Can I wall mount my flat screen?

However, the prospect of mounting an expensive piece of kit to a wall can be daunting: Is the wall strong enough to carry the weight of my screen? What kind of fixings can be attached to the back of my screen? Is my wall strong enough to securely attach a screen to? Some of these questions are answered here as a first step to understanding whether you can wall mount your screen safely and with confidence.

First of all find out whether your screen is VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) compliant. This means that the screen has holes in the right places for standard screen mounts or brackets. Check the number that appears after the letters VESA" corresponds with your wall mount before making a purchase. Also check the manufacturer's recommended maximum load against the weight of your TV or monitor.
When it comes to checking whether your wall is suitable there are (broadly speaking) only two types of wall: a solid or partition wall. Most houses will have stud partition walls (usually with a solid external wall). If you are attaching a screen to a partition wall it is important to find the wall studs and drill into these for extra stability. And if you are mounting a particularly heavy screen it's advisable to attach the wall bracket to two vertical studs for additional stability.

For solid walls the main issue to consider is the structural integrity of the wall, i.e. if it crumbles when you drill into it, the surface may not be stable enough to take the weight. With a brick wall it is often best to fix into the bricks rather than the mortar in between. In most cases solid walls will be strong enough but here it is particularly important to have the right equipment: drill, screws and wall-plugs. If in doubt bring in a professional.

Some monitor wall mounts allow the screen to be tilted. This not only improves avoidance of screen glare but also helps with cable access to the back of your screen. Normally brackets will come in two pieces: one which is attached to your wall and the other to your screen. All screws and fixings are typically supplied by bracket suppliers.

If you are able to drill through your wall to a cavity cables can be dropped behind, alternatively cables can be boxed in. If neither is an option make sure you locate your TV or monitor as close as possible to the power and data supply.

Some extra tips
Cut a sheet of dark paper or card to the same size as your screen and tack to the wall (this will give you a feel for whether you have selected the right position and height before drilling into your wall!)
Don't attempt to do this job alone at least two pairs of hands will be needed to lift your screen safely onto the wall plate
Position the top of the screen to the average eye level from typical viewing position
Use a spirit level!
Position your screen to avoid screen glare

[This article is meant as a starting point only; manufacturers' instructions should always be followed carefully.]

Colebrook Bosson Saunders have a passion for design and, an unwavering commitment to the development of high quality ergonomic office furniture including creative space saving devices such as the monitor wall mount.