Install Flat Screen TV on Wall

Install Flat Screen TV | Do you think you can install a flat-screen TV over this window above the fireplace? Do you want to know how I’d do it? Flat Screen TV Frame Ideas can be found here. Copyright 2020 Tim Carter

Install Flat Screen TV - Hunt for Solid Wood

QUESTION: Tim, She who must be obeyed (SWMBO) has informed me that the two flat-screen TVs in the unopened boxes must be installed in days. One TV will end up in our bedroom on a wall but the other is over a living room fireplace. There’s a huge window there. Fortunately, the TV is wider than both the window and the wood trim surrounding the window. How in the world do I attach the flat screen bracket to glass? Do you have any other tips to share about how to get this right the first time? It’s best not to anger SWMBO. Next time you’re near Houston, I’ll gladly take you out for some superb seafood. Chris M., Tomball, TX

CLICK or TAP HERE to get FREE BIDS from local flat-screen TV installers.

Well, well, well ... I’m not the only one that watched the delightful PBS-TV series Rumpole of the Bailey all those years ago. What a great show and the lessons in life old Rumpole shared were priceless!

Can I Attach the Flat Screen to Glass?

First and foremost, you’re not going to attach anything to the glass. You’re going to build a simple box using 3/4-inch plywood and 1x2s that the flat-screen TV bracket or french cleats will attach to. This little box will be attached securely to the flat window frame material that extends in towards the room.

Is it Best to Read the Installation Instructions?

The most important thing to do is to read the installation instructions that come with both TVs. In almost all cases, they provide clear instructions as to the type of hardware and fasteners to use. Don’t deviate from the instructions. Some even provide online videos to watch to give you the courage to do the job.

The TV in the bedroom should not be an issue at all. You’ll probably just need a handy stud finder to locate the wall studs. You want the fasteners for the TV brackets to attach to the wood studs. Don’t try to use wall anchors hoping these will stand the test of time. There may be wall anchors that will work, but you can’t go wrong fastening the brackets to solid wood.

How Do I Mount the Flat Screen TV to the Window?

The box that needs to be made for the fireplace TV is simple. You can get all you need at a local home center. The 1x2s are common lumber and you’ll build a box that’s about 4 inches taller than the TV bracket. You ideally want this box to hide behind the TV since it’s so wide. Your goal is to create an illusion that your TV is floating in space.

What Screws Should I Use?

You’ll fasten the 1x2s together using 1 and 5/8ths-inch drywall, or similar, screws. Once you’ve determined the height of the TV above the floor (refer to the instructions), then you’ll attach this frame to the inside of the window at the height you determined.

Be sure to use the same screws to attach the box to the window frame that you used to create the box. Space them about 4 inches apart. You’ll cut the plywood the same size as this box and screw it to the frame using the same screws. Space those screws every 8 inches.

The 3/4-inch-thick plywood is very strong. When you use the recommended bolts to attach the TV bracket, trust me the TV is going to resist the force of gravity for a very long time.

Column 1387-A