5 Common TV Mounting Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

After completing over 500 TV mounting jobs across Greater Sydney, our team has seen every mistake in the book. Some are minor annoyances. Others result in a 65-inch TV on the floor — or worse, a hole in the wall that needs patching. Here are the five most common TV mounting mistakes, and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Mounting Into Plasterboard Alone (Without Hitting a Stud)

This is the most dangerous mistake and the one we see most often when clients call us to fix a previous DIY attempt. Plasterboard alone cannot support the weight of a TV — it will pull out of the wall over time, especially with larger screens.

The fix: Always mount into the timber or steel wall studs behind the plasterboard. Studs are typically spaced 450mm or 600mm apart in Australian homes. Use a quality stud finder — not the "knock on the wall" method — and always confirm the stud location by drilling a small test hole before committing.

If your studs don't line up with the TV's mounting holes, you need a bracket with a wider spread, or a mounting plate that can bridge across two studs.

Mistake #2: Mounting the TV Too High

This is by far the most common aesthetic mistake. Many homeowners instinctively put the TV as high as possible on the wall — sometimes almost at ceiling height. The result is neck strain, eye fatigue, and a viewing experience that feels like the front row of a cinema.

The fix: The centre of the TV screen should be at approximately eye level when seated — typically between 100cm and 120cm from the floor for most standard sofa heights. This means for a 65-inch TV, the bottom edge of the screen will be around 80–90cm from the floor.

If the TV must be high (e.g. above a fireplace), use a tilting or full-motion bracket to angle the screen downward toward the viewers.

Mistake #3: Not Checking What's Inside the Wall

Drilling into a wall without checking what's inside is a recipe for disaster. Inside your walls there may be electrical cables, water pipes, gas lines, and data cables. Hitting any of these is expensive, dangerous, and potentially life-threatening.

The fix: Before drilling any holes, use a multi-function wall scanner (most quality stud finders include this functionality) to detect metal pipes, electrical cables, and live wires. If you're in any doubt, stop and call a professional. Our team always scans the wall before drilling — it's non-negotiable.

Mistake #4: Using the Wrong Bracket for the Wall Type

Brackets designed for plasterboard stud walls use a different fixing system than brackets for brick or concrete walls. Using plasterboard fixings on a brick wall (or vice versa) results in an insecure mount that may fail over time.

The fix: Identify your wall material before purchasing a bracket. For brick and concrete walls, you need masonry anchors appropriate for the weight of your TV. For plasterboard, you need to mount into the studs using appropriate coach screws or lag bolts.

Mistake #5: Leaving Cables Dangling

You've gone to the effort of mounting the TV to get a clean, modern look — and then left a bundle of cables hanging down the wall. This is one of the most common "almost finished" mistakes.

The fix: Plan your cable management before you start. At minimum, use a cable raceway to bundle and conceal cables on the wall surface. Better yet, opt for full in-wall cable concealment for a truly professional finish. Ask us about in-wall cable management when you book your install — it's one of our most popular add-on services.

The Easiest Fix? Call a Professional

Every single one of these mistakes is avoided when you use a professional TV mounting service. At MountPro Solutions, our team carries all the right tools, checks every wall before drilling, and mounts every TV at the perfect height for your specific room and seating arrangement. Call 0451 693 356 for a free quote.