How Much Does It Cost to Mount a TV?

Cost to Mount a TV by Size

Size is one of the biggest factors affecting the cost of mounting a TV on the wall. Smaller TVs require smaller brackets and are often easier to mount. On the other hand, larger TVs require bigger and more expensive mounts.

Here are the average costs of TV mounts for different television sizes.

Cost to Mount a TV by Weight

The cost to mount a TV can range between $15 and $500, depending on the weight of the TV. Many TV mount models are built to hold TVs of specific sizes. Usually, the mount will withstand any TV weight as long as it's within the specified width range. However, some mounts—particularly those at the lower end of the price range—might have weight limits, so check to be safe.

The average cost of TV mounts based on TV weight is as follows.

Cost to Mount a TV by Mount Type

There are a range of mounts to choose from, including fixed, tilting, swivel, and full-motion. Usually, the more complicated the mount, the higher the cost of installing a flat-screen TV.

Here are the average costs of some of the most common TV mount types.

The best type of mount for you will depend on your needs. A fixed mount will suffice most of the time, particularly if you’re hanging your TV in the living room and only need one viewing angle. But if you need more flexibility, you can opt for another option that better meets your needs.

Once you’ve decided on the mount style, check its specifications to confirm it can support your TV size and weight. And after unboxing the mount, verify that all the pieces are there and that nothing is broken. Most mounts come in a package with all the necessary hardware, including the mounting plate (the part that attaches to the wall), TV brackets (the part that attaches to the TV and hooks to the mounting plate), and a set of screws. 

Cost to Mount a TV and Hide Wires

The cost to mount a TV and hide the wires ranges between $150 and $250. The price can rise to $1,000 or more if you want to hide the wires inside the wall. If you opt for simple cable covers that adhere to the wall, you won’t pay nearly as much. These kits run from $10 to $40 for materials only, not counting labor. Even though the former option costs more, it offers a sleek look and an added safety precaution for kids and pets.

Cost to Mount a TV Over a Fireplace

Expect to pay between $180 and $400 to mount your TV over the fireplace. However, the cost might sometimes exceed this range, depending on the installation complexity, fireplace material (such as concrete, stone, brick, or tile), and how you choose to conceal the wires.

TV Installation Cost Breakdown

As long as you choose the correct mount for your TV size and weight, the brand or model generally won’t affect the total project price. The cost to mount a TV will mainly depend on the labor rates and the price of the TV mount bracket. Hiring an electrician costs between $50 and $100 per hour, while a handyperson costs around $60 to $130 per hour. Some professional TV installers will include the cost of the mount in the final price. 

Depending on the nature of the project, you might encounter additional charges such as:

• Hanging drywall: $1,000–$2,920

• Repairing drywall cost: $300–$880

• Cost of installing an electrical outlet: $140–$300

• Construction debris and junk removal cost: $140–$360

Some TV installation jobs might also include the installation of a home theater or a surround sound system for a better home entertainment experience. Wiring a home theater costs between $200 and $800, while installing a surround system costs between $250 and $1,200.

The type of wall in your home can also affect the overall TV installation cost. For drywall, the cost to mount a TV can range between $100 and $300. Harder wall surfaces (like brick, stone, and concrete) typically cost more, around $200 to $800, since they can require more sophisticated equipment and more time to drill through. When asking for a quote from a professional TV installer, specify the type of wall you have. 

DIY vs. Hiring Professional Wall-Mounting Services

Handling your own TV installation can save you up to $200 or more in labor costs. However, depending on the size and weight of your TV, you may require the assistance of at least one other person to hang the TV once you’ve screwed in the mount. 

While DIY work can save money, it’s often better to leave some projects—such as hanging a TV over a fireplace—to the pros to avoid incurring additional costs for TV repair. Professional wall-mounting pros have the experience and expertise to ensure the correct and safe completion of your project. Hiring a TV mounting expert may be well worth the peace of mind despite the higher costs. Compare quotes from several service providers to find one that fits your needs and budget. 

FAQs

How much is a TV?

TV prices can range from $70 for a 19-inch flat-screen to $4,000 or more for a 77-inch 4K model. The higher the quality of the picture and the bigger the screen, the higher the cost.

How high should I mount my TV?

There’s no single correct height for mounting your TV, but experts often recommend centering the screen at eye level when you’re seated. Others recommend lowering the screen slightly so the eye level is centered on the top two-thirds of the screen. In general, how high or low you set your TV will depend on the size of the TV and the room. Larger televisions in larger rooms may require a higher level of installation than smaller ones.

Carry out a personal test to establish the proper height. This can be a three-person job, with two people holding the TV and a third (preferably you) judging the height. Get into a viewing position and look at the screen in different positions or angles on the wall to determine the ideal height. You can perform the same test with the pros when they come to install your TV.

As a fail-safe measure, consider using a flexible mount for your TV, such as a tilting or full-motion mount. With these mounts, you can adjust your TV up and down to the best viewing position, even after the installation.

Can I mount a TV over my fireplace?

You can mount a TV over a fireplace, but there are a few considerations. First, consult your product manual for any recommendations or instructions on placement. Also, check if mounting your TV over a fireplace will void the warranty. It can get hot over a fireplace that’s in use, and that could damage your television. A mantel can help deflect the heat away from your TV, though soot and smoke may still be an issue.

There could also be viewing issues with an over-the-fireplace TV placement. For example, a TV mounted over a fireplace with a tall opening may be too high for comfortable viewing. Using a tilting mount in such a case can help create a better viewing angle.

Can my walls support a TV?

The walls in most homes are drywall, and you can’t mount your TV on drywall alone. You’ll need to anchor screws into the studs backing the drywall. Most studs are wooden, but some might be made of metal.

Wooden studs are generally strong enough to hold a TV and are easier to work with, with most mounts actually designed to be used with wooden studs. You can use normal lag bolts that screw into the wooden stud directly.

Metal studs are narrow and hollow, unlike wooden studs. You can't simply screw lag bolts into the stud; you need special hardware (like toggle bolts, drill toggles, or snap toggles) that's strong enough to support your television's weight while securing the mount to the stud. If you're unsure about your wall's construction, consult a local TV mounting pro before you mount your TV.