Mounting a TV on the wall looks straightforward in YouTube videos. Find the studs, drill some holes, hang the bracket, done. And for a small TV on a simple drywall wall, it can be that simple. But most TV mounting projects are more complicated than they appear, and the consequences of getting it wrong range from annoying (crooked TV, visible wires) to dangerous (TV falling, electrical fire, structural damage).
We have mounted nearly 8,000 TVs across Denver, Parker, Castle Rock, and the surrounding areas. We have also been called to fix hundreds of DIY installs that went wrong. Here is what separates a professional TV mount from a DIY disaster, and when it makes sense to call in an expert.
The Hidden Complexities of TV Mounting
Every TV mount involves three core challenges: structural support, wire management, and viewing angle optimization. DIY guides focus on the first and ignore the other two. Professional installers optimize all three.
- Structural support: Finding studs, choosing the right anchors, distributing weight properly
- Wire management: Concealing cables inside walls without code violations
- Viewing angle: Mounting height and tilt for comfortable, ergonomic viewing
- Surface type: Drywall is easy. Brick, tile, stone, metal studs, and plaster are not.
- Fireplace mounting: Heat clearances, proper ventilation, articulating mounts
- Soundbar integration: Running power, HDMI, and optical cables cleanly
Pro tip: If your TV is over 65 inches, your wall is brick or stone, you want wires hidden, or you are mounting above a fireplace, call a professional. The risk and complexity outweigh any DIY savings.
What Can Go Wrong with DIY TV Mounting
The most common DIY mistakes we see: mounting to drywall without hitting studs (the TV falls), using the wrong anchors for wall type (the mount pulls out), drilling into electrical or plumbing lines hidden in the wall (expensive repairs), and improperly concealing wires (code violations, fire hazard).
We have seen TVs fall and shatter. We have seen drywall torn out when homeowners tried to reposition a poorly installed mount. We have seen electrical code violations that prevented home sales. And we have seen countless TVs mounted too high, at the wrong angle, or with a rats nest of wires running down the wall.
- TV falls and breaks: Usually from mounting to drywall without studs or using inadequate anchors
- Wall damage: Drilling in the wrong spots, tearing drywall trying to reposition mounts
- Electrical hazards: Drilling into live wires, running power cables inside walls (code violation)
- Poor viewing angles: Mounting too high, wrong tilt, no articulation when needed
- Visible wires: No plan for concealing cables, messy appearance
What Professional Installers Do Differently
Professional TV mounting is not just about hanging the TV. It is about doing it safely, cleanly, and optimally. We bring commercial-grade mounts rated for your TV's weight, professional wire-concealment tools, and 15 years of experience working with every wall type imaginable.
We use stud finders and wall-penetrating scanners to verify stud location and check for electrical and plumbing lines before drilling. We run cables inside walls using code-compliant methods (low-voltage only, proper fire-blocking). We position the TV at proper viewing height (42 to 48 inches center-to-eye-level for living rooms). And we clean up completely when done, leaving no drywall dust or debris.
- Professional-grade mounts: Commercial mounts rated for 2-3x your TV's weight
- Code-compliant wire concealment: Low-voltage cables inside walls, power via outlet behind TV
- Proper height and angle: Measured for comfortable viewing based on seating distance
- Surface expertise: Brick, tile, stone, metal studs, and plaster all require different techniques
- Soundbar integration: HDMI ARC, optical audio, and power all concealed and integrated
- Warranty and support: If anything goes wrong, we fix it at no cost
When DIY Makes Sense (and When It Does Not)
DIY TV mounting makes sense if: your TV is under 55 inches, the wall is standard drywall with wood studs, you are okay with visible wires, and you are comfortable using a drill and level. Buy a quality mount, follow the instructions carefully, and take your time.
Call a professional if: your TV is over 65 inches, you want wires hidden, the wall is brick/stone/tile, you are mounting above a fireplace, you need an articulating or full-motion mount, or you simply do not want the stress and risk of doing it yourself.
Pro tip: A professional TV mount typically costs $200 to $600 depending on TV size, wall type, and wire concealment. That is a small price to pay for safety, warranty, and peace of mind.
The Colorado-Specific Challenge: Altitude and Altitude
Denver and the surrounding areas sit at 5,000 to 6,000 feet of elevation. Most homeowners do not realize that altitude affects TV mounting. Lower air pressure means electronic components run hotter. Proper ventilation around the TV is critical. We account for this in every installation, ensuring adequate airflow and avoiding enclosed spaces that trap heat.
Get It Done Right the First Time
If you are in the Denver metro area and want your TV mounted safely, cleanly, and professionally, we would love to help. We will come to your home, assess the wall, discuss placement options, and install your TV the right way. Most installs take 1 to 2 hours, and you will never see a wire. Schedule a free estimate and let us show you what a professional TV mount looks like.