Hey everyone! So, I'm not exactly the handiest person out there, but I recently tried mounting my 65-inch TV above my fireplace. I initially planned to secure it to the studs, but they weren't in a good position for centering the TV. After some research on YouTube, I ended up using toggle bolts to secure the mount to the drywall instead. Unfortunately, it's not even level—it leans slightly to one side and is mounted really high on the wall. I'd love to get some advice on whether my setup is secure enough to last while I'm renting, or what steps I should take next if it's not safe. Thanks!
3 Answers
Over the fireplace might not be the best spot for your TV. Ideally, the center of the screen should be around 42 inches from the floor for a good viewing angle. If you have another wall available, consider moving it there instead. Also, if you’re struggling with leveling, you can shim the mount a little with cardboard to fix that lean!
Honestly, it sounds like a ticking time bomb! I'd recommend cutting a piece of 3/4 inch plywood to span between the studs (or joists) and bolt that to the wall using some heavy lag bolts. Then you can mount your TV to the plywood. It’ll provide extra stability, and you can paint the plywood to blend in with the wall for a nicer look!
You should really attach your mount to at least one stud, especially since there's one right in the center of your mount. If there are holes in your mount that line up, use heavy-duty lag bolts there. You could also use toggle bolts on the sides for added security. It's better than just relying on toggles alone!