Five TV Mounting Mistakes I See Every Week

Mounting a TV looks simple until you hit a metal stud, the wrong anchor, or a wall that wasn't built for the weight. Avoid these common pitfalls.

The number-one call I get is 'can you re-mount our TV?' — usually because the first install pulled away from the wall. Here are the issues I see most often.

1. Anchors instead of studs. Drywall anchors are rated for picture frames, not 60-pound televisions. Always hit at least two studs, or use a proper toggle if the layout forces it.

2. Wrong screw length. Lag bolts that are too short barely bite the stud. Too long, and you can hit plumbing or wiring inside the wall. Measure twice.

3. Forgetting the cable path. Run HDMI and power in the wall before the TV goes up, not after. A low-voltage bracket and an in-wall power kit keeps everything code-compliant.

4. Mounting too high. Center of the screen should sit roughly at seated eye level — usually 42–48" from the floor, not 60".

5. Skipping the level check. Tighten one bolt, level the mount, then tighten the rest. A crooked TV is the one thing every guest notices.