Getting your telly mounted on the wall seems like a straightforward job, but trust me, it’s not as simple as hammering in a few screws. I’ve been on both sides of this equation—trying the DIY approach (with disastrous results) and later hiring professionals who made it look effortless. Professional TV wall mounting packages typically bundle several crucial services that most people don’t even consider until they’re halfway through a botched installation.

The wall-mounted television has become something of a modern necessity in UK homes. Gone are the days of bulky entertainment centres hogging precious floor space. But achieving that sleek, floating screen look requires precise work & specialized tools that most weekend warriors simply don’t have.

Let’s examine what you ACTUALLY get when paying for professional installation, beyond just hanging a screen on your wall.

1. Comprehensive Site Assessment

Before anything else happens, proper installers conduct a thorough assessment of your space. They don’t just waltz in with tools blazing. This isn’t merely a quick glance at your wall—it’s a systematic evaluation of multiple factors.

The technician examines your wall composition (plasterboard, brick, concrete, etc.) to determine the best mounting method. Some walls require special fixings or techniques. I remember when an installer pointed out that my chosen wall had metal studs instead of wooden ones—something I would’ve never checked myself!

They’ll also consider viewing angles, natural light sources, and room layout to suggest optimal positioning. A screen mounted too high can cause neck strain; too low might be vulnerable to accidental bumps. The assessment also includes checking for nearby power outlets & identifying potential obstructions inside walls like pipes or electrical cables. This critical first step prevents costly mistakes later.

2. Specialized Equipment & Hardware Provision

Professional installers arrive with a van full of specialized equipment that goes far beyond basic household tools. This includes stud finders with enhanced accuracy, cable detectors, laser levels for perfect alignment, and high-quality drill bits designed for various wall materials.

Most packages include appropriate mounting brackets suited to your specific TV model and weight. These aren’t the flimsy universal brackets you might grab from a DIY shop—they’re commercial-grade hardware rated for long-term stability. The difference in quality is immediately noticeable.

They’ll bring various anchor types (expanding bolts, toggle bolts, concrete anchors) depending on your wall composition. When I last had a TV installed, the technician arrived with at least 5 different mounting options and selected the most appropriate one after his assessment. This flexibility ensures your installation is customized to your home’s specific conditions rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.

3. Cable Management Solutions

A properly mounted TV shouldn’t have cables dangling down like electronic spaghetti! Good installers provide cable management solutions that maintain the clean aesthetic that wall-mounting promises.

Depending on the package, this might include simple cable tidies, channeling cables through protective conduits, or even creating in-wall cable routes that make wires completely disappear. The technician will group cables logically and ensure they’re routed safely away from heat sources.

More advanced packages might even include installation of recessed power outlets behind the TV position. This eliminates the need for visible power cords entirely—a game-changer for pristine installations. When my living room TV was mounted, the installer created a neat little channel that guided all wires down to a small opening near my media cabinet. The result? A tidy setup that my DIY attempts never would’ve achieved.

4. Component Connection & Setup

Once your TV is securely on the wall, professionals don’t just leave you with a blank screen and a cheerful wave goodbye! Comprehensive packages include connecting all your relevant components—sound systems, streaming devices, gaming consoles, etc.

They’ll sort out the input settings, configure the TV menu for optimal performance, and ensure everything communicates properly. Some technicians will even program universal remotes if that’s part of your setup.

The real value here is in troubleshooting potential connectivity issues on the spot. When one of my HDMI ports wasn’t recognized, the installer quickly identified the problem and replaced the cable. These small hiccups could take an amateur hours to diagnose, but pros have seen it all before & can quickly resolve such issues.

5. Picture Calibration & Optimisation

Ever noticed how TVs in showrooms look amazing, but somehow appear different in your home? Professional installers often include basic picture calibration as part of their service.

This involves adjusting brightness, contrast, colour temperature and other settings to suit your specific viewing environment. They consider factors like room lighting, viewing distance, and screen positioning to create the best possible picture.

I was genuinely suprised when my installer spent nearly 20 minutes fine-tuning these settings—something I would’ve skipped entirely! The difference was immediately noticeable, especially for streaming content and films. Some premium packages even include calibration using specialized equipment that ensures colours are displayed precisely as the content creators intended.

6. Safety & Stability Testing

Your mounted TV might weigh upwards of 20kg—not something you want crashing down during the climax of your favourite programme! Reputable installers conduct thorough safety and stability testing as a standard part of their service.

They’ll check that all fixings are secure, the bracket is properly aligned, and the TV sits level on the mount. Most will perform a physical stress test, applying gentle pressure in various directions to ensure there’s no movement or shifting.

The technician should also verify that the installation complies with manufacturer recommendations and building standards. This testing phase might seem quick, but it’s crucial for peace of mind. My installer actually showed me how to periodically check the mounting screws myself—a small but thoughtful addition to the service that demonstrated proper attention to long-term safety.

7. Cleanup & Demonstration

A complete installation package includes the often-overlooked cleanup phase. Drilling into walls creates dust and debris; packaging materials need disposal; and temporary workspace disruption should be reversed.

Good installers leave your space as they found it—or better. They’ll vacuum drill dust, remove all packaging, and ensure furniture is returned to its original position. This professional courtesy saves you the annoying post-installation cleanup.

Finally, they’ll walk you through operating your newly mounted system. This demonstration covers basic use, any special features of the mount (like articulation or tilting mechanisms), and basic troubleshooting tips. When my bedroom TV was installed, the technician patiently showed my technophobic partner how to adjust viewing angles and access all connected devices—a small service that prevented countless future questions directed at me!

The Bottom Line

Professional TV mounting services offer far more than just attaching your screen to a wall. They provide comprehensive solutions that consider safety, aesthetics, functionality, and longevity. While the £100-200 price tag might initially seem steep compared to DIY options, the combined value of specialized equipment, technical expertise, and additional services quickly justifies the investment.

I’ve gone both routes in different homes, and I can definitively say the professional installation was worth every penny. Not just for the superior result, but for the confidence of knowing my expensive telly isn’t going to come crashing down because I misidentified a stud or used the wrong fixings. Sometimes, it’s worth paying for peace of mind.