Published 2026-03-17 -- by Steven, owner of Rock Paper TV
You just bought a new TV and want it above the fireplace. But your fireplace wall is brick. Or natural stone. Or maybe it is standard drywall with a mantel shelf above it. Does the wall type actually matter?
Short answer: yes, it matters -- but not because any of them are impossible. After seven years of mounting TVs in Louisville, KY, I have installed on every surface type you can imagine. The difference is in the hardware, the drilling technique, the time it takes, and the price. Here is an honest breakdown of all four common fireplace wall types, ranked from easiest to hardest.
If you have already read our complete fireplace TV mounting guide, this post goes deeper on the wall-surface-specific details.
Drywall is the most common wall surface we see in the Louisville area, and it is the simplest to mount on. The process is straightforward: locate the studs behind the drywall, drill pilot holes, and drive lag bolts through the drywall into the studs.
- Stud finder works perfectly. Standard magnetic or electronic stud finders read cleanly through half-inch drywall. No guessing.
- Standard hardware. Lag bolts into wood studs. No masonry anchors or special bits needed.
- Wire concealment is easy. Cutting drywall for an in-wall power outlet and cable routing is clean and repairable.
- When it gets harder: Occasionally we encounter steel studs behind drywall (common in commercial builds and some newer condos). Steel studs require toggle bolts rated for the TV weight -- not a dealbreaker, but it changes the hardware.
Brick fireplaces are extremely common in Louisville homes built before 2000. The good news: brick is consistent and predictable. The key decision is whether to drill into the mortar joints or the brick face.
- Mortar joints first. We prefer to drill into mortar joints whenever the mount bolt pattern allows it. Mortar is softer than brick, easier to repair if the TV is ever removed, and structurally strong enough for mount hardware.
- Brick face when needed. When the bolt pattern does not line up with mortar joints, we drill directly into the brick using masonry bits. Tapcon masonry screws or sleeve anchors provide solid hold.
- Does drilling damage the brick? No -- not when done correctly. We use the right size masonry bit, drill at the correct speed, and avoid impact near edges. The holes are hidden behind the mount bracket.
- Wire concealment is limited. You cannot cut channels in brick for in-wall wiring the way you can with drywall. We use paintable cord covers or route cables through nearby drywall sections when possible.
For a deeper look at brick-specific installs, see our brick fireplace mounting service page.
Natural stone fireplaces are the most challenging surface for TV mounting. The difficulty comes from three factors: irregular surfaces that prevent flush contact with the mount bracket, varying stone density across the same wall, and the lack of predictable mortar joints.
- Diamond-tip drilling. We use diamond-tip masonry bits at slow speeds to prevent cracking. Fast drilling on stone causes fractures. Patience is the difference between a clean hole and a cracked stone.
- Finding studs behind stone veneer. Most stone fireplaces are veneer over a wood-framed wall. The studs are behind the stone, but standard stud finders cannot read through 2-3 inches of stone. We use measurement techniques and sometimes test drill to locate studs.
- Structural fasteners. We use heavy-duty concrete anchors rated well beyond the TV weight. For larger TVs (65 inches and up), we use Simpson Strong-Tie or FastenMaster LOK Line fasteners driven through the stone into the studs.
- Shimming for flat contact. Because stone surfaces are irregular, the mount bracket rarely sits flat. We use washers and spacers to create a level mounting plane without over-tightening and cracking the stone.
We have a full guide on this topic: Can You Mount a TV on a Stone Fireplace? Yes -- Here's How. For pricing details, see our stone fireplace service page.
Stonestack and Manufactured Stone -- A Special Case
Stonestack (also called ledgestone or manufactured stone veneer) is thinner than natural stone but still requires masonry hardware. It is extremely popular in Louisville new construction and renovations.
The install approach: drill through the mortar layer to reach the studs behind the veneer. This is always the first preference. When mortar drilling is not viable -- for example, when the mortar is too thin or there is no mortar between the stones -- we discuss with the customer that direct stone drilling is necessary. With proper bit selection and slow drilling speed, cracking is preventable.
For stonestack-specific pricing and details, see our stonestack fireplace mounting page.
Drywall
From $249
Standard lag bolt mounting into studs. Easiest and most affordable.
Brick
From $299
Masonry hardware and mortar-joint drilling. Mid-range difficulty.
Stone / Stonestack
From $349
Diamond-tip drilling, structural fasteners. Most complex surface.
Full pricing for all services is on our pricing page. See our gallery for photos of completed installs.
The Verdict -- Difficulty Ranking
Every fireplace wall is mountable by a professional with the right tools. But they are not all equal in difficulty or cost. Here is the honest ranking:
| Surface | Difficulty | Key Hardware | Install Time | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drywall | ★ | Lag bolts | 45-60 min | $249 |
| Brick | ★★★ | Tapcons, sleeve anchors | 60-90 min | $299 |
| Stonestack | ★★★★ | Rotary hammer, mortar anchors | 90-120 min | $349 |
| Natural Stone | ★★★★★ | Diamond-tip bits, structural fasteners | 90-120 min | $349 |
The bottom line: do not let your wall type stop you from getting the TV where you want it. Every surface has a proven installation method. The only question is which hardware and technique your specific wall requires -- and that is what a pro installer figures out for you.
Is it harder to mount a TV on brick or stone?
Stone is harder due to irregular surfaces and varying density. Brick is more predictable because you can drill into consistent mortar joints. Both require masonry-rated hardware and a professional installer.
Can you mount a TV on a fake stone fireplace?
Yes. Manufactured stone (stonestack) is thinner than natural stone. We drill through the mortar layer to reach studs behind the veneer for maximum strength. Proper bit selection prevents cracking.
How much does it cost to mount a TV above a brick fireplace?
Brick fireplace TV mounting starts at $299 including masonry-rated hardware. Add in-wall wire concealment for $175. Pricing depends on the specific wall surface, TV size, and wiring option.
Will drilling into my fireplace damage it?
No, when done by a professional. We use surface-specific drill bits and drilling techniques designed to prevent cracking. For brick, we drill into mortar joints when possible. For stone, we use diamond-tip bits at slow speeds.
Can I mount a TV on drywall above a fireplace without studs?
We do not recommend mounting a TV without studs behind the drywall. Toggle bolts and drywall anchors are not rated for the sustained weight and leverage of a mounted TV. We always mount into structural studs for safety.
Ready to Mount Your TV?
Text us a close-up photo of your fireplace surface -- brick, stone, stonestack, or drywall -- and we will tell you exactly what hardware you need and what it will cost. Same-day quotes. Owner-operated. Seven years of fireplace mounting experience in the Louisville area.
For more fireplace mounting tips, read our complete fireplace TV mounting guide and our deep dive on how to hide TV wires.