I have a 43" tv that is just a little too wide to fit inside the insert above my fireplace. I'd love to mount it and just let the tv hang just outside the insert but im a little hesitant on doing it. The insert is 25" deep and about 1.5'-2' above the fireplace. I know they make tv mounts that extend 30" but im a little worried that with a mount extending so far that the tv may pull part of the wall or sag.

Does anyone have any experience with something like this?

My other options are putting a tv mount on the ceiling of the insert rather than the back wall and angling it down and out (smaller mount, cheaper) or putting a wooden frame inside the insert to lessen the extension of the mount arm (this would be hidden when the tv hangs outside the insert).

Also, any thoughts on the safety of hanging a tv 1.5'-2' above a fireplace?

Thanks for any responses. No biggie if noone has any advice, just figured this is the place to ask

 

Welcome to the forums.

We love pictures..... they help us to visualize what you are looking at. http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...-pictures.html

What kind of fireplace.... real wood, gas insert, etc. ?
A TV directly over a fireplace could be an issue. Inside the insert area sounds completely safe.

Others will add more.

 

I'd go the frame out the inside of the recess route. Just build a 2x4" box at the depth you want, making sure to screw it into existing framing. Then screw 2 2x4"s across your box at the width required to hang your TV mount. Doesn't get any easier than that.

As far as the fireplace issue, I agree it depends on what kind of fireplace, how much mantel there is between it and the TV and how much you use it.

 

I agree with BG above. Since the TV will be blocking the niche, there's no need to keep the niche at 25" deep. Just bring the back wall forward, create a new front.

Add nailer boards around the inside perimeter, 3/4" or 1/2" back from the front corners. The distance back depends on if you want to fill the void with plywood or other material.

 

Opinion #3. I agree. Picture frame the opening, inset framing 1" deep and cover with either sheetrock or bead board planks, making the framing pretty solid to accept your mount. You can run electric, HDMI, cable, etc at the same time if you needed to. Mounting on the surface will depend on your mantel protrusion. Here is a table for that protrusion in relation to the opening of the fireplace.