Common DIY Mounting Mistakes We Correct
DIY TV mounting seems simple until something goes wrong. Here are the most common mistakes experienced technicians see and fix on a regular basis.
Missing the Studs Entirely
The most dangerous DIY mistake is mounting a TV bracket into drywall without hitting studs. Drywall alone cannot support a TV's weight. Even heavy-duty toggle bolts have limits, and a 55-inch TV on a full-motion arm creates significant leverage forces that drywall simply cannot handle. Experienced technicians regularly get calls from homeowners whose TV has pulled away from the wall or is visibly sagging. The fix involves patching the damaged drywall, locating the studs properly, and reinstalling the mount with lag bolts into solid wood. In homes with plaster walls or non-standard stud spacing, finding studs is even more challenging and requires professional-grade tools beyond a basic magnetic stud finder.
Mounting Too High on the Wall
The second most common mistake is mounting the TV too high. Homeowners tend to eyeball the height and almost always go higher than they should. A TV mounted with its center at 60 inches or above forces you to tilt your head up while watching, causing neck strain over time. The ideal center height for a TV in a seated viewing position is 42 to 48 inches from the floor. That feels low when you are standing and looking at the wall, which is why so many DIY installations end up too high. Correcting this mistake means removing the mount, patching the original holes, and reinstalling at the proper mounting height . It is twice the work compared to getting it right the first time.
Improper Cable Management
Running a standard power cable through a closed wall is a fire code violation, but it is one of the most common DIY shortcuts. Homeowners cut two holes in the drywall, fish the power cord through, and call it done. This creates a fire hazard because standard power cables are not rated for in-wall use. Low-voltage cables like HDMI can legally go through the wall, but power requires either an outlet behind the TV or a code-compliant in-wall power solution. Professional installations use UL-listed in-wall power kits or have a dedicated outlet installed behind the TV, keeping everything safe and code-compliant.
Using the Wrong Mount for the TV
Not all mounts fit all TVs, and using the wrong one creates problems. The VESA pattern on the back of the TV has to match the mount's bracket. A mount rated for TVs up to 55 inches should not hold a 75-inch TV, even if the VESA pattern happens to match. The weight capacity and arm extension are different for different TV sizes. Experienced technicians also see mounts where the screws are too long and press into the TV's internal components, or too short and do not secure the TV properly. Getting the right mount for your TV is essential for safety and function.
Getting It Done Right
If you have a DIY mount that is not quite right, or you want to avoid these mistakes entirely, TV Solutions can help. Experienced technicians correct previous installations and handle new mounts across the entire service area, from Lakewood to Aurora . Book online to see your exact price and schedule a professional installation that is done right the first time.