Getting your first Tv or upgrading your current one is a very exciting experience. But with every Tv, comes the need to place it. Usually, most users will opt for wall mounting their TVs, a process that involves drilling.
However, if you wish to mount your TV without drilling or damaging your wall, you will have limited options.
There are 3 main alternatives to wall mounting a TV;
- Using a Hybrid TV stand
- Ceiling mounting the TV
- Using strong adhesive mounts
For most people, the only viable option would be using a hybrid TV stand (tabletop or floor standing). The remaining 2 options could spell doom for your TV and are not recommended in most cases.
1. Hybrid TV stand
A hybrid TV stand is the best alternative to wall mounting a Tv but you should ensure you choose the right one for your TV.
Usually, hybrid TV stands usually come with an integrated mount for the TV and a cabinet that you can use to place other AV components such as a streamer, a Blu-ray player, a receiver, and so on. These are known as tabletop stands. This type of hybrid stand will be suitable for most media rooms.
Floor standing stands have no cabinet and only have a base and a Tv mount for a cleaner aesthetic.
When choosing a hybrid stand, you should first consider the size and weight of the TV. Check what the stand is rated for before purchasing. Usually, most hybrid stands will be suitable for TVs that are 65″ or less.
The stand should have the right height to ensure that the Tv is within eye level from your sitting position. You could get a stand that is height-adjustable for more flexibility depending on your preference.
If the stand has a bottom console (tabletop), ensure that it is a few inches wider than the TV for a cleaner look.
A movable hybrid stand (mobile/mount rolling TV stand) can also be a great option if you want the flexibility to move your Tv from one position to another.
Getting the wrong stand could pose a significant risk to your Tv investment and safety.
I would also recommend buying a stand with cable management channels for a cleaner and more appealing setup. You could match the stand’s color to your by either buying a stand that matches the wall color or by spray painting the stand.
2. Strong adhesive TV mounts
Adhesive TV mounts can be a huge risk and could significantly shorten your TV’s lifespan, especially for TVs larger than 32″.
But if this is a risk you are willing to take, you should at least ensure that you increase your chances of success. You should first check how much weight the adhesive can hold and compare that to your TV’s weight.
The wall should also be as clean as possible before applying the adhesive.
However, you should note no matter how strong the adhesive is, it is still a huge risk. Also, removing the adhesive mount could be frustrating and could damage your wall’s paint.
3. Adjustable ceiling mount bracket
This last method will actually involve some drilling or hammering for installation and will not be a great alternative to wall mounting.
First, check the mount’s weight specification before purchasing. This ceiling mount should also be adjustable for tweaking the height and viewing angle.
Here is how to install a ceiling TV mount;
- Determine where the ceiling joists are (use a stud finder) to attach the mount. Ensure there are no water pipes, electrical lines or anything that can get damaged. If the ceiling is made of concrete, this should not be a problem.
- Mark the drilling points using the mount plate holes as your guide. The plate may have 2 holes for a concrete ceiling (smaller holes) and 2 for wooden joists (slightly wider).
- Drill pilot holes on the ceiling. For a wooden ceiling make sure that you drill on the joists.
- Install the mounting plate and screw it in to ensure it’s nice and tight.
- Put the mounting collar in the plate and line up the holes and slide in the pole making sure that you line up the holes.
- Bolt the mounting pole to the plate and make it tight before putting the decorative dish on, if there is one.
- Add the final adjustable pole in. You may need to fish your TV cables through the pole from the ceiling if you have a wooden ceiling before installing the adjustable pole.
- Bolt the pole in and tighten it using washers and nuts. You can adjust the pole before bolting depending on how high you want your TV to be.
- Assemble the TV mount swivel head and mount it to the back of the TV (use the instructions manual).
- Finally, get someone to help you lift the TV, add the bolts, washers, and nuts to tighten the swivel head to the mounting pole.
Your ceiling mount may be slightly different, so, remember to follow the user manual.
My final thoughts
Mounting your TV to a concrete or brick wall without drilling is complicated. In most cases, you are better off drilling the wall for you to mount the TV but if you live in a rented space ensure you are allowed to do it.
The other best alternative to this is using a hybrid stand. In my opinion, this is the only way to mount a TV without damaging the wall. I would highly recommend you use this method over the rest.
For adhesives, I do not believe that they can be strong enough to hold a heavy TV (32 inches or above). However, if your TV is lighter, this can be a great option but more difficult to remove.
The final option will involve some drilling which defeats the purpose of not drilling in the first place.
