NO! Completely unnecessary! Figure the center of where you want the tv, left,right and up,down and mark it with a pencil. Before removing uprights spread them out to max and that is the most they can be mounted apart from each other on the wall. I would subtract an inch to avoid problems. Ideally you want to mount them 22-26 inches apart at the same height. It is all dictated by where your studs are located. Just dont mount to close together, less than 16 inches apart you best keep it centered all the time. Remove the uprights from the crossbars. You can use the same upright to mark both sets of holes. Your template. Use hardware capable of bearing the load(250lbs). If they are mounted at different heights as long as not to much. Half inch or so. There are screws at the top of each to level the bars perfectly. This is probably the BEST TV stand for sale anywhere! GOOD LUCK!!!

yes you can use outdoors.