Your beautiful new 55-inch telly arrives, and suddenly you’re staring at this massive box wondering how on earth you’re going to get it onto the wall without creating a disaster. I’ve been there. Trust me, after watching my mate Dave nearly drop his £800 Samsung trying to DIY the whole thing, I became a firm believer in professional TV wall mounting services.
The thing is, mounting a TV isn’t just about drilling a few holes & hoping for the best. It’s about understanding wall types, weight distribution, cable management, and making sure your precious screen doesn’t come crashing down during the next episode of Coronation Street.
Understanding Different TV Wall Mounting Options
Professional TV wall mounting services offer several bracket types, each serving different purposes. Fixed mounts keep your TV flush against the wall — perfect for that sleek, modern look. These are typically the most affordable option, usually costing between £50-£100 for installation.
Tilt mounts allow you to angle the screen up or down, which is brilliant if you’re mounting above eye level. I learned this the hard way when my first TV was positioned too high, giving everyone neck strain during movie nights.
Full-motion or articulating mounts are the premium choice. They swing out, tilt, and rotate — essentially letting you position your TV at almost any angle. These are particularly useful in rooms with multiple seating areas or when you need to reduce glare from windows. However, they do stick out further from the wall & cost more (typically £150-£300 for professional installation).
Wall Type Considerations That Actually Matter
Here’s where things get interesting. Not all walls are created equal, and professional installers know this better than anyone.
Stud walls are the easiest to work with. These timber-framed walls provide solid anchor points for heavy TVs. Most professional services will use a stud finder to locate the wooden supports, then secure the bracket directly into them. Simple enough, right?
Masonry walls — brick, concrete block, or stone — require different techniques entirely. You’ll need masonry anchors, rawl plugs, or chemical anchors depending on the specific material. I once watched a professional installer spend 20 minutes just selecting the right drill bit for my Victorian brick wall. That attention to detail matters.
Plasterboard walls without adequate stud support can be tricky. Sometimes installers need to use special toggle bolts or even install additional backing boards. It’s not impossible, but it requires expertise to ensure everything stays secure.
What Professional Installation Actually Includes
A proper TV wall mounting service goes beyond just hanging your telly on the wall. Most reputable companies include a site survey — they’ll assess your wall type, discuss positioning options, and identify any potential issues before starting work.
Cable management is often included, though this varies between providers. Some services will hide cables behind the wall (which requires cutting into plasterboard), while others use external cable covers. The internal routing looks cleaner but costs more & takes longer.
Professional installers typically bring their own brackets, though some companies let you supply your own if you’ve already purchased one. They should also test the mount thoroughly before leaving, ensuring everything is level, secure, and functioning properly.
Most services include basic setup too — connecting your devices, checking the picture quality, and explaining how to use any new features. It’s these little touches that justify the cost, in my opinion.
Costs and Pricing Structures
TV wall mounting costs vary significantly across the UK. In London & major cities, expect to pay £100-£200 for a basic fixed mount installation. Outside major metropolitan areas, prices often drop to £60-£120 for similar work.
Several factors influence pricing: TV size and weight, wall type, bracket complexity, and cable management requirements. A 32-inch TV on a stud wall with a basic bracket? That’s the cheapest scenario. A 75-inch monster on a solid brick wall with full cable concealment? You’re looking at premium pricing.
Many companies offer package deals. For instance, some include bracket supply, installation, and basic cable management for a flat fee. Others charge separately for each component. Always ask for a detailed quote upfront — I’ve seen too many people surprised by “additional” charges that should have been discussed initially.
Emergency or same-day services typically cost 20-50% more. Unless you’re desperate, booking a few days ahead saves money.
Choosing the Right Professional Service
Not all TV mounting services are equal. Some are one-person operations working from a van, while others are established companies with multiple teams. Both can be excellent, but you need to know what you’re getting.
Check insurance coverage. Any professional installer should carry public liability insurance — at minimum £1 million coverage. This protects you if something goes wrong during installation.
Look for services that offer guarantees on their work. Reputable installers typically provide 12-month warranties on installation workmanship. Some even guarantee their wall fixings for longer periods.
Reviews matter, but read them carefully. A few negative reviews aren’t necessarily dealbreakers — look at how the company responds to complaints. Do they make things right? That tells you more about their character than a handful of five-star reviews.
Ask about their cleanup policy. Professional installers should hoover up dust, dispose of packaging, and leave your space tidy. It’s a small thing, but it separates professionals from cowboys.
Preparation and What to Expect
Before the installers arrive, you’ll need to decide on positioning. Most professionals will offer advice, but having a rough idea helps. Consider viewing angles, glare from windows, and furniture placement.
Clear the area around where you want the TV mounted. Move furniture, ornaments, and anything that might get in the way. Professional installers appreciate this preparation & it can speed up the job.
Have your TV unboxed but don’t attempt to mount it yourself. Installers prefer to handle the TV themselves — it’s partly about liability, partly about having the right technique for lifting heavy screens safely.
Most installations take 1-3 hours depending on complexity. Simple jobs on stud walls might be done in under an hour, while complex installations with cable management can take most of a morning.
Be prepared for some dust, especially with masonry walls. Even professional installers can’t completely eliminate drilling dust, though they should minimize it with dust extraction tools.
Common Issues and How Professionals Handle Them
Even experienced installers encounter unexpected problems. Hidden pipes or electrical cables behind walls can force position changes. Professional services should have cable detection equipment to minimize these surprises.
Uneven walls are surprisingly common, especially in older properties. Experienced installers carry shims and spacers to compensate for irregular surfaces. Your TV should end up perfectly level regardless of wall imperfections.
Sometimes the original mounting position doesn’t work — maybe there’s insufficient stud support, or the viewing angle ends up wrong. Good installers will discuss alternatives rather than pushing ahead with a suboptimal solution.
Cable routing can reveal issues too. Sometimes running cables internally isn’t possible due to existing wiring or structural elements. Professional services should offer alternative solutions rather than leaving you with a mess of visible cables.
The Bottom Line
Professional TV wall mounting services aren’t just about convenience — they’re about peace of mind. Yes, you’ll pay more than doing it yourself, but you’re buying expertise, insurance, and the confidence that your expensive TV won’t end up on the floor.
I’ve seen too many DIY disasters to recommend the self-installation route for anything but the smallest TVs on the most straightforward walls. When you’re dealing with a £1000+ television, spending £100-200 on professional installation seems like sensible insurance.
The key is choosing the right service. Look for insured professionals who offer guarantees, read reviews carefully, and don’t automatically choose the cheapest option. Your TV — and your walls — will thank you for it.