How can I hang a TV and mantle over a fireplace when I don't know what lies behind the stonework?

Submitted by milk4dh t3_yfb43p in DIY

Hi, I am trying to spruce up the living room in a house that I am purchasing. The current layout has a fireplace built on a 45 degree angle in the corner of the room as such...

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https://preview.redd.it/dk57w5zohgw91.jpg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a24d9f99900ec6b130a94bf6a9ee4ead982ba213

The house was built in the 70s and I have no idea what lies behind the stonework. I would like to turn this...

https://preview.redd.it/epnch7p5hgw91.jpg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=46cf06269e8d4f4d78825a6b2442482f1a43a156

Into this...

https://preview.redd.it/6pf6mxt8hgw91.jpg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=337f810823d3b3bd751a3fd0fa36987e926564b5

But I understand that I am going to need to find some of the studs that may be hiding behind this stone in order to properly hang the television and mantle. What methods can I employ to locate these studs without removing stones or swiss-cheesing the entire face?

Cheers!

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Comments

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AndromedaFire t1_iu2p4aj wrote

I would use one of those little flexi cameras that link to your phone. I wouldn’t trust a stud finder to work well through stone.

It’s worth noting that a tv that high up is rarely a good idea especially if it’s the primary tv. It’s a pain to watch and with stone behind it will be a pain to hide the cables. There’s a whole sub dedicated to it at r/tvtoohigh

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milk4dh OP t1_iu2q6cz wrote

I test drove the living room when seeing the place. The way it's laid out is ten times more annoying than looking up at a TV that's a tad too high. Anyone on the left side of the couch has to turn hard left to watch the screen.

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Pussycat-Papa t1_iu3a6q5 wrote

I’m gonna second this being a poor spot for the TV. As others have already mentioned it’s too high, and your cables will be exposed.

There are TV mantle mounts where you can bring the screen down to a more optimal viewing height. My brother has one and it works very well. But why you would ever want to ruin the look of your fireplace is puzzling. It should be the central focus. Not a TV above it.

For what it’s worth i do like the addition of a mantle cuz Santa

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Superbead t1_iu4sx8y wrote

Are you buying it with that furniture fixed in that position, or is that your furniture you've added since you bought it?

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milk4dh OP t1_iu4thli wrote

The furniture came with the house and we have no intention on changing it at the moment (it will be used as a second/income property)

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Superbead t1_iu4v11o wrote

I know what it's not what you want to hear, but if you're the only person fussed about the symmetry yada yada of having a tiny squinty TV up on high over the fireplace at the expense of function, yet you're not going to be living there most of the time, why not simply save yourself the fucking around entirely and put the TV on a cabinet to the left of the fireplace like someone else has suggested here? Your tenants can move the furniture around to suit.

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milk4dh OP t1_iu4vxsh wrote

Because when I'm there, after a long day of skiing, I want to light a fire, sit down, and watch a game or movie on a HIGH TV so I can see both without turning my head. That's what I like and trying to achieve.

I appreciate everyone's concern about the TV being too high. There was a time where I'd agree. But after having a few high TVs, I realized I actually like it. Kids running around getting in the way of the screen has not been an issue. If I want to get up and socialize in the kitchen, I can still see over everyone's head. It's what I'm going to do, and no one is changing my mind dammit!

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TWK1990 t1_iu5jhap wrote

I always worry about the longevity of electronics at any temperature above 25C. Sure it probably won't fry the TV over night. Maybe not in a year or two. But I would be a little worried about it.

Have fun with your ski chalet. You swanky bastard. I am very jealous. Cheers.

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RC10B5M t1_iu4orjm wrote

First off, don't hang the tv over the fireplace.

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jtho78 t1_iu4s9b3 wrote

Exactly. Looks terrible and way too high

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milk4dh OP t1_iu4wbac wrote

Know what? I changed my mind. I'm putting the TV on the pitched ceiling. Above all the stonework. I will show you all!!!

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syds t1_iu4ybki wrote

we will wait for OP!!

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roksraka t1_iu3hvu6 wrote

Have you considered a freestanding TV? I think it's a real shame when people hang their TVs above a fireplace, because the two then compete for visual attention and do not match in terms of size etc. I view the fireplace as something analog, away from technology, used to relax by the fire... adding a TV to that feels wrong to me.

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milk4dh OP t1_iu3vypb wrote

I like the symmetry of having it over the fireplace.I know Im upsetting a lot of people in this sub wanting to put it there, but the WHERE has been settled. I need to focus on the HOW.

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TellurideTeddy t1_iu2p4sl wrote

Why even bother? Just drill through those suckers, if you hit a stud awesome, if not use a Snaptoggle and call it a day. I doubt your TV weighs 150lbs+...

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milk4dh OP t1_iu2pmqs wrote

The TV isn't the concern. The mantle is pretty hefty though. And if some kid decides to go up and hang on it for whatever reason and the whole thing comes down on him, that wouldn't be pretty.

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chuckfr t1_iu2r4uc wrote

May not be pretty but if you have a camera running the karma you’d get on r/kidsarestupid should be pretty good.

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no-chaser t1_iu2uq5u wrote

If it helps I was terrified about mounting a tv to my stone fireplace so I paid the extra $50 for Bestbuy to mount a 110 lb 90” tv direct to the stone. They used around 10 tapcons into a tv mount and that thing isn’t going anywhere. Edit: the added comfort is having the experts that do this daily install it with ease and confidence paired with the big box insurance if anything were to go wrong

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twohedwlf t1_iu2nfm1 wrote

A good stud finder might work. Alternatively, drill a hole somewhere in the middle of where you want it in the grout between the bricks and then you can stick a hanger or wire or something through and feel around, get an idea what's behind there.

Or buy one of those $10 endoscopes off aliexpress that people totally do NOT mostly just shove up their own butts and stick it in the hole to look.

4

JerseyWiseguy t1_iu2nxd4 wrote

You might be able to loosen or remove the metal fireplace box and/or trim, and be able to look into the wall from the bottom. That may allow you to see enough to know what you have to work with, before you start drilling into the stone.

3

Sinviras t1_iu4xv5f wrote

This is one very minor part of my business, and one that I hate the most. Heat, view distance, and TV height are all factors you may struggle with. There is far more here than can realistically be done by someone who is untrained. For starters, you will need power and low voltage cabling run to this location (unless you are going entirely streaming, in which case you just need power).

Generally the electrician is first man on site for a job like this. Their penetrations will allow you to see if there is a backer box or framing for the fireplace. If there is not one, it will likely need to be constructed to do this properly.

After the electric is run and the TV is mounted, you will also likely require a mantle to be within manufacturers spec for TV hanging. Most fireplaces require a 6-9" mantle set within a certain distance of the opening. You will have to check your fireplaces user manual or contact the company of manufacture. This is a common question they deal with.

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bigboypantss t1_iu4p7xj wrote

I'd take a hammer drill with a small bit, something like 3/16", and put a small hole in the stone somewhere that isn't noticeable to see how thick the stone is. As long as the stone isn't just a veneer and is 2+" thick, I'd just mount right onto the stone. TV's are not that heavy.

1

carthous t1_iu50zky wrote

just use some PL 3000

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Ravio11i t1_iu52ttk wrote

I know everyone else is saying this is a shit place to hang a TV and you don't seem to care...but... this is a shit place to hang a TV

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milk4dh OP t1_iu53db2 wrote

Correct. I don't care what they are saying. The current location is even more shit.

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oh-propagandhi t1_iu5kiw6 wrote

Why don't you just reinforce the mantle when installing and place the tv on it? You could even make a cutout in the back/top mantle through to the stone for cable management that could be hidden with a wooden cap. Then if you want to hit the undo button at any point you're golden.

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clamhappy2 t1_iu2qlw7 wrote

Only one way to find out then!

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lordfaffing t1_iu3ioj5 wrote

Agree with many, that’s too high

Why don’t you just put it where the console table is now to the left of the fire place - sure it’ll block your windows some, but your room doesn’t lack for light!

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clamhappy2 t1_iu2p951 wrote

If there’s brick on the outside, no studs on the inside.

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milk4dh OP t1_iu2pub1 wrote

The outside is all covered in stucco. Not exactly sure how any of it was built.

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milk4dh OP t1_iu2t6wr wrote

Are you implying that the stones may be deep enough to drill and anchor into? How else could it have been constructed. I imagine its either a conventionally built wall with thinner stoneface or it's essentially a stone wall built into this corner.

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clamhappy2 t1_iu2tzj7 wrote

Pound on the stone. If it sounds hollow, empty back there. If it’s solid, use a concrete wedge anchor. If it’s hollow, snap toggle. Lower the tv in your render, too high.

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SpiralCenter t1_iu3hzdt wrote

Do not anger the elder gods by trying to discover what lies behind...

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