Hello all! I have enjoyed learning from everyone's posts on home theater builds. I think I have enough information to be dangerous, so lets start some construction...

Some background....

First, I should mention that I am not very handy when it comes to power tools and construction. As such, I am hiring a general contractor to do the construction work. I can write a mean check though... :) I will be doing all the low-voltage work for AV wiring and connections. I am a techie at heart, so I leave the heavy lifting to someone else and I like to play with the gadgets.

Second, the name "The Get Away" theater has a special meaning for my wife and I. We have a 2 month old and 2 year old. Needless to say, our date night involves a movie on the couch. So, why not bring the theater to us.

Finally, here is the low-down on the project scope:
1. Finishing about 1,100 sq ft in our basement. There will be a home theater (of course), bar area behind theater, a large rec-room for the kiddies and a bathroom. All spaces will be finished to a quality similar to that of the rest of the house, to keep the flow... That means details like 2-piece crown molding throughout, granite countertops, Kraftmaid cabinets, etc. The entire basement will have an insulated ceiling (R38 - 12")
2. The semi-dedicated theater space will be approximately 17'x19'x9'. I (and by "I", I mean "my contractor") will run sofits around the theater to hide some ductwork and add some architectural interest.
3. I only think I will be able to get one row of Berklines in the room (already have 'em from my previous house's home theater). I would appreciate any ideas on seating options. Thinking I might change over to large sectional to get more people packed in. Based on my experience, theater chairs aren't optimal for little kids.
4. Components will be hidden in custom cabinetry in the front of the room. Essentially there will be two large cabinets on either side of the screen.
5. There will be a stage for the kids to play on.
6. I will be making a screen from Seymour AV / Shearwave 4500 material - estimated screen size of 150". Paired with an Epson Pro Cinema 1080 UB projector.
7. Hooking up HD Comcast, XBox360, Wii, PS3 (for bluray), computer
8. 7.1 will be provided via Klipsch speakers and Yamaha receiver. Maybe 7.2, but depends how I do on budget.
9. Just picked up a Harmony 890 for RF remote.
10. Floor will be DriCore + Carpet

Thats all I can think of right now....

Here are a couple "before" pics and a sketchup rendering I did to describe my intent. I know the sketchup will change slightly based on a recent decision to close the room off a little more, but you will get the gist.

All helpful ideas/tips are always welcome because I am expecting to learn a lot on the journey. Thanks in advance!

Dan

You are looking into the future theater... Great picture on that screen! :rolleyes:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/2438044430_dc0d1393dc_o.jpg

Here is a larger view of the basement area
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2117/2437223381_71e53768b3_o.jpg

Here is a mockup of the theater area. I will close it off a little more than shown.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2232/2437234983_01138e5c94_b.jpg

Oh to have such a clean space to start with! Looks like a nice area for a theater. Keep us posted on your progress.

I like your rear bar seating. I plan on doing a very similar thing with mine.

Not so clean now :D

Here is framing progress after the week. Starting electrical too...

Looking into the theater again. Picture is getting better! :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/2442988744_4776a9ab39_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2139/2442159257_08f3d4c72b_b.jpg

I need to run my flex conduit and speakerwire and cables this weekend. Happy weekend everyone!

Dan

Question for the group: Trying to decide where I put the sub(s)..

Option #1 - put it in the bottom of my cabinet on either side of the stage?
Option #2 - put it behind the AT screen

See updated sketchup of the wall for visual...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2003/2446651606_ef25699fa5_b.jpg

Dan

Hi Dan,

Would it be really costly to move those two steel support poles over & into the side walls of your theater?
Then they would not be taking of space in your back countertop ? Just wondering...
Beautiful sketch of your future theater !

John

#2 at 1/3,1/5, or 2/5 of the room width from the side wall which ever sounds best.

Hi Dan,

Would it be really costly to move those two steel support poles over & into the side walls of your theater?
Then they would not be taking of space in your back countertop ? Just wondering...
Beautiful sketch of your future theater !

John
Thanks John. Those poles are the only thing stopping me from using all the space in my basement for the theater. Moving them would be opening the flood gates. I have to leave a few sq ft for the kids... ;-)

#2 at 1/3,1/5, or 2/5 of the room width from the side wall which ever sounds best.
I was hoping for Option 2. It will allow me to leverage all that dead space behind the screen. Of course I will need to add another sub for to be symmetrical... :-)

Construction is progressing nicely. All the framing and electrical work is done. Sofits, insulation, plumbing and some misc items being finished this week. Drywall starts Monday!!

I am getting a little nervous though about how small the space is starting to feel with walls, etc. As soon as I put the cabinets and pull the AT screen away from the wall 22", the room continues to shrink.

Here are some photos of the progress...


Looking into the theater (through the bar window)...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2456032336_e9730444db_b.jpg

Prep'ing the flexible tubing for cable/speaker runs. I have three 2" runs to (a) bar for misc connections, (b) projector video cables, (c) bridge to the other cabinet on the other side of the screen. That will be overflow for future expansion of gadgets.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/2456030160_94fab00b6d_b.jpg

Stack of dri-core ready and waiting!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2144/2456047796_d584bd606b_b.jpg

Don't worry, it always feels like that. During construction, you have no points of reference or sense of scale. Once the drywall is up, it will feel even smaller until you start to move in furniture. Then, all of the sudden, you realize how much room you have.

Dan, your room is coming along nicely. I'm at about the same stage as you: framing, starting the electrical, and constantly changing my plans.:)

How high did you make your bar? As I stated above, I am doing a very similar thing. (Our plans even include the same Sketchup Granite coutner tops.) Tonight I plan on framing the bar in and I was planning on 36" tall finished (counter height). Did you do full "Bar" height?

With only one row of seating, I thought that "bar" height might be too tall. Plus, in my plan I'm going to go with a Pub height table behind the bar. Thus creating 3 seating heights.

I am making the bar at full bar height. My original thinking was that the bar height would allow me to put the theater chairs on a riser without blocking the view at the bar. It was potentially also going to give me some extra height to put the rear speakers on. Since then I decided to bury them in columns (who hooo!) but it does add some flexibility.

Hopefully it will keep the kids from grabbing my stuff off the counter too! :rolleyes:

So are you going with 2 rows with the bar? Or just the one row on a riser?

Just one row now, but when I originally measured the room (and wasn't doing an AT screen) I had a few more feet to play with. Then I realized I couldn't measure and gave up on a second row. I figure I can always put some bean bags down for the first row :D

right on. Kids love bean bags! My 2 1/2 year old got her first one last week and she won't get off of it.

Just finished the week of sofits, electrical, plumbing and insulation. Ready for drywall.

My projector also arrived!! whooo hooo!

Looking over the bar and at the screen wall...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2374/2465610286_2b7574a987_b.jpg

looking into the entryway (to be arched)...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/2464785501_d17f144bdf.jpg

The fierce projector... just testing :rolleyes:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2348/2464791895_baeef606e1_b.jpg

Impressive image for just a standard bed sheet and some ambient light...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2279/2464773153_b20144d1a1_b.jpg

Give you a sense of scale. The 16x9 image is 60" tall.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2373/2465603778_a58b414f5e_b.jpg

More pics coming after drywall this week.

That stack of DriCore is probably more expensive than my entire planned build.

Beautiful project, BTW.

1000 sq ft of dricore $2000. warm feet while chasing the kiddies.... priceless :D

Uh oh, projector's up, it's all over now!

If I were to get a bulb projector that would be it. I've like the epsons for some time now.

I tore the projector down asap so I didn't get too attached. :eek:

Drywall progress shown below...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2169/2472666852_6c232fd7af_b.jpg

bad panorama...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2471841485_e77e1e685b_b.jpg

bar/theater area...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2178/2472662630_26ece13970_b.jpg

Probably another day or two of mudding/sanding then to the fun stuff! Trim work - wahooo!

My sincere thanks to all those more handy than me :D

Nice build! I like how you have the bar area over looking the HT.

Looking good Dan. :)

I can't believe how fast it's coming together either. You'll be moved in and watching movies in no time!

Hey Dan, nice work thus far, although I guess it really isnt "your" work....haha just messing.

2 things. In creating you bar counter, can you document with plenty of photos as to how it is being constructed...I am working on a counter like yours but with my lack of building skills, I like pictures, to help me understand what I will need to do and how, also, what are the full dimensions of your counter, depth and height and such.

the second question I have is about your projector. What made you go with the pro? I have done lots of reading on the epson and everything seems to keep pointing back to the home. both are allegedly the same, except for the pro is 1k more, you get a spare bulb and the extra warranty, both which are about 500$ so where is the added value...? I am trying to figure this one out, anyone else that has an opinion please feel free to chime in as well. Thanks

I will try to get you some good pics of the bar build. only challenge is that most of the work happens while i am working at my job. I am picking out the granite though... does that count for helping? :cool:

regarding the projector... pro has the bulb, mount, extra year warranty and its sexy color :rolleyes: not sure if it is worth it, but i didnt want to find any gotchas in the setup of the home version. probably good decision either way.

don't forget the ISF cert, plus I believe it has some configurable presets available that the home do not.
(regarding the projector)

thanks for making me feel a little better about the extra $1k splurge :)

drywall is done... dricore, priming starts today

Damn! DW done, your guys are working fast. Send 'em my way when they wrap your job up.

Post those pics man!

Looking sweet. Have you picked out colors yet?

ask and ye shall receive.... more pictures

The drywall is done, dricore done. They started priming the walls today. Tomorrow the floor will be floated and tile will be done in the bathroom. I didn't like how they did the arch in the door, so I am having them re-do it to be a single radius instead of curved corners.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2140/2497666559_f058ef5bcf_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/2497670965_fe0974034b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/2497658779_52769c3092_b.jpg

Looking sweet. Have you picked out colors yet?
Here is the color scheme...

Theater ceiling = black
Theater soffits = covered in Cherry
Theater columns = cherry
Bar = Silver Pearl granite w/cherry
Carpet = ? better decide soon!
Theater walls = darker tan color in the pic
Other basement walls = lighter tan color in the pic
Acoustic treatments = GOB fabric in the pic

hmm... what am I leaving out?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2317/2497662011_19e5847f34_b.jpg

Still making progress. As of right now, the bathroom tile, painting, and granite countertops are complete. Trim and stage are in progress... Here are some recent photos.

Updated theater room pics
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2363/2517782089_327218f649_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2517778955_f94aee10f6_b.jpg

For those interested in the bar construction/support. It is about 14' long.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2110/2518596962_02b76db72c_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/2517780641_265f51ab4c_b.jpg

They fixed the arch... I love it now, just needs some finish drywall work. Here is the bar with the granite in also.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2330/2518472633_1d36bfd788_b.jpg

Here is a pic of the granite choice up close...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2176/2519292300_8b543d7d8c.jpg

This week will transform everything with all the woodworking going in. Wahoo! Can't wait to start hookin' stuff up.

I also got some materials for the acoustic treatments this week. Fabric arrives Tuesday!

Looks great. What is the plan for the support post? I initially thought they were an architectural feature to the bar, because they match the granite pretty well:). But after flipping back to your earlier picture, I realized what they were.

There will be cherry colomns built around them. the same columns will be replicated in the theater. they will hide my surrounds.

This is looking great djlemo!

I really like the bar behind the theater idea. Someday (quite a long time from now) I'd love to do that. Are the back surrounds going behind the bar, or are you going to keep all the speakers in the room? Maybe two sets of back surrounds? (some sweet ones in the room and some in-ceilings for the bar, or is that overkill?)

Are you doing individual Berkline seats or loveseat/couch style? I'm assuming that there won't be a riser if I'm looking at the pictures right.

Anyway you could post a whole basement floor plan, I'm just curious what the whole space would look like.

And last but not least (sorry, a lot of requests :D ) do you have an equipment list of components? Or has that not being finalized?

I really like your ideas, I'll be watching the progress!

Laters,

Dan,

I really like the design... Wish mine was progressing as quickly!

What are the dimensions of your bar???

This is looking great djlemo!

I really like the bar behind the theater idea. Someday (quite a long time from now) I'd love to do that. Are the back surrounds going behind the bar, or are you going to keep all the speakers in the room? Maybe two sets of back surrounds? (some sweet ones in the room and some in-ceilings for the bar, or is that overkill?)


I have 7.1 in the theater room. I didn't have any plans for the bar to do a second set of surrounds, but I could always run the wires through the conduit without much problem. Good idea - but maybe when I get some extra $$ a long time from now. :)


Are you doing individual Berkline seats or loveseat/couch style? I'm assuming that there won't be a riser if I'm looking at the pictures right.


Four individual Berklines for now. Not sure how wide they will be in the room, but I may add another seat if I can.


Anyway you could post a whole basement floor plan, I'm just curious what the whole space would look like.


Sure.... I can upload one in a bit. Nothing handy.



And last but not least (sorry, a lot of requests :D ) do you have an equipment list of components? Or has that not being finalized?


The equipment list is always subject to upgrade :), but here is what I have currently:
- Epson Pro 1080 UB
- Yamaha HTR-5980 AVR (looking to upgrade in the near future)
- Klipsch 7.1 Speakers (F3, C3, S3, 12" sub)
- Playstation 3 for blurays
- Xbox360
- Monoprice HDMI switcher 1.3a
- Harmony 890 w/RF
- Insteon lighting



I really like your ideas, I'll be watching the progress!

Laters,

Thanks... I owe a lot of the credit to people on this forum for some inspiration.

Dan,

I really like the design... Wish mine was progressing as quickly!

What are the dimensions of your bar???

It is bar height x 14' long x 22" deep (I think)

The stage got finished today. Here is the pic of it filled up with sand and insulation (I got tired of hauling sand this weekend).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2198/2529005139_6bbf6258af_b.jpg

And fabric arrived today! Whohooo!

WoWZeRZ - what a great lookin setup.... I see people putting that wood on the floors over concrete... now I'm wondering if I should .... does it act as an insulator?

Stage looks really great Dan. I was wondering what all the wall plates were for, but then I went back and found they're for the equipment.

And about the equipment racks, are they going to be covered with doors? Or out in the public eye?

Have you used the Harmony remotes before? I've got a lower end model and I absolutely love it! So much simpler than the good 'ol remote juggle. Any way to integrate the PS3 remote functions? Any plans to program the Insteon into the 890?

Really like what you're doing, thanks for the info and for putting up with the relentless questioning. I promise I won't try to sell you any granite anytime soon. :rolleyes:

Laters,

WoWZeRZ - what a great lookin setup.... I see people putting that wood on the floors over concrete... now I'm wondering if I should .... does it act as an insulator?

It does act as an insulator. Dricore claims 5-7 degrees warmer. I can testify that I notice a big difference from the concrete.

Carpet is scheduled for Saturday, so it should get even better!

Stage looks really great Dan. I was wondering what all the wall plates were for, but then I went back and found they're for the equipment.

And about the equipment racks, are they going to be covered with doors? Or out in the public eye?

Have you used the Harmony remotes before? I've got a lower end model and I absolutely love it! So much simpler than the good 'ol remote juggle. Any way to integrate the PS3 remote functions? Any plans to program the Insteon into the 890?

Really like what you're doing, thanks for the info and for putting up with the relentless questioning. I promise I won't try to sell you any granite anytime soon. :rolleyes:

Laters,

Yes, the cabinets will have have doors that has the same features as the columns. The woodworker is matching some of the architectural features of the other parts of the house.

I had another harmony remote previously, but it wasn't RF. I am really looking forward to programming the insteon. I want to dim and undim the lights when starting / pausing a movie. Should add to the cool factor :cool:

hahaha... good one on the granite :rolleyes:

It is bar height x 14' long x 22" deep (I think)

Wow that is a big slab of granite. Mine will be 8' by 20" - 24".... I haven't decided if I will be doing a slab or granite tile... I kinda depends where the budget is by that point. :o

OK - I warned everyone recently that my equipment was subject to upgrade. Well, I got a sweet deal on a Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH this weekend, so that will replace my Yamaha. I cannot wait to hear it.

Also, the cherry cabinets and trim is in in and looking sweeeeeeet! Pics to follow soon...

Dan,

Congrats on the receiver upgrade. I’ve been using Elites for many years and have always been happy with their performance.

Things are moving along nicely… I look forward to the next photo update.

Dan, enjoying the thread! You are making us look bad at how fast you're progressing.

tony

Well, if it makes you feel any better, I would never been able to do this work if I did it all myself. I don't have the skills or time.

Good news is that today everything is officially done with the theater (phase 1). Would you like me to slowly release photos so it seems like it is taking a long time to finish? :)

Great work so far Dan! I myself am not handy, but I will have to do some work to save on cost. That bar area is coming along very nicely, keep up the good work!

Would you like me to slowly release photos so it seems like it is taking a long time to finish? :)

:eek: Um...NO!!! Unleash them all at once!

Good news is that today everything is officially done with the theater (phase 1).

That's awesome! Congrats on the progress!

Would you like me to slowly release photos so it seems like it is taking a long time to finish? :)

Now you're just toying with my emotions. Bring on the pictoral onslaught!

laters.

Yeah, open the floodgates!

Well, it turns out that the theater didn't complete today. I am told tomorrow is final, but I have heard that before... regardless, it is looking sweet.

Here is a pic before the screen went up. Remember it is a AT screen. My wife says "hello". She is a big theater advocate! I am so lucky...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2566313110_d457829f9c_b.jpg


Here is the screen, freshly zip-tied into place...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2565489607_6f25e01f0f_b.jpg


Fast forward until to today... Not quite done. The column on the left isn't assembled as you can see.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/2565493951_6d15aba0bd_b.jpg

Soffit above the bar w/lights and arch to match above the theater....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/2565495983_ca51f98185_b.jpg


Columns hiding speaker...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/2565472507_5ae4f0f190_b.jpg


View through the (fixed) arch...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/2565468231_e6f297d5fe_b.jpg


Curves above the stage/screen...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2565482845_ea0144daa5_b.jpg


View from the stage...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2566291826_c44e27e7cc_b.jpg

Here is a view from behind the bar.... The silver plates are there for future expansion. I have conduit running there for my VGA, iPod and other cables. Too busy to hook them up.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2566310804_4710cdf006_b.jpg


I am proud to say that I did do all the fabric work and built the screen from scratch. My Dad helped me build the screen. I used the technique documented by JMorris644 at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=730306&page=3

It worked like a charm.

With any luck the theater will be completely finished tomorrow with the cabinet doors and columns complete. They also need to trim out the base of the bar. It will match the rest of the wood work. I have to say that it turned out great. While I didn't build much of it myself, I do take pride in seeing the vision and sketchups coming alive....

Watched "Cars" on Bluray this weekend with my son. Needless to say, he is spoiled for life.

Watched "Cars" on Bluray this weekend with my son. Needless to say, he is spoiled for life.

I would think he wouldn't be the only one "spoiled for life". This thing is just simply amazing. Almost makes me want to quit working on mine. Almost, but not quite.

I know you will enjoy it.

So now I've been convinced that I don't need a dedicated room!

Simply awesome! Great work - keep the pics coming when you can.

Dan, your place looks soooo good.

I really like the prominence of wood throughout, it really makes it look like a comfortable place to relax and enjoy a good movie.

Keep us updated! What's next? Cabinet doors and the last column?

laters.

WOW, WOW and lastley, WWWOOOWWW !

Very nice indeed. I love the use of wood as well.

What kind of molding is that going around the OUTSIDE of the soffit in your theater room?

Also, I am doing something similar with wood on the undersides of my soffit. While I am doing it myself, I am being very picky about how tight those panel seems are. My wife says I am making to much out of something that will not really be seen, now that you have your panels up, can you tell me if your seems are tight and unnoticeable or are there some gaps and they are still unnoticeable for the most part.

Also, did they finish those panels before or after installing them on the undersides of your soffit?

Thanks everyone... Column and cabinet doors are on. 99% done today... just some final trim work. The cabinets doors get locks tomorrow too (keeping curious kids out).

Doug - To answer your questions... Yes, all the woodwork, including under-soffit panels were finished ahead of time. It was sprayed in the shop and installed onsite. The molding around the outside of the soffit is a cherry chair rail. I will get a close-up pic for you.

looking fantastic.

Beautiful looking area Dan. Time to sit back and enjoy...

Awesome job!

Unbelievable work man! Love it all.

SF

well, I thought I would be able to report 100% done today, but up to... 99.9%

I know how everyone likes the photos, so here are some more from today's progress...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2574490608_c2963b5bf6_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2574486008_7b0153009b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/2573662041_e5b22367a9_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2574487258_06f2d63637_b.jpg


This is why the cabinets have built-in locks...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/2573666671_2f12d12437.jpg

Very nice indeed. I love the use of wood as well.

What kind of molding is that going around the OUTSIDE of the soffit in your theater room?

Also, I am doing something similar with wood on the undersides of my soffit. While I am doing it myself, I am being very picky about how tight those panel seems are. My wife says I am making to much out of something that will not really be seen, now that you have your panels up, can you tell me if your seems are tight and unnoticeable or are there some gaps and they are still unnoticeable for the most part.

Also, did they finish those panels before or after installing them on the undersides of your soffit?

Hi Doug - Here are a few close-ups of the trim work on the edge of the soffit. First pic is the corner of the soffit where it meets the screen wall. Second photo shows how the trim follows the top of the column. Let me know if you need more details to help on your project (yours is coming along great too!).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/2574486426_a9b88318d4.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/2574486854_9f90a5ab10.jpg

Hi Doug - Here are a few close-ups of the trim work on the edge of the soffit. First pic is the corner of the soffit where it meets the screen wall. Second photo shows how the trim follows the top of the column. Let me know if you need more details to help on your project (yours is coming along great too!).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/2574486426_a9b88318d4.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/2574486854_9f90a5ab10.jpg

Thanks.

Tell us more about those fabric panels.

Also, what material did you use for the black speaker coverings and black border around the screen?

ok... a few more pics

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2573758555_a1f5f4618c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2573662973_9a3ce94dcd_b.jpg

Thanks.

Tell us more about those fabric panels.

Also, what material did you use for the black speaker coverings and black border around the screen?

For both the acoustical panels and black speaker coverings I used GOM (ordered from Fabricmate). The panels are basic box frames made from 3/4" plywood. They are about 2'x4'x3"... I filled them with 2" worth of OC703. They are hanging on the walls with french cleats. I just wrapped and stapled the fabric. Pretty easy honestly. I took my time around the corners to wrap them nicely. I am not the one doing the wrapping paper at Christmas time, so I thought my novice skills managed ok.

I am not knowledgeable enough (yet) to conduct acoustical analysis of the room, but it sounds darn good to me... Real clean sound. Not too much reflection, not too much deadening, just right... :D

Thanks.

Tell us more about those fabric panels.

Also, what material did you use for the black speaker coverings and black border around the screen?

As for the black border around the screen (yes, it is a stark black, although the photos show them a little brown) - I used a Black velvet-like material used to upholster couches. I was looking for velvet at JoAnn Fabrics, but they didn't have enough... I wandered over to the home furnishing section and found this baby. Actually, I am happy I did it - the stuff really absorbs extra light. I wrapped a thin batting under the fabric to soften the edges. It really turned out well.

The frame around the screen is actually all one piece, like a picture frame, so after wrapping it with the fabric, I just slapped some extra-strength velcro on the back and stuck it to the wall. It is a tight enough fit that I am not too worried about it ever coming out unless I want it to...

Very nice Dan! I love that bar concept! Can you tell me what the dimensions are of the counter? I'm thinking about something like this in my new theater.

Yeah, the bar is very functional! I would do it again in an instant.

Size = 12' wide/long x 22" deep x bar height (forget the exact height)

Dan, How did the black paint turn out on ceiling? How did you apply it. I am thinking about using black for my ceiling. What brand / color code did you use? Thanks.

A great inspiration! I vote for a sticky...:D

Standing Ovation!

EXCELLENT work! Great desgin.

Do you plan to charge extra for sitting in the skybox or is that just the press box?

Tom

Well done... very nice.. I hope you enjoy!

I really gotta say, the execution and layout of this room is FANTASTIC! I love it!

EXCELLENT work! Great desgin.

Do you plan to charge extra for sitting in the skybox or is that just the press box?

Tom

Those are the "cheap seats" ... like we say in Detroit, there isn't a bad seat in Tiger's stadium. Even the bad seats are sweet!

Dan, How did the black paint turn out on ceiling? How did you apply it. I am thinking about using black for my ceiling. What brand / color code did you use? Thanks.

It is Pittsburgh Paint. The color is "Ceiling Black".... go figure!!

I am very happy with it.

Your columns are exactly what I want to do with my build. I was hoping that you would have some details and close up pictures of how you did the speaker enclosures. How wide, deep and high is it. What speaker did you use for the surround speaker?

It looks like a fairly thin column, which is what I like. I was thinking I may have to use some of the space of the wall to keep it thin.

Good job.

Your columns are exactly what I want to do with my build. I was hoping that you would have some details and close up pictures of how you did the speaker enclosures. How wide, deep and high is it. What speaker did you use for the surround speaker?

It looks like a fairly thin column, which is what I like. I was thinking I may have to use some of the space of the wall to keep it thin.

Good job.

The columns are 19" wide x 10" deep. Here is a pic with the speaker cover off. I also included the pic of the cover for those that might be interested...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2593127539_aa47e4b23b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/2593128103_6d3db8069c_b.jpg

Thanks, pictures look great. So I guess that is the S-3 and not the S-2. From the other pictures, I would have never guessed that it was 19" wide. I still don't know what speakers I'm going with. Could be used M&K S-150's. You seem to be happy with your Klipschs, any regrets or other speakers you considered?

Thanks

Hi Dan,

Thanks for sharing your build with us, it’s provided a lot of inspiration. Would you mind sharing who did the woodwork?

Is that an Insteon KeypadLinc I see? :D

Thanks, pictures look great. So I guess that is the S-3 and not the S-2. From the other pictures, I would have never guessed that it was 19" wide. I still don't know what speakers I'm going with. Could be used M&K S-150's. You seem to be happy with your Klipschs, any regrets or other speakers you considered?

Thanks

Yeah, those are the S-3's... I love them. I like the warm sound of the Klipsch's, but it is just a personal preference. I did listen to a bunch of others, some even much more expensive, but I couldn't find a better value (for my ears anyway). It helps that I don't have great hearing though :rolleyes:

Hi Dan,

Thanks for sharing your build with us, it’s provided a lot of inspiration. Would you mind sharing who did the woodwork?

Is that an Insteon KeypadLinc I see? :D

No problem. I will PM you and get you the details.

That's the Insteon Keypadlinc you see... I have some tweaking to do, but I have it controlling all the lights in the theater/bar areas.

Hey Dan,

Not trying to be fresh but can I have a look under your bar? From a low angle with the chairs out of the way if you would be so kind??? ;)

I saw the naked pics earlier in the thread but I'd like to see how they finished out those supports...

Thanks,

Joe V

Wow, found this through another thread! Beautiful! Really well done!

Wow really like the layout...just came across your build today. Is that a play area for the kids behind the bar seating?

This room is what Home theater is all about...Nice Job you and the wife have excellent taste.

wow nice work! What size is the room and how far back is your seating?

Damn :eek:

This has to be one of the nicest rooms I've seen yet.

One word.... WOW

Awesome job! How about the obligatory screen shot? :-)

Dan,

This is simply awesome. The woodwork and attention to detail are most impressive.
A question; is all of the wood Cherry?

(Or perhaps some other types of wood, but stained to match?)

What a nice functional room! Looks like years of fun for the whole family!!!

I kind of always thought I would want to build a dedicated theater but yours is like the best of both worlds. I might be changing my mind!

just ran across this today. I need to rethink some things now as you have given me inspiration.

This is gorgeous. Glad you made the comment about locks for the A/V cabinet. We don't have any munchkins yet, but that's definitely a detail I will put in my notes for later.

Dan,

Very very nice getaway place. How do you gain access to the speakers since they are behind the screen? What's the total costs excluding the electronics (labor, materials) if I may ask?

Hey Dan...the theater looks great! I also was wondering about how you get to the speakers behind the screen. I am thinking about doing an AT theater as well. Did the 22" between the screen wall and your front wall provide you enough space to put the speakers without too much issue?

Thanks!

If you look at Dan's posts you can see that after completing this masterpiece he hasn't made a post since July. I've down loaded a number of Pics and bookmarked this thread because I really like how it turned out. Maybe someday.

Great job Dan, everything turned out incredible! I love how you incorporated side speakers into the columns and all of the wood work is amazing. How has your system been working out for ya, got everything tweaked to perfection yet?

Again, amazing job. It's a shame I don't live closer, I'd love to swing by to get the "experience".

Tom

Bumping so this doesn't get archived prematurely.

Unbelievable, it's perfect!

Incredible theater. Simply great. I hope you love it. It must be fun. Good job.

Holy Crap Dan...just simple awesome, great wood work...one of the nicest theatres I have seen and everything just works in so well together.

Dan what AR and size is your screen...looks plenty big.

Be aware, Dan hasn't been on AVS since last April - so, it might be a while before he answers any questions, if ever.

Any chance you could snap some photos of under the bar, where the chairs are, im curious to see what you did with the braces?

Love the bar integration!
Also high honors to the lighting, upholstry, woodwork, colors. It all blends together so nicely.

Enjoy!!

very nice!!

what is the distance from the screen to the back of the berklines?

The wood work is great! Way to go.

WOW...OMG that looks awsome....I love this look ! The lighting, the bar, the wood trim just WOW. Unreal, one of the better rooms I have seen on here.

Thanks for bumpping this thread so I can see it

awesome work! thank's for sharing!

what is the distance from the screen to the back of the berklines?

Lynch - I hate to beat a dead horse, but the guy who created this HT doesn't seem to be on the forum any longer. :(

Hey guys, I realize Dan is MIA but my question can probably be addressed by Ted or Big or any of you other experts.

This layout of Dan's looks like it would work very well in my unfinished basement, but what acoustic deficiencies did he incur by doing the open back wall and the open arched door?

They look beautiful, functionally it's awesome as you can have people eating and drinking at the bar top, still enjoying the movie, and not spilling popcorn butter on your $1000 leather chairs. I have to think there is an acoustic downside though...

I bookmarked this thread too, I don't how I missed it before. Sweet!

Hey guys, I realize Dan is MIA but my question can probably be addressed by Ted or Big or any of you other experts.

This layout of Dan's looks like it would work very well in my unfinished basement, but what acoustic deficiencies did he incur by doing the open back wall and the open arched door?

They look beautiful, functionally it's awesome as you can have people eating and drinking at the bar top, still enjoying the movie, and not spilling popcorn butter on your $1000 leather chairs. I have to think there is an acoustic downside though...

I just ran across this thread from a current thread thats currnty being built and BIG posted this thread as an idea....I was 100% ready to build a fully dedicated room in my basement too...until this popped up today S#!T.....

This is amazing and I too am wondering what the what acoustic deficiencies did he incur by doing the open back wall and the open arched door? Can someone with some experience or better knowledge help me and others out...Ted/BIG?

Thanks in advance....sucks that Dan is not posting anymore

GREAT ROOM!

can someone tell me what switch this is next to the arched door?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2573758555_a1f5f4618c_b.jpg

can someone tell me what switch this is next to the arched door?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2573758555_a1f5f4618c_b.jpg

Looks like a KeypadLinc (I'm guessing Almond) with clear buttons: http://www.smarthome.com/2486DAL8/KeypadLinc-Dimmer-INSTEON-8-Button-Scene-Control-Keypad-with-Dimmer-Almond/p.aspx

Curves above the stage/screen...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2565482845_ea0144daa5_b.jpg

hey thats an awesome build you have. can you explain how you attached the GOM covered panels on your screen? if you have pictures that would be awesome.

The builder of this thread has not responded in a long time. You can do a search for front screen walls or go to the show me thread static page and you will find several examples of how to attach fabric to panels.

But every time this thread pops up, it makes me want to do a room just like it.

Super nice work!!

Bumped because....this is awesome.

Bumped because....this is awesome.

I love this one too....might be a top 3 pick IMO

I can't imagine that Dan would just carry on and abandon this thread or AVS all together. I'm guessing that something more important has propped up in the last year or 2 causing him to move??? Just a theory. Regardless, this thread is a fantastic tutorial in home theater design. Kudos to his vision and kudos to the contractors!

I can't imagine that Dan would just carry on and abandon this thread or AVS all together. I'm guessing that something more important has propped up in the last year or 2 causing him to move??? Just a theory. Regardless, this thread is a fantastic tutorial in home theater design. Kudos to his vision and kudos to the contractors!

Hard to say, but I am sure something came up. I notice he's from MI and we all kind of know that MI in general is an Armpit for jobs. Hope that is not the case. Overall, I really enjoyed his build-out.