Ceiling TV mounts: when and how

Most TVs belong on a wall. A ceiling mount is the answer for the rooms where no wall works: glass on every side, a bed facing a window, a covered porch with posts instead of walls, a garage full of shelving.

The types

• Drop-pole mounts: a plate on the ceiling, an adjustable pole and a tilting, swivelling head. The standard choice; common in gyms, patios and shops.
• Flip-down mounts: the TV folds flat against the ceiling and hinges down to watch. Manual versions suit small screens under cabinets and in RVs; motorized ones handle larger TVs in bedrooms.
• Motorized drop-down lifts: the TV lowers from a recess in the ceiling. A built-in project, planned with framing and electrical work.

It has to hang from structure

Ceiling drywall holds nothing. The mount's plate must be bolted into ceiling joists, rafters or solid blocking between them.

• Joists typically run at 16 or 24 inches on centre. Find them the same way as studs — screw lines, a magnet, a probe.
• If the ideal spot is between joists, blocking (a 2× board fixed between two joists, from the attic above) or a steel channel spanning them carries the plate.
• Engineered trusses and I-joists shouldn't be drilled or notched casually; fix to the top or bottom members as their manufacturer allows, or use blocking.
• The load is straight down, pulling on the fasteners — lag bolts need to be the right length and well centred in the wood. A swinging TV adds more.

Sloped and vaulted ceilings

Many ceiling plates pivot to suit an angled ceiling, so the pole still hangs plumb. Check the mount's maximum slope against yours.

Concrete ceilings

In some condos and basements the ceiling is concrete. Anchors rated for overhead (tension) loads are required; ordinary sleeve anchors and plastic plugs aren't suitable for hanging weight above people.

Height and angle

• Bottom of the TV at least 6 feet 8 inches above the floor wherever anyone walks beneath it.
• Tilt it down toward the viewers.
• Over a bed, think carefully about what's directly below. Many people prefer a mount at the foot of the bed rather than above the pillows.

Cables

Power and signal have to reach the ceiling.

• The neat way: an outlet in the ceiling beside the mount (electrician) and low-voltage cables through the attic, down inside the pole.
• The quick way: cables down the pole from a surface raceway across the ceiling to the wall.
• Leave slack for swivel.

Outdoors

On a porch or patio, use an outdoor-rated mount with stainless hardware, fix into the porch framing, and remember wind — a TV on a pole is a sail. See porch and patio TVs.

Weight ratings

Ceiling mounts are rated lower than wall mounts for the same price. Stay well inside the rating and use the safety cable if one is provided.

When a wall is still better

If there's any usable wall — even a short one, or a corner with a full-motion arm — it's simpler, stronger and cheaper. See corner TV mounting.

Do we install ceiling mounts?

Our online prices are for wall mounting. For a ceiling mount, call or text (334) 333-3537 with the ceiling type and TV size, and we'll tell you honestly whether it's a job we can take on and what it would cost.