How to Mount a Flat-Screen TV on Top of a Fireplace

Take the temperature above your fireplace before making any other plans to mount your flat-screen above the fireplace. Make sure the area above the fireplace does not get above 90 degrees. If it does, do not put the flat-screen above the fireplace.

Measure horizontally to find the exact center of the wall above the fireplace. Make an X with a pencil. Measure up from the mantle to the height you want to hang the flat screen.

Measure from both sides of the X for half of the flat screen. (For example, if your flat screen is 46 inches wide, find 23 inches from the X on either side.)

Hold the level against the wall on the X and adjust it until it is exactly level. Use the pencil to draw a line across the top of the level.

Use the chalk line to easily show the level line. Hold the beginning of the chalk line at the mark on one side of the wall and pull it to the mark on the other side. Make sure the string follows the level line and snap to leave the chalk line.

Find the studs in the wall, using a stud finder if necessary. Make marks with the pencil along the chalk line to mark where you will hang the flush mounts.

Install the back of the flush mounts to the wall using the drill. Install the front of the flush mounts to the back of the flat-screen so that they are even with the flush mounts on the wall.

Slide the flush mounts on the flat-screen into the flush mounts above the fireplace.