How much does Projector mounting cost?

Projectors are great for displaying movies from DVDs, DVRs, cable boxes, and internet streaming services at much larger sizes than possible on the biggest TVs. With the right apps, projectors can be used to display video games and slide presentations as well. 

A projector ceiling mount or wall mount can create a movie theater-like experience that includes cable management that hides the wires and does away with the fuss of setting up a portable projector every time you want to watch and share. 

At the office, in addition to making presentations more interesting, you can share your computer desktop and input from remote meeting participants with all who are assembled with projected images. 

Mounting a projector for optimal performance requires skill and experience. Here you’ll learn what professional audio video installers charge for projector mounting. 

The average national cost to install a projector runs from $1,400–2,000 for the equipment and labor.  Professional A/V installers typically charge $50–100 an hour. It normally takes 4–8 hours to mount a projector. 

Professional projector installation services typically includes determining the best placement of the video projector and projector screen, deciding on whether to use a projector ceiling mount or projector wall mount installation, installing the projector mounting bracket, cable management, connecting the projector cables to associated equipment (e.g., DVR player, cable box, smart TV, computer, router, speakers, etc.), and testing the system.

Costs to install a home theater projector and projector screen, as well as a projector used in a business setting depend on the projector, the projector mounting bracket, screen, and other accessories; and the labor required to make the necessary connections and cable management. 

Projector, $65–3,500.  Projectors use one of two technologies. LCD (liquid crystal display) projectors transmit light from a metal-halide lamp through a prism to display video, still images, and computer data on a screen or wall. DLP (digital light processing) projectors use micro-mirrors to project images onto a large screen. 

LCD is a newer technology and LCD projectors are considered superior in overall picture quality. DLP projectors offer higher contrast between dark and light tones, less pixelation, and typically lower maintenance. There is virtually no price difference. 

Projectors that can cast images to a screen 100 inches wide when mounted 9 feet away are classified as regular-throw units. Projectors that can fill a 100-inch-wide screen from less than 9 feet away are called short-throw projectors. To best display large images in a small room, select a projector with ultra-short-throw functionality.

Tip: There are a lot of terms used when describing how well a projector works. If you want to brush up on the meaning of things like resolution and contrast ratio, check out this guide. 

Most home theater projectors that cost more than $1,000 offer bright 4K images (4K is shorthand for 3840 x 2160 resolution); ample wireless connectivity; and HDMI (cable that transmits high-definition audio and video over a single cable) and USB ports, which makes them ideal for permanent wall mounting or ceiling mounting. 

The Epson Home Cinema 2150 costs about $3,000 and is widely considered to be among the best projectors available. The Optoma UHD at $1,350 is promoted as the best value among 4K projectors. 

The best projectors in the $500–1,000 price range offer 1920×1080 resolution, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, which makes for clear viewing in daylight room conditions, and some wireless connectivity. The BenQ HT25050A at $749 has been recommended among the best projectors in the $500–1,000 range.

Projectors in the $300–500 range typically offer 720p image resolution and 3,000:1 contrast ratio, which is okay for use in dimly lit rooms, and most support HDMI, VGA, USB inputs. Some have wireless connectivity. 

Projector mounting bracket, $15–130. Projectors are best mounted on a projector mounting bracket attached to a ceiling or wall above and behind the seating in the viewing room. There are two types of projector mounting bracket: universal mounts, which can be used to mount any projector; and projector-specific mounts, which are designed for attachment to particular models. The price of a bracket reflects the quality of construction, weight capacity, adjustability, and stability of the bracket design. 

One universal projector ceiling mount, the QualGear PRB-717-WHT Universal Ceiling Projector Mount costs about $40. It’s made from heavy-duty, cold-rolled steel with the ability to tilt and swivel, and features a quick release of the projector for easy installation and maintenance. It can be used for a projector ceiling mount or wall-mount bracket.

At about $16, the VIVO Universal Ceiling Projector Mount-VP01W is touted for its low profile and adjustability. For about $20, VIVO also offers the Universal Extending Ceiling Projector Mount-VP02W with an extendable vertical pendant for height adjustment of a projector mounted from a high ceiling. The hollow extension column makes cable management easier.

The AMRDCP100KIT Universal Adjustable 2×2 Drop Ceiling Mount is designed to make it easy to mount a projector from a suspended ceiling grid. This specialty bracket costs $140.

The 39-inch Motorized Projector Scissor Bracket, $269 on Amazon, is designed to hide a projector above a drop-ceiling grid and lower it for use by remote control.

Screen, $25–2,000. While it’s possible to project video images on a blank wall, you’ll get better image quality with a screen. Basic freestanding screens cost $25–100. Retractable screens that can be mounted on walls or ceilings cost $250–500; motorized screens that can be controlled with a remote are priced at the higher end. Fixed-frame screens, which are designed for permanent wall mounting, generally range from $140–2,000.

How much does it cost to have a projector installed?

If you’ve already got the projector and bracket, it’ll probably cost you $100 or so to have a handyman install it. But the average cost for professional projector installation by an A/V technician runs from $1,400–2,000, including the price of the projector and bracket, and labor for mounting, cable hookup, and testing.

Can I mount a projector myself?

You may be able to, but professional A/V installers have the experience and skills to position a projector in the best location, provide the necessary cables and adapters for hookups to program sources, and resolve any potential problems. Pros charge $50–100 per hour.

Where is the best place to mount a projector?

The best location for a projector is above and behind the heads of viewers. A wide variety of   brackets are available for convenient projector mounting on ceilings and walls.

Find a professional audio/visual equipment installer in your area.