Wall mounting a TV is one of the most requested fixture jobs — and one of the most likely to go wrong when someone attempts it without the right preparation. The bracket cost is low, the TV is expensive, and the wall matters more than most people realise.
What the Wall Is Made Of
This is the single most important variable.
Plasterboard Over Timber Frame
The most common wall type in Australian homes. Timber studs are usually 450mm or 600mm apart. A large TV (65" and above) should be mounted to studs — not wall anchors — because of the weight. Finding studs accurately before you drill is essential.
Plasterboard Over Steel Frame
Similar to timber framing but uses steel studs. Standard wood screws won't work. Self-tapping metal screws or toggle bolts are required. Steel frame walls are common in newer apartment buildings.
Brick or Rendered Masonry
Solid and strong, but requires a masonry drill bit and the right wall plugs. Over-drilling or using the wrong anchor in brick causes the plug to spin rather than grip.
Double Plasterboard or Fibre Cement
Some walls have two layers of plasterboard (for fire rating) or use fibre cement board. This affects which anchors are appropriate and how deep you need to drill.
Choosing the Right Bracket
Fixed Bracket
Holds the TV flat against the wall. Lightest profile, best for living rooms where the viewing position doesn't change. No tilt, no swing.
Tilt Bracket
Allows the TV to angle downward. Useful when the TV is mounted higher than eye level — bedrooms with high mounts, above fireplaces.
Full-Motion / Articulating Bracket
Swings the TV out from the wall and tilts in multiple directions. Flexible but heavier and requires more substantial wall fixings. Avoid cheap articulating brackets on large TVs — the arm flexes under load and the TV droops over time.
VESA Pattern
The VESA pattern is the bolt hole pattern on the back of the TV. Every bracket specifies which VESA sizes it supports (e.g. 200x200, 400x400). Always confirm the bracket supports your TV's VESA pattern before purchasing.
Cable Management
The part people forget until after the TV is mounted. Options:
- In-wall cable conduit — a small wall-cut channel that hides all cables entirely. Best result but requires cutting drywall.
- Surface cable cover — a plastic raceway mounted to the wall that hides cables. No cutting required but visible.
- Behind the TV only — tidy enough if all connections reach the TV without cables dropping down the wall.
Decide before the mount goes up, not after.
What a Professional Mount Covers
A proper TV wall mount job includes:
- Stud finding (electronic or confirmed by drilling test holes)
- Correct fastener selection for your wall type
- Level mounting at the right height
- Cable routing or management discussion
- TV hang, alignment, and angle adjustment
- Test — no wobble, no droop
Send through your TV size, wall type (if you know it), and room details. We'll confirm what's needed and give you a clear price.
