Watching TV from your deck shouldn’t mean hauling your indoor TV outside every time. Tired of this routine, a homeowner called Ask This Old House. Outdoor TVs are available, but pairing a standard TV with a weatherproof enclosure is often a more cost-effective solution. Master electrician Heath Eastman installed an outdoor TV enclosure with properly upgraded electrical connections.
How to Mount an Outdoor TV Enclosure
- Start by placing the TV face down on the protective blocks included with the enclosure kit. The blocks should be positioned on the TV’s frame, not on the screen to avoid damage.
- Attach the enclosure kit’s mounting bracket to the back of the TV, following the manufacturer’s instructions. You’ll need a screwdriver for the smaller screws and a socket wrench for the larger bolts.
- Mount the surge suppressor on the back of the TV using double-sided tape. Connect the TV’s power cord to the surge suppressor, then attach an outdoor-rated power cord to the surge suppressor. Use a weatherproof cord connector to protect the connection from moisture.
- Carefully lift the TV enclosure over the TV and lower it into place, aligning the bolt holes with the mounting brackets.
- Feed the power cord through the opening in the bottom of the enclosure. Make a small slit in the rubber grommet, thread the cord through, and ensure the grommet seals around the cord.
- Attach the wall-mount bracket to the back of the TV enclosure, aligning it with the bolts protruding through the enclosure. Use the included hardware to bolt the bracket and enclosure together.
- Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs where you’ll mount the bracket. Mark the stud locations at the height where the bracket will be installed.
- Before cutting into the siding, drill a small test hole between the studs. Bend a piece of wire at a 90-degree angle, insert it into the hole, and rotate it to check for obstructions, such as pipes or wiring.
- Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the perimeter of the weatherproof electrical box’s siding flange and press it against the siding. Use an oscillating multi-tool to carefully cut away the siding and sheathing within the box opening.
- Licensed Electrician Required: Run appropriately sized wire from the electrical panel (connected to a GFCI-protected breaker) to the new outlet location. Feed the wire through the electrical box and secure the box to the mounting flange.
- Licensed Electrician Required: Wire the outlet correctly: ground wire (bare or green) to the green screw, white (neutral) wire to the silver screw, and black (hot) wire to the brass screw. Secure the outlet inside the weatherproof box.
- Mount the TV wall bracket to the siding, driving lag bolts into the studs. Apply a small amount of silicone caulk to each bolt before installation, then run a bead of silicone along the top edge of the bracket to prevent water infiltration.
- With a helper, carefully lift the TV and enclosure onto the wall bracket and secure it with the provided hardware.
Key Considerations:
- Choose a TV with a QLED or similar anti-reflective screen to reduce glare in outdoor lighting conditions.
- Ensure your wall mount is rated for outdoor use and can support the combined weight of both the TV and enclosure (often 150+ lbs).
- A weatherproof recessed electrical box with a siding flange will sit flush against clapboard siding for a clean, professional look.
- Installing the outlet behind the TV eliminates visible cords and tripping hazards.
Resources
Outdoor TV Enclosure
The TV Shield – 60–65” weatherproof TV enclosure with two fans
If you don’t purchase the mount combination with the enclosure, it’s important to purchase a TV mount that can hold the weight of both the television and the enclosure. Only use mounts approved for outdoor use.
Television
Roku 65-inch pro series 4K QLED Smart Roku TV
Heath picked a TV with a QLED panel and an anti-reflective filter to reduce glare.
TV Mount
Outdoor-rated, full motion mount for 150 lbs. or higher
If you don’t purchase the mount combination with the enclosure, it’s important to purchase a TV mount that can hold the weight of both the television and the enclosure. Only use mounts approved for outdoor use.
Outdoor Cord Protector
Twist and seal cord protect outdoor extension cord cover and plug protection
To connect and protect the TV power cord and extension cord.
Electrical Box
Arlington in box weatherproof recessed low profile box DBHR141W
A licensed electrician should be used to install a new receptacle.
Heath wanted to install a new receptacle to hide the cord and to eliminate the potential tripping hazards of plugging into the existing outlet by the ground.
He used a weatherproof, recessed box with a siding block to be flush with the house’s clapboards.
Materials
- Outdoor TV enclosure kit
- Smart TV
- Outdoor TV mount
- Surge suppressor
- Double-sided tape
- Outdoor-rated power cord
- Weatherproof plug enclosure
- Outdoor-rated electrical box
- Outlet
