Make sure there’s an outlet close enough to the installation position for at least an extension cable. If there isn’t one, you may need to hire an electrician to install a new outlet. Having a mantle that’s at least 2. 5 in (6. 35 cm) wide can help protect the TV from the heat produced by the fireplace. Set up heat-moving fans to help prevent the fireplace heat from rising directly in front of the screen. If you’re worried about the mortar between the bricks holding, test it with a hammer drill by drilling a hole into it that’s out of sight (somewhere behind where the TV will go). If the mortar is flaking and brittle or cracking along the edges, it’s probably too thin to support a TV.
Try to position your holes in the brick itself rather than the mortar in between. Mortar is much softer than brick, so it’s less likely to hold a lot of weight. Strips of tape can also work as a marker.
Check the packaging that came with your concrete screw or anchor to confirm how deeply you need to drill. [5] X Research source It can also help to place the screw/anchor alongside your drill bit to measure the length and then wrap painter’s tape around the circumference of the bit (so it matches up with the length of the screw). Once you reach the tape, you’ve drilled deeply enough. Slip on a pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust, and have a broom or shop vac on hand to clean up the mess.
For screws, have a #3 Phillips-head bit ready to go. Ask a friend or family member to hold the mount in place while you drill the screws in or hammer in your wall anchors. Avoid sleeve anchors and drive anchors. While they can handle a lot of heavy-duty strength, they can’t be removed once they’re hammered in.
Try bundling your cords with a cable sleeve to help keep them hidden from sight. [7] X Research source For a more creative option, try painting the bricks of the fireplace to match the colors of your wires. You can also incorporate your wires into a painted wall design.
