85 Inch TV Wall Mount: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you've got yourself a massive 85-inch TV, huh? Awesome! Now, the next big question is: how are you going to display this beast? Slapping it on a stand is an option, but let's be real – wall mounting an 85-inch TV is the way to go. It saves space, looks super sleek, and gives your living room that high-end, home-theater vibe. But before you grab your drill and start making holes, there are a few things you need to know. Wall mounting a big screen isn't as simple as hanging a picture frame. It requires careful planning, the right tools, and a bit of elbow grease. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to safely and securely mount your 85-inch TV on the wall. From choosing the right mount to hiding those pesky cables, we've got you covered. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's get started!

Choosing the Right Wall Mount

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of choosing the perfect wall mount for your 85-inch TV. This isn't a one-size-fits-all situation, guys. There are different types of mounts, each with its own pros and cons. The type of mount you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences. First, you need to consider the weight of your TV. An 85-inch TV can be pretty hefty, so you'll need a mount that can handle the load. Check the manufacturer's specifications to find out the weight capacity of the mount. Make sure the mount you choose can support at least the weight of your TV, if not a bit more, just to be safe. There are generally three main types of TV wall mounts: fixed, tilting, and full-motion. Fixed mounts are the simplest and most affordable option. They hold your TV flush against the wall, providing a clean and minimalist look. However, they don't offer any adjustability, so you'll need to make sure your viewing angle is perfect before you install it. Tilting mounts allow you to tilt the TV up or down, which can be helpful if you need to reduce glare or improve the viewing angle from different seating positions. They're a good compromise between fixed and full-motion mounts. Full-motion mounts, also known as articulating mounts, offer the most flexibility. They allow you to swivel the TV left or right, tilt it up or down, and even extend it away from the wall. This is a great option if you want to be able to adjust the viewing angle from different parts of the room. When choosing a full-motion mount, pay attention to the extension range. A longer extension range will give you more flexibility in positioning the TV. Once you've decided on the type of mount you want, you'll need to make sure it's compatible with your TV's VESA pattern. VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) is a standard that defines the hole pattern on the back of TVs for mounting purposes. The VESA pattern is usually expressed in millimeters, such as 400x400 or 600x400. Check your TV's manual or the manufacturer's website to find out its VESA pattern. Then, make sure the wall mount you choose supports that VESA pattern. Don't skimp on quality. A cheap, poorly made mount could fail and send your expensive TV crashing to the floor. Read reviews and choose a mount from a reputable brand. It's worth spending a little extra to get a mount that you can trust.

Gathering Your Tools and Materials

Okay, now that you've got your wall mount, it's time to gather all the tools and materials you'll need for the installation. Having everything on hand before you start will make the process much smoother and less frustrating. Here's a list of essentials: A stud finder is a must-have for finding the wall studs behind your drywall. You'll need to mount the TV bracket to the studs to ensure it's securely supported. A drill with various drill bits will be needed for drilling pilot holes and attaching the mount to the wall. Make sure you have a drill bit that's the right size for your wall anchors, if needed. A socket wrench or adjustable wrench will be used to tighten the bolts that hold the TV bracket to the wall. A level is crucial for ensuring that your TV is mounted straight. A tape measure will help you accurately measure and mark the position of the mount on the wall. A pencil is needed for marking the stud locations and the mounting bracket position. A screwdriver (Phillips head and flat head) may be needed for attaching the TV bracket to the TV. Wall anchors are needed if you can't mount the TV directly to the studs. Choose anchors that are rated for the weight of your TV. Cable management solutions such as cable ties, cable sleeves, or cable raceways will help you keep your cables organized and hidden. Safety glasses and gloves are always a good idea to protect your eyes and hands during the installation. A helper is highly recommended, especially for mounting a large and heavy 85-inch TV. It's much easier and safer to have someone help you lift and position the TV. Before you start drilling any holes, double-check the location of electrical wires and plumbing pipes in the wall. You can use a stud finder with AC wire detection to help you locate wires. If you're not comfortable working around electrical wires or plumbing pipes, it's best to hire a professional installer. Once you have all your tools and materials, take a few minutes to read the instructions that came with your wall mount. This will help you understand the installation process and avoid any mistakes. Now you're ready to start mounting your TV!

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Alright, let's get down to business and walk through the installation process step-by-step. Remember, safety first, guys! If you're not comfortable with any of these steps, it's always best to call a professional. Step 1: Locate the Wall Studs: Use your stud finder to locate the wall studs behind the drywall. Mark the stud locations with a pencil. You'll need to mount the TV bracket to the studs to ensure it's securely supported. If you can't mount the TV directly to the studs, you'll need to use wall anchors. Step 2: Attach the Mounting Bracket to the Wall: Position the mounting bracket on the wall, aligning it with the stud locations you marked earlier. Use a level to make sure the bracket is straight. Drill pilot holes through the bracket and into the studs. Then, attach the bracket to the wall using the appropriate screws or bolts. If you're using wall anchors, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing them. Step 3: Attach the TV Bracket to the TV: Attach the TV bracket to the back of your TV using the screws that came with the mount. Make sure the bracket is securely attached to the TV. Step 4: Lift and Mount the TV: With the help of your assistant, carefully lift the TV and align the TV bracket with the wall bracket. Gently lower the TV onto the wall bracket, making sure it's securely seated. Step 5: Secure the TV to the Mount: Most wall mounts have a locking mechanism or screws that secure the TV to the mount. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to secure the TV to the mount. Step 6: Double-Check the Installation: Once the TV is mounted, double-check that everything is secure. Make sure the TV is level and that all the screws and bolts are tight. Gently push on the TV to make sure it's not wobbly. Step 7: Connect Your Cables: Connect all your cables to the TV, such as HDMI cables, power cords, and audio cables. Step 8: Manage Your Cables: Use cable ties, cable sleeves, or cable raceways to keep your cables organized and hidden. This will give your installation a clean and professional look. Step 9: Enjoy Your New Wall-Mounted TV: That's it! You've successfully mounted your 85-inch TV on the wall. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows on your new home theater setup.

Hiding the Cables

Okay, so you've got your TV mounted on the wall, but what about those ugly cables dangling down below? Nobody wants to see a bunch of wires hanging from their beautiful new TV. Fortunately, there are several ways to hide the cables and give your installation a clean and professional look. One option is to use cable sleeves or cable raceways. These are plastic tubes or channels that you can run your cables through. They can be mounted to the wall or hidden behind the TV. Cable sleeves are flexible and can be easily cut to size, while cable raceways are more rigid and offer better protection for your cables. Another option is to run the cables inside the wall. This is the most aesthetically pleasing solution, but it's also the most difficult. It involves drilling holes in the wall and running the cables through the wall cavity. If you're not comfortable working with electrical wires, it's best to hire a professional for this task. There are also cable management kits available that include everything you need to hide your cables, such as cable ties, cable clips, and wall plates. These kits can be a convenient and affordable way to tidy up your cables. No matter which method you choose, the key is to keep your cables organized and out of sight. This will make your installation look much cleaner and more professional.

Hiring a Professional Installer

Let's be real – wall mounting an 85-inch TV can be a daunting task, especially if you're not a DIY expert. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about any part of the process, it's always a good idea to hire a professional installer. A professional installer will have the experience, tools, and expertise to safely and securely mount your TV on the wall. They can also help you choose the right mount, hide the cables, and ensure that everything is working properly. While hiring a professional will cost you more than doing it yourself, it can save you time, stress, and potential damage to your TV or your wall. Plus, you'll have the peace of mind knowing that the job was done right. When choosing a professional installer, be sure to check their credentials and read reviews. Look for an installer who is licensed, insured, and has a good reputation. Get quotes from several different installers before making a decision. Be sure to ask about their experience, their warranty, and their cancellation policy. A professional installer can take the hassle out of wall mounting your TV and give you a perfect, professional-looking installation.

Enjoying Your Wall-Mounted TV

Congratulations, guys! You've successfully mounted your 85-inch TV on the wall. Now it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. A wall-mounted TV can transform your living room into a home theater, providing a more immersive and enjoyable viewing experience. Plus, it saves space and looks super sleek. Now that your TV is mounted, you can start customizing your home theater setup. Add a soundbar for enhanced audio, a streaming device for access to your favorite content, and some comfortable seating for the ultimate viewing experience. Don't forget to adjust the picture settings on your TV to optimize the image quality. Experiment with different settings until you find the one that looks best to you. And most importantly, invite your friends and family over to show off your new wall-mounted TV. They'll be amazed by your handiwork and impressed by your home theater setup.