Short answer: basic TV mounting on drywall with a visible cord is the least expensive option; cost goes up with wall type (brick, stone, tile), the need to hide cables inside the wall, larger or heavier TVs requiring a stronger mount, and any extras like soundbar mounting or connecting a streaming device. The mount hardware itself is usually a small part of the total — most of the cost and value is in the labor: correct stud location, secure anchoring, level installation, and clean cable management.
What drives the cost
- Wall material. Drywall with wood studs is the most straightforward. Brick, concrete, stone, or tile need different anchors and tools, and take longer.
- Cable concealment. A visible cord running down to an outlet is quick. Hiding cables inside the wall with an in-wall power kit takes more time and, in some cases, an electrician if a new outlet is being added behind the TV.
- TV size and weight. Larger, heavier TVs need a mount rated for that weight and, often, into more than one stud for secure anchoring.
- Mount type. Fixed mounts are simplest; tilting and full-motion mounts cost more and take more precise installation to move smoothly without strain on the wall anchors.
- Extras. Soundbar mounting, connecting a streaming box or gaming console, and dressing multiple cables together (TV, soundbar, cable box) all add time.
What a proper installation actually includes
Mounting a TV is simple in concept and easy to get subtly wrong. A proper job typically includes:
- Locating studs (or using appropriate anchors when studs aren’t positioned where you want the TV)
- Mounting at the right height and tilt for your actual seating position, not just a standard measurement
- A level check — a slightly off-level TV is one of the most common DIY complaints
- Cable management — hidden in-wall, or at minimum dressed and secured, not just left hanging
- Confirming the mount holds the TV’s actual weight with margin, not just “close enough”
Common DIY mistakes worth avoiding
- Mounting into drywall alone without hitting a stud or using a rated anchor for the TV’s weight
- Guessing at height instead of measuring for the room’s actual seating distance and angle
- Running power cords across the floor because in-wall concealment wasn’t planned before mounting
- Choosing a full-motion mount for a wall where the TV will only ever be viewed head-on — paying for motion you won’t use
Questions worth asking before you book
- Does the quote include cable concealment, or just the mount and bracket?
- What wall type do you have, and does that change the price?
- Is the mount itself included, or do you need to buy one separately?
- Will they mount a soundbar or connect other devices as part of the same visit?
See our installation page for what we include on a typical TV mounting visit, or request a free assessment if you’re not sure what your wall type or cable setup requires.