Which TVs Can Be Wall Mounted?

Almost any modern flat screen TV can be wall mounted, provided you use the right bracket and the wall can carry the weight. The three things that decide it are the VESA mounting holes on the back of the TV, the weight and size the bracket is rated for, and the strength of the wall itself. Get those three right, and the TV can go on the wall safely.

This guide explains each check in plain English, shows how to find the information you need and lists the mistakes to avoid. It is general guidance, so always follow your TV and bracket manufacturers’ instructions. At Fife Premier Handyman Services, we mount TVs across Fife, and these three checks are the starting point for every job.

If you’d like your TV mounted safely, see our TV wall mounting in Fife.

The Short Answer

• Yes, almost any modern flat screen TV can be wall mounted with the right bracket
• VESA holes are the standard mounting points on the back of the TV, and the bracket must match them
• Weight and size ratings on the bracket must cover your TV, with a margin of safety
• The wall must be strong enough, and the fixings must suit the type of wall
• A few TVs have unusual or no standard mounting holes, and need a manufacturer specific bracket or adapter
• Older, heavy TVs are not designed for wall mounting, so treat them with caution
• If you are unsure about any of the three checks, ask a professional before you drill

The Three Checks at a Glance

Check 1: VESA Mounting Holes

VESA is the standard that most TV and bracket makers follow. It describes the pattern of four threaded holes on the back of the TV, which the bracket bolts into.

What a VESA Pattern Looks Like

The pattern is written as two numbers in millimetres, such as 200 by 200 or 400 by 400. The first number is the horizontal distance between the holes, and the second is the vertical distance. Common patterns include:

• 100 by 100
• 200 by 200
• 300 by 300
• 400 by 400
• 600 by 400

Smaller TVs usually have smaller patterns, and larger TVs have larger ones, though this varies between models.

How to Find Your TV’s VESA Pattern

• Check the manual. It is usually listed in the specifications or in the wall mounting section
• Look at the manufacturer’s website, where the product page often lists it
• Measure it yourself. Measure from the centre of one hole to the centre of the next, horizontally and then vertically, in millimetres
• Search the model number online if you cannot find the manual

Never guess. The bracket must match the pattern, or at least cover it.

Matching the Bracket

Brackets list the VESA patterns they support. Many cover a range, so a single bracket can fit several TVs. When choosing a bracket:

• Check that your pattern is listed, or falls within the range
• Check the hole positions on the bracket can reach the holes on your TV
• Make sure the bracket is wide enough for the width of your TV
• Use the screws and spacers supplied, or the ones recommended by the TV manufacturer

Screws and Spacers

The screws that fix the bracket to the TV matter. They come in different sizes and lengths, and using the wrong ones can damage the TV or fail to hold it securely.

• Use the correct thread size, which is often specified in the manual
• Do not use screws that are too long, because they can damage the internal parts of the TV
• Do not use screws that are too short, because they will not grip properly
• Use spacers if the back of the TV is curved or recessed, so the bracket sits flat and secure

If you are not sure, check the TV’s manual or ask the manufacturer or an installer.

TVs With No Standard VESA Holes

A small number of TVs do not follow the standard pattern, or have no mounting holes at all. They may need a bracket made for that model, or a special adapter from the manufacturer. If your TV does not have clear mounting holes, check the manual and the manufacturer’s website before you buy a bracket. Do not try to improvise a fixing.

Check 2: Weight and Size

Every bracket has a maximum weight, and many also have a size range. The bracket must be rated for your TV, with a comfortable margin.

Finding Your TV’s Weight

• Check the manual or specification sheet. The weight is usually given with the stand and without it
• Use the weight without the stand for wall mounting, since the stand will be removed
• Look at the manufacturer’s website for the exact figure for your model

Choosing a Bracket Rating

• Pick a bracket rated for more than the TV weighs. A good margin gives you a safety buffer
• Check the screen size range, as brackets are designed for a range of sizes
• Consider the type of bracket, since full motion brackets put extra leverage on the wall as they extend
• Avoid brackets with no clear rating, because you cannot tell whether they are safe

Modern vs Older TVs

Modern flat screen TVs are much lighter than older models. Large LED and OLED screens can be surprisingly light for their size, which makes wall mounting practical for most households. Older heavy TVs, such as the bulky models with deep cases, are generally not designed for wall mounting, and are often too heavy for a standard bracket. If you have an older TV, check the manufacturer’s guidance before you consider it.

Size and Lifting

Larger TVs are awkward to handle, even when they are not very heavy. Plan to have a second person to help lift and hold the TV during mounting. Dropping a TV is a common way to damage it, and it can also cause injury.

Check 3: Wall Strength

The wall must be able to carry the weight of the TV and bracket, now and for years to come. This is the check people most often overlook.

Common Wall Types

These are general guides. The right approach depends on the specific wall and the weight of the TV.

Why Plasterboard Alone Is Not Enough

Plasterboard is not strong enough to support a heavy TV on its own. Screws fixed only into plasterboard can pull out under weight and leverage, causing the TV to fall. Fixings must reach something solid behind the surface, such as a timber stud, a masonry wall or a reinforced mounting board.

Finding Studs and Solid Fixing Points

• Use a stud finder to locate timber or metal studs behind plasterboard
• Tap the wall and listen, since solid areas sound different from hollow ones, though this is not reliable on its own
• Check for the original construction, if you know it
• Test with a small pilot hole if you are unsure

The bracket’s fixing holes need to line up with solid points, so this can affect exactly where the TV goes.

Using the Right Fixings

• Use the fixings supplied with the bracket only if they suit your wall
• Use fixings rated for the load, and suited to the material behind the surface
• Use the correct drill bit and wall plugs for masonry walls
• Use appropriate cavity or reinforced fixings only where recommended, and never for heavy loads without professional advice

If the wall is old, damp, crumbling or hollow, a professional assessment is a sensible step.

Hidden Pipes and Cables

Before you drill, check for hidden pipes and cables. Use a detector designed for the job, and avoid drilling directly above or below sockets and switches, where wiring often runs. Hitting a pipe or cable is dangerous and costly.

Outside Walls and Chimney Breasts

Some walls need extra consideration. External walls may be damp or cold, and chimney breasts can be uneven or hot. Heat, damp and uneven surfaces can all affect fixings and TVs, so take advice if you are mounting on one of these.

A Simple Pre-Purchase Checklist

Use this list before you buy a bracket.

1. Find your TV’s model number and check the manual
2. Note the VESA pattern, in millimetres
3. Note the weight without the stand
4. Note the screen size
5. Choose a bracket that lists your VESA pattern, and supports your weight and size with a margin
6. Decide the bracket type: fixed, tilt or full motion
7. Check the wall type where you want to mount the TV
8. Plan fixings that suit the wall and the load
9. Check for hidden pipes and cables before drilling
10. Arrange a second person to help with the lift

Bracket Types and What They Mean for Safety

The type of bracket affects how force is placed on the wall.

• Fixed brackets hold the TV close to the wall, which keeps the leverage low
• Tilt brackets let you angle the screen and keep the TV fairly close to the wall
• Full motion brackets let the TV extend and swivel, which puts more leverage on the wall fixings and requires strong, correct fixing

If you choose a full motion bracket for a heavy TV, take extra care that the wall can handle it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying a bracket without checking the VESA pattern
• Ignoring the weight rating, or using the weight with the stand when mounting without it
• Fixing into plasterboard alone, without finding studs or solid fixing points
• Using the wrong screws, which can damage the TV or fail to hold it
• Skipping spacers on a TV with a curved or recessed back
• Choosing a cheap, unrated bracket
• Not checking for hidden pipes and cables
• Mounting a heavy older TV on a standard bracket
• Trying to lift a large TV alone
• Rushing the job without testing that the TV is firmly secured

Safety Reminders

A TV falling from the wall can cause serious injury and damage.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for both the TV and the bracket
• Double check that every fixing is tight and secure
• Test the bracket before hanging the TV, by giving it a firm pull
• Never rely on a single weak fixing
• Keep children and pets away from the work area
• Stop and get advice if anything seems wrong or uncertain

When to Ask a Professional

Getting help is sensible when:

• The TV is large or heavy
• The wall is old, hollow, damp or an unfamiliar construction
• You are not sure of the VESA pattern or the right bracket
• You are using a full motion bracket with a large TV
• You are not confident with tools, ladders or lifting
• You want the job done quickly and correctly

A professional can check the TV, the bracket and the wall together, so you know the whole setup is safe.

Getting Help in Fife

If you are not sure whether your TV and wall are a match, Fife Premier Handyman Services mounts TVs across Fife and can help you check before you buy or drill. See our full range of services, look through the portfolio for examples of our work or contact us to talk through your wall and TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any TV be wall mounted?

Almost any modern flat screen TV can, provided you use a bracket that matches its VESA pattern, supports its weight and size, and is fixed securely to a wall that can take the load. A few TVs have unusual mounting points, and older heavy TVs are generally not suited to wall mounting.

What is a VESA pattern?

It is the spacing of the four mounting holes on the back of the TV, written in millimetres, such as 200 by 200 or 400 by 400. The bracket must match or cover your TV’s pattern.

How do I find my TV’s VESA pattern?

Check the manual, the specification sheet or the manufacturer’s website. You can also measure the distance between the centres of the holes, horizontally and vertically, in millimetres.

Can I wall mount a TV with no VESA holes?

Sometimes, but it usually needs a bracket or adapter made for that model. Check the manual and the manufacturer’s website, and do not improvise a fixing.

What weight can a TV bracket hold?

It depends on the bracket. Always check the maximum weight on the packaging or product page, and choose one rated for more than your TV weighs, with a margin of safety.

Can I wall mount a TV on plasterboard?

Not safely on the plasterboard alone. You need to fix into timber studs, solid masonry behind the surface or another suitable fixing point, using fixings rated for the load.

Can I wall mount a heavy old TV?

Generally, no. Older, deep case TVs were not designed for wall mounting and are often too heavy for standard brackets. Check the manufacturer’s guidance, and use a stand or a purpose built unit instead.

How do I know if my wall is strong enough?

Check the construction. Solid brick or block is usually strong, timber studs can be good if you fix into them, and plasterboard alone is not enough. If you are unsure, or the wall is old or hollow, get a professional opinion.

Final Thoughts

Almost any modern flat screen TV can go on a wall, as long as three things line up: the bracket matches the TV’s VESA holes, the bracket is rated for its weight and size, and the wall and fixings can carry the load. Check the manual, measure carefully, find solid fixing points and use the right screws. If anything feels uncertain, ask a professional before you drill. A little checking at the start is the best way to keep your TV safely on the wall for years.