Okay, here’s my blog post about mounting a TV over my brick fireplace:
So, I finally decided to tackle that project I’ve been putting off forever – mounting the TV above the fireplace. It always seemed like a daunting task, especially with the brick, but I was determined to get it done. And let me tell you, it wasn’t as bad as I thought!
Gathering Supplies and Prepping
First things first, I needed to get all my supplies together. I already had a TV mount, but I made sure it was the right size and could handle the weight of my TV. Here’s what else I grabbed:
- Drill: My trusty power drill was a must.
- Masonry Drill Bit: This is crucial for drilling into the brick. I made sure it was the right size for the anchors I was using.
- Screws and Anchors: I got some heavy-duty concrete anchors designed for brick. Don’t skimp on these!
- Level: Gotta make sure that TV is straight!
- Stud Finder: I used to find stud to ensure my TV has solid support.
- Pencil: For marking everything.
- Measuring Tape: Measure twice, drill once, as they say.
- Safety Glasses: Brick dust is no joke.
- A Friend: An extra pair of hands is super helpful, especially when lifting the TV.
I started by finding the center of the fireplace and marking it with a pencil. Then, I used the measuring tape to figure out where I wanted the top of the TV to be. I held the mount up against the wall, aligned it with my marks, and used the pencil to mark the holes for the anchors.
Drilling and Mounting
This was the slightly nerve-wracking part. I put on my safety glasses, loaded the masonry bit into my drill, and started drilling into the brick. The key here is to go slow and steady. Don’t force the drill; let it do the work. I drilled each hole to the depth recommended for the anchors.
Once the holes were drilled, I tapped the anchors into place. They fit snugly, which was a good sign. Then, I held the mount up again and started screwing it into the anchors. I made sure to tighten those screws really well – I didn’t want any accidents!
Hanging the TV and Finishing Up
With the mount securely in place, it was time for the moment of truth. My friend helped me lift the TV and carefully attach it to the mount. We followed the instructions that came with the mount to make sure it was locked in properly.
Once the TV was up, I stepped back to admire my handiwork. It looked great! I used the level one last time to make sure everything was perfectly straight, and then I connected all the cables.
I hided the power and HDMI cables down to create a clean look.
Honestly, the whole project took a few hours, but it was totally worth it. It’s so nice to have the TV finally mounted, and it really opens up the living room. If you’re thinking about doing this yourself, just take your time, be careful, and don’t be afraid to ask for help!
