OUTDOOR TV CABINETThere’s nothing better than gathering friends together for a big game BBQ. But even with the best backyard intentions, your guests will be gathered inside, around the tube, for the main event… and someone will be stuck at the grill- shouting out for an update on the score. Installing a TV outdoor enhances your outdoor entertainment to a whole new level. With these 5 tips you can install a Outdoor TV Cabinet and keep the party centered in your manicured backyard.

#1 – OUTDOOR TV CABINET ENCLOSURE

Even with an outdoor rated TV, having your TV exposed to the outdoor weather conditions 365 days a year doesn’t make for a good scenario. Consider placing your TV in a cabinet to protect it and prolong the life span. With a cabinet you can take weatherproofing measures like sealing the seams with calking and placing weather-strips around the perimeter to avoid from any moisture or cold air sneaking in causing condensation. With the TV cabinet it assures you of a peOutdoor TV Cabinet 4rfect shield for your TV. With placing your TV behind closed doors you’ll reduce the risks of vandalism and theft.

You can find easy to follow, step- by-step downloadable building plans to build an outdoor TV cabinet here. This TV cabinet was designed for ultimate viewing pleasure with the doors opening to the side. Choose from a selection of TV cabinet sizes to accommodate your TV size. All the plans are designed with space for a sound bar to amplify the volume.

There are few doors designs to choose from:

Double-Doors – Traditional. Great option for a space that allows for the doors to open up to the side.

Bi-fold – Fancy. A nice twist to the expected double door design.

Pop-up -Great design for a tight space that doesn’t offer room for the doors to open to the sides. With only one door, it’s a easier build with less material. The plans provide the needed hardware used to hold up the door.

Barn Doors – Popular rustic look. The building plans provide all the details of the hardware needed.

These backyard enthusiasts were impressed with the detailed 20 page Outdoor TV Cabinet Enclosure downloadable step-by-step building  plans that are loaded with diagrams and 3-D images. Hear all about their experience here.

#2- LOCATION IS KEY!

One of the top factors you will want to consider is the location that you intend to place the TV. Does the location you have in mind receive too much direct light during the most common TV using time? Is there a splash offender like a pool nearby? Are you planning on placing the TV high enough that it can be seen from several areas and angles? If placed above a fireplace – is the heat too close to your TV? These are all things to consider when looking for that prime location for your outdoor TV.

Even though the TV is meant to stay outdoors, it is smart to reduce and avoid outside elements as much as you can to prolong the lifespan of your TV. Choose an outdoor location for your TV that will provide the most protection from the elements, ideally under a pergola or gazebo. The #1 issue with outdoor TV is the exposure to heat, avoid this by placing the TV in a location that doesn’t gets direct sunlight. To enhance your viewing experience, place your outdoor TV screen facing north, so the sun is behind your TV. Place your TV at least 6 feet away from a fireplace or BBQ.

Once you find that perfect location – what installation method do you go for?

Existing wall – A wall on your deck or your fence makes for a sturdy attachment surface and is easier than having to build a structure or require concrete footings.

Post mounted – Going this route gives you the freedom of where you can locate it. You’re not bound to your existing fence or structures. If this is your preferred route – save time, remove the guess work and let these frame and post plans instruct you on how to successfully:

  1. build a frame to support the TV cabinet
  2. install post footings
  3. install post with the ideal height and spacing based off the size of your TV cabinet
  4. hold the heavy cabinet up temporarily while you properly secure it to the posts
  5. place your screws so they are hidden
  6. install decorative corbel pieces. Cutting template provided.

Ceiling mounted – Installing a TV outdoors using a ceiling pole bracket is common to see at restaurants in outdoor patio areas that have a covered ceilings. Typically, the TV is mounted higher in the air so the TV can be viewed by large crowds.

#3 – DO I REALLY NEED AN  OUTDOOR RATED TV?

It is very common to opt against the outdoor rated TV’s to save money. Having your TV enclosed in a weatherproof cabinet will protect the TV from the elements.

#4 – WIRED OR WIRELESS CABLE SET-UP?

It’s not as easy as dealing with your inside TV with your cable and outlets at your convenience. There are two routes to go with your outdoor cable setup – wired or wireless. A wired installation is the most reliable method to connecting your outdoor TV and wireless can be easier and less involved. Talk to your cable company about their wireless cable options. Ideally, your cable box is small enough you can slip it behind your TV to make for a sleek look without the bulky components. Whichever route you choose to go with- make sure you protect any loose wires with outdoor rated conduit or pipes. A normal cable can wear down faster and it can crack when it is exposed to the elements. There are cables that are designed with a layer for preventing the UV light from tampering with it. For your outlet, it is recommended to use a GFCI outlet, a ground-fault current interrupting outlet for safety protection.

#5 – TURN UP THE VOLUME!

Amplify all the goodness coming out of your TV throughout your backyard with a sound bar. This can be placed right below your TV. Without the sound bar you might find your TV hard to hear with all the outdoor noise. Our Outdoor TV Cabinet step-by-step building plans include space for a sound bar. Don’t forget how loud your crowd can get when a sports game is on and die-hard fans are routing their team on. A sound bar is specifically designed to increase the sound coming from the TV to its fullest. There are wireless sound bar options available.

DIY Backyard Planning provides downloadable assembly plans to create pergolas, gazebosoutdoor TV cabinets, and fire pits . 

Join the discussion 13 Comments

  • Thank you for this article, it was so informanive and answered nearly all my questions. I was however wondering about what types of wheather conditions the TV’s can withstand? I am aware of the fact that they can withstand rain, sun, snow and wind, but what about hail?

    We get pretty bad hail storms here ever so often and I was wondering what type of damage that can do to the TV? Is that where I will need to get a cabinet to put it in?

    I was readig another outdoor tv post on http://www.outeraudio.com/best-outdoor-tv/ that was very informative but I cannot find an answer on the matter of hail. The hail can also get pretty big here so I am quite concerned.

    Thanks in advance

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  • R Fischer says:

    Should be a no-brainer but I think you should aldo consider the proximity of neighbors and/or if neighbors are so close that they can hear your tv shows maybe consider using headphones before installing an outdoor tv.

  • Stacy C. says:

    Great article and I hate to be “that person”, but within thirty seconds I noticed a typo from Section # 1 – Location is Key:

    “Are you planning on placing the TV high enough that it can be seen from several areas and angels? ”

    The TV needs to be mounted up pretty high, but I don’t think it’s possible that angels will be able to see it (even if you have outrageously tall ceilings or a 360° rotating mount). Location IS key, but one word can discredit an entire article.

  • Anthony Kaluzny says:

    I installed a 32″ Dynex out side under my framed canopy 3 years ago. I live in Canada and it sees everything from heat to blowing snow. The bottom of the TV is 10′ from the ground. I turn it on in the winter for the hell of it and watch it through the kitchen window. A few times the sound control runs away but after being on for an hour everything is fine. I have the cable box out side as well and once it stopped working, I just traded it for the one in our spare bedroom and again everything is good. TV’s now are cheap and for $500 I can get a 50″ which I am thinking of installing where the 32″ is currently installed. If it fails in a year or two, so what I will purchase another one. As for sound the option also can be used from the cable box and a sound bar is a good idea.

  • James Thorn says:

    Hello, im just wondering what are your thoughts about Cosmos Outdoor TV? I haven’t seen lots of review for this product and I really want to know if it’s worth purchasing because apparently Seura and Sunbrite are quite pricey for me. Please let me know.

  • Dan New says:

    Installed Evervue Cosmos Outdoor TV. I’m impressed on its features, it has great sound and really weatherproof. The picture is so clear and in high def.

  • Ken says:

    Want a tv, and stero unit to install in my lower compartment of my American Eagle motorhome to enjoy while sitting outside, like to have built in one wood cabinet,

  • Awesome advice and nicely written up. I love the idea of a cabinet or enclosure of some type for the tv. Very cool!

  • Thanks for pointing out that a sturdy wall is enough to mount an outdoor television. I recently had a patio installed directly outside my front door and I think having a TV there will give more incentive for me to hang out with guests outside. I think it will be especially enjoyable for my nieces and nephews who will be spending the holidays with me this year.

    • DIY Backyard Planning says:

      Great! Our TV cabinet step-by-step building plans is the perfect solution. Lots of people install directly on the wall.

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  • Thanks, mate. I was having issues with cable box mounting. Still, we’re in the search for a better place for our TV because we really don’t want to expose it to direct sunlight.

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