Hiding wires behind wall for a plasma television?

4 Responses to Hiding wires behind wall for a plasma television?

1. Jim P

   August 14, 2011 at 12:38 pm

   I just bought a 40 inch lcd and installed it on a standard wall. It was easier to hide the wires because it did not have a mantel etc. to deal with, but I have seen it done at jobs we have done. (I’m an electrician) One customer had a wood mantel, It was removed and all wiring was done behind the mantel. Drywall removed only behind mantel, drilled the studs and ran it down the wall next to the brick to the base trim, which was also removed. Drywall was removed behind where base trim was, studs drilled to closest outlet for power and wires, cable etc too. they put all equiptment in a cabinet in the corner. When base trim and mantle was returned to original spots, all wiring etc., was hidden and you couldn’t see a thing. I have also seen the same set up done with brick fireplace, much more labor involved, as mantle was stone, still removable, a brick had to be removed for outlet power and another for cable and speaker wires etc. Maybe check with Best Buy, or Circuit City. They do installs. I think “standard” install is around $ 200.00 but yours is probably much costlier.
2. VegasPapi

   August 14, 2011 at 1:14 pm

   Drill a hole in the wall and drill another hole which you’re going to plug in all the cables, make sure you don’t have any studs running horizontally or otherwise your wires would get stuck and you’re not going to get your wires manage the way you want.
3. diver0604

   August 14, 2011 at 2:12 pm

   I like to run wires up to the attic space, then distribute back down different stud bays to the speakers and equipment. To do this, I use a 4′ long flexible drill bit to drill through the double top plate from wall plate sized hole behind the TV. You will need one for power, and one for audio/video. Wires can then be snaked up through those holes (you need to separate power from audio/video signals). to the appropriate locations. This could also be done from the top down, if you have an attic space above the TV but it is hard to locate the correct location to drill and I like to minimize my time in attics (way too hot for me!) Many times I can hide all of the wires without cutting any extra holes in the drywall. When an attic is not an option, you will have to cut extra holes in drywall in order to run the wires as need be. This may be easiest to go sideways through each stud, each case is different. I will usually cut round holes with a large hole saw, run the wires, then use the cut out to patch the hole back up. I am good at patching drywall and matching texture, so thats not a big deal for me. With the right tools and practice though, anyone can patch drywall.
4. luther

   August 14, 2011 at 2:57 pm

   Diver knows what he is talking about. The only thing I would add is don,t overlook the obvious. Is there a utility closet or maybe a garage on the other side of the wall? If so you could run the wires exposed and cover them with wire molding.