The Ultimate Guide to Mounting a 60-Inch TV on Your Wall
Purchasing a giant, beautiful 60-inch flat screen TV is super exciting. But all that excitement fades if you place it on a low-quality TV stand, leaving the screen lower than ideal viewing height and crammed into a small space. Properly mounting your 60” television on the wall transforms the experience, with customizable positioning and safer placement compared to teetering on furniture.
But finding studs, measuring for level, judging weight capacities…installing DIY style can get complicated fast. Don’t fret! With this comprehensive 60-inch TV wall mount guide, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks for choosing the right mount and installing perfectly on your first try.
Breaking Down the Different 60-Inch Television Wall Mount Types
Many consumers think that all wall mounts serve the same basic function of hanging the TV on a wall. However, there are crucial differences across the various mount styles that determine positioning flexibility, maximum TV size capacity, viewing angles, and even decor aesthetics.
Fixed Mounts simply anchor your television flat against the wall. They offer no articulate adjustments for tilting or swiveling, just clean connection. Going with a fixed wall mount makes most sense if you have limited space without room for extension arms or just want simplicity. Prices range from $30 on the budget side up to $150 for heavier duty mounts rated for larger TVs.
Tilting Mounts add a bit more flexibility, as the name suggests, by allowing the mounted TV screen to tilt up or down. This comes in handy if mounting above a fireplace or other high vantage point. The tilt functionality aims the picture downward for better ergonomic viewing. Prices for tilting mounts jump up slightly into the $70 to $250 range.
Articulating Mounts take adjustability to the next level, with extendable arms that pull the TV out from the wall. This allows swiveling left and right for reducing screen glare or directing the display toward seating arrangements at off center angles. Articulating mounts also tilt up and down, often quite extensively, enabling perfect placement even in challenging room layouts. Pricing scales up as well for these complex mechanic mounts, from $130 into $400+ territory.
Finally, Ceiling Mounts orient TV positioning from above rather than the wall. Perfect for bedrooms or living rooms with low ceilings, they drop down to desired hanging heights. Ceiling mounts feature similar articulating capabilities as wall mounts, with a wide range of motion for precision angling. Since running electrical through ceilings and hanging heavy objects like TVs requires more caution, costs run from around $100 up to $300.
The following chart summarizes the key differences across the various 60-inch television wall mount styles:
Mount Type | Price Range | Adjustments | Profile Depth | Ideal Uses |
Fixed | $30 – $150 | None | Ultra slim | Budget friendly, max space saving |
Tilting | $70 – $250 | Up and down tilt | Slim with arm | Above fireplace, fine tune angle |
Articulating | $130 – $400 | Extend, pan, tilt, swivel | Bulkier | Flexible repositioning, glare reduction |
Ceiling | $100 – $300 | Drop/rise, tilt, swivel | Varies | Bedrooms, low ceiling rooms |
No right or wrong mount for all situations exists. Nail down viewing needs and room layout constraints first before deciding on fixed, tilting or fully articulating.
Key Specifications for Compatibility
Television wall mounts involve both mechanical and electrical considerations during product selection and installation. Start by recording key measurements of your 60” set to guarantee full compatibility with the mount specifications:
VESA Mount Size Standard
On the back center of your 60” TV lie four screw holes arranged in either 200 x 200mm, 400 x 200mm or 400 x 400mm sizing. Note down which VESA standard your television uses. Some high end mounts even accommodate up to 600 x 400mm or 800 x 400mm.
TV Weight
Weigh your television set using a scale. For 60” displays, expect around 75-80 lbs for LED/LCD models or over 100 lbs if an older plasma. Record the precise weight.
Thickness
Measure depth from face of the screen to back tip of case. Most flat panels fall in 1” to 5” range.
Bezel Size
While not always listed in specs, accounting for bottom bezel height ensures the mount plate won’t mechanically collide with the frame.
Confirm that any 60 inch TV wall mount under consideration matches VESA size, supports the weight capacity, and fits thickness + bezel constraints. This guarantees seamless physical mounting.
Beyond physical specs, compare functional design factors:
Arm Extension
Fixed mounts offer zero flexibility while articulated versions might expand 20” out from wall.
Tilt Range
Both tilting and articulating mounts enable tilting the viewing angle up or down, with a tilt range generally between -15 to +15 degrees (some even steeper).
Swivel Range
For articulating mounts, measure swivel span enabling side to side pan adjustments.
Viewing Positions
Articulating mounts with “dynamic positioning” offer the most ergonomic viewing flexibility, with auto-locking arms at customizable angles.
Cables
Integrated cable management conceals unsightly wires trailing down the wall. Look for mounts incorporating channels, hooks and posts to neatly route HDMI cables.
Matching all specifications and mechanical functionality to your 60 inch television ensures everything mounts up easily come installation day.
Evaluating Your Wall Composition
Before calling it good and hastily slapping mount parts onto the wall, take time to thoroughly evaluate the wall itself. Rushing this assessment risks drilling into hollow drywall rather than solid structural framing around your room. And that leads to torn down plaster or damaged mount pieces crashing to the floor under the heavy load (along with the terrifying thought of your $2000 television as the final victim).
The optimal wall surface for securely fastening articulating arms capable of extending a 60 inch flat screen involves solid wood stud framing covered by drywall about half inch thick. Locating precisely where studs hide behind the scenes provides critical information for proper TV mounting.
Here’s how to intelligently evaluate the wall:
Wall Materials
Slide your hand across the mounting area, feeling for uneven bumps or variations that signal drywall joints. Knock gently to determine hollow versus dense areas. If unsure, use an “inspection camera” snake to peer behind the exterior.
Finding Studs
Begin by tracing any outlets back to power sources, as these anchor into studs. Use a Zircon multiscanner or a simple magnetic stud finder tool to locate wood or metal studs. Mark positions with painter’s tape.
Dealing with Concrete/Brick
Masonry surfaces require masonry-rated anchors and hammer drills. For concrete, use sleeve anchors that expand upon screwing together. With brick, Tapcon brand anchors provide the best grip.
Measuring Level Line
Use a 4+ foot bubble level placed vertically to mark a reference line. Account for any slope or unevenness on the wall itself that would set the mounted TV off level.
Shimming Uneven Spots
To compensate for dips, bubbles, or protruding debris behind walls, use tapered hard plastic shims behind the mount. Stack to desired depth as needed to create flush mounting surface.
Properly evaluating construction provides the information needed for safe installation. Now on to conquering the physical mount procedures.
Complete Step-By-Step 60” TV Wall Mount Installation Guide
With measurements complete and the perfect articulating wall mount selected for your 60 inch television, it’s go time! Follow these comprehensive steps to flawless DIY mounting.
Step 1: Gather Tools & Supplies
Lay out all necessary gear to have handy for each phase of installation:
- Power drill (with charged battery)
- Drill bits (various small and large sizes)
- Stud finder
- Level tool (4 foot recommended)
- Tape measure
- Screws (#10 – 2.5”)
- Washers
- Socket wrench set
- Pencil/marker
Additionally gather:
- TV mount backing plate
- Mounting arms
- TV brackets + spacers
- Lag bolts
- Concrete anchors (if needed)
- Shims to level (if needed)
Step 2: Finalize Mounting Location
Confirm the exact desired spot centering the 60 inch TV on the wall. Use pencil or tape to mark both outside edge locations of where the mount backing plate will go.
This establishes the overall width – measure to ensure TV will fit when arms extend. Mark very lightly with pencil so it’s hidden later.
Step 3: Locate Studs
Use your stud finder tool to scan vertically and horizontally across mounting area to find and mark stud locations. Pay close attention to catches and measurements to precisely indicate their positioning.
Map out studs vs empty space so you know exactly where wood framing exists behind drywall for drilling pilot holes.
Step 4: Drill Pilot Holes
With studs marked, use your power drill to bore pilot holes – starting with 1/8” bit size, increasing incrementally up to 1⁄2” diameter. Drill slowly and carefully, stopping if any wires or obstructions encountered.
Having widened pilot holes centered directly into studs provides safe passage for lag bolts to feed through mounting plate into the wall framing.
Step 5: Mount Backing Plate
Lift backing plate into position, aligning with pencil locator marks. Use spacers/washers if needed to sit flush against wall. Start inserting lag bolts through the plate holes into drilled pilot points. Tighten bolts using socket wrench alternating in crisscross “X” pattern until snugly secured.
Step 6: Attach Arms and Ensure Smooth Operation
With main plate firmly anchored, attach articulating arm segments and movable brackets per your mount model specifications. Carefully extend/collapse arms, testing for smooth bearing movements without catching. Verify desired range of motion needed for your room setup.
Step 7: Prep TV Interface Brackets
On a soft elevated surface, place the 60 inch TV face down. Match mount spacer size to TV holes for even contact. Using Phillips screwdriver secure interface plate, being extremely careful not to overtighten screws and risk cracking the screen.
Step 8: Mount TV
With help from a friend, carefully lift TV and align mount arms with interface plate. Hook into place and lock brackets securely. Visually confirm stability, with no slipping or loose parts. Try gently tilting screen up/down and witness flawless motion.
Step 9: Conceal & Organize Cables
Route power cables from back of TV through articulating arms, tucking neatly into channels if available on your mount. Use velcro ties to contain any loose wiring against the arms, out of sight. For wall power, outlets scattered across from the mount location keeps cords hidden.
Consider right-angle HDMI adapters or wireless video transmitters to aim cables sideways off the mount instead of straight down.
Step 10: Adjust Viewing Position
With TV powered on, fine tune perfect viewing angle by extending/retracting mount, swiveling side to side, and tilting up/down. Stand at various places in your room and customize angles for optimal eye level sight lines. Lock arms firmly to save custom positions.
Voila! With proper planning and following key steps, safely mounting heavy 60 inch televisions is doable even for novices. Secure that flatscreen dream using robust articulated wall mounts rated for the size/weight. Then impress guests with advanced swivel/tilt functionality dialed in for ideal viewing positions.
5 Best Wall Mounts for 60 Inch TVs
Choosing from the countless 60 inch television wall mount options gets overwhelming. That’s why we researched the top-rated models across various price points and feature needs to showcase the 5 best overall picks:
Mount | Price | Rating | Pros |
Mount-It! MI-752 | $$ | 4.8/5 | Tilts, articulates, 200 lb capacity |
VideoSecu LCD/LED MLS-12B | $$ | 4.7/5 | Low profile, effortlessly extends |
Husky Mount TVHM-SF | $$$ | 4.6/5 | Full motion, 24” extension |
Wali Premium WL-13303 | $$ | 4.5/5 | Swivel, tilt, rotate |
PERLESMITH PS-TMFT1 | $ | 4.4/5 | Budget tilting flexibility |
Mount-It! MI-752 emerges as the #1 choice for sixty inch televisions seeking robust articulating capabilities. Extendable dual arms effortlessly swivel 45 degrees side to side, eliminating screen glare without repositioning furniture. Generous 15 degree tilt range along with lateral shift adjustments complete the positioning versatility. Crafted to support 200 lbs, the MI-752 works flawlessly for LED, LCD and plasma models. Cable management hooks keep wires neatly lined up within arms for clean appearance. At around $120, the MI-752 provides unmatched adjustability and ease of installation.
On a tighter budget but require some added angles beyond fixed mounting? The PERLESMITH PS-TMFT1 Tilting TV Mount floats as an affordable option under $40. Smooth ±5 degree manual tilt capability assists with fine tuning vertical angles, while the low profile minimizes protruding arms off the wall itself. Weighing just 5.5 lbs total, the mount won’t stress walls yet still rates for 132 lb loads. If concerned about drilling into studs, this mount alternatively can attach using concrete anchors too. While fine for smaller LED TVs, the weight capacity and single tilt may limit bigger sets. But for the price, provides adequate basic wall mounting.
Investing in advanced full motion articulating arms enables pinpoint viewing flexibility. And the Husky Mount TVHM-SF delivers with flawless 24 inch extension that pulls TVs out nearly 2 feet from the wall. Robust all steel construction sustains 220 lb loads. An innovative “Dynamic Rotation” joints allow seamless adjustment of any viewing angle. Such broad range of motion ensures glare reduction while catering to unique room dynamics or seating arrangements. Plus cable management clips route and conceal wires. For 60 inch TVs requiring maximum repositioning freedom, the premium TVHM-SF articulating wall mount rules.
No matter your current setup challenges or budget constraints, hopefully reviewing the pros and cons of these top rated mounts helps narrow down the ideal solution. Protect precious flatscreen investments while enhancing viewing enjoyment. Confidently install 60” television wall mounts by leveraging the knowledge and tips covered throughout this comprehensive guide. Transform that blank wall into an adjustable mounting masterpiece!