Mounting a TV seems simple at first glance — a few screws, a stud finder, and you’re done, right? Not quite. One wrong move and you could end up with a crooked screen, fried electronics from poor ventilation, or a cracked drywall mess that ruins your living room vibe. This guide is for homeowners in Salt Lake City, UT who want a clean, safe, and long-lasting setup — without the guesswork. You know what? A lot of problems are totally avoidable once you know what to watch for. Let me walk you through the top five mistakes people make when mounting a TV and how to avoid them.
Contents
- 1 1. Thinking studs are optional — they’re not
- 2 2. Mounting too high (or too low) — your neck will tell you
- 3 3. Ignoring cable management and airflow — out of sight should not be out of life
- 4 4. Buying the cheapest mount or winging it with DIY tools
- 5 5. Not planning for future upgrades and smart home gear
- 6 Putting it all together — practical steps you can follow
- 7 Need help? We’ve got the tools and experience
1. Thinking studs are optional — they’re not
People treat studs like optional parking spaces. You can’t park there and expect no ticket. Anchoring a heavy TV to drywall alone is like hanging a painting with chewing gum. It might hold for a while, and then it won’t.
Let me explain: most flat-screen TVs are heavier than they look, especially with a soundbar or bracket. Use a reliable stud finder — brands like Zircon or Bosch work well — and verify with a small pilot hole if you’re comfortable. If your wall is concrete or brick, that’s different; you’ll need masonry anchors and possibly a different mount.
Short checklist:
• Check the VESA pattern — make sure the mount fits your TV.
• Confirm the weight rating — the mount must hold more than your TV’s listed weight.
• Find and use studs or proper anchors — never rely on drywall alone.
Yes, sometimes you’ll find studs that aren’t where you want them. That’s annoying; the solution might mean relocating the TV slightly or installing a backer board. It’s extra work, but it’s worth it.
2. Mounting too high (or too low) — your neck will tell you
We’ve all walked into a living room and looked up at a TV mounted way too high. The host swears it looks “cinematic.” Your neck disagrees. Here’s the thing: comfort matters. A screen that’s technically “mounted” but painful to watch isn’t a win.
Aim for the center of the screen to be at eye level when seated. That’s usually about 42 inches from the floor to the center of the TV for standard couches, but exact numbers vary by seating height and room layout. If you have reclining seats, consider a few extra inches lower.
There’s a mild contradiction here: mounting higher can be great for kitchen or bar areas where people stand. But for living rooms, don’t make your guests crane their necks. Tilt mounts help; a small downward tilt can improve viewing without lowering the TV.
3. Ignoring cable management and airflow — out of sight should not be out of life
Cables hanging like spaghetti are not charming. But more than aesthetics, poor cable management can damage cables and block ventilation. Devices need airflow; smothering a hot streaming box behind a tightly packed shelf invites premature failure.
Think through where consoles, streaming sticks, soundbars, and power strips will live. If you’re hiding wires inside the wall, follow local electrical codes — and remember that running low-voltage cables is different from high-voltage work. In Salt Lake City, some multi-family buildings have specific rules, so check if yours does.
Quick tips:
• Label cables so you don’t unplug the wrong one during halftime.
• Use rated in-wall cable kits for a clean look and safety.
• Allow at least a few inches of clearance behind devices for heat to escape.
Honestly, cable covers do wonders if you don’t want in-wall work. They’re clean, fast, and come in paintable options that blend with walls.
4. Buying the cheapest mount or winging it with DIY tools
You can pay now or you can pay later. A bargain basement mount might sag or fail. DIY with the wrong hardware? That’s asking for trouble. Tools matter: a level, torque-driver, and a good socket set make installation faster and safer.
Consider mount types: fixed, tilt, and full-motion. Each has pros and cons depending on room use. Full-motion allows swivel but requires stronger anchors and more precise installation. Don’t guess — match the mount to how you actually use the room.
Here’s a quick comparison table to help:
| Mount Type | Best For | Common Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed | Clean look, flush to wall | Limited viewing angles |
| Tilt | Living rooms with higher mounts | Less gap for cables |
| Full-motion | Rooms with multiple seating areas | Requires stronger anchors and more space |
You might think “I can just use whatever screw fits” — and then you’ll be buying a new TV. Use the right hardware for the mount and the wall. If the instructions call for lag bolts into studs, do that. If they recommend toggles for hollow walls, get good toggles. Cheap hardware saves pennies and costs headaches.
5. Not planning for future upgrades and smart home gear
Mounting isn’t just about today’s TV. It’s about tomorrow’s soundbars, gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and smart-home sensors. Don’t box yourself into a corner.
Plan for extra cable length and an accessible outlet. Consider a recessed power outlet behind the TV so the plug sits flush. Think about speaker placement and HDMI routing — you might want an HDMI 2.1 cable for a next-gen console. And remember, wireless isn’t a cure-all; sometimes hardwired Ethernet or optical audio is needed for best performance.
A short digression: holiday hosting season tends to expose these planning mistakes. That big family game night will be less fun if you’re tripping over adapters and swapping remotes. So plan ahead.
Putting it all together — practical steps you can follow
Okay, enough doom and gloom. Here’s a simple sequence that helps most homeowners avoid the common traps:
1) Measure and plan your layout — seating, sight lines, and equipment Locations.
2) Choose the right mount for your room and TV weight.
3) Locate studs or the correct anchors; double-check with a second method.
4) Manage cables smartly — label them and keep ventilation in mind.
5) Test before finalizing: check tilt, swivel, and all connections, then tighten.
You’ll notice a theme: slow down and plan. Mounting a TV is as much about patience as it is about hardware. It’s like building a sturdy bookshelf — rushing leads to wobbles.
Need help? We’ve got the tools and experience
If this is sounding like a lot — well, it is. And you don’t have to do it alone. Utah TV Mounting serves homeowners across Salt Lake City, UT, and we handle stud finding, secure anchoring, cable management, and neat finishing touches that make a room feel done.
Give us a call at 801-383-0493 or click Request a Free Quote to schedule a visit. We’ll assess your wall, recommend the best mount, and get your gear set up right — fast, clean, and safe. No guesswork. No weird gaps. Just a great view.
Ready when you are.
