How much does it cost to mount a TV?
Starting at £35 per hour on average
Updated on 4 June 2026
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Mounting your television on the wall is more than just a style choice; it is a practical way to save space in compact UK homes and keep expensive screens out of reach of children or pets. Whether you are fitting an OLED in a new-build flat or a large screen onto a Victorian brick chimney, understanding the local costs and structural requirements is essential.
This guide breaks down what impacts TV mounting costs and how to get the best value for your money. Using market research and Taskrabbit platform insights, you can generally expect to pay £35 per hour for TV mounting services.
Average cost for TV mounting services in major UK cities
Costs for TV mounting vary across the UK, largely reflecting regional differences in the cost of living and local demand for tradespeople. The table below gives a general overview of average hourly rates and typical total job costs by major city.
| City | Avg Hourly Rate | Avg Invoice Total |
|---|---|---|
| London | £47 | £93 |
| Manchester | £42 | £69 |
| Birmingham | £49 | £307 |
| Bristol | £40 | £73 |
| Reading | £50 | £108 |
| Liverpool | £38 | £73 |
| Milton Keynes | £53 | £103 |
| Edinburgh | £52 | £74 |
| Glasgow | £43 | £75 |
What affects TV mounting costs?
Several things will influence what you end up paying to have your TV mounted. Understanding these in advance helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
TV size and weight
Larger, heavier TVs require more robust mounting hardware and often take longer to install safely. A small 32-inch set in a spare bedroom is a very different job to a 75-inch screen going up in a living room. As a general guide:
Under 32 inches: £60–£120
32–43 inches: £80–£150
43–55 inches: £100–£180
55–65 inches: £130–£220
65 inches and above: £180–£300+
Wall type
The material behind your wall has a big impact on how straightforward the installation is. UK homes have a wide variety of wall constructions, and not all of them are simple to work with.
Plasterboard (stud walls): The most common wall type in modern UK homes and typically the easiest to work with. Installers locate the timber studs and anchor directly into them.
Solid brick or blockwork: Very common in older UK properties. Requires masonry drilling and appropriate fixings, which adds time and cost.
Dot-and-dab plasterboard over masonry: A frequent source of complications. The plasterboard is bonded to the brick with adhesive, leaving a cavity behind it. Standard fixings won't work, and specialist anchors are needed.
Plaster over lath: Found in Victorian and Edwardian homes. Delicate and prone to cracking; requires careful handling and often additional reinforcement.
Concrete or stone: Needs heavy-duty drilling equipment and is typically the most labour-intensive option.
If you live in an older property, it's worth mentioning this to any installer before they quote, as the wall type can significantly affect the price.
Mount type
The type of bracket you choose affects both the material cost and the installation time.
Fixed mounts: Hold the TV flat against the wall with no movement. The most affordable option, typically starting from around £10–£40 for the bracket itself, and the quickest to install.
Tilt mounts: Allow the screen to angle slightly up or down, useful if the TV is mounted higher than eye level. Brackets generally cost £15–£60.
Full-motion (articulating) mounts: Extend away from the wall and swivel left or right. Ideal for corner placements or rooms where you watch from multiple positions. More complex to install; brackets typically cost £25–£100+.
Ceiling mounts: Less common in UK homes but useful in certain layouts, such as above a kitchen island or in a converted loft. Require specialist hardware and more labour.
Cable management and concealment
One of the most common add-ons in the UK is hiding the cables that run between your TV and other devices. Options include:
Surface cable trunking: A plastic channel fixed to the wall that hides cables neatly. Inexpensive and doesn't require any wall work.
In-wall cable routing: Cables are fed through the wall cavity, leaving a completely clean finish. More labour-intensive and not always possible depending on wall construction. Expect to add £50–£150 to the job for this.
Tenancy-friendly clips: A temporary solution for renters that keeps cables tidy without permanent wall modifications.
Number of installers required
Very large or heavy TVs, particularly those 65 inches and above, often require two people to lift and position safely. If a second installer is needed, this will increase the total labour cost.
Location of the mount
Standard wall placement at seated eye level is the simplest scenario. More demanding locations include:
Above a fireplace: A very popular choice in UK living rooms, but it introduces complications. Heat rising from the fireplace can affect the TV over time, viewing angles are typically steep, and the chimney breast may be solid masonry. Cable routing in this area is also more complex.
High on a wall or in a stairwell: Requires ladders or scaffolding and more time.
Alcoves: Common in UK Victorian and Edwardian homes; tight spaces can make installation more awkward.
Installer experience and specialisation
A general handyperson will typically charge less than a specialist AV (audio-visual) installer. For a straightforward job, a competent handyperson is usually perfectly adequate. For more complex setups involving multiple screens, smart home integration, or significant electrical work, a specialist may be worth the higher rate.
Electricians will charge more than handypeople for any work involving new sockets or wiring, as this work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales (and equivalent regulations in Scotland and Northern Ireland).
Hidden or additional TV mounting costs to consider
Even well-planned jobs can throw up surprises. Common unexpected costs include:
Dot-and-dab walls: As mentioned above, discovering this wall type on the day can require specialist fixings and extra time.
No accessible studs: In some stud wall configurations, the studs may not be where you need them. This can require additional reinforcement or a change of plan.
Damaged plaster: Drilling into older walls can sometimes cause surrounding plaster to crack, requiring patching work afterwards.
Insufficient power points: If there's no socket near your chosen mounting position, you may need an electrician to add one. This is a separate job and a separate cost.
Cable routing complications: What looks like a simple cable-hide can become complex if the wall cavity is blocked by insulation or structural elements.
Common TV mounting projects and typical costs
To give you a clearer picture of what different TV mounting projects might cost, here's a breakdown of common scenarios and their typical price ranges. Actual cost will vary depending on the factors discussed above.
| Project | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Ceiling mount installation | £150–£300 |
| Soundbar mounting (add-on) | £30–£60 |
| Mount above fireplace (chimney breast) | £150–£300 |
| Wall mount with surface cable coverage | £80–£150 |
| Wall mount with in-wall cable concealment | £130–£250 |
| New power socket installation (electrician) | £80–£200 |
| Standard wall mount (plasterboard, cables showing) | £60–£120 |
How much do TV mounting tools and materials cost?
If you're planning a DIY installation, or simply want to understand what's included in a professional quote, here's a rough guide to the main materials involved:
Fixed TV bracket: from around £10
Tilt TV bracket: from around £15
Full-motion (articulating) bracket: from around £25
Ceiling mount: from around £30
Stud finder: from around £10
Spirit level: from around £5
Drill (if you don't own one): from around £30
Masonry drill bits (for brick walls): from around £5
Surface cable trunking: from around £5–£15 per metre
Fixings and rawlplugs: usually included with the bracket, but worth checking
How to save on TV mounting costs
A few straightforward steps can help keep costs down without compromising on quality.
Supply your own bracket: Buying the mount yourself online before the appointment means you're only paying for labour. Just make sure the bracket is compatible with your TV's VESA pattern (the fixing hole spacing on the back of the set) before purchasing.
Choose a fixed or tilt mount over a full-motion one: Simpler brackets are quicker to install and cost less in both materials and labour.
Clear the area before the installer arrives: Moving furniture, clearing the wall, and having your TV and cables ready to go saves time, which saves money if you're being charged by the hour.
Combine jobs: If you also need a soundbar mounted, a shelf put up, or other small tasks done, booking them together with the same installer is usually more cost-effective than separate visits.
Be upfront about your wall type: Telling the installer what type of walls you have before they arrive avoids surprises on the day and helps them bring the right tools and fixings.
Get two or three quotes: Prices can vary considerably between individual installers, even in the same area. A few minutes comparing options can make a real difference.
DIY vs. hiring TV mounting help
Mounting a TV yourself can save money, but it's not always the right choice for every situation. Whether you should tackle it yourself or book help depends on a few key factors.
When to DIY
Mounting a TV yourself can be a manageable weekend project if the conditions are right. Consider DIY if:
You're mounting a small or medium-sized TV (under 50 inches) on a standard plasterboard stud wall.
You're confident using a drill, spirit level, and stud finder.
You're comfortable reading and following the bracket manufacturer's instructions.
The cables don't need to be hidden inside the wall.
You own or can borrow the right tools, including a drill with appropriate bits, a spirit level, a stud finder, and a tape measure.
When to hire help
Some situations genuinely benefit from hiring someone with experience. Consider booking an installer if:
You're mounting a large or very heavy TV (55 inches and above), where safe two-person handling is important.
Your walls are solid brick, blockwork, or dot-and-dab plasterboard, where the wrong fixings could fail.
You want cables concealed inside the wall, which requires careful planning and, in some cases, electrical work.
You're mounting above a fireplace, where the combination of height, wall material, and heat management adds complexity.
You live in a listed building or a period property where wall construction may be unusual or fragile.
You're a renter and want the work done correctly to avoid losing your deposit.
Choosing a reliable TV mounting installer
Finding a trustworthy installer is straightforward if you know what to look for.
Read reviews carefully: Look for detailed, specific feedback that mentions the type of job completed, not just a star rating or a one-word comment. Reviews that describe the wall type, the TV size, or specific challenges overcome are much more useful.
Ask about experience with your wall type: If you have solid brick walls or suspect you have dot-and-dab, make sure the installer has dealt with this before.
Check whether they're insured: A reputable tradesperson should carry public liability insurance. This protects you if anything goes wrong during the job.
Get a clear quote upfront: Whether it's a fixed price or an hourly rate, make sure you understand the pricing structure and what's included before work begins. Ask specifically whether VAT is included.
Ask to see examples of previous work: A confident, experienced installer will be happy to share photos of completed jobs.
Frequently asked questions about TV mounting services
Can I mount a TV in a rental property?
In most tenancy agreements, you're allowed to put up shelves and hang pictures, but making more significant alterations, including drilling into walls to mount a TV, may require written permission from your landlord. Check your tenancy agreement before booking any work.
How long does it take to mount a TV?
A standard installation on a plasterboard wall typically takes between one and two hours. More complex jobs, such as mounting above a fireplace or concealing cables in the wall, can take three to four hours or more.
Do I need an electrician to mount a TV?
Not usually. A general handyperson can handle most TV mounting jobs. You'd only need a qualified electrician if new wiring or an additional socket is required, as this work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales.
Can I mount a TV on a dot-and-dab wall?
Yes, but it requires specialist fixings designed for this wall type. Standard wall plugs won't grip properly in the cavity behind the plasterboard, so it's important to tell your installer about this in advance. A knowledgeable installer will use cavity anchors or similar solutions.
Is it safe to mount a TV above a fireplace?
It's a common choice in living rooms, but there are a few things to consider. Heat rising from the fireplace can affect the TV over time, particularly with gas or wood-burning fires. The viewing angle is often steeper than ideal. And chimney breasts are usually solid masonry, which requires more drilling effort. If you do go ahead, a full-motion mount helps you angle the screen downward to a more comfortable position.
Should I tip my TV mounting installer?
Tipping isn't a widespread expectation in the UK trades industry. If you're particularly happy with the work, a tip is always appreciated if you'd like to offer one. You can also leave a positive online review.
