Hiding a TV Bracket

Measure the length of each exterior side of the TV. Add the measurements of all the sides to get the measurement of the TV’s perimeter. Add 6 inches to that measurement.

Add 2 inches to the measurement of the top and bottom exterior sides of the TV. Cut the molding into four pieces. Cut two pieces to the length of the top and bottom of the TV and add 2 inches. Cut the other two pieces to the length of the two exterior sides of the TV and add 1 inch.

Arrange the molding pieces on your workspace, balanced on their narrower sides. Ensure that the molding's design faces outward and the undecorated sides face upward. Apply wood glue at all the corners, where the pieces meet. Squeeze the corners tightly together. Wipe away the excess glue. Place clamps at all the corners. Allow the glue to dry. Remove the clamps. Hammer two finishing nails near each end of each piece of molding to secure it.

Arrange the frame on your workspace so the pieces are in the same positions as they will be on the wall. Dab wood glue in the area where the pieces of wood meet at the corners. Press the corners tightly together. Wipe off any excess glue that oozes onto the front or back of the frame. Hold the pieces in place by placing a clamp at each corner. Allow the glue to dry. Remove the clamps and hammer two finishing nails into the sides of the frame at each end of each piece of framing wood.

Lay the frame face down on the workspace. Center the molding on top of the frame. Apply wood glue to secure the molding to the frame. Allow the glue to dry. Flip the frame over and hammer finishing nails at each corner to further secure the frame to the molding.

Find the placement of the studs behind your TV, using a stud finder. Slip the frame and molding onto the TV. Position the frame and molding so that the bracket is hidden in the front, but none of the TV screen is covered. Decide and mark where the French cleat should go on both the back and top of the molding and on the wall.

Screw the narrow side of the French cleat to the wall and the thicker side into the molding. Drill holes for the anchors. Screw the anchors into the studs to hold the cleat piece to the wall, if necessary. Place the frame and molding over the TV and lock the two pieces of the French cleat together.