Find a home theater professional near you

You will likely pay between $2,000 and $33,000 to install a home theater. A large part of this cost is the home theater system itself, which includes the TV, wiring, sound system and disc players. You will also need to install lighting, comfortable seating and potentially sound-dampening to prevent noise leakage. The installation will also come with labor costs and may require more than one technician.

For a more accurate cost estimate, request quotes from several home theater installation professionals near you.

The actual height you mount your TV will depend on the layout of your room. If you’re mounting it above a fireplace or in an alcove, the height of these structures will determine the mounting height of your TV. However, Bob Villa recommends positioning your TV 42 inches on-center in conventional rooms with standard seated viewing.

Here are some examples of average home theater installation costs and the cost of surround sound speakers:

• TV wall mount and up to 5 wall-mounted speakers with hidden wires: $399.
• 60-inch TV and small home system: $2,080.
  • Equipment cost: $1,680.
    • Five box speakers and subwoofer: $500.
    • Three HDMI wires: $30.
    • Surround amp: $250.
    • 60-inch TV and bracket: $900.
    • Labor cost: $400 Including setup, wiring and TV mounting.
• Projector and screen system plus audio wiring throughout home: $12,900.
  • Equipment cost: $9,900.
    • Approximate wire costs: $2,700.
    • Projector and bracket: $1,500.
    • 110-inch screen: $600.
    • Surround amp: $500.
    • 5-inch ceiling speakers and sub: $1,400.
    • Remote control system: $400.
    • Eight zones of speakers and volume controls: $2,800 ($350 each)
    • Labor cost: $3,000. Includes prewiring for 5-inch ceiling speakers, one subwoofer, one 20-inch to 50-inch HDMI, Cat. 6 control wire to projector, 1.5-inch tube for future wire changes, and wiring for two to eight additional audio zones throughout the home. All equipment (audio boxes, amps, cable box, etc.) is concealed. The audio zones are controllable by iOS devices from anywhere in the home.

You may be able to mount your flat screen TV above your fireplace for a more streamlined look in your living room. In fact, TV mounting professionals can hang your flat screen TV flush with a wall or from a tilting or full-motion bracket mount in any room in your home. A tilting or full-motion mount may be the best option above a fireplace so you can tilt the TV down for the best viewing angle. Whether the wall above your fireplace is brick, drywall, concrete, stone or plaster, most television mounting services can accommodate your needs. Hardier wall surfaces like concrete or brick will require more labor and expertise to mount, and will likely have a higher price range.

If you want your AV and cable wires hidden in the wall, you will also pay a higher price due to the added time and skill to properly drill the holes and run wires. Before mounting your TV above your fireplace, consult with the manufacturer about necessary distance from heat sources. If the space above your fireplace gets too warm, another location could be better for the longevity of your TV. Your television mounting services may take between one and two hours, or more depending on your home theater setup.

While there are a number of different professionals who are capable of installing a home theater, your best bet is to go with a dedicated company that specializes in such systems. Search for top-rated home theater pros in your area on Thumbtack, and narrow down your search by looking at the customer ratings, reviews and project photos showing their work.

Before you hire anyone, look into their licensing and certifications. Then, request pride quotes from at least three professionals. Choose someone who offers fair pricing and boasts high-quality work.

Elevate your home style with television mounting services. The national average price for television mounting services ranges between $100 and $130. Factors that can affect cost are the material of the wall you want the TV mounted on, whether you want the wires hidden, and any additional entertainment system connection you desire. It probably costs more to mount a TV on brick, stone or concrete than on drywall or plaster due to the added labor required to drill holes. For example, a company may charge an additional $99 to mount a TV on a brick wall. Here are some examples of average costs for television mounting services:

• Basic TV wall mount: $40. Does not include bracket, device connection or strip management.
• TV wall mount: $119. Includes bracket, mounting services, strip management system (for concealing external wires), and connection of all entertainment devices.
• TV wall mount with wires hidden inside wall: $139.
• Installation of additional electrical outlet: $65.
• TV wall mount over fireplace with wires hidden: $179-$249.
• TV wall mount and up to 5 speakers wall-mounted with hidden wires: $399.

Many TVs can be mounted with standard equipment. However, you need to cover a few details before mounting a TV. Know the size and weight of your TV before you purchase a mount. Additionally, make sure your TV follows the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) standards by looking for the VESA logo followed by a number. Match this number to the VESA-compatible mount to ensure compatibility. If you’re unsure if your TV can be mounted, contact the best professional TV mounting services in your area to see if they can offer guidance and help you with the installation.

You can hide wires from a hanging TV on a wall by putting them behind the wall. However, this requires some drilling or buying an in-wall power kit. Alternatively, you can use what’s called a “raceway” — a hollow metal or plastic channel — that runs down your wall and hides your cables from sight. To get the job done right, and avoid risking damage to your wall, hire a professional TV wall mount installer near you.

Yes, you can mount a TV without studs using hollow wall anchors, which are used to hang objects on a wall, according to Digital Trends. However, these have limits. Make sure they can handle the weight of your TV. 

If you’re not comfortable mounting a TV on the wall without studs by yourself, hire a top-rated professional in your area instead.

Start with the TV. You can choose between a projector or a TV, but if you choose a TV. Next, choose the room and base your speaker selection on its size and dimensions. While large speakers are appealing, some more discreet speakers can fit unnoticed in ceilings and walls. 

Next, decide on what streaming services you want. Finally, pick out the seating and lighting you need for the full theater experience.

If you’re stuck on which components to buy for your home theater, you can always consult with a professional. These pros can also help you install everything you need for your system.