Hanging a TV Outside (Best Types of Outdoor Mounts)

Here’s our guide for hanging a TV outside, including the best types of mounts to use and installation on different exterior walls.

Are you looking to create an outdoor living area? You can’t go wrong with decks and patios. You can do most activities from an indoor living room and more with either. Have barbecue weekends or bonfire nights with your family. Or enjoy a cup of coffee al fresco.

Ready to level up? Maximize your entertainment experience by investing in a weatherproof outdoor TV.

Aside from the television, you also need to find the perfect installation setup. You need to assess your space and see which corner offers the most protection from the rain and glaring sun. Pro tip: Add more protection with a television enclosure.

There are many different outdoor tv ideas to create the perfect outdoor living space. Once you’ve determined where you want to hang it, it’s time to answer the most important question: how exactly should you hang a TV outside?

Types of TV Mounts for Outside

Choosing the right way to mount your TV installation depends on where you intend to install it and how much your outdoor setup weighs.

Below is a rundown of the different ways you can mount your television screen.

Pole Mount

You might want to put your television in an open space with no walls and a ceiling.  If so, then using a pole mount might work best.

A pole or post mount is a support frame affixed to the ground. Place your outdoor electronics and cables where it is most optimal, and then, install the pole mount at the correct height for the best viewing experience.

You can build a DIY pole. We recommend going for a weatherproof pole stand instead to lessen the risk of damaging your equipment.

Remember that everything will be exposed to outdoor hazards. Some pole mounts are also mobile. If you have a wireless TV, then you can move your pole mount around. 

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Ceiling Mount

Hanging your screen from the ceiling is a popular indoor and outdoor space solution. If your deck or patio has a strong ceiling structure, you can opt for a ceiling mount.

This method is similar to a pole mount, except the mounting system will be bolted to the ceiling.

Several ceiling mounts are adjustable and are, therefore perfect for any ceiling height. Some are even motorized and can swing to any angle or fold when the set is not in use.

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Wall Mount

The most convenient way to hang a TV is on a wall. But not all walls are fit for mounting. Avoid hanging your television on a wall that is flimsy, full of cracks, or old. Both the outdoor electronics and the mounting bracket put a tremendous weight on the wall and may damage it.

Finally, having an electrical outlet to plug in the unit is important. So position the television where the electrical source is nearest.

Avoid messy wiring by going wireless, using a cable concealer, or letting the wires pass through the wall. 

Another worry is some walls have uneven surfaces, like stone walls.

Try investing in a TVwallbracket that can tilt and turn to help keep your screen straight. 

See this weatherproof outdoor television wall mount at Amazon [sponsored link]

How to Mount a TV Outside on a Brick Wall

Having your outdoor TV with a brickwall backdrop is visually appealing. However, solid brick walls are porous and thus absorb moisture. 

Before installing your television on a brick wall, check the wall’s condition. If you have a solid but old brick wall, check for cracks. Repairing and replacing damaged bricks before mounting any heavy fixturesis best. 

Another option is to avoid drilling into the fragile brick altogether. Drill through the mortar instead. Doing so keeps the bricks from breaking further. 

The first step is determining where to hang your screen on the wall. For most applications, you’ll want to center the television in the middle of the wall and mark the height.

Find exactly where you want the mount to go and use a level to mark the drill spots on the wall.

Once you know where to install your screen, usemasonry drill bits and concrete anchors to make the process easier. 

Then, install the brackets and attach the television to the wall mount.

How to Mount a TV Outside on Siding

Sidings, or the exterior material of your house attached to a support frame, come in different options. These include wood siding, steel, and vinyl, each presenting unique challenges when mounting your outdoor TV.

Drilling on the surface works if you are installing on thick and solid wood siding. As mentioned above, ensure the siding is in top condition before proceeding.

Step	Action
1. Choose Mount	Select a weather-resistant, compatible mount for TV size and weight.
2. Choose Location	Look for a spot with good visibility, weather protection, and close to a power source.
3. Gather Tools/Materials	Required: drill, level, stud finder, screwdriver, mount, screws, weatherproofing materials.
4. Prepare Materials	Use a mounting block for a flat, stable surface (Depends on siding surface type)
5. Locate Studs	Use stud finder to locate wall studs.
6. Attach the Mount	Secure mount to wall studs with weather-resistant screws.
7. Mount the Television	Attach television to mount; manage cables with weatherproof covers.
8. Level the Screen	Use a level to straighten the viewing screen.

Check with local safety and building codes before beginning installation. Hire an experienced electronics installation contractor if you’re uncomfortable doing this DIY project yourself.

Check the weight limits of the television and the mounting instructions to ensure it meets the weight capacity requirements.

Finding the studs to mount your bracket is best when working with thinner sidings like vinyl.

Mounting a TV on Vinyl Siding

The vinyl siding is a cost-effective exterior solution thanks to its weatherproof and low maintenance features. An insulated vinyl keeps your house cool during the hot season and warm during the colder season. Not to mention the plethora of designs it comes in.

These advantages make vinyl the most practical choice for homeowners when choosing a siding. However, it’s not the ideal surface for directly mounting outdoor TV’s.

You can usually get away with vinyl siding hooks for hanging lighter objects. But this can only carry about five pounds of weight. Vinyl panels are thinner than solid wood, and how they are layered on the wall results in an uneven surface, thus making your mounting bracket awkward.

Some homeowners install a DIY solution by bolting a piece of horizontal wood on the studs. While such a method can work, it is not the best option for long-term use. 

Special molded mounting brackets for uneven surfaces are perfect for this surface. It levels the outdoor television to keep it straight and prevents damage to the siding where it is attached.

How to Mount a TV Outside on a Stucco

Like a brick wall, check if the stucco is in top condition. You should also know what is behind the stucco and what type of screws and drill bits to use.

The challenge when mounting on stucco is its hard surface. Drilling holes can be grueling, more so if the backing of stucco is concrete. You need to use a masonry drill bit when drilling a pilot hole. You must also use stucco or Tapcon anchors to help hold the mounting system in place.

Take your time when drilling through a stucco. To avoid the electrical wires, check the location of the electric source on the other side of the wall. 

Finally, stucco walls cost a fortune. It is recommended to consult with a specialist rather than risking your investment on a DIY project.

If you are unsure about putting a tv outside read more about buying an outdoor TV and choosing an enclosure.