How much does it cost to install a TV mount?

A TV mount is a bracket device that allows you to securely attach your TV to a wall. It’s typically used for flat screen TVs. If you want an alternative to setting your TV on a surface, then using a TV mount can be a good solution. It can help you free up space and use your furniture for other purposes. Installing a TV mount can be part of setting up a home theater.

TV mounts can be installed almost wherever there is a sturdy wall and space to accommodate the TV. Popular places in an average home include a living room wall, a bedroom wall, and sometimes even walls in kitchens. There are some factors that influence the cost of installing a TV mount, such as TV size, mount type, and labor. In this guide, we examine the average cost of installing a TV mount.

TV size and weight

Most mounts ¹ are built to hold any TV of a specified width, regardless of their weight. So a mount ¹ made for a 50” TV is usually able to hold any TV of that size, no matter what it weighs. Prices generally rise as you increase the size of a mount ¹. Keep in mind that model prices are also affected by the mount ¹ type and functionality.

• Less than 25” - $15-$110
• 25” to 35” - $15-$500
• 35” to 55” - $20-$700
• 55” to 65” - $25-$700
• 65” or more - $60-$700

However, some mounts ¹ have designated weight limits:

• Less than 40 lbs. - $15-$50
• 40 - 60 lbs. - $15-$100
• 60 - 70 lbs. - $20-$100
• 70 - 110 lbs. - $30-$330
• 110 - 160 lbs. - $30-$565
• 160 lbs. or more - $35-$700

Mount ¹ type

• Platform TV mounts ¹: Until recent years, platform TV mounts ¹ were also widely used. These types have built-in ² trays to set TVs on, and are made to accommodate older non-flatscreen TV models that are heavy and bulky. Because such TVs are no longer on the market, neither are platform TV mounts ¹.

VESA numbers

In order to select a mount ¹ that is compatible with your TV, you should see if they both have corresponding VESA numbers. VESA stands for Video Electronics Standards Association, which issues numbers on devices that designate what standards they are built to. These numbers act as codes for standard vertical and horizontal patterns made for the unit’s mounting holes. The numbers are based on metric measurements, ranging from 50mm to 800mm.

Mounts ¹ and TVs with with matching VESA numbers are compatible. Look in your TV manual or on the back of the TV to find the acronym followed by a number (Ex: “VESA 75”).

Labor

Most professional TV mount ¹ installation services will charge a flat fee of $150-$350.

Having your TV mount ¹ installed by a professional can save time and money. They are skilled at establishing the right placement, and installing the mount ¹ securely so that there is no risk of the TV falling or the wall becoming damaged. Professionals typically have the necessary tools, and the laborers are capable of handling heavy TVs. They are also usually experienced at setting up the necessary wiring, and even wire concealment.

Enhancement and improvement costs

Wire concealment

Sometimes wires can be concealed within the wall your TV mount ¹ is installed on. Before installing wiring or performing wire concealment, make sure your cables meet your local building and fire codes. Keep in mind that most will require UL-rated wire labeled CL2 or CL3 for in-wall installations. Professional in-wall wire concealment services can cost as much as $1,000.

An alternative to in-wall concealment is using cable management covers that simply snap into place around a bundle of cables. Kits cost $10-$40.

Outlet installation

Before installing a TV mount ¹, you need to make sure that an electrical outlet will be within reach of your TV’s wiring. If there are no electrical outlets near the window where your TV will be mounted, a new outlet can be installed for $200-$750.

Surround sound

Home theater surround sound speakers generally cost $150-$1,200, with larger and higher quality systems priced at the higher end of that spectrum. You can also get speaker stands and mounts ¹ for an average of $100 per pair.  

Accessories

You may need accessories like HDMI cables ($20-$220) and A/V cables ($2-$170) to complete the setup of your mounted TV, if you want to be able to hook it up to other devices like game consoles, computers, or surround sound systems. Prices of these cables are influenced by cable quality and length.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

² Built-in: An item of furniture, such as a bookcase or set of cabinets, that is built directly into the structure of the room. Built-ins are therefore customized to the room and not detachable

³ Drywall: Type of plasterboard, commonly used to build walls and ceilings, composed of gypsum that is layered between sheets of heavy paper