How to Mount a TV in an NYC Apartment (Plaster, Brick & Concrete Walls)

NYC Apartment Walls: What You're Dealing With

Wall Type	Common In	Difficulty
Drywall (modern)	Post-2000 buildings, renovated units	Standard
Plaster & lath	Pre-1970s, brownstones	Moderate
Concrete / CMU	High-rises, loft buildings	Requires masonry bits
Brick	Exposed-brick units, older buildings	Moderate, needs anchors
Metal studs	Commercial conversions, newer builds	Requires toggle bolts

The Biggest Mistake: Mounting Into Plaster Without the Right Anchors

Plaster walls look solid but crack easily and don't hold standard drywall anchors well. We've seen TV mounts pulled clean off plaster walls because the wrong hardware was used. For a 55"+ TV on plaster, you absolutely need to hit studs — not just wall anchors.

Modern stud finders often struggle with plaster because the density fools the sensor. This is one of the main reasons customers call us after a DIY attempt.

TV Mounting Costs in NYC (2025)

Service	Price Range
Standard TV mount (drywall, up to 65")	$125 – $175
Large TV (75"+)	$150 – $250
Full-motion articulating mount	$150 – $250
Plaster or brick wall (add-on)	+$25 – $50
Cord concealment in wall	$75 – $150 additional
Mount above fireplace	$175 – $300

Building Rules in NYC Co-ops and Condos

Many NYC buildings require proof of insurance before any contractor does work. At Repair Asap, we carry a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and can name your building's management company as additionally insured. This is something many handymen from apps can't easily provide.

Hiding TV Cables in an NYC Apartment

• Cable raceways: Surface-mounted plastic channels. Paintable, no drywall cutting. Best for rentals.
• In-wall cable management: Cables run inside the wall. Completely hidden. Requires cutting drywall (check building rules first).

Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?

For modern drywall with wood studs and a TV under 50", confident DIY-ers can usually manage. But for older buildings, plaster, brick, concrete, or large TVs — professional mounting is worth every dollar. A fallen TV can injure someone and void your TV's warranty.