, clean surface (like a blanket on a table). Find the mounting holes on the back of the TV. These are the VESA holes.
Attach the TV brackets that came with your mount to the back of the TV. Use the screws that fit your TV’s VESA holes. Your mount kit should have different sizes. Do not use screws that are too long; they can damage the TV.
Tighten these screws firmly but do not overtighten. Make sure the brackets are on straight. The mount instructions will show you how the brackets should attach and which way is up.
Step 4: Hang the TV
This step almost always needs two people. One person stands near the wall mount. The other person holds the TV with the brackets attached.
Lift the TV carefully. The person at the wall mount guides the brackets on the back of the TV onto the hooks or arms of the wall mount. This is like hanging a picture frame, but much heavier and bigger.
Look for the way the brackets hook onto the mount. There might be locking mechanisms. Follow your mount’s specific instructions for hanging the TV.
Once the TV is on the mount, do not let go until you are sure it is secure. Listen for clicks or engage the locking tabs or screws.
Step 5: Adjust and Level the TV
Now that the TV is hanging, you need to make it straight and level.
If you used an articulating TV mount slanted wall, you can pull the TV out, tilt it, and swivel it. Find the best angle for watching. Most importantly, use your level to make sure the bottom edge of the TV screen is perfectly horizontal (level). Adjust the mount arms or the TV bracket until it is level. Then tighten any knobs or bolts that hold the position.
Even if you used a fixed or tilting angled wall TV mount, there are often small adjustments you can make to get the TV level. Check the mount instructions for how to do this.
Step 6: Final Safety Check
Wiggle the TV gently. Does the mount feel solid on the wall? Did you use the right screws and tighten them into the studs? Check that the TV is locked onto the mount properly. This final check is very important for securing TV mount on slanted wall.
A Special Case: Mounting on a Vaulted Ceiling Wall
Sometimes a slanted wall is part of a vaulted ceiling. Installing TV mount on vaulted ceiling wall means you are dealing with a wall that goes up at a steep angle, possibly high off the floor. The process is similar, but the height adds difficulty. You will likely need a sturdy ladder or scaffolding. Finding studs (rafters) might be different, as they follow the roof line. Everything you do is higher up, making it harder to measure, drill, and lift. Consider professional TV mounting on angled wall for vaulted ceilings if you are not comfortable working at heights or if the ceiling is very high. Safety working high up is critical.
Safety is Key
Mounting a TV on any wall carries risk, but a slanted wall adds more challenge. Prioritize safety at every step.
* Check Wall Strength: Make sure the wall material can support the weight. Drywall needs studs. Plaster walls also need studs. Concrete or brick walls need special anchors.
* Find the Studs: This is the most important step for safety on drywall or plaster. The studs hold the weight. Do not rely on drywall anchors for heavy TVs.
* Use the Right Hardware: Always use the lag bolts and screws that came with the mount, designed for the mount’s weight capacity and your wall type.
* Respect Weight Limits: Never put a TV on a mount that is too small for its weight. If your TV is heavy, get a heavy duty mount slanted wall.
* Get a Helper: Lifting and positioning a TV is hard and dangerous alone. Have someone help you.
* Read Instructions: Every mount is different. Read the specific instructions for your mount and your TV.
* Double-Check: Before letting go of the TV, double-check all connections and locks.
When to Hire a Professional
While mounting a TV yourself can save money, there are times when calling an expert is the smart choice. Professional TV mounting on angled wall can be worth the cost for safety and peace of mind.
Consider hiring a pro if:
* You are not comfortable using power tools or working on ladders.
* The TV is very large or very heavy.
* The slanted wall material is not standard drywall (like brick, stone, or old plaster).
* You cannot find the studs or are unsure about the wall structure.
* The wall is part of a very high vaulted ceiling.
* You are using a complex articulating TV mount slanted wall.
* You want the cleanest look with wires hidden inside the wall.
Professionals have special tools and experience. They know how to find studs on any wall, pick the best spot, and make sure the mount is secure. They can handle installing TV mount on vaulted ceiling wall safely. They make sure your slanted wall TV bracket is put up right.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
People sometimes make simple mistakes when mounting a TV. These are even more critical on a slanted wall.
* Not Finding Studs: This is the most common mistake. Screwing the mount only into drywall will cause the TV to fall. Always find and use the studs.
* Using the Wrong Mount: Using a standard flat-wall mount that cannot be adjusted for the angle can make the TV hang wrong or be less secure. Use an angled wall TV mount or a suitable articulating TV mount slanted wall.
* Overtightening Bolts: Tighten lag bolts firmly, but do not twist too hard. You can strip the wood stud, making it unable to hold the bolt.
* Underestimating TV Weight: Always check your TV’s weight and the mount’s weight capacity. A mount that is too light will fail. Get a heavy duty mount slanted wall for big TVs.
* Not Checking for Wires or Pipes: Before drilling, make sure there are no electrical wires or plumbing pipes inside the wall where you plan to drill. A stud finder might have a wire warning mode.
* Trying to Do It Alone: Lifting a TV, especially a large one, requires at least two people to hang safely.
* Not Making the TV Level: The wall is slanted, but the TV screen should be level. Take time to adjust it correctly.
* Ignoring Instructions: Read the mount and TV instructions. They have specific details for your models.
Avoiding these mistakes helps ensure your mounting flat screen slanted wall project is safe and successful.
Reading the Instructions Carefully
Every angled wall TV mount or slanted wall TV bracket comes with its own set of instructions. These instructions are your map. They tell you:
* What tools you need.
* How to find the correct screws for your specific TV size and model (VESA screws).
* The size of drill bit to use for pilot holes.
* How to attach the brackets to the TV.
* How to attach the mount plate to the wall.
* How to hang the TV onto the wall plate.
* How to lock the TV in place.
* How to make final adjustments, like leveling.
Pay close attention to sections about wall types and securing TV mount on slanted wall. Some mounts might include special spacers or parts for angled installations. Reading the instructions before you start and keeping them with you during the work is very important.
Choosing the Right Height
Deciding how high to put the TV on the slanted wall is also important. Think about where you will be sitting when you watch TV. The middle of the screen should be about level with your eyes when you are seated comfortably. On a slanted wall, this might mean the mount plate is higher up the wall than you expect to get the TV screen hanging level at the right viewing height. Use your measuring tape and have someone sit in the viewing spot while you mark the wall.
Making Adjustments After Hanging
Once the TV is on the mount, step back and look at it. Is it level? Is the tilt angle right? An articulating TV mount slanted wall gives you the most flexibility here. You can often adjust the tilt, swivel, and distance from the wall. Fixed or tilting mounts have fewer options but usually allow for some small leveling adjustments. Most mounts have screws or knobs you can loosen slightly to make small shifts, then tighten again. Making the TV level is a final touch that makes a big difference in how it looks and feels to watch.
Securing Wires and Cables
After the TV is mounted and level, you need to manage the wires. Power cords and HDMI cables can hang down and look messy. More importantly, dangling wires can be a safety issue.
You can use cable ties or sleeves to bundle wires together. You can also use stick-on cable clips to run wires neatly along the wall or ceiling.
For a cleaner look, you might hide the wires inside the wall. This requires drilling holes in the drywall and running the cables through the wall cavity. However, this is more complex, requires different tools (like a fish tape), and you need to be very careful to avoid electrical wires or pipes. Running wires inside a slanted wall might be harder than in a straight wall. If you hide wires, make sure you use in-wall rated cables.
A professional installer doing professional TV mounting on angled wall can often hide wires neatly and safely for you.
Wrapping Up the Installation
Once the TV is mounted, level, and secure, clean up your workspace. Put away your tools for mounting TV on slanted wall. Sweep or vacuum up any dust from drilling. Make sure all bolts and screws are tightened and the TV is locked onto the mount. Test your TV to make sure it is working correctly after being mounted.
Remember, mounting flat screen slanted wall is a project that needs planning, the right mount (like an angled wall TV mount or articulating TV mount slanted wall), finding studs, using the right tools, and focusing on safety at every step. If you are unsure at any point, it is always best to stop and either do more research or call for professional TV mounting on angled wall. A securely mounted TV provides enjoyment for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a regular TV mount on a slanted wall?
A: Usually, no. Regular mounts are designed for flat walls. A slanted wall needs a mount designed for angles (angled wall TV mount) or one that offers enough adjustment (articulating TV mount slanted wall) to level the TV screen despite the wall angle.
Q: How do I find studs on a slanted wall?
A: Use a stud finder. Move it slowly across the wall. Note that studs on a slanted wall might run straight up and down (plumb) or follow the angle of the wall. You need to find them and figure out their direction. Tapping or using small pilot holes can also help.
Q: Do I have to screw into studs?
A: Yes, for almost all TVs on drywall or plaster. Screwing the slanted wall TV bracket directly into studs is the safest way to hold the weight of the TV on a slanted wall. Drywall alone will not hold a TV.
Q: Is installing TV mount on vaulted ceiling wall harder?
A: Yes, it is generally harder because of the height and steep angle. Working on ladders or scaffolding requires extra care. Finding studs that are rafters can also be tricky. It might be a good job for professional TV mounting on angled wall.
Q: What is the best TV mount for slanted wall?
A: The best mount depends on your TV size, weight, and how you want to watch. An angled wall TV mount is made for the job. An articulating TV mount slanted wall offers great flexibility for leveling and viewing angles. For large TVs, you need a heavy duty mount slanted wall. Always check the weight capacity and VESA pattern.
Q: Can anchors be used on a slanted drywall wall?
A: Drywall anchors are generally not recommended for mounting heavy TVs, especially on a slanted wall where gravity adds extra stress pulling the mount away from the wall. Always try to secure the mount into wood studs.
Q: How do I make sure the TV is level on a slanted wall?
A: You position the mount plate on the wall at an angle so that when the TV hangs on it, the screen is level with the floor. An articulating TV mount slanted wall allows you to adjust the TV itself to be level after it is on the mount. Always use a level during installation and adjustment.
Q: What tools for mounting TV on slanted wall are essential?
A: A stud finder, drill, drill bits, socket wrench, level, and tape measure are essential. Safety glasses are a must. A helper is also very important.
Q: How do I make sure securing TV mount on slanted wall is done right?
A: Use the right mount, find and screw into the studs with lag bolts, do not overtighten, and double-check all connections and locks before letting go of the TV. If unsure, get professional TV mounting on angled wall.