The fasteners that work for flat screen TV installations on drywall don't work when it comes to concrete, masonry, brick or stone. Whatever type of masonry surface you want to mount your flat screen TV on, you need special concrete or masonry fasteners to do so -- otherwise, your new flat screen TV will be in pieces on the floor.
If the brick you're mounting your flat screen TV on is <atarget="_blank" href="http://www.concretefasteners.com/diy-articles/anchoring-flat-screen-to-fireplace.aspx"> </atarget="_blank">above a fireplace, check your warranty first. Many manufacturers do not honor warranties for TVs exposed to heat. Excessive heat can affect the sensitive electronics in your television.
The Right Fasteners
Concrete, brick and masonry fasteners, like those for drywall, come in a variety of types and sizes rated by weight and use. You can choose from concrete screws, sleeve anchors or toggle bolts for hollow bricks, all weighted for heavy-duty loads to support the mount that holds the flat screen TV.
Check the Weight
Verify the weight of the television and choose a mount that can handle that weight. A universal mount rated for 125 pounds can generally handle 37-inch to 70-inch flat screen televisions. As an example, many 60-inch televisions weigh from 53 pounds to 76 pounds, based on whether they're plasma, LCD or LED.
Install the Mount
Mark the location on the wall where you want to install the mount for the flat screen TV. If you want to hide cables and wires, you'll need to run them in tubing color-matched to the wall, in a special soffit or in a wall box you install. Once you've chosen the mount, you need to install it on the wall first, and then attach the television to it.
Things You'll Need
Safety goggles
Dust mask
Hammer drill
Carbine-tipped masonry bit
Shop vacuum or round wire brush
Hammer
Concrete sleeve or screw fasteners
Washers
Screwdriver or wrench
Masonry bits sized for pilot holes
Step 1: Wear Safety Gear
Put on your safety goggles and dust mask before you begin working, as masonry dust is not healthy to breathe or have in your eyes.
Step 2: Pilot Hole
Create the pilot hole with a carbide-tipped masonry bit sized to the diameter of the concrete sleeve anchor or screw. Use a vacuum or round-wire brush to remove the debris from the pilot hole. Repeat this step for all the holes needed to secure the mount to the wall.
Step 3: Sleeve Anchor
Insert the sleeve anchor with the bolt and washer already inside it through the mount into the hole created. Repeat for all the sleeve anchors. Lightly tap on the bolt already installed. Tighten the bolt with the wrench. If you're using masonry screws, skip this step.
Step 4: Concrete Screw
Drill the hole to the depth marked on the hammer drill or bit with the drill set to Hammer mode. Clean the hole with a round-wire brush or use a shop vacuum to suck out the debris. Repeat for all the holes needed in the mount.
Step 5: Install the Screw
Insert the concrete screw with a washer threaded on the screw through the mount into the hole. Slowly tighten the screw with a screwdriver or a wrench into the masonry, brick or concrete wall. Do not over tighten the screw or it will not work correctly.
Step 6: Toggle Bolt
Drill the hole through the hollow brick with a drill and masonry bit the diameter of the toggle bolt. Repeat for all the holes needed for the mount.
Step 7: Thread the Bolt
Thread the toggle bolt and washer through the hole in the mount and the brick by collapsing the wings of the bolt. Once the wings are inside the wall, they'll release against the inside of the brick. Pull back on the bolt to keep the wings flat as you tighten the bolt with a screwdriver or wrench, depending on head type.
Step 8: Mount the TV
Install the flat screen television on the mount by securing it with the screws included in the mount. The back of the flat screen TV already has the holes for securing the mount to it with metal screws. Check to ensure the safety tabs are set for extra security.
Tip
- To determine the length of a sleeve anchor needed, add the minimum embedment requirements to the mount's thickness. For concrete screws, add the mount's thickness to a minimum of 1 inch and maximum of 1 3/4 inch for the proper screw length.
- Mark the depth of the hole on the bit with a piece of electrical tape so you don't drill the hole deeper than needed.
- Size the carbide drill bit to the size of the sleeve anchor. For example, use a 3/8- inch bit for a 3/8-inch diameter fastener. For concrete screws, use a bit slightly smaller than the screw; for example, a 3/8-inch screw requires a 5/32-inch bit, while a 3/16-inch screw requires a 1/4-inch screw.
Laurie Brenner
As a native Californian, artist, journalist and published author, Laurie Brenner began writing professionally in 1975. She has written for newspapers, magazines, online publications and sites. Brenner graduated from San Diego's Coleman College.