General

Austin TV Mounting Guide Pro vs DIY

If you’re thinking about mounting a TV yourself, you’re not alone. Many homeowners consider the DIY route before calling a professional.

We love seeing people take on projects themselves, but there are a few things to think through before you get started.

We hear from a lot of customers who tried it first but ended up getting stuck in the same spots.

At Mount It ATX, we handle TV mounting and installation across Austin and the surrounding areas, so we see a wide range of setups depending on the home and building.

Here are some of the most common things that come up when mounting a TV, whether you’re doing it yourself or thinking about hiring a professional.

Why Some Walls Are Trickier Than They Look

In Austin, building methods vary depending on the neighborhood and type of home, so the wall you’re working with isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.

Depending on where you live, you might be dealing with:

Standard drywall (newer homes like Easton Park or McKinney Crossing)
Lath and plaster (older neighborhoods like Hyde Park and Travis Heights)
Concrete or metal studs (downtown high-rises and commercial buildings)
Mixed materials (common around fireplaces after renovations)

We regularly hear from customers who run into things like:

Not being able to find studs
Hitting metal instead of wood
Not having the right tools for masonry

In these situations, the right approach to TV installation makes a big difference.

Mounting a TV Above a Fireplace: Things to Consider

Mounting above a fireplace is one of the most common setups we get asked about. This is especially common in newer homes where open living rooms are designed around a fireplace.

The biggest factor is height. Fireplaces often place the TV higher than ideal, which can make viewing uncomfortable without the right mount.

In some cases, a MantelMount can help bring the TV down to a better viewing height. These mounts work well in certain setups, but they’re not the right fit for every wall.

Fireplace walls can also have limited stud spacing, which makes mount selection more important. Some mounts aren’t wide enough to securely attach to multiple studs, which can limit your options.

Do You Have Power Where You Need It?

If there isn’t already an outlet where you plan to mount your TV, this is something to think through before getting started.

You typically have three options:

Use a cable raceway (most cost-effective, no wall modifications)
Install a cable concealment kit (cleaner look, done during install if possible)
Hire a licensed electrician to add a new outlet (most permanent option)

The right option depends on your wall, your setup, and how you want the final result to look. If your goal is to hide wires and have a more finished look, planning for power ahead of time makes a big difference.

One thing we do not do is run extension cords behind the wall. It’s not code-compliant, it’s a fire hazard, and extension cords are not designed for in-wall use. We do see other installers and gig workers do this, but it’s not a safe or proper solution.

Mounting in Apartments and Condos

If you’re in an apartment or condo, there’s another layer to consider beyond just the wall.

Some buildings have restrictions on drilling, running cables inside the wall, or even require you to use a preferred vendor. In some cases, hiring someone who isn’t approved can be a violation of your lease or HOA rules, so it’s always worth checking with your leasing office before getting started.

You may also have things like fire sprinkler lines, plumbing, or shared utilities inside the wall, which can limit where and how the TV can be mounted. This is especially common in areas like Downtown Austin, South Lamar, and The Domain.

Do You Have the Right Tools?

You can get by with basic tools in some situations, but having the right equipment makes a big difference.

Things like an impact driver, proper drill bits for different materials, and a laser level help make the install faster and more accurate. In a lot of cases, the cost of even one of these tools can be close to what it would cost to have the TV professionally mounted.

Choosing the Right TV Mount

The mount you use has a big impact on how the install turns out.

A lot of mounts you’ll find online for $30 claim they can hold a hundred pounds and have thousands of positive reviews, but that doesn’t always mean they’re the right fit. Some aren’t wide enough, aren’t built for certain wall types, or don’t offer the adjustability needed for a clean install.

Professional installers have access to mounts designed for a wider range of situations, and in many cases, they can be provided at a comparable cost to retail options.

When DIY Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t)

In some situations, mounting a TV yourself can be a good option.

DIY might make sense if you’re working with standard drywall and wood studs, have clear stud placement, and don’t need to deal with fireplaces or cable concealment.

But once you get into more complex setups, things can change quickly.

You may want to hire a professional if you’re dealing with fireplaces, masonry, apartments and condos, or if you want a clean, hidden cable setup.

If you’re planning to do it yourself, we have other articles and videos that walk through different setups, and we’re happy to recommend the right mounts for your situation.

If you’re not sure what your setup requires, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to take a look and walk you through the best option for your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you run an extension cord behind the wall for a TV?

No. Running an extension cord behind the wall is not code-compliant and is a fire hazard. Extension cords are not designed for in-wall use. While some installers or gig workers may do this, it’s not a safe or proper solution.

What is the safest way to hide TV wires?

The safest options are using a cable raceway on the outside of the wall, installing a cable concealment kit, or hiring a licensed electrician to add a new outlet behind the TV. The right choice depends on your wall type and setup.

Do I need an electrician to install an outlet behind my TV?

If you want a fully hardwired outlet behind your TV, a licensed electrician is required. In some cases, a cable concealment kit can be used instead.

Is it worth hiring a professional for TV mounting?

It depends on your setup. For basic drywall installs, DIY can work. But for fireplaces, brick or concrete walls, apartments, or setups requiring hidden wires, hiring a professional can save time and help avoid costly mistakes.