Here’s our guide for hanging a TV outside including the best types of tv mounts to use and mounting on different types of exterior walls.Looking to create an outdoor living area? You can’t go wrong with decks and patios. With either, you can do most activities from an indoor living room and more. 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 with an outdoor TV. Begin with investing in a weatherproof outdoor TV.
Aside from the TV, you also need to find the perfect 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 TV enclosure.
There are many different outdoor tv ideas to create the perfect outdoor living space. Once you’ve determined where you want to hang your TV, it’s time to answer the most important question: how exactly should you hang a TV outside?
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Types of TV Mounts for Outside
Choosing the right way to mount your TV depends on where you intend to install it and how much your entire outdoor TV setup weighs.
Below is a rundown of the different ways you can mount your TV.
Pole Mount
You might want to put your TV in an open space with no walls and a ceiling. If so, then using a pole mount might work best.
A pole mount or post mount is a support frame affixed on the ground. Place your outdoor TV 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. That said, we recommend going for a weatherproof pole stand instead to lessen the risk of damaging your outdoor TV.
Remember that your TV 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.
Hanging your TV from the ceiling is a popular space solution used indoors and outdoors. If your deck or patio has a strong ceiling structure, then you can opt for a ceiling mount.
This method is very similar to a pole mount, except that the mounting system will be bolted on 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 TV is not in use.
The most convenient way to hang a TV is on a wall. But not all walls are fit for mounting. Avoid hanging your TV on a wall that is flimsy, full of cracks, or old. Both the outdoor TV and the mounting bracket put a tremendous weight on the wall and may damage it.
Finally, having an electrical source to plug the TV is important. So position the TV 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.
For this, try investing in a TV wall bracket that can tilt and turn to help keep your TV straight.
Having your outdoor TV with a brick wall backdrop is visually appealing. However, solid brick walls are porous and thus absorb moisture.
Before installing your TV on a brick wall, check the wall’s condition. If you have a solid but old brick wall, check for cracks. It is best to repair and replace damaged bricks before mounting any heavy fixture.
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 to determine where you want to hang your TV on the wall. For most applications you’ll want to center the tv on 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 TV, use masonry drill bits and concrete anchors to make the process easier.
Then install the brackets for the tv and attach the tv to the wall mount.
How to Mount a TV Outside on Siding
Sidings, or the exterior material of your house attached on a support frame, come in different options. These include types of wood siding, steel, and vinyl, each of which presents 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, always make sure first that the siding is in top condition before proceeding.
When working with thinner sidings like vinyl, it is best to find the studs to mount your bracket.
Mounting a TV on Vinyl Siding
Thanks to its weatherproof and low maintenance features, the vinyl siding is a cost-effective exterior solution. An insulated vinyl does the job of keeping 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 exactly the ideal surface for mounting outdoor TV directly.
For hanging lighter objects, you can usually get away with vinyl siding hooks. But this can only carry about five pounds of weight. Vinyl panels are thinner than solid wood, and the way it is layered on the wall results in an uneven surface thus putting your mounting bracket at an awkward angle.
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 meant for uneven surfaces are perfect for this kind of surface. It levels the outdoor TV to keep it straight and prevents damages on the siding where it is attached.
How to Mount a TV Outside on a Stucco
Like the brick wall, check if the stucco is in top condition. You should also know what is behind the stucco to know 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. For this, you need to use a masonry drill bit when drilling a pilot hole. You also need to use stucco anchors 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 a tv enclosure here.
Pole Mount
