Question Can I mount a 55" screen on a desk (and how thick does the table top have to be)

[GreneThum]

Hi all,

I'm currently in the market for a desk, monitor arm and 55" tv, trying to set it up so that I can view the tv from either my desk or the couch. For the arm I'm looking at https://www.ergomart.com/saa2718-monitor-arm or https://www.ergomart.com/monitor-mounts/monitor-arms/heavy-duty/saa2415-heavy-duty-monitor-arm (but I've never bought a monitor arm, so open to suggestions) and for the tv I'm looking at https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAE2J68M2523&ignorebbr=1 (49.10" x 28.50" x 3.00", 29.50 lbs.). I'm was planning on getting a desk with a large hardwood table top, but I can't seem to find good guidelines for how thick the tabletop would have to be for larger, heavier screens. I'm assuming that at this weight using a clamp would be a terrible idea since there's going to be so much torque involved already and that I'm going to need a much heavier desk so it doesn't tip over, but are there other considerations about mounting solution and desk that I'm missing?

Thank you so much for your help!

 

[Alabalcho]

I would not mount a 55" TV clamped to a desk, either use it standing on it's own feet, or get standalone TV console behind the desk.

OTOH - your desk must be at least six feet deep for you to sit comfortably in front of a 55" TV.

 

[GreneThum]

I would not mount a 55" TV clamped to a desk, either use it standing on it's own feet, or get standalone TV console behind the desk.

Do you think a through-desk mount would work? Clamping definitely seemed like an iffy proposition, I was fairly certain of that.

OTOH - your desk must be at least six feet deep for you to sit comfortably in front of a 55" TV.

Is it still 6 feet for a 4k tv? I had been under the impression that the higher resolution meant that sitting closer was less of a problem.

 

[Alabalcho]

The problem with mounting on a desk, whether clamp or thru-hole, is bcaus of the limited space behind the mount to support the swing of the monitor back and forth - whatever you will have there will cause the tabletop to crack.

It's not the pixel size which is the problem, it's that you will have to turn your neck, not just your eyes, moving mouse from start menu to system tray.

 

[GreneThum]

Fair enough, what about something like this where the center of gravity wouldn't move as much and the lever arm is shorter: https://www.standsandmounts.com/Peerless360DegreeDesktopSwivelMount-HP455.aspx

I'm sure it would still need some material to spread the stress. I'm shooting for a three foot deep desk, so it'll be 4ish feet total. Perhaps not ideal, but doable. I don't think there's enough space for a separate console, hence using the desk as a tv stand.

 

[Alabalcho]

If you look at the picture of that arm, it is attached pretty dead center on the underlying rack. If you go with it, I'd use some extra long bolts, and another thick plate under the desk top to spread the tension.