Now that you’ve selected a TV, it’s time to select a mount. There’s quite a few options out there and the right option depends on a few things. Here’s what you need to consider before buying a mount:
1. Weight rating
TV mounts are rated for up to certain size/weight TV. It is very important to make sure whatever mount you get can hold the weight of your TV, otherwise you’ve got a catastrophe on your hands! The weight rating is also dependent on how many studs the mount can span. Preferably you will choose a mount with the ability to span at least 2 studs. This is where knowing the stud pattern of the wall you are mounting the TV on will come in handy.
2. Vesa pattern
The Vesa pattern refers to the bolt hole pattern in the back that secures the mounting bracket to the mount; there are four bolts that hold a TV bracket in place, arranged in a square or rectangle pattern. Vesa pattern is measured in millimeters and takes the format of “horizontal width between mounting holes” by “vertical space between mounting holes”. Vesa patterns change depending on the size of the TV. Most TVs under 32” are 200x200mm. TVs up to 60” are commonly 400x400mm. For larger TVs the most common vesa pattern is 600 x 400mm. If you are not sure what vesa pattern your TV has, check the owners manual to verify the manufacturer specs.
3. Durability
If you are going to be mounting your TV outdoors, you want an outdoor-rated TV mount that won’t rust or fall apart. You may also want to go with a mount that has a locking mechanism to ensure no one can just waltz up and grab your TV off the mount. If you are going with an articulating mount and will be moving it around constantly, you probably want to go with a well made mount that won’t sag over time.
4. TV placement
There are all sorts of ways to mount TVs, and we have done it all – from ceiling mounting, to corner mounting to fabricating a lift to lower the TV out of the ceiling. If your TV is going to be placed above a tall fireplace mantel, a motorized or manual MantelMount may be the best solution, so that you can raise and lower the TV.
Or, perhaps your kitchen is right next to the living room and you’d like to watch TV from the kitchen. If your floor plan allows for it, you could use an articulating arm mount that extends and angles towards the kitchen so you can watch the TV in both rooms.
An articulating arm mount is also great for creating the “floating TV” effect; if you are mounting your TV in a recessed niche or cabinet, using an articulating mount allows you to utilize the depth of the space without the TV having to sit right up against the wall – it can rest right at the edge of the niche or cabinet. If you’d rather stick with the basics, a tilt mount like the TLT3790FULL-LVL mount is a great option.
If you’re looking for full mobility, and an easy way to stash your TV somewhere else when you’re not using it, a rolling TV cart is just what you need.
Still unsure which mount you need? Bond’s is happy to help select the right TV mount for you. Stop by our showroom on 1010 West Lynn to take a look at some examples of TV mounts, or give us a call at 512-476-3551.