TV Not Level After Mounting: Why Your TV Looks Crooked and How to Fix It

Your TV is mounted on the wall, but it is not level — it leans to one side, and the picture appears crooked. A crooked TV is unsightly and distracting, and it can affect the viewing experience. Understanding the causes of TV leveling issues and the solutions available helps you get a level, professional-looking installation.

In Chicago homes, TV leveling issues are common, especially on older walls that are crooked or uneven. Chicago’s diverse home styles feature various wall conditions, and understanding the specific challenges of TV leveling helps you plan the right approach for a level installation.

Quick Answer: Why Is My TV Not Level After Mounting?

Your TV is not level because the mount plate is not level, the wall is crooked, or the TV was not properly aligned during installation. Most TV mounts include leveling hardware that allows the TV to be adjusted independently of the mount. Use the mount’s leveling screws or bubbles to adjust the TV level. If the wall is crooked, use shims to level the mount plate before attaching the TV.

Causes of TV Leveling Issues

Mount plate not level. The most common cause of TV leveling issues is a mount plate that is not level. If the mount plate is not level during installation, the TV will be crooked. Use a level during mount installation to ensure the plate is level.

Crooked wall. Crooked walls cause the mount plate to be crooked, even when installed carefully. Chicago’s older homes often have crooked walls due to settling and foundation movement. Use shims to level the mount plate on crooked walls.

TV not aligned during installation. If the TV was not properly aligned with the mount during installation, it may be crooked. Most TV mounts include alignment pins or rails that ensure proper TV alignment. Verify the TV is properly aligned with the mount.

Mount leveling hardware not used. Most TV mounts include leveling hardware (screws, bubbles, etc.) that allows the TV to be adjusted independently of the mount. If the leveling hardware was not used, the TV may be crooked. Use the mount’s leveling hardware to adjust the TV level.

Loose mount hardware. Loose mount hardware can cause the TV to shift and become crooked over time. Verify all mount hardware is tight and secure. Tighten any loose screws or bolts.

Fixing TV Leveling Issues

Step 1: Assess the TV crookedness. Use a level to assess the TV’s crookedness. Identify the direction and degree of the TV’s lean.

Step 2: Check the mount plate. Verify the mount plate is level. If the mount plate is not level, use shims to level it before adjusting the TV.

Step 3: Use the mount’s leveling hardware. Most TV mounts include leveling screws or bubbles that allow the TV to be adjusted independently of the mount. Use the leveling hardware to adjust the TV level.

Step 4: Tighten the mount hardware. After leveling the TV, tighten all mount hardware to secure the TV in place. Verify the TV is level and secure.

Step 5: Test the installation. Test the TV for stability and security. Ensure the mount is secure and the TV does not wobble or shift.

TV Mount Leveling Hardware

Leveling screws. Most TV mounts include leveling screws that allow the TV to be adjusted independently of the mount. These screws are typically located on the mount’s arms and allow for precise level adjustment.

Leveling bubbles. Some TV mounts include leveling bubbles that indicate when the TV is level. Use the leveling bubbles to verify the TV is level during installation.

Adjustable arms. Full-motion and tilting mounts include adjustable arms that allow for TV level adjustment. These arms provide greater flexibility for leveling on crooked walls.

Shims. Shims fill the gap between the mount plate and the wall, ensuring the mount is level. Use wooden or plastic shims behind the mount plate to level it on crooked walls.

Chicago-Specific Considerations

Older building walls. Chicago’s older homes often have crooked walls due to settling and foundation movement. Professional assessment ensures proper mount installation on crooked walls.

Condo and apartment walls. Chicago condos and apartments may have crooked walls due to shared wall construction and building settling. Professional assessment ensures proper mount installation.

Professional leveling. For severely crooked walls, professional mount installation with leveling hardware and shims ensures the best results.

What Is Included in Our TV Mounting Service

• Complete wall assessment and stud or anchor point identification.
• TV mount installation with appropriate hardware for your wall type.
• TV attachment, leveling, and safety cable installation.
• Basic cable management: routing, securing, and organizing visible cables.
• Testing all connections to ensure the TV powers on and displays correctly.
• Remote pairing verification and basic troubleshooting.
• Cleanup of the work area, including vacuuming dust and removing all tools and debris.

When TV Leveling Requires Specialized Help

• Severely crooked walls. If the wall is severely crooked, professional wall repair or foundation repair may be required before mounting.
• Mount replacement. If the mount does not include leveling hardware, consider replacing it with a mount that does.
• Structural wall issues. If the wall crookedness is due to structural issues, professional assessment and repair is required.

Our TV Mounting Process

Step 1: Pre-installation consultation.
We discuss your TV size, wall type, wall condition, and desired mount position. We advise on leveling options and mount selection.

Step 2: Wall assessment.
On the day of installation, we assess the wall type, crookedness, and wall condition. We locate studs or appropriate anchor points and verify the wall can safely support your TV.

Step 3: Mount installation.
We install the TV mount using the correct hardware for your wall type, ensure it is level and securely attached, and verify the anchor holding strength.

Step 4: TV attachment and cable management.
Your TV is attached to the mount, all cables are connected and organized, and the TV is tested to ensure everything works correctly.

Step 5: Final inspection and cleanup.
We verify the TV is level, all connections are secure, the remote is paired and functional, and the work area is clean.

Pricing Factors

• TV size and weight. Larger, heavier TVs require more robust mounts and anchors.
• Wall type. Drywall is standard. Plaster, brick, stone, and concrete require specialized tools and anchors.
• Wall condition. Crooked walls may require additional shimming or mount selection, which can affect pricing.
• Cable management. Basic cable organization is included. In-wall concealment is an add-on.
• Additional services. Soundbar mounting, AV equipment integration, and wall repair are separate services.

FAQ: TV Not Level After Mounting

Q: Why is my TV not level after mounting?
A: Your TV is not level because the mount plate is not level, the wall is crooked, or the TV was not properly aligned during installation. Use the mount’s leveling hardware to adjust the TV level.

Q: How do I level my TV after mounting?
A: Use the mount’s leveling screws or bubbles to adjust the TV level. Most TV mounts include leveling hardware that allows the TV to be adjusted independently of the mount.

Q: What if my mount does not have leveling hardware?
A: If your mount does not have leveling hardware, consider replacing it with a mount that does. Full-motion and tilting mounts typically include leveling hardware.

Q: Should I use shims to level the mount?
A: Yes. Shims fill the gap between the mount plate and the wall, ensuring the mount is level. Use shims on crooked walls to level the mount plate before attaching the TV.

Q: Will you level my TV during mounting?
A: Yes. We use a level during mount installation and verify the TV is level after attachment. We use the mount’s leveling hardware to adjust the TV level if needed.

Q: How much does TV leveling cost?
A: TV leveling is included in our TV mounting service. Additional wall repair or mount replacement may require additional charges.

Get Your TV Level

TV leveling issues are common but easily fixed with the right approach. Use the mount’s leveling hardware, shims, and a level during installation for a level, professional-looking result. Let us handle the installation and leveling professionally.

Related: TV Mounting Services | Crooked Wall TV Mounting | Uneven Wall TV Mounting