[Homestead31]

hey all - i'm in the process of adding a gas fireplace to the corner of a room, and i'll have a tv mounted over the fireplace.

this project will be a combo of DIY and professional, with the pros taking care of the gas etc, and me doing a stone face on the bottom half, with wood on the top half to the ceiling, and the TV mounted on the wood.

there are alot of moving parts here with electrical and assorted cables for the tv... my basic question is, what would you have done different, and what should i look out for here?

i'm willing to get into the walls to hide cables etc, but i'm not sure what happens if there is a problem with cables at some point in the future... is it worth going in the walls, or should i keep them out but covered so i can access if need be?

any other thoughts on what i should / shouldn't do? all thoughts appreciated.

BTW - its a ventless fireplace, but in a 100 year old house that is "drafty" at best, i'm ok with it, and i'd prefer to not see this thread turn into a debate on ventless systems.

thanks

 

[jimn]

I hate TVs above fireplaces .. Causes too many neck muscle cramps. I understand people who need to put a tv above a fireplace because they have no choice . To build this albatross on purpose just doesn't make sense to me. Mount your tv at a comfortable viewing height and forget the fireplace.

As for the unvented fireplace from a guy who owns one in a vacation home, I can not wait to get rid of it.

 

[Homestead31]

thanks Captain Negative.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[Colbyt]

While I tend to agree in full with Cap Negative, I will mention 'use conduit for your cable runs'. One large enough to pull all known existing cable ends through. Then if you have a problem it is an easy fix.

Check local code, fireplace maker and TV mfg for required spacing above the fireplace as heat rises and can damage computer components.

 

[glenkpineda]

I don't think that placing TV above the fire place is a good idea

 

[Nik333]

Funny thread :} What is the purpose of putting it above the fireplace? Wouldn't the light from the fire make it harder to see detail on the TV screen? Much like a TV in front of a window during the day? Seems like it would confuse your vision.

 

[ryansdiydad]

I have a tv above a fireplace.. Don't notice any problems with neck strain.. You can also watch tv without the fireplace on and vice versa. Even when they see both on it doesn't cause any trouble with vision..

+1 for using conduit to run any wires..

 

[NickTheGreat]

I LOVE tv's above fireplaces. The neck strain is a non issue in my opinion. I'd rather look slightly upwards than slightly downwards, but that's just me.

I'd definitely do the conduit (big, 2" or so) if you're opening the walls.

 

[jomama45]

I'm with the last 2 posters, we have a TV mounted relatively high, not over a FP, but to keep kids from screwing with it. Never had an issue, but I'm kind of a rare bird I guess, as I often lay down in my recliner to watch TV AND my eyes must be unique, because they actually move in thier sockets, so my neck doesn't get as sore. I'm guessing some of the earlier posts are from some folks still stuck with console TV's sitting on the floor............

 

[Nik333]

Hey, it's your neck! And eyes. Colbyt's post makes sense.