How to Install a TV Wall Mount Safely – Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking about mounting your TV on the wall? Wall-mounted TVs look great, free up space and create a cleaner, more streamlined living area. But while it might seem like a simple DIY task, it’s surprisingly easy to get wrong — there are some common (and expensive) pitfalls to avoid. 

Crooked installs, torn plasterboard, falling screens and messy cable setups are all common problems when DIY jobs go wrong. If you’re unsure at any stage, booking a professional tasker through Ezy Peazy is a safe and affordable option. Whether you need help choosing the best spot for your wall mount, drilling, or heavy lifting, affordable wall mounting services are at your fingertips. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• Choosing the right television wall mount
• Tools you’ll need
• How to wall mount a TV step by step
• Common mistakes to avoid
• When to call a professional

Step 1: Choose the right television wall mount

Before you start drilling holes in the wall, you need to make sure you’ve got the right TV bracket for your needs and setup. There are a few common types of television mounts to choose from:

Fixed mounts:

 These hold your TV flat against the wall. Clean, minimal, and perfect if you always watch TV from one spot.

Tilting mounts: 

Tilting brackets let you angle the TV vertically. This is great if you’re mounting above eye level (like over a fireplace) and want to reduce glare.

Swivel TV brackets / Full-motion mounts: 

These brackets let you pull your TV away from the wall, swivel it from side to side and tilt it — ideal for open-plan living spaces or awkward room shapes.

Tip: Always check your TV’s size and VESA mounting pattern (the standard hole spacing on the back of your TV) to make sure it’s compatible with the mount before you make your purchase!

Some good options available in New Zealand include:

• Fixed mount:  Brateck LP10‑24F 32–55″– supports up to 50 kg, compatible with curved and flat displays. 
• Tilting mount: Sanus Tilting Wall Mount 32-85″ – supports up to 68kg. Adjustable tilt. The lateral shift feature helps with off-stud positioning. 
• Full-motion/swivel mount: Gorilla Arms Economical Full-Motion TV Wall Mount 23-55”  – supports up to 30kg. Offers 90-degree + swivel and tilting and integrated cable management. 

Step 2: TV mounting tools you’ll need 

You won’t need a full toolbox, but you will need a few essentials. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Stud finder
• Power drill and bits
• Spirit level
• Tape measure
• Pencil or painter’s tape
• Screwdriver set
• TV mounting template (often comes with the bracket)
• Wall anchors (if not drilling into a stud)

Optional but helpful:

• Cable concealment kit
• A friend to help you lift and position the TV

Step 3: How to find the perfect spot to wall mount your TV

Check the viewing angle

The centre of your TV should be roughly at eye level when seated, so you don’t hurt your neck. To check this, you can sit on the couch (or wherever you’ll be viewing the TV from) and have someone hold it on the wall to find the right position. 

Find the studs

One of the most important steps: always secure your TV to studs — never just plasterboard. Securing your TV to plasterboard can lead to it falling off the wall, not only damaging your wall, but potentially destroying your television.  Use a stud finder to locate your studs. Then mark both sides of each stud for accuracy.

Tip: In NZ homes, wall structures can vary. If you’re unsure about what’s behind your wall, or can’t find a stud, it’s wise to consult a professional 

Step 4: Attach the TV mount to the wall

Your wall mount will come in a couple of parts: the bracket that attaches to the TV itself, a plate that attaches to the wall and the screws and hardware to secure everything together. 

Use a spirit level to line up the mounting plate, then drill pilot holes into the studs. Secure this using the heavy-duty bolts provided. Don’t swap these out for lighter screws – they’re designed to carry the load safely. Once the plate  is firmly in place, give it a wiggle test to ensure it’s nice and secure.

Step 5: Attach the bracket to your TV

Lay your TV face-down on a soft surface and attach the corresponding bracket arms using the correct screw size. Most TVs will come with several screw options for different thread depths.

Double-check everything is snug but not over-tightened — cracked panels are the last thing you want!

Step 6: Mount the TV and tidy the cables

Once everything’s secure, carefully lift your TV and hook it onto the wall bracket. This is usually a two-person job as TVs are awkward to handle and easy to drop if you’re trying to do it on your own.

Many television mounts include locking mechanisms or security screws. Engage these now so the TV can’t be accidentally knocked loose.

Tidy your cords using a cable cover kit or in-wall cable management system. Not only does this look better, it’s also safer, especially if you have small children or pets. 

Common mistakes to avoid

Here are some of the most frequent DIY errors we see with TV installation jobs:

• Mounting into plasterboard only. This is a very costly mistake. Plasterboard  will not support the weight of your TV and it is almost certain to fall. 
• Crooked mounts. It’s almost impossible to unsee this once your TV is up on the wall, and it’s a real pain to have to redrill and line everything up.
• Wrong height. Having your television wall-mount set too high or too low can cause neck strain.
• Messy cabling. Having cords dangling everywhere is unsightly and will ruin the sleek look of your wall-mounted TV. It’s also a safety risk for pets and small children who may not be able to resist giving them a tug. Messy cabling can easily be fixed with cable organisation systems. PB Tech, for instance,  has a huge range of products for sale – including cable management trays, clips and sleeves. 
• Using the wrong screws. Mounting screws that are too short or thin won’t hold the weight properly. Again, a potentially costly mistake! 

When to seek professional TV mounting services 

Wall-mounting a TV yourself can be challenging and daunting. You should consider hiring a professional if:

• You’re not confident using power tools
• You don’t have a stud finder (or don’t know how to use one)
• You’re mounting a large (and heavy) or very expensive TV
• You’re dealing with tricky wall types that can be difficult to drill into (e.g. concrete, brick, plasterboard over steel framing)
• You want the cords hidden behind the wall (rather than using a visible cable management system)
• You’d just rather avoid the hassle and risk

If this sounds like you, Ezy Peazy makes it simple to find a trusted local TV bracket installer who can get your TV up on the wall safely, securely and at the right angle.

Want your TV mount installation done right? Book a tasker through Ezy Peazy

DIY can be rewarding – and it can certainly save you money – but it can also go badly wrong when power tools and expensive tech are involved. If you’re feeling unsure or just want to save time, Ezy Peazy has you covered!

Thanks to our extensive network of reputable, professional taskers located New Zealand-wide, it’s easy to find affordable professionals who can support you with affordable TV mount installation, including:

• Installing your television wall mount securely and efficiently – leaving you with a sleek finish
• Helping you choose the right TV bracket for your television and space, plus advise on optimal placement
• Tidying  up your cables, whether you’d like these placed behind your wall, hidden along your skirting boards or you have a cable management system you need help setting up
• Setting up your TV and ensuring it's working. This is particularly helpful for smart TVs which can sometimes be confusing to get started 

All you need to do is list your job on our easy-to-use platform, including all the requirements (e.g. help choosing the right spot, or just installation), your ideal time frame and budget and your location. Then, wait for no-obligation quotes from taskers near you to roll in, choose your preferred offer ang get your TV wall-mounting job underway! It’s as simple as that. 

Best of all, your payment is secure and only released once you’re 100% satisfied with the work. 

So, what are you waiting for? Post your TV bracket installation job on Ezy Peazy today and get your TV up on the wall quickly, safely and professionally – no stress, no wobbly brackets, no holes in the wrong place, no costly mistakes! 

• TV mount installation in Auckland
• TV mount installation in Wellington
• TV mount installation in Christchurch 

About Ezy Peazy

Started in 2019, Ezy Peazy is an innovative task marketplace that connects Kiwis with skilled locals to get virtually any job done — anywhere in New Zealand. From household repairs, cleaning, landscaping and removal services to creative projects and deliveries, Ezy Peazy makes it straightforward to find reliable help at your fingertips. With transparent reviews, competitive pricing and a user-friendly experience, we’re transforming the way odd jobs are taken care of.