How to Mount a TV Outdoors (and Keep It Protected All Year Long)

Setting up an outdoor entertainment space is one of the best ways to spend more time in your backyard or patio. But mounting a TV outside requires more than simply hanging it on the wall. Between unpredictable weather, direct sunlight, and installation challenges, there are several important factors to get right if you want to enjoy some outdoor viewing. 

Here are the most important tips to help you mount your outdoor TV safely and securely while keeping it protected from the elements.

1. Choose the Right Location First

Before picking your mount or running wires, consider where the TV will live. Covered patios, pergolas, and gazebos are ideal because they offer built-in protection from rain, snow, and sun exposure. If no overhead structure exists, you’ll need to plan for an outdoor TV enclosure or a weatherproof cabinet. And to be honest, a TV in direct sunlight will be hard to see with all the glare. We strongly recommend installing the mount in a covered area. 

Additional tips:

• Position the TV out of direct sunlight to reduce glare and overheating.
  
  

• Mount the screen facing away from prevailing wind or rain patterns.
  
  

• Avoid locations near sprinklers or fire pits, which can introduce moisture or heat.
  
  

2. Use a Weatherproof Outdoor TV Enclosure (If Needed)

Even if you purchase a TV that’s rated for outdoor use, it’s still vulnerable over time to dust, moisture, and insects. That’s why many installers opt for a weatherproof enclosure, especially in exposed areas.

A good outdoor TV enclosure will:

• Provide a UV-resistant shield to protect the screen.
  
  

• Prevent water from getting into vents or ports.
  
  

• Offer an extra layer of impact protection against debris or accidental bumps.
  
  

These enclosures are especially useful when mounting to brick walls, fences, or wood posts where environmental exposure is higher.

3. Select Outdoor-Rated Cables and Conduit

Running the right type of cable is just as important as choosing the right mount. Standard HDMI or power cables are not designed for prolonged exposure to heat, cold, and moisture.

What to use instead:

• Outdoor-rated HDMI cables: These have thicker insulation to prevent degradation.
  
  

• Outdoor power cords: Look for UL-rated weatherproof extensions.
  
  

• PVC conduit or flexible waterproof tubing: Run cables through these to protect against rain, UV exposure, and critters.
  
  

Be sure to seal any wall penetrations with silicone caulk to prevent water entry into your home or mounting surface.

4. Mounting on Brick, Stucco, or Siding: Do It Right

Outdoor installations often involve challenging surfaces like brick, stucco, or fiber cement siding. The right hardware and techniques will ensure your mount stays secure through all seasons.

For brick or masonry:

• Use sleeve or wedge anchors designed for concrete.
  
  

• Pre-drill holes with a masonry bit, and use a hammer drill for best results.
  
  

For siding:

• Attach the mount to wall studs, not just the siding material.
  
  

• Use a mounting block behind the bracket to create a level surface.
  
  

• Apply exterior-grade sealant around bolts and cable ports to prevent water damage.
  
  

Bonus tip: If you're mounting under a soffit or ceiling, make sure the joists can support the full weight of the TV and mount combined.

5. Is MantelMount Good for Outdoor Use?

MantelMount is best known for its pull-down TV mounts, which are designed to position your TV at the perfect eye level especially over fireplaces or high mounting points. But are they suited for the outdoors?

Here’s what you need to know:

• Officially, MantelMount products are not rated for outdoor use.
  
  

• However, in covered environments such as covered patios or screened-in porches, many customers have had success using them without issue.
  
  

• To minimize exposure, it’s recommended that you:
  
  

• Choose a mount made from coated steel or aluminum (such as the MM540 or MM700).
  
  

• Install it under full cover—no direct exposure to rain or sun.
  
  

• Use a TV enclosure or cover when not in use for added protection.
  
  

Thanks to their full range of motion and heat-sensing handle options, MantelMount products work well for outdoor kitchens, patio fireplaces, or gazebo setups just to make sure you're not leaving them vulnerable to the weather.

6. Ventilation and Heat Management

While weather protection is crucial, you also need to ensure your setup doesn’t trap heat. Enclosures, cabinetry, and tight mounting areas can all lead to overheating if not planned properly.

Best practices:

• Leave at least 2–3 inches of clearance behind the TV for airflow.
  
  

• Avoid completely sealing the mount and TV inside cabinetry unless ventilation grilles are added.
  
  

• Place your outdoor TV away from grills, smokers, or heating lamps to avoid heat buildup.
  
  

Even outdoor-rated TVs and mounts need breathing room to function at their best—especially during warmer months.

Outdoor Mounting Done Right

Mounting a TV outdoors opens the door to weekend movie nights, gameday viewing parties, and next-level backyard barbecues. But it also comes with its own set of challenges. With the right cables, placement, and protection strategies plus a smart choice of mounting gear you can enjoy crystal-clear entertainment in the open air for years to come.