Many people ask, “how long does it take to install a TV mount?” A typical TV mounting time estimate for a do-it-yourself project is about 1 to 3 hours. This is the average time to hang a TV on a standard wall like drywall with wood studs. A professional installer can often finish the job much faster, sometimes in under an hour, especially if the setup is simple. But how long it really takes changes based on many things. Let’s look at what makes the time go up or down.
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Grasping TV Mounting Time
Mounting a TV means putting a bracket on the wall and another bracket on the TV. Then you lift the TV and hook it onto the wall bracket. It sounds easy, but many things can add time.
A simple job on drywall might be quick. A hard job on brick with hidden wires might take much longer. Your skill level matters a lot too. A first-timer will take more time than someone who does this often.
Factors Affecting TV Mounting Time
Many things change how long it takes to mount a TV. Thinking about these things before you start helps you plan your time better.
Wall Type
The kind of wall you have is a big factor.
* Drywall: This is common. You usually need to find wood studs inside the wall to screw into. Stud finders work well here. Drilling into studs takes little time. Mounting on drywall without studs needs special anchors, which can add a bit more time and care.
* Brick or Concrete: These walls are very strong. But drilling into them takes longer. You need special drill bits and wall anchors for concrete or brick. This can add 20-40 minutes or more to the job.
* Plaster: Older homes might have plaster walls. These can be tricky. Finding studs is harder. The plaster can crack. This might need extra care and time.
* Metal Studs: Some newer buildings use metal studs. You need special anchors for these. They are different from wood studs. Finding them is like finding wood studs.
Knowing your wall type helps figure out how long to mount TV on drywall versus other walls. Drywall with studs is often the quickest wall type to work with.
TV Size and Weight
Bigger TVs are heavier. Lifting a large, heavy TV needs two people. Sometimes three for very big ones. Getting the TV onto the wall bracket safely takes time and care. A small TV is easy for one person. A 70-inch TV or larger needs help. This coordination adds time.
Mount Type
The type of mount you use also changes the time.
* Fixed Mount: This mount holds the TV flat against the wall. It is the simplest type. It usually takes the least amount of time to put up.
* Tilt Mount: This mount lets you tilt the TV up or down. It is a bit more complex than a fixed mount. It might take a little longer to set up, maybe 10-15 minutes more.
* Full-Motion (Articulating) Mount: This mount lets you pull the TV away from the wall, tilt it, and swivel it side to side. It has more parts. It needs precise placement on the wall. It is the most complex type. It takes the longest to install. It might add 30-60 minutes or more compared to a fixed mount.
Your Experience Level
Are you new to DIY projects? Or have you done this before?
* Beginner: If this is your first time, everything will take longer. You will read instructions carefully. You will measure multiple times. Finding studs might take a while. Figuring out the tools takes time. A beginner’s DIY TV mounting time could easily be 2-4 hours.
* Experienced DIYer: If you have done similar projects, you know the steps. You know how to use the tools. You can fix small problems faster. Your time might be 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Tools Available
Having the right tools needed for TV mounting is key. If you have to stop and go buy a tool, it adds a lot of time. We will list the tools later. Not having a good stud finder or the right drill bit slows you down a lot.
Hiding Wires (Cable Management)
Do you want the wires to show? Or do you want to hide them? Hiding wires takes extra time.
* Surface Mount: Using cable covers on the wall is faster. It might add 15-30 minutes.
* In-Wall Concealment: Running wires inside the wall takes much longer. You might need to cut holes in the wall. You need special kits. This can add 1-2 hours or more, plus painting later.
Preparing the Area
Clearing the space, moving furniture, putting down drop cloths takes time. This might be 15-30 minutes.
Unexpected Problems
You might drill into something you did not expect. You might find a pipe or wire behind the wall. The stud might not be where you thought. The wall might be weaker than it looked. Fixing these issues adds unplanned time.
Number of People Helping
Lifting a large TV is a two-person job. Having someone to help find studs, hold tools, or read instructions can speed things up. Trying to do a big TV alone is slow and risky.
DIY TV Mounting Time Breakdown: Steps and Estimates
Let’s break down the steps to mount a TV yourself and estimate the time for each part. This shows the true difficulty of mounting a TV for a first-timer.
Step 1: Plan Everything (30-60 minutes)
- Choose Location: Decide where the TV will go. Is it the best spot for watching? Is there a power outlet nearby? (10-15 minutes)
- Figure Out Height: How high should the TV be? The middle of the screen should be at eye level when you are sitting. Mark this spot lightly on the wall. (10-15 minutes)
- Find Studs: Use a stud finder to find the wood studs in the wall where the mount will go. Mark the edges of the studs. The mount must screw into the center of at least two studs for safety on drywall. (10-20 minutes)
- Check Mount and TV: Open the mount box. Read the instructions. Check you have all the parts. Look at the back of your TV. Find the screw holes for the mount bracket (VESA pattern). (5-10 minutes)
Step 2: Gather Tools and Prep Area (15-30 minutes)
- Get all the tools needed for TV mounting ready. Put them where you can reach them.
- Clear the floor below where the TV will hang. Move tables, chairs, etc.
- Put down a blanket or cardboard to protect the floor when working with the TV.
- Unpack the TV and lay it face down on a soft surface (like its box or a bed).
Step 3: Attach Mount to Wall (30-90 minutes, depending on wall/mount)
- Hold the wall mount bracket against the wall. Line it up with your height mark. Make sure it is centered side-to-side.
- Use a level to make sure the bracket is perfectly straight. Mark the screw holes on the wall through the bracket.
- Move the bracket away. Double-check the marks are on the studs (if using drywall).
- Drill pilot holes at the marked spots. The drill bit size is usually in the mount instructions.
- If mounting on concrete or brick, drill deeper holes and insert wall anchors now.
- Hold the wall bracket up again. Line up the holes.
- Insert the large lag screws (or concrete screws/anchors) through the bracket and into the wall/studs/anchors.
- Tighten the screws firmly. Use a socket wrench or impact driver. Do not overtighten and strip the screws or damage the wall/stud.
- Test the mount. Pull on it firmly. It should not move at all.
Step 4: Attach Bracket to TV (15-30 minutes)
- Find the smaller TV brackets from the mount kit.
- Look at the back of your TV. Find the VESA mounting holes.
- Choose the right size screws from the mount kit. Most kits have several sizes. Check your TV manual if unsure. The screws should fit the TV holes but not go too deep and damage the TV’s inside.
- Line up the TV brackets with the holes on the back of the TV.
- Insert the screws through the brackets and into the TV. Hand-tighten first.
- Tighten the screws gently with a screwdriver. Do not overtighten. You can crack the TV’s plastic back.
- Make sure the brackets are secure on the TV.
Step 5: Lift and Hang TV (10-20 minutes, needs two people for larger TVs)
- This is the tricky part. Get your helper ready.
- Lift the TV carefully. Hold it by the sides or the bottom edge. Do not put pressure on the screen.
- Bring the TV close to the wall mount.
- Line up the TV brackets with the wall bracket. Most mounts have hooks on the TV bracket that hang onto a bar or plate on the wall bracket.
- Lower the TV slowly until it hooks or clicks into place.
- Do not let go until you are sure it is seated correctly.
- Many mounts have safety screws or clips that lock the TV onto the wall mount. Put these in now. This stops the TV from being accidentally knocked off.
Step 6: Cable Management (30-90 minutes, depending on method)
- Connect your power cord, HDMI cables, etc.
- Decide how to handle the wires. Let them hang (quickest)? Use cable ties? Use stick-on cable clips? Use on-wall cable covers? Run them inside the wall?
- Choose your method and do it neatly. Running wires in the wall takes much more time and effort.
Step 7: Final Checks and Testing (10-15 minutes)
- Turn the TV on. Does it look straight? Step back and look from different angles.
- Test any tilt or swivel features of your mount.
- Make sure all connections are working.
- Clean up your tools and the area.
Adding up these times gives you the total DIY TV mounting time. For a first-timer, 2-3 hours is normal for a simple setup on drywall. A complex setup or problems could push it to 4+ hours.
Professional TV Installation Time
How long does a professional take? A pro does this job every day. They have the right tools. They know how to find studs fast. They know how to handle different wall types. They can lift heavy TVs easily.
A professional TV installation time is often 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for a standard job.
* Finding studs, drilling, mounting bracket: 15-30 minutes.
* Attaching TV bracket, hanging TV: 10-15 minutes.
* Connecting devices, basic wire tidying: 10-15 minutes.
If you want wires hidden in the wall, a professional will take longer. Maybe 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the wall and how complex the wiring is. Even with hidden wires, a pro is often faster than a DIYer doing the same job. They know the tricks and have the right tools like specialized fishing tapes for wires.
Tools Needed for TV Mounting
Having the right tools makes the job much easier and safer. Here are the main tools needed for TV mounting:
- Stud Finder: Essential for drywall. Electronic ones are best.
- Level: A long level (2-3 feet) is helpful for the wall bracket. A small torpedo level works for the TV bracket. Many mounts have a small level included.
- Drill: A power drill is a must. You need one strong enough to drill pilot holes for lag screws. An 18V or 20V cordless drill works well.
- Drill Bits: You need bits to drill the pilot holes in wood studs or for wall anchors in concrete/brick. The mount instructions will tell you the size. You might need a masonry bit for brick/concrete.
- Socket Wrench (or Ratchet Set): You need this to tighten the large lag screws that go into the wall studs. A drill with a socket adapter can work, but a wrench gives more control.
- Phillips Head Screwdriver: For attaching the brackets to the TV and for safety screws.
- Measuring Tape: To plan height and measure distances.
- Pencil: To mark screw hole locations.
- Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from dust or debris when drilling.
- Gloves: To protect your hands when lifting the TV.
Optional Tools:
- Impact Driver: Makes driving lag screws into studs very fast and easy.
- Right Angle Drill Attachment: Helpful if the studs are close to a corner or obstacle.
- Fish Tape: If running wires inside the wall.
- Box Cutter/Utility Knife: For opening boxes and possibly cutting small holes in drywall for wire concealment.
- Voltage Detector: To check for wires in the wall before drilling (use with caution, not foolproof).
Having all these tools ready before you start saves a lot of time.
Comprehending the Difficulty of Mounting a TV
Is mounting a TV hard? The difficulty of mounting a TV is often overestimated for basic installs but underestimated for complex ones.
- Basic (Fixed/Tilt on Drywall with Studs): This is the easiest. If you can use a drill and a level, and you find the studs right, it is very doable for most people. The main challenge is lifting the TV safely.
- Medium (Full-Motion on Drywall with Studs, or Fixed/Tilt on Brick/Concrete): This requires more steps (full-motion) or different skills/tools (brick/concrete). Finding the right drill bits and anchors for masonry adds complexity. Full-motion mounts need more precise positioning.
- Hard (Any mount type with In-Wall Wire Concealment, Mounting on tricky walls like plaster or metal studs, Complex locations): Running wires inside the wall is messy and requires confidence in working with walls. Older walls or unusual structures add difficulty. Mounting above a fireplace can be complex due to heat and chimney structure.
For most people, the difficulty of mounting a TV on a standard wall with studs is moderate. It needs care, patience, and the right tools. The most common mistake is not finding studs or using the wrong anchors, leading to the TV falling. This is why taking your time is important, even if it increases the DIY TV mounting time.
How Long to Mount TV on Drywall?
Focusing on how long to mount TV on drywall specifically: If you have standard drywall with wood studs that are easy to find, this is usually the quickest wall type for DIY.
- Simple Fixed/Tilt Mount: 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a DIYer.
- Full-Motion Mount: 2 to 3 hours for a DIYer.
- Add 1-2 hours if you plan to run wires inside the drywall wall.
- If you cannot find studs and must use special drywall anchors (like toggle bolts or heavy-duty anchors), this adds time for precise drilling and anchor installation. It also limits the weight the mount can hold. Sticking to studs is best and fastest if possible.
Compared to brick or concrete which adds drilling time, drywall is faster if you use the studs.
Comparing DIY vs. Professional Time
Let’s look at the time difference side-by-side.
| Task/Scenario | DIY TV Mounting Time Estimate | Professional TV Installation Time Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Mount (Fixed/Tilt) on Drywall with Studs | 1.5 – 2.5 hours | 45 minutes – 1.5 hours | Pro is faster, especially if routine. |
| Full-Motion Mount on Drywall with Studs | 2 – 3 hours | 1 – 2 hours | Pro handles complexity quicker. |
| Mount on Brick or Concrete | 2 – 4 hours | 1 – 2.5 hours | Pro has better masonry tools/skill. |
| Adding In-Wall Wire Concealment | Add 1 – 3 hours to base time | Add 1 – 2 hours to base time | Pro is more efficient with wall work. |
| Dealing with unexpected issues (e.g., wall not strong, weird stud spacing) | Can add 1+ hours easily | Pro figures out solutions faster | Pro has more experience solving problems. |
As you can see, a professional almost always finishes faster. Their TV mounting time estimate is shorter because they have done it many times. They have optimized tools and methods. Your DIY TV mounting time is longer because you are learning as you go.
But the time saving comes at a cost. Professional installation services charge a fee. Doing it yourself saves money but costs more time and effort.
Steps to Mount a TV: A Quick List
To recap the steps to mount a TV:
1. Plan the location, height, and find wall studs.
2. Gather all tools and prepare the space.
3. Attach the wall mount bracket to the wall (making sure it is level and secure in studs or with proper anchors).
4. Attach the TV brackets to the back of the TV.
5. With help (for larger TVs), lift the TV and hang it on the wall mount. Secure it with safety screws/clips.
6. Connect cables and manage them as desired.
7. Test the TV and mount.
8. Clean up.
Each of these steps takes time, adding up to your total TV mounting time estimate.
Optimizing Your DIY Time
Want to make your DIY TV mounting time shorter?
* Read Instructions First: Before you start, read the mount instructions cover to cover.
* Watch Videos: Look up videos of people mounting TVs like yours. See how they do it.
* Have All Tools Ready: Do not start until every single tool is in front of you.
* Have a Helper: For any TV over 40 inches, get a second person to help lift. This saves time and prevents drops.
* Pre-Drill Carefully: Measure twice, drill once. Make sure pilot holes are in the center of the studs or in the right spot for anchors.
* Organize Parts: Open the mount kit and sort the screws and parts. The instructions usually label them.
Even with these tips, plan for a reasonable amount of time. Rushing leads to mistakes. A successful, safe DIY install that takes 3 hours is much better than a rushed 1-hour job where the TV falls.
Difficulty vs. Time
The difficulty of mounting a TV directly impacts the time it takes. A simple job is quick. A hard job takes longer. If you feel the job is too hard for your skill level (e.g., complex wall, very heavy TV, tricky wire routing), hiring a professional might save you headaches, potential damage, and ultimately, time spent fixing problems.
Remember the average time to hang a TV is just an average. Your specific situation might be faster or slower.
Conclusion
How long does it take to mount a TV? For most people doing it themselves, plan for 1.5 to 3 hours. Factors like wall type, TV size, mount type, your skill, and whether you hide wires change this a lot. A professional is typically faster, finishing in under 1.5 hours for a basic job. Having the right tools needed for TV mounting and taking things step-by-step are key to a safe and successful install, no matter how long it takes. Don’t rush the process. The little extra time spent planning and double-checking is worth protecting your TV and your wall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
H5 How long does it really take to mount a TV?
For a DIYer, it usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours. For a pro, it’s often under 1.5 hours.
H5 Can one person mount a TV alone?
You can mount smaller TVs (under 40 inches) alone. For larger, heavier TVs, two people are needed to lift and safely hang the TV on the wall mount.
H5 Do I have to drill into studs for drywall?
Yes, it is highly recommended and safest to drill into wood studs when mounting a TV on drywall. Studs provide strong support. Using only drywall anchors is risky for most TVs unless using very specific, heavy-duty anchors rated for the weight.
H5 What happens if I don’t mount into studs?
If you don’t use studs (or proper heavy-duty anchors for specific situations), the weight of the TV can pull the screws out of the drywall, causing the TV to fall and potentially damage the TV, the wall, or people/objects below.
H5 Is it much faster to hire a professional?
Yes, professionals are usually faster because they have experience, the best tools, and do this work regularly. They can often complete a standard mount in under an hour.
H5 Can I mount a TV on a plaster wall?
Yes, but it is trickier than drywall. Finding studs through plaster is harder. You need to drill carefully to avoid cracking the plaster. Sometimes special anchors are needed if studs aren’t in the right spot. It might take longer than on drywall.
H5 How can I speed up the DIY process?
Have all your tools ready, read the instructions carefully beforehand, watch a tutorial video, and have a helper for lifting the TV.
H5 What’s the hardest part of mounting a TV?
For many DIYers, finding the studs accurately, drilling straight holes, and safely lifting/hanging the TV are the hardest parts. Running wires inside the wall is also difficult and time-consuming.