Above-fireplace TV mounting is one of the most requested — and trickiest — installations. Done right, it looks stunning. Done wrong, it causes neck strain, heat damage, and cable nightmares. Here's how to do it correctly.
Choose the right mount
Use a full-motion or tilting mount. Fireplace mantels sit at 54–60 inches, putting the TV center at 70–80 inches — far above seated eye level. A mount that tilts 10–15 degrees downward dramatically reduces neck strain. Full-motion mounts allow the screen to swivel and pull out for optimal angles.
Check for heat risk
Hold your hand at the wall position where the TV will hang while the fireplace runs for 20 minutes. If it's noticeably warm, install a mantel shelf that redirects heat forward, or choose a mantel insert with a heat deflector. Most electric and gas fireplaces emit heat forward — wood-burning ones emit heat upward and require more caution.
Find the mounting surface
Locate studs or solid masonry with a stud finder. Above a fireplace, you may hit a header, tile, brick, or stone. Masonry requires hammer-drill bits and masonry anchors rated for the TV weight. Tile requires a diamond-tip bit and careful drilling to avoid cracking.
Route cables cleanly
Running cables down the wall inside a raceway or in-wall conduit keeps the installation clean. For stone or tile fireplaces, surface-mount cable covers painted to match are a practical alternative.
Professional installation
The Toolbox Pro specializes in above-fireplace TV mounting. We assess heat risk, choose the right anchors, tilt the screen to your ideal angle, and hide cables — starting at $65.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to mount a TV above a wood-burning fireplace?
Wood-burning fireplaces push heat straight up the wall — more risky than gas or electric. Test wall temperature while burning. If it exceeds 90°F at the mount location, use a heat deflector mantel or reconsider the placement.
What type of mount is best above a fireplace?
A full-motion or tilting mount is essential. It lets you angle the screen downward toward the seating area, reducing neck strain from the elevated position.
How do I hide cables from a TV above a fireplace?
For drywall, in-wall cable routing provides the cleanest look. For stone or brick, surface cable covers (painted to match) are the practical alternative.
Can I mount a TV on a stone or brick fireplace surround?
Yes. It requires a hammer drill and masonry anchors rated for the TV weight. This is a job where professional installation is strongly recommended to avoid cracked stone and improperly rated anchors.
How much does above-fireplace TV mounting cost?
Above-fireplace TV mounting at The Toolbox Pro starts at $65 for standard drywall installs. Masonry walls (stone, brick, tile) typically add $25–$50 for the additional hardware and drilling time.
