Mounting a TV above a fireplace
The honest pros and cons of a TV over the fireplace, how high is too high, and what to check before you drill into the chimney wall.
In a lot of Jacksonville homes, especially newer builds in St. Johns County and Clay County, the fireplace is the focal wall and there's nowhere else for the TV to go. You can mount above it, but there are a few things to get right.
The height problem
The biggest complaint is neck strain. Most fireplace mantels put the bottom of the TV well above eye level. If you're going above the mantel, a tilting mount helps a lot, and so does keeping the TV as low as the mantel allows. A pull-down mount is another option for big rooms where you watch a lot of TV.
Heat
Many Florida fireplaces are gas or decorative and barely used, which makes life easier. If you do burn wood or run gas logs often, hold your hand under the mantel after the fire's been going for a while. If it's too hot to keep your hand there, it's too hot for a TV.
What's in the wall
Fireplace walls are often stone, brick, block or a framed chase with a metal flue inside. Each needs a different anchor, and some spots can't be drilled at all. We check the wall before we drill and tell you if a spot won't work.
Hiding the wires
Running wires inside a fireplace wall isn't always possible because of the firebox and flue. A paintable cord cover along the side is often the cleanest safe option. We'll show you what's possible on your wall before we start.