The methods for mounting a TV on the wall can vary according to what type of TV you own. An older-style tube television will require a mounting platform, while flat screen and flat panel televisions will require the mounting hardware designed specifically for the model of television you own. Aftermarket mounting hardware may be available for your television, but you will need to do a bit of research to find out if these aftermarket models will work well. Start by determining where you want to mount the TV on the wall, then invest in a stud finder to ensure you are mounting your expensive television into a stud rather than just into drywall.
Most televisions are quite heavy, which means if you want to mount the TV on the wall, the weight of the television will need to be supported by a solid stud. Failure to mount the TV to a stud can result in a total failure of the system, meaning your television can fall and become damaged, or damage the floor or furniture beneath. It can further cause injury to anyone who happens to be sitting or standing near the unit when it falls. A stud finder is an inexpensive tool that can be purchased at the hardware store, so invest in this tool before mounting a TV on the wall.
Tube televisions will need to sit on a platform that will be mounted to a stud in the wall. Such platforms feature methods for securing the television in place, and the arms of the platform may swivel or turn to allow you to move the position of the television easily. Be sure to buy a stand that is rated for the size and weight of your television; otherwise the unit can fail.
Flat screen and flat panel television manufacturers often make mounting kits to work in conjunction with a specific model of television. If you want to mount a TV on the wall, you will need to contact the manufacturer or the store at which you bought the television to get the proper hardware. The wires from the television may hang down on the wall, so some kits come with a panel that can be screwed or glued to the wall to cover up the wires. You may also drill into the drywall and run the wires through the wall down to an outlet, though this is a more in-depth project that will require more tools, time, and patience.
