There's something special about watching the Broncos game or a summer movie under the Colorado sky. Outdoor TVs have become increasingly popular, and for good reason — they can transform a patio, deck, or outdoor living space into your favorite hangout spot.
But outdoor TV installation isn't as simple as mounting a TV inside. Here's what you need to know.
Indoor TV vs. Outdoor TV: What's the Difference?
Outdoor-Rated TVs
Purpose-built outdoor TVs are designed to handle the elements:
- Weather resistance — Sealed against rain, snow, and dust
- Temperature tolerance — Work in extreme heat and cold (important for Colorado!)
- Brighter screens — 2-3x brighter than indoor TVs to combat sun glare
- Anti-glare coatings — Reduce reflections for better daytime viewing
Popular outdoor TV brands include Samsung Terrace, SunBrite, and Séura. These typically cost 2-4x more than comparable indoor TVs.
Using an Indoor TV Outside
Can you put a regular indoor TV on your covered patio? Technically, yes — but with significant caveats:
The risks:
- Moisture damage — Even under a cover, humidity and temperature swings cause condensation
- Temperature extremes — Most indoor TVs aren't rated below 40°F or above 100°F
- Sun damage — Direct sunlight can overheat the panel and cause permanent damage
- Warranty voided — Manufacturers won't cover outdoor use
If you insist on using an indoor TV:
- Only in a fully covered, enclosed patio
- Use a weatherproof TV cover when not in use
- Bring it inside during winter months
- Accept that it may have a shorter lifespan
Mounting Considerations
Location, Location, Location
Before we drill any holes, we consider:
- Sun exposure — Where will glare be worst at your typical viewing times?
- Viewing angle — Where will people actually sit?
- Cable routing — How do we get power and signal to the TV?
- Wind exposure — Colorado wind is no joke
- Rain and snow — Even covered patios can get wet from wind-driven precipitation
Mount Types for Outdoor Use
- Fixed mounts — Simple and secure, but no adjustment
- Tilting mounts — Adjust angle to reduce glare
- Full-motion mounts — Maximum flexibility, but more complex
- Ceiling mounts — Great for covered patios with limited wall space
All outdoor mounts should be rated for outdoor use with rust-resistant hardware.
Surface Types
Outdoor mounting often involves challenging surfaces:
- Stucco — Common in Colorado, requires special anchors
- Brick or stone — Needs masonry bits and proper anchors
- Wood framing — Easiest, but must hit solid studs
- Vinyl siding — Usually need to reach the structure behind it
Power and Signal
Getting power and signal to an outdoor TV requires planning:
Electrical
You'll need a weatherproof outdoor outlet near your TV location. If you don't have one, that's electrical work requiring a licensed electrician.
We can:
- ✅ Route low-voltage cables (HDMI, coax, ethernet)
- ✅ Connect to existing outdoor outlets
- ✅ Advise on outlet placement for new installs
We cannot:
- ❌ Install new electrical outlets or circuits
- ❌ Modify existing electrical wiring
Signal Options
- Streaming device — Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV connected to your WiFi
- HDMI from inside — Run a cable from your indoor equipment
- Coax for cable/antenna — If you use traditional cable or OTA
- Direct streaming — Smart TVs with built-in apps
WiFi is often weaker outside, so we may recommend a mesh system or outdoor access point.
Sound Solutions
TV speakers struggle outdoors — there's no room for sound to bounce around. Consider:
- Soundbar — Simple addition, but still limited
- Outdoor speakers — Weather-rated speakers mounted nearby
- Portable Bluetooth speaker — Flexible but needs charging
- Rock speakers — Disguised speakers that blend into landscaping
Colorado-Specific Considerations
Our climate presents unique challenges:
Temperature Swings
We can see 40-degree temperature swings in a single day. This causes:
- Condensation inside electronics
- Stress on materials and connections
- Battery drain in remotes and accessories
Hail
Colorado hail can destroy an exposed TV in minutes. Consider:
- A location protected from the most common storm direction
- A weatherproof cover for hail season
- Bringing the TV inside during severe weather
Winter
Snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures are hard on electronics:
- Use an outdoor-rated TV designed for cold temperatures
- Or bring indoor TVs inside for winter storage
- Keep covers clean and dry to prevent ice buildup
Altitude and UV
At our elevation, UV exposure is more intense:
- Screens can fade faster
- Plastics may degrade more quickly
- Anti-glare coatings are especially important
What Professional Installation Includes
When we install an outdoor TV, here's what you get:
- Site assessment — We'll evaluate your space for optimal placement
- Proper mounting — Secure attachment to challenging outdoor surfaces
- Clean cable routing — Protected runs through walls or along structures
- Weatherproofing — All penetrations sealed against moisture
- Signal solution — Whether WiFi, HDMI, or streaming setup
- Testing — We verify everything works before we leave
Budget Considerations
Entry-level outdoor setup:
- Indoor TV in a protected location: $300-$800
- Weatherproof cover: $50-$100
- Outdoor-rated mount: $100-$200
- Installation: $190-$375
- Total: $640-$1,475
Proper outdoor setup:
- Outdoor-rated TV: $1,500-$5,000+
- Outdoor mount: $150-$300
- Installation: $250-$500
- Total: $1,900-$5,800+
The proper setup costs more upfront but lasts longer and works better in all conditions.
Ready to Take Your Entertainment Outside?
An outdoor TV can be the centerpiece of your patio, perfect for game days, movie nights, and summer entertaining. The key is doing it right from the start.
Whether you're going all-in with a purpose-built outdoor TV or testing the waters with a covered patio setup, we can help you plan and execute an installation that works for your space and budget.
Contact us or call/text 720-933-3501 to discuss your outdoor TV project.
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