Uneven Wall Surface: How to Mount a TV on Textured or Patched Walls

You mount your TV on the wall and notice it does not sit flat against the wall. The wall is uneven — textured, patched, or warped — and the TV mount does not make full contact with the wall surface. This gap between the TV and the wall is unsightly and can affect the mount’s stability. Understanding the causes of uneven walls and the solutions available helps you get a secure, professional-looking installation.

In Chicago homes, uneven walls are common, especially in older buildings with plaster walls, multiple layers of drywall, or previous repair work. Chicago’s diverse home styles feature various wall conditions, and understanding the specific challenges of uneven walls helps you plan the right approach for safe TV mounting.

Quick Answer: How Do I Mount a TV on an Uneven Wall?

Use shims or spacing washers to fill the gap between the mount and the wall. Most TV mounts include spacing hardware, but additional shims may be needed for severely uneven walls. Alternatively, use a full-motion mount that provides more clearance and accommodates wall irregularities. For the best results, address the wall unevenness before mounting.

Causes of Uneven Walls

Textured walls. Textured walls (orange peel, knockdown, popcorn, etc.) have uneven surfaces that prevent the mount from sitting flat against the wall. Textured walls are common in Chicago homes and require shims or spacing washers for proper mount installation.

Patched walls. Walls with previous repair work (patched holes, water damage, etc.) may have uneven surfaces where the patch does not match the surrounding wall. Patched walls are common in Chicago’s older homes and require shims or spacing washers for proper mount installation.

Warped walls. Warped walls bow or curve away from the plane, creating gaps between the mount and the wall. Warped walls are common in older Chicago buildings and may require wall repair before mounting.

Plaster walls. Plaster walls are often uneven due to the plaster application process and years of settling. Plaster walls are common in Chicago’s pre-1960s homes and require careful assessment before mounting.

Drywall installation issues. Poor drywall installation (improper taping, joint compound application, etc.) can create uneven surfaces. Drywall installation issues are common in newer Chicago construction and may require wall repair before mounting.

Solutions for Uneven Walls

Shims and spacing washers. Shims and spacing washers fill the gap between the mount and the wall, ensuring the mount is secure and the TV sits flat. Most TV mounts include spacing hardware, but additional shims may be needed for severely uneven walls.

Full-motion mounts. Full-motion mounts provide more clearance between the TV and the wall, accommodating wall irregularities. Full-motion mounts are more expensive than fixed mounts but offer greater flexibility and better accommodation of uneven walls.

Wall repair. For severely uneven walls, wall repair (sanding, joint compound application, etc.) may be required before mounting. Professional wall repair ensures a flat, smooth surface for proper mount installation.

Mount plate shimming. Some TV mounts include shimming hardware that allows the mount plate to be adjusted for uneven walls. Check your mount’s instructions for shimming options.

TV Mount Installation on Uneven Walls

Step 1: Assess the wall unevenness. Use a level or straight edge to assess the wall’s unevenness. Identify the areas where the wall is most uneven and determine the gap size.

Step 2: Choose the right shims. Select shims or spacing washers that match the gap size. Most TV mounts include spacing hardware, but additional shims may be needed for severely uneven walls.

Step 3: Install the mount with shims. Install the mount plate with shims in the gap areas. Ensure the mount is level and securely attached to the wall.

Step 4: Attach the TV. Attach the TV to the mount and verify it sits flat against the wall. Adjust the shims as needed for proper alignment.

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.

Chicago-Specific Considerations

Plaster walls. Chicago’s older homes have plaster walls that are often uneven. Plaster walls require careful assessment and shimming for proper mount installation.

Condo and apartment walls. Chicago condos and apartments may have uneven walls due to shared wall construction and previous tenant modifications. Professional assessment ensures proper mount installation.

Wall repair availability. Chicago has numerous drywall and plaster repair professionals who can address wall unevenness before mounting. Professional wall repair 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 Uneven Wall Mounting Requires Specialized Help

• Severely uneven walls. If the wall is severely uneven, professional wall repair is recommended before mounting.
• Plaster walls. Plaster wall mounting requires specialized assessment and shimming for proper installation.
• Structural wall issues. If the wall unevenness 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 shimming options and wall repair needs.

Step 2: Wall assessment.
On the day of installation, we assess the wall type, unevenness, 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. Uneven walls may require additional shimming or wall repair, 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: Uneven Wall Surface

Q: Why is my wall uneven?
A: Walls can be uneven due to texture, previous repair work, warping, plaster application, or drywall installation issues. Chicago’s older homes often have uneven plaster walls.

Q: How do I mount a TV on an uneven wall?
A: Use shims or spacing washers to fill the gap between the mount and the wall. Most TV mounts include spacing hardware, but additional shims may be needed for severely uneven walls.

Q: Can I use a full-motion mount on an uneven wall?
A: Yes. Full-motion mounts provide more clearance between the TV and the wall, accommodating wall irregularities. Full-motion mounts are more expensive but offer greater flexibility.

Q: Should I repair the wall before mounting?
A: For severely uneven walls, professional wall repair is recommended before mounting. Wall repair ensures a flat, smooth surface for proper mount installation.

Q: Will you mount a TV on an uneven wall?
A: Yes. We have experience mounting TVs on uneven walls and use shims and spacing hardware for proper installation. We can also advise on wall repair options.

Q: How much does wall repair cost?
A: Wall repair typically costs $100 to $300, depending on the extent of the unevenness and the repair requirements.

Mount Your TV on Uneven Walls

Uneven walls are common in Chicago homes, but they do not prevent safe TV mounting. Use shims, spacing washers, or full-motion mounts to accommodate wall irregularities. For severely uneven walls, professional wall repair ensures the best results. Let us handle the assessment and installation professionally.

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