How To Mount a TV on an Uneven Stone Fireplace?

Do you think your stone fireplace is the perfect place to hang a TV but can’t figure out how to hang it on the uneven masonry? Should you remove all of the stones and start over? 

Before breaking out the hammer and chisel, follow the steps below to mount a TV on an uneven stone fireplace. 

This process can be lengthy, and you will need several tools and drill bits to get the job done right, but we promise it will be worth it! 

Let’s get started! 

Materials Needed:

• Sharpie
• Tape measure
• Masking tape
• Digital thermometer
• Masonry chisel (optional)
• Pry bar (optional)
• Tile saw (optional) 
• Power drill
• Spacers and washers
• Bolts
• Masonry bit
• Wooden metal bit
• Ratchet bit
• Socket wrench 
• TV bracket
• TV mount

Step 1: Measure Where You Want to Place Your TV 

Before making any drill marks, you need to measure where you want to place your TV. 

We suggest making a paper cut out of your TV and experiment by taping it to different parts of the wall to see what looks best. 

Once you’ve figured out where you want to place your TV, mark the spot using masking tape. 

Now it’s time to measure where you need to place the brackets. 

Measure each side of your TV to the top of the bracket. Next measure and mark where the bracket will sit on the wall. 

You will be drilling permanent holes into your home’s masonry, so make sure you have the precise measurements. Always be sure to check your measurements several times. 

Step 2: Test the Temperature

Placing a TV over a fireplace can be risky as the heat could damage your TV. 

To ensure the stone and TV won’t overheat, tape a digital thermometer where the bottom of the TV will lay and turn your fireplace on. 

Let your fireplace run for at least half an hour, periodically checking the temperature. 

If the stone gets hotter than 100-degrees Fahrenheit (or 37-degrees Celsius), you may need to consider finding a new place to mount your TV. 

See the KJCOOSWI Indoor Thermometer and Humidity Gauge  for a reliable thermometer that can be mounted on the wall. 

Step 3: Measure How Far Certain Stones Stick Out

Now that you know where to place the TV brackets and that the masonry will not overheat, it’s time to look at the stones. 

See if any stones are sticking far out from the wall. It’s also a good idea to hold your TV bracket against the stones and see how flat it lays. 

If you see any protruding stones, mark where they meet the wall using a sharpie. 

You must ensure that the stones will not prevent the TV from being mounted flat against the wall. 

If your wall doesn’t have any protruding stones, continue to step 5. 

Step 4: Remove and Shave Down Protruding Stones

Using a masonry chisel and pry bar, remove the protruding stones from the wall. 

Now, use a tile saw to cut off the stones’ excess, so they will lay flat against the wall. 

Always exercise extreme caution whenever operating power tools. Wear the appropriate gloves and goggles, and turn off the saw when not in use. 

Once the stones are cut, use masonry adhesive to glue them back into the wall. 

Check out the Loctite Premium Construction Adhesive  for a stronghold masonry glue. 

Step 5: Measure How Evenly the TV Bracket Sits on the Wall 

Hold the TV bracket against the wall and, one by one, place a wooden skewer in each bolt hole, using a sharpie to mark the distance between the bracket’s base and the wall.

It’s imperative that the bracket sits securely on the wall, so use spacers and/or washers to fill the gap between the bracket’s base and the wall. 

Sliding the spacers or washers on the skewer is a good way to measure how many you’ll need to fill the space. 

Mark where each bolt must go using a sharpie. 

Step 6: Install the TV Bracket 

Now it’s time to install the TV bracket! 

Attach a masonry bit to your power drill and drill a hole where each bolt will be placed. 

If your stone facade is laid over wood, you may need to switch to a wooden drill bit and drill deeper, so your TV’s weight does not pull the stones off the wall. 

Place the bolts through your TV’s bolt holes and slide on the spacers or washers on the other side. Put the bolts in the holes you’ve just made. 

Attach a ratchet bit to your drill and screw the bracket securely in place. You may need to use a socket wrench to make it tighter. 

Make sure it’s secure and each bolt is as tight as possible. 

Step 7: Install the TV Mount

Lay your TV face-down on a flat surface, using a towel or blanket to cushion the screen and avoid scratching it. 

Install the mount onto your TV and attach it using bolts. 

Use a power drill and socket wrench to ensure it’s firmly in place. 

Step 8: Mount the TV onto the Bracket 

Now you can mount the TV onto the bracket. 

This process will vary depending on how your TV mount and bracket are designed. 

You can slide some mounts onto the brackets, while others can be hung. 

If you’ve opted for a tilt and swivel bracket, you’ll need to align your TV’s extender arm with the bracket and attach them using a bolt. Hold the bolt in place using two washers tightened with a socket wrench. 

Make sure your TV mount moves and tilts as it should and you’re all set! 

Congratulations! You have successfully mounted your TV on an uneven stone fireplace! 

“Fix This Build That” on YouTube has a fantastic video demonstrating the entire process of how to mount a TV on a stone fireplace. It will take you through each step listed above and give you specific details on how to mount a TV onto masonry and troubleshoot any problems along the way. 

Watch it below!