The Challenge of TV Installation

Purchasing a stunning 65-inch LG C5 OLED TV (EVO AI model) for $1,699 at Costco was just the first step; the real hurdle came with deciding how to hang this beauty in my home. With any TV, the mounting dilemma often proves to be as challenging as the purchase itself.

Why I Chose the LG C5 OLED

I fell for the LG C5 due to its "vibrant colors, strong contrast," and the ability to deliver "superb detail." Plus, weighing just 36.6 lbs, it was a far cry from my first heavy TCL 6-Series, which tipped the scales at nearly 60 lbs. Light weight was crucial, especially given the age and quirks of my home's construction.

An Old Home with Unique Problems

As part of a renovation project in my nearly 100-year-old house, I faced a significant issue: a peculiar center wall that was constructed without following today’s building norms. Instead of proper wall studs (2x4s) placed every 16 inches, my home had them installed with the wide side facing outward, resulting in a much narrower 3-inch wall — far too flimsy to support a traditional wall mount.

Rethinking the Mounting Process

What if I could hang the TV like a piece of art? I embarked on a search for stud-free mounting systems and discovered the Hang Smart TV mount from Home Depot, retailing for $49. This innovative solution promised to support up to 100-inch TVs weighing up to 150 lbs, making it perfect for my lightweight OLED.

Setting Up the Installation

After bringing the TV and the Hang Smart system home, I took my time to carefully measure where the TV would go, aiming for the sweet spot that would make it the focal point of our new sectional sofa. Experts recommend hanging a TV about 25 inches off the floor, but previous experiences taught me that might be too low. The goal was to get that 65-inch beauty at eye level.

Crafting the Perfect Spot

The process was painstaking but necessary. I utilized color guides and a mini-level from the Hang Smart kit to ensure proper alignment for a flawless finish. Each mount has cleverly designed holes to distribute the weight of the TV across the wall, promising a secure fit.

A Nerve-Racking Yet Rewarding Installation

Instead of worrying about finding studs, the Hang Smart system made it possible to install my TV with minimal wall damage – just eight tiny holes compared to the usual two larger ones required by traditional mounts. After hammering in the nails of the Hang Smart mounts, I attached the hooks to the back of my LG C5 and hoisted it into place.

Success at Last!

The result? My OLED hung perfectly, slightly tilting forward to create the ideal viewing angle for our sectional. Hang Smart even supplied black rubber spacers to adjust the tilt if I decide to go that route later. Overall, this affordable system works wonders and avoids the hassle of conventional mounts — I'd recommend it to anyone looking to mount a TV!

Why You Should Consider Hang Smart

If you're looking to hang a TV without the usual stress and wall damage, Hang Smart’s ingenious system is worth every penny. It’s not just a better mounting option; it’s a modern solution for enjoying your home entertainment without all the headaches that come with traditional installations.