Should I pay a Builder to mount a TV, and how much?

[Gruce]

I want my TV to be wall mounted (40inch) is it something I can do myself, I can use drill, I have tools and I am competant. Do mounts normally come with fixtures?

I don't have a stud wall, it will go on an exterior wall (brick I assume) will this pose any problems.

I obviosuly don't want my TV to fall off, should I attempt myslef or pay a builder? How much would he charge? Thanks

[AllYourBase]

I mounted my own tv in the bedroom (just a 23") - I was a little nervous about it but thankfully I didn't botch it up. The mounts do usually come with the screws you will need to fix it to the wall yeah.

You'd only really be paying for an hour of the builders time, I say builder, you'd really want a handyman. Its basically drilling 6 or 8 holes!

As peoples experience levels might vary vastly on this sort of thing I would ring up your local richer sounds or indie A/V specialist and see if they have a recommendation for someone who can do the installation.... they might think of something you didn't.

Have fun!

[Pezley]

do it yourself, i outsource a all fitter when needed but in all honesty if you know how to use a drill and a spirit level you cant go wrong. keep in mind even if your screws are slightly loose the tv will only try and fall dwn the wall, not pull away from it so it isnt going anywhere and wll be more than safe

[VR46]

Me and the wife did our 32" one, was bit awkward mounting the TV on to the bracket (due to weight of the TV) but wasn't too much trouble.

I'd say give it a go yourself - if you do mess up the holes wil be hidden by the TV

[fragmast3r]

do it your self, take your time, oh and get a wire, metal detector, just to make sure theres no pipes or electric wires running just where you wanaa drill

[Gruce]

Thanks guys, I think I should be ok then, are the fixtures in the kit heavy duty. I have been reading that people are saying buy this/buy that, making out that what you get isn't the best.

I have plaster board infront but it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

[charlesr]

I did my 42" plasma. It's a heavy old thing. I spent ages measuring things and it still wasn't straight by the time I got it up there - the mount wasn't adjustable, but with a bit of adjustment with a spare bit of metal at the right point on the hangers I got it straight. It was pretty easy to do - make sure you tap the wall plugs into the wall slightly (just below flush) so that they are less likely to try and pull themselves out (unless your plug instructions say otherwise).

[Pavey]

I did mine Jack and as others have said its not too hard a job. However, i took mine down again in 6 months as it just didn't feel right to me for playing games.

I felt too removed from the experience, if that makes sense, and so put it back on an av unit.

Think it was the height of it really that bothered me.

[paul]

I realise this reply is no help at all, but I read that title and had a good old chuckle to myself.

[EvilBoris]

My Step-Dad has his mounted up about 5 feet off the ground (40inch plasma) and it is horrible to play games and watch TV on.
You need it to be Eye level ideally.

[Salsa Party Animal]

I have seen too many of them put above fireplace (through the windows) while working which is shocking. I have seen one near the ceiling.

Mine is on the table.

[Pezley]

nothing wrong with over a fire place, providing there is a shelf in between. the screens are made to endure massive heat so the added of a warmth fire wont affect it.

[huxley]

A neighbour just mounted a 40" on the wall (I had to help him lift it onto the bracket) But he did a neat thing - he routed out a channel down to floor level and put a length of waste pipe in the wall for cables and such.
Neat trick and makes everything look tidy.

[Freddo]

The problem with over the fireplace is often this places the TV at something like a 40 degree vertical viewing angle, and is clearly impossible to view comfortably for any length of time, not to mention most LCDs have some vertical viewing angle effect ( loss of contrast, solarisation of colors )

[Gruce]

A neighbour just mounted a 40" on the wall (I had to help him lift it onto the bracket) But he did a neat thing - he routed out a channel down to floor level and put a length of waste pipe in the wall for cables and such.
Neat trick and makes everything look tidy.

Exactly what I'm planning to do, not sure about the waste pipe but something simular.