A Complete Guide to Installing a TV on a Brick Fireplace

PDF download Download Article
Learn how to safely and securely attach a TV to a brick fireplace
PDF download Download Article

Ready to transform your brick fireplace into a cozy TV hangout? With the right tools and the proper precautions (and a little help from a friend!), you can mount your new TV with no trouble at all. From initial measurements to installation, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this DIY project so you can get to relaxing and unwinding in front of the big screen.

Things You Should Know

  • Position your TV so it's at least 42 inches (106 cm) above the ground and at least 12 inches (30 cm) above the fireplace.
  • Mark the holes for your wall bracket on the fireplace and drill them with a hammer drill and masonry drill bit .
  • Follow the instructions that come with your wall mount and TV bracket to finish installing your TV on the fireplace.
1

Hang your TV at least 12 inches (30 cm) above the fireplace.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Ideally, your TV should be far enough from the fireplace to prevent the heat from affecting the screen. To be safe, hang your TV at least 42 inches (106 cm) above the ground and at least 12 inches (30 cm) above the fireplace. [1]
    • Make sure there’s an outlet close enough to the installation position for at least an extension cable. If there isn’t one, you may need to hire an electrician to install a new outlet.
    • Having a mantle that’s at least 2.5 in (6.35 cm) wide can help protect the TV from the heat produced by the fireplace.
    • Set up heat-moving fans to help prevent the fireplace heat from rising directly in front of the screen.
    • If you're worried about the mortar between the bricks holding, test it with a hammer drill by drilling a hole into it that’s out of sight (somewhere behind where the TV will go). If the mortar is flaking and brittle or cracking along the edges, it's probably too thin to support a TV.
    2. Advertisement
2

Mark the drill holes.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Choose a wall mount made from high-quality materials (like stainless steel) that can support the weight of your TV. [2] Use the wall bracket that comes with the mount as a guide for the position of the holes. Then, use a level to confirm that the holes are straight and spaced correctly for your mount. [3]
    • Try to position your holes in the brick itself rather than the mortar in between. Mortar is much softer than brick, so it's less likely to hold a lot of weight.
    • Strips of tape can also work as a marker.
3

Drill holes into the marks.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A hammer drill and masonry drill bits help cut through brick more easily. Start by gently pressing the drill trigger to get the initial holes drilled. Then, press firmly to drill the rest of the hole into the brick . [4] Plan to use either either concrete screws or concrete strike anchors (that come with a washer pre-attached) when working with brick.
    • Check the packaging that came with your concrete screw or anchor to confirm how deeply you need to drill. [5] It can also help to place the screw/anchor alongside your drill bit to measure the length and then wrap painter's tape around the circumference of the bit (so it matches up with the length of the screw). Once you reach the tape, you’ve drilled deeply enough.
    • Slip on a pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust, and have a broom or shop vac on hand to clean up the mess.
    2. Advertisement
4

Secure the TV bracket to the wall.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For concrete screws, use a drill to secure them into the pre-drilled holes. For strike anchors, use a hammer or rubber mallet to knock the spikes into the pre-drilled holes. Once the spikes are all the way in, use a wrench to tighten the screws around the spikes. Both concrete screws and concrete strike anchors are removable, so it’s okay if you don't position them right on your first try.
    • For screws, have a #3 Phillips-head bit ready to go.
    • Ask a friend or family member to hold the mount in place while you drill the screws in or hammer in your wall anchors.
    • Avoid sleeve anchors and drive anchors. While they can handle a lot of heavy-duty strength, they can't be removed once they're hammered in.
5

Connect your TV to the wall mount.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Follow the instructions of your specific mount. In most cases, simply attach the bracket to the back of the TV using the provided fasteners. With another person’s help, carefully lift the TV and line up the brackets to settle it on the mount .
    2. Advertisement
6

Use a cord concealer to hide cables.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Mount-TV-on-Brick-Fireplace-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A cord concealer keeps your cables from hanging in front of your fireplace. Cord concealers can be run along the walls and come in colors to match your furniture; plus, they help lead the cables cleanly to an outlet. [6]
    • Eliminate all possible hazards by trying to bundle your cords with a cable sleeve to help keep them hidden from sight. [7]
    • For a more creative option, try painting the bricks of the fireplace to match the colors of your wires. You can also incorporate your wires into a painted wall design.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Ask a friend or family member to help you with this project. They can help you lift anything heavy and keep things in place so you can focus on drilling.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Make sure that your TV is at least 42 in (106 cm) above the ground and at least 12 in (30 cm) above the fireplace to protect it from heat and smoke. Ideally, the TV should have enough space to hang without being affected by the fireplace heat.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Always wear safety glasses when working with electric drills and drilling into concrete.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      You Might Also Like

      4 Easy Ways to Turn Off TV Narration and Audio Descriptions
      Restart an LG TV With or Without a Remote: Easy Reboot Tips
      Easy Ways to Fix Audio Lag & Sound Delay on Any TV
      Simple Troubleshooting Steps for a Samsung TV with the Black Screen of Death
      How to
      Reset a Samsung TV
      Why Is My TV Freezing and Pixelating? 12 Easy Solutions
      Why Is a Red Light Flashing on My Samsung TV? Causes & Fixes
      4 Easy Ways to Properly Measure Your TV Screen
      Fix a Samsung TV No Sound Problem Yourself
      How to
      Fix a Hisense TV’s Black or Blank Screen: Easy Guide
      How to
      Cancel Any Sky Service
      How to
      Watch TV on Your Computer, Laptop, Tablet, or Phone
      Blue Tint on Your TV? Here's What the Problem Could Be
      4 Ways to Connect a Vizio TV to WiFi without a Remote
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://fireplacetips.com/mounting-tv-above-a-fireplace/
      2. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/tv-weight-fact-and-fiction/
      3. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/decorating/fireplace/styles/tv-over-fireplace/
      4. ↑ https://fireplacetips.com/mounting-tv-above-a-fireplace/
      5. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/masonry/22423298/how-to-drill-into-brick
      6. ↑ https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/how-to-hide-tv-wires-over-brick-fireplace/
      7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-hide-tv-wires/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 35,061 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement