This place is great!

I was looking for some input.

I am installing a flat panel LCD (31.9Lbs) over a limestone fireplace. I have already done heat tests and the install area stays below 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is well within standard operation temperature for the display.

I am having trouble deciding on the mounting configuration. The installation area is limestone with mortar joints.The limestone area protrudes about 5 1/2 inches from the wall.The limestone blocks all have uneven surfaces. I think it was meant to replicate a rustic cottage look. The uneven surface of the blocks will be the biggest challenge on getting this installation level.

Option 1

Find a mounting bracket with a small or thin footprint that would fit snug in one of the mortar joints. I might have to build up the mortar a small bit to create an even surface so the display would be level.

Option 2

Use a piece of plywood as a support plate. I could bolt the plywood to the wall at mortar joints. This would create a nice smooth surface to mount the display on. but due to the uneven surface of the limestone blocks I would have to ensure the support plate would be level also.

Am I going in the right direction? Will the mortar joints have enough strength to hold the display plus mounting hardware?

I do not think I will be able to run wire behind the fireplace. I was planning on some sort of conduit or cable cover to conceal the cables. Maybe paint the cable cover the same color of the wall.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Attached is a basic diagram


This message was edited by magnafury on 03/09/05 10:04 ET.

Limestone is a little weak, however, I would consider some long lead anchors to mount a Sanus style plate without the plywood. Many fireplaces are not solid even if they are brick. We rent an industrial hammer drill (and a long prybar for making the hole large enough for the wires) so we can rout the cables within the block. The entry hole looks clean. We've always considered conduit a non-option.

Give me your email address and I'll send some pics of the process

Thank you so much for the reply. I was a little worried that the limestone would not hold up.

Again thanks a lot for the reply

Limestone is a little crumbly. If you can get a couple bolts/anchors deeper than the limestone (into hopefully cement or studs) you might worry less about earthquakes. I'll email you tonight

NOOOOOOOO

Never mount to the mortar joints. I'd use lead anchors right into the stone and lots of them. As many as you can possibly drill and have a large assortment of various lengths of lag bolts on hand to make up for the fact that some of them will have gaps between the bracket and the wall.

you can also shim the lag bolts between the bracket and the brick so you don't bend the bracket... Lots of washers painted to match the bracket should work...

The concern is the limestone and what is behind it. The longer and snugger the anchors are the stronger the hold.

Litmus test:

1) Anchor and secure the mount
2) Hang on it yourself (if it comes down on you, you're fired)
3) If it holds you at 170lbs+, it will hold a little LCD

In the past 15 years, I have never lost one TV stand/mount I've swung on.

ps - hope the pics help out.

Steve Garn
The pictures were great. After seeing your install I don’t think I can even consider using conduit for the cables. You did a very nice and clean job! I hope my installation comes close to that. I will for sure use a bracket similar to the one used in your photos. It seems very secure and the plate has plenty of mounting holes.

Ahl
Thanks for the washer idea I think that would be a great way to fill any space between the bracket and wall.

AHEM
I did not want to damage the stones on the fireplace but as they say if you want to make an omelet you need to crack a few eggs. Thanks for the input!

After the bracket is up I will give it the S.G.S.T.
(Steve Garn Swing Test)

Thanks everyone!