If you are someone who enjoys doing a bit of DIY work, then installing an in-wall speaker might be a challenge that you are up for.
If you want to avoid the extra cost of hiring someone to install the in-wall speaker, then doing it yourself might sound quite appealing.
Not only are you saving on costs, but you are also learning valuable skills at the same time.
Whether you are someone with a lot of handy skills or just someone who needs to get the job done, doing your own installation can be quite tricky.
From knowing what you might need, to wondering where to start the installation, it can seem overwhelming. That is where we come in.
We have created a guide to help you install your in-wall speakers on your own. This particular installation will look at walls that are made with drywall or sheetrock.
Things You Will Need
Before you start your installation, it is important that you have all of the equipment and materials you need so you can complete your installation without running into any problems.
Here is a list of things you will need to complete your installation.
- Screwdriver
- Floor coverings or tarp
- Masking tape
- Drywall saw
- Tape measure
- Level
- Stud finder
- Wire stripper
- Pencil
Depending on your setup, you might need other equipment such as fiberglass pushrods.
Step One: Planning
Now that you have all of the equipment you need, you can start the installation of the in-wall speaker. The first step to any installation is planning.
This includes planning every step of your installation and making sure you have everything you need to do this.
The first thing you need to plan is where you are going to place your speaker. To help with this, there are a few tips you should consider.
You need to keep in mind the place where you will be listening to your speakers. If this is speakers for a home theater, consider the placement of your seats.
The ideal placement for two speakers is that the speakers are the same distance apart from each other as they are to where you will be listening.
The speakers should be placed between 38 inches to 42 inches from the floor for the best sound when seated.
Step Two: Markings
Once you have planned where you would like your speakers to be fitted, it is now time to mark that area.
To do this you need to use the stud finder to find the studs that are in the wall near the place where you would like the speakers to go.
Your in-wall speaker is going to be installed between the studs.
You need to make sure there are no obstructions in the wall where you want your in-wall speakers to be. These are obstructions like pipes, wires, or studs.
Step Three: Plan Your Wire Path
Before you start to cut holes in your wall, make sure that you have your wire path planned out.
Do this so you won’t run into any problems with wires after you’ve cut a hole in your wall.
There are a few ways you can plan your wire path. You may have the option to run the wires overhead through a floor above or the ceiling crawl space.
Another option is to run the wires on the floor of the room the speakers are in. It is best to run these wires behind the baseboards.
From behind the baseboards, you are able to run the wires up the walls and to where the speakers will be.
You can also run the wires sideways through the walls.
Step Four: Cut The Wall
Once you have done all the preparation and you are sure there are no obstructions, you can cut the wall.
Use the floor tarp to protect your floors as there will be a lot of dust.
A lot of in-wall speakers come with templates you can use in order to get the right size opening for the speaker.
All you have to do is place the template on the walls and make sure it is straight, using the level. Then draw the outline of the template.
Drill a small hole in one corner of the drawing which should be around half of an inch. Then, using the saw, start cutting all four edges.
Once this is done, you should remove the drywall. After you have removed the drywall, put masking tape on the edges of the wall.
This is so they are protected.
Step Five: Run The Wires And Connect
Now that you have cut the hole and removed the drywall, the next step is to run the wires.
Following the wire path plan you made before, run your wires in the way that best suits your space.
Once you have successfully run the wires, you can connect the wires to the speaker. Make sure that the power is turned off before you connect them.
Some speakers might have a guide telling you which wires to connect.
A tip for safety is to make sure that you only expose the amount of copper you need to in order to connect the wires.
Step Six: Install The Speakers
Now that everything is connected it is time to install the speakers into the wall.
To do this, you should place the speaker into the hole in the wall and use a screwdriver to tighten the screws to secure the speaker.
Once your speaker is in the wall, you can add the accessories and clean up. This means adding the grill to the speaker.
At this point, you should test to see if the speaker works.
To do this, make sure the volume of the speaker is low so no damage is caused when you test the speaker.
Some people like to paint the frames of the speakers so they match their walls. If you want to do this, it is best to do it before installing the speaker.
Final Thoughts
Installing in-wall speakers seems a lot harder than it is.
There might seem like there are a lot of steps, but with the right planning and preparation, you can install in-wall speakers without a hitch.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you to confidently understand how to install in-wall speakers without hiring someone to do the job for you.
If you are someone who enjoys the challenge of a DIY installation, then this is definitely something we recommend you try.