Thinking about mounting your TV on the wall? Great choice — it frees up floor space, gives a cleaner look, and often improves viewing angles. You know what? For Salt Lake City homeowners, wall-mounting can also help make a small living room feel a lot bigger, especially during those long winter nights when you’re binge-watching local sports or the latest streaming hit. This guide from Utah TV Mounting will walk you through practical, friendly steps to expertly install a wall mount, explain what tools and parts matter, and tell you when it’s smart to call a pro. Let’s get started.

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Why mount your TV (and why it’s not just about looks)

Mounting a television on the wall isn’t just a style move. It clears up crowded media consoles, reduces kid- or pet-related accidents, and gives you better sightlines for everyone in the room. Plus, wall-mounted TVs often feel more cinematic — and isn’t that what movie night is all about?

Now, that said, wall-mounting can be deceptively simple. Some setups really are quick weekend projects. Other times you’ll run into surprises — plaster walls, weird stud spacing, or ancient electrical boxes that weren’t placed with modern TVs in mind. It’s easier than you might expect, but it’s also something you shouldn’t rush.

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Choosing the right mount and placement — a little planning goes a long way

Here’s the thing: picking a mount isn’t one-size-fits-all. TVs have VESA patterns (that’s the bolt-hole layout on the back), and mounts are rated for weight and motion. Do you want fixed, tilting, or a full-motion arm? Each has trade-offs. Fixed mounts sit flush and look tidy. Tilting mounts help if you’re mounting above eye level. Full-motion arms let you swivel the screen into another room — handy for open floor plans.

Placement matters. Aim for eye level when seated, generally about 42 to 48 inches from the floor to the center of the screen, but that depends on couch height and how you watch TV. Think about glare from windows (Salt Lake City sunshine can be fierce in the afternoon), sightlines from the kitchen, and nearby furniture. You might love the idea of mounting over the fireplace; just remember heat and viewing angle are concerns — not deal breakers, but worth checking.

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Tools and hardware you’ll actually need

You don’t need a truckload of gear. Honest tools make the job quicker and more accurate. Here are the usual suspects:

• Stud finder: A reliable model like a Franklin Sensors or Bosch makes locating studs painless.
• Level: A 24-inch or a laser level (DeWalt or Bosch) — because crooked TVs look worse than a slightly smaller screen.
• Drill and driver: A DeWalt or Milwaukee will handle lag bolts easily.
• Socket set and screwdriver: For tightening mounts and bolts securely.
• Tape measure: Simple, but don’t skip it.

Hardware matters: use structural lag bolts for wood studs, toggle bolts or anchors for drywall-only situations, and masonry anchors for brick or concrete. If you’re hanging a heavy TV, always fasten to studs. Don’t assume a small anchor will hold a big screen — that’s a common mistake.

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Step-by-step: How to mount your TV without losing your cool

Let me explain the smooth path — one that avoids frayed tempers and extra trips to the hardware store.

Step 1: Measure and mark. Measure the desired height, find the studs, and mark centerlines on the wall. Double-check that there aren’t electrical outlets or low-voltage boxes behind where you’ll drill.

Step 2: Attach the wall plate. Hold the wall plate to your marks, use a level, and drill pilot holes into the studs. Drive lag bolts snugly — don’t over-torque; you don’t want to crush the wood.

Step 3: Prepare the TV. Lay the TV face-down on a soft blanket. Attach the mounting arms to the VESA holes using the bolts supplied with the mount. If the kit doesn’t have the right length bolts for your TV, the manual usually lists alternatives.

Step 4: Hang and secure. With a helping hand, lift the TV and hook it onto the wall plate. Check that any safety screws or locking tabs are engaged. Use a level again to verify it’s straight — small corrections now save headaches later.

Step 5: Manage cables. Whether you run cables behind the wall with an in-wall kit or use a slim cable cover, tidy wiring improves safety and aesthetics. If running power or HDMI through the wall, follow local electrical codes; sometimes a licensed electrician or low-voltage installer is required.

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Common mistakes people make (and how to dodge them)

People stumble in predictable ways. Here are the usual suspects and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring stud location: Anchoring to drywall alone is asking for trouble. Always find a stud for heavy screens.
• Wrong bolt length: Too short and they won’t hold; too long and you could damage the TV. Use the hardware guide, or ask the retailer for help.
• Bad height decisions: Mounting too high is a classic. If you’re not sure, sit where you’ll watch and measure from eye level.
• Forgetting ventilation: TVs need airflow. Tight recessed installations can trap heat and shorten the set’s life.

That list sounds like common sense — and it is — but when you’re excited (or rushed), it’s easy to skip steps. Take a breath, measure twice, and install once.

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When you should definitely call a pro (and why it’s worth it)

Honestly, a lot of homeowners handle mounts themselves. But call a pro when:

• You’re mounting over a fireplace or into brick/concrete.
• Your wall has plaster or old lath — it’s trickier than drywall.
• You want wires hidden inside walls and permits are required.
• You’d rather avoid ladder acrobatics and heavy lifting.

Hiring a professional from Utah Tv Mounting can save time and anxiety. We bring the right tools, local know-how, and insurance. Plus, we deal with permits and code requirements in Salt Lake City so you don’t have to. Call it peace of mind or call it common sense — either way, it pays off.

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Ready to reclaim your living space? Let’s do this together.

If you’re a homeowner in Salt Lake City who wants a neat, safe, and perfectly hung TV, we can help. Whether it’s a weekend DIY with a few tips or a full-service install with recessed power and clean wiring, Utah TV Mounting has your back. You’ll get professionals who treat your home like it’s theirs — careful, respectful, and detail-oriented.

Call us: 801-383-0493

Request a Free Quote

Give us a ring or request a free quote online and we’ll walk you through options, pricing, and timing. You’ll be watching sooner than you think — and with a lot less clutter.