Here goes...http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_5897.jpg
This is a view of the future screen wall. The window will be covered.[ The plan is to have an 8-9ft SMX AT screen there with speakers behind. The poles will be filled w/ sand and wrapped w/ insulation, and framed w/ MDF, and made into columns. A matching column will be near them with the first surrounds.

Room Dimensions are/will be: 12wx18lx8h

General Construction notes:
- The wall construction will be 2x6 with 2x4 staggered stud
- DRIcore flooring with carpet
- Insulation
- Double drywall
- Green Glue
- Stage w/ sand
- Riser

Sounds great. Don't forget to keep those pics coming all along the way..

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_5895.jpg
This is looking toward the rear of the theater. There will be rear surrounds and a riser w/ 3 seats.

Looks like that will be a nice space. It looks like your basement is more than 8 feet in height. Does the 8 feet come from the bottom of the steel beams?

+1 on the pics.....we all love pics here!

Regards,

RTROSE

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_5898.jpg
Side View...
Back left is the sump, to the right of that will be rack, then half-bath in right corner. None of which will be in HT, there will be a hallway that separates them.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/basementdiagramcopy.jpg
The HT was originally going to be 15ft, but I decided to go with staggered stud 2x6s and made a hallway,etc. Cha,cha,chaaanges.

Here is a render...If anyone wants to know how I did this, feel free to PM me. I can send you a link to the software.







LOL:rolleyes:

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_5900.jpg
Hallway that will have movie posters,etc. It will be just under 4 feet wide and the floor will be tile. The HT entrance will be a solid core door and will be just past the middle pole. The half bath will be just to the right.

Those diaper boxes all contain old baby clothes. I sure wish I could have that $ back...:(

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_5901.jpg
Another shot of back of HT.

looks like a great big space. i would be awefully tempted to move one of those posts and have much bigger theater. i did that and i am really glad i did. details of what was involved are in my build thread.

either way, it looks like a great space. best of luck!

greg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_5898.jpg
Side View...
Back left is the sump, to the right of that will be rack, then half-bath in right corner. None of which will be in HT, there will be a hallway that separates them.

Indy,
yeah...I saw your build thread. WOW (Insert jealous face here)
I debated about moving poles, HVAC, and other adjustments. I saw what you did, and I believe it was Strange Brew. I opted to just make it work with what I was dealt with. The house is 2 years old, and we bought it 90% done. i would have done alot of things different. thanks for the suggestion.:cool:

Is this going to be Topgun in name only or are you going to do Pilots briefing room theme? Last year I was taking a tour of an aircraft carrier and when I got to the briefing room thought someone could do a theater based on the feel of the room.

Here is some Airline seats for ya, Top Gun.. :)

Link to Airline Seats (http://detroit.craigslist.org/for/654416986.html)

RTROSE- Ceiling height is 8ft
BIG-I'm stealing alot of your ideas, so make sure and lurk around here every now and then. It's just a name. However, that would be a sweet HT, stewardesses anyone? I bet that was a cool tour you took.

Staffy-Do those seats come with an ejection handle?:D

Those diaper boxes all contain old baby clothes. I sure wish I could have that $ back...:(

LOL I had the same baby clothes storage in my basement! Donate those to charity and write them off. I wrote off every single one using Tax Deduction Pro. Then with the major tax savings you can buy a few new DVDs! Good Luck!

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_6442.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_6438.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_6439.jpg

DANGIT, that is my toy... as soon as I can find it on sale or from craigslist :) Please let us know how you like it and what a difference it makes..

DANGIT, that is my toy... as soon as I can find it on sale or from craigslist :) Please let us know how you like it and what a difference it makes..

I really like it so far. The fuel cells last forever, and I am only charging the battery now b/c I didn't fully charge it when I got it. (I wanted to use it right away...bam!bam!. I nailed some scrap wood just for er, practice.
The only thing is, and no big deal for me, you need adequate ventilation, b/c of the fuel cells. Lucky for me I have the window, and it's not covered yet.(that's my screenwall).
By the way, that was an Ebay purchase. Like new, half price...about $175bucks.

I don't have the Paslode framing nailer however I bought an air nailer for my HT project and after doing some framing by the "old fashion way" I don't regret my purchase at all. Made my framing go much faster for sure. Almost a must if you are DIY all alone as holding a stud steady and plum and trying to toe nail with a framing hammer for me was just about next to impossible.

I love getting new toys during my home projects. It is just about the only way I can justify spending money on getting new tools without feeling guilty.

Regards,

RTROSE

Panasonic Home PT-AE2000U Projector @ 14’5”- need
SMX Proline PL-100-235-cw 2:35:1 100”x42.6”x108.7” 1.16gain 1ft from wall-need
Onkyo TX-SR705 Receiver
Axiom QS8 Surrounds
AxiomVP150 Center Channel- need
Axiom M50 for L&R
HSU VTF3-Mk3 Powered Sub
XBOX 360
Motorola Buckeye Cable HD Box
Blu Ray player to be determined later-need

In the following pic is a view of what was going to be a hallway seperating the HT from a bathroom that will be on the right next to the sump. My frustration is: should I scrap the hallway and add 4 more feet onto the HT? I do not like the idea of a bathroom in my HT. The hallway was also going to provide an entrance with movie posters, etc. I wish I could have back all the time I have spent staring at walls down there. lol:confused:

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_5900.jpg

This is a crude example of how I had planned to do it.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_5900-1.jpg

Those boxes of Pampers ($$$ down the drain and time demands from kids and wife)) are not a good sign for HT projects.

Good luck.

Those boxes of Pampers ($$$ down the drain and time demands from kids and wife)) are not a good sign for HT projects.

Good luck.

I am glad the diaper days are over. They are 14,13,4,and 3(all girls) now.
And fortunately,I have their full support.

Like others have said moving those posts would make things much easier. You could end up with something like this possibly (depending on where the posts actually lay and where they could be moved).

Anyway could you draw in where the posts actually are located on your drawing?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109067&stc=1&d=1209496991

IMO, you'd be better off with the hallway seperating the bathroom. It should buffer the flush a little better when guests are over...:o I think 15' is plenty wide for 2 rows of 4 depending on your seating choice and the wall for poster boxes will give it a nice look and feel.

Ah, I was reviewing your diagram for size then saw your original post saying 12' width due to staggared studs. Are you really losing 3' though? Shouldn't you be losing 4-6"?

This is a crude example of how I had planned to do it.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_5900-1.jpg


That's quite a stack of Pampers you have there!

Been working on the staggered stud walls, they sure are alot of work. I'll need to go to Lowes soon, my lumber supply is dwindling. I should have had it all delivered, but I am too cheap. I can usually get about 20 2x4s in my SUV, and it's only a 4-5 mile drive.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_6450.jpg

Closeup of my labor intensive staggered stud wall.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_6449.jpg

My daughters were found a spider the day while they were playing in what will soon be their play room down there, and that delayed my work for awhile. I plugged up all openings I could find with this:
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_6457.jpg
End result:http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_6456.jpg.
I, of course did not take a pic of the smashed spider as not to offend or bother anyone reading this.
If there is anyone reading this.

My daughters were found a spider the day while they were playing in what will soon be their play room down there, and that delayed my work for awhile. I plugged up all openings I could find with this:

I, of course did not take a pic of the smashed spider as not to offend or bother anyone reading this.
If there is anyone reading this.

Hey! I'm reading this thread! I know sometimes I feel as though I am the only one interested in my thread because I have three or four posts and no one else chimes in and then someone will post and I get that warm fuzzy feeling that others are sharing in my journey.;) It's all good!:p

BTW would not have been offended by the spider pic. I to have issues with spiders (all shape and sizes) some look as big as a half dollar. I do not get hot or cold about the spiders (very little other bugs at the house thank you spiders) but my wife and kids don't like them and I would have a issue with my guests having to "deal" with them so I usually "dispatch" them when the wife and kids are around and leave them be if it is just me. I to will be using the "foam stuff" to seal everything up before insulation and drywall to eliminate the spiders (and other bugs) from the basement.

The staggered wall looks good AND labor intensive. I too built my basement by runs to Lowe's in the wife's mini-van getting 30 2 x 4's a pop. I could really use a pickup but the wife is happy with the mini-van and will not entertain the idea of getting a pickup and my vehicle is company provided so that is out as an option for my vehicle.

Regards,

RTROSE

RTROSE: I am just a week or so behind your progress. Plan to have all framing(except soffits) done this weekend. Electrician will be coming next week, I'll leave that to the pros.
(Go Vikings)

RTROSE: I am just a week or so behind your progress. Plan to have all framing(except soffits) done this weekend. Electrician will be coming next week, I'll leave that to the pros.
(Go Vikings)

My electrical took far longer than I had anticipated due to my electrician doing my work as a "side job" but for the money I spent for the work (and knowing that to begin with) was perfectly acceptable to me and actually fit my schedule better to boot.

I am all for DIY but having a bad experience with electrical (fried my furnace and thermostat...don't ask) I have been banned for life doing electrical work by my wife. I figured as important as doing the electrical correctly it was money well spent. I did save quite a bit doing all the "grunt work" so he could actually work on connecting everything vs. spending time drilling holes and pulling wires. I am also planning on having the drywall done and I have a major plumbing project (tying into the main house sewer) that I will also leave to the pros.

Keep up the good work and keep us posted there are people reading and lurking!:D

Regards,

RTROSE

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_6665.jpg
Only 82 sheets.(50 of them 5/8).
It only took my brother and I 4 hours to bring them down from the garage. Pretty much nonstop. It's a good thing drywall bends a little, I have a tight turn coming down basement steps. I did end up paying for Lowe's delivery.

Looking good so far, should be a nice space when your finished! Just out of curiosity, where are you planning on putting your equipment? I noticed you had some space under the steps but I wasn't sure if you were planning on utilizing that for your HT. Anyways, keep up the good work and don't be shy when it comes to posting pictures :)

Looking at that stack of drywall :eek: seems like money well spent for the delivery. I actually have a Lowe's about 5 minutes away and a beat up little pickup so I couldn't justify paying a delivery fee. Just got it as I went along, besides it helps me teach my 15 yr old son some diy basics, even if its just the labor end of it. Hopefully it will payoff later on and he isn't always calling Dad to do things for him.

Topgun,

Sounds like things are going nicely. It's good to see some more folks from the NW Ohio/SE Michigan area. The framing looks great. Some day (when I finally get around to doing my theater) I'm going to have to learn how to do all that fun DIY stuff!

Just wanted you to know that I'm definitely enjoying your thread and look forward to seeing the finished product! Also, I can relate to the diapers! I have a son who is 3 months and I never imagined how much I would spend in formula and diapers!

Best Regards.

Looking good so far, should be a nice space when your finished! Just out of curiosity, where are you planning on putting your equipment? I noticed you had some space under the steps but I wasn't sure if you were planning on utilizing that for your HT. Anyways, keep up the good work and don't be shy when it comes to posting pictures :)
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_6667.jpg
Thanks, Tom
The space to the left of the photo is framed for 19 1/2", for a rack. It's also the sump and subpanel location. It is to the immediate right of the half-bath, and across from HT entrance. Ignore that white square in upper left corner.
Haven't decided on rack type yet. I'll have full access from the rear, and plan on putting a fan for cooling, etc.
John

Looking at that stack of drywall :eek: seems like money well spent for the delivery. I actually have a Lowe's about 5 minutes away and a beat up little pickup so I couldn't justify paying a delivery fee. Just got it as I went along, besides it helps me teach my 15 yr old son some diy basics, even if its just the labor end of it. Hopefully it will payoff later on and he isn't always calling Dad to do things for him.

Yeah, I'm pretty close too. The kid at the counter even tried to talk me out of delivery. He said that I should rent one of their trucks for $19.99 for 75 minutes, and make a few trips....But I bit the bullet and paid the 60 bucks. they forked it into the garage and everything. I was saving up all my energy for the trip down the basement...one sheet at a time. lol I think I'll take a pic of the basement steps. Complete 90* turn. Did I mention it took us 4 hours? lol
John

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_6669.jpg
The room that is currently my insulation staging area is my soon-to-be home gym. Then I won't have any excuses not to train. Ok Ok I will still have plenty of excuses.:D

Spent some quality family time working in the basement last night, because of this...
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_6674.jpg
This front spawned at least one confirmed tornado touchdown, along with plenty of wind damage. Scratch one table umbrella and one 5 year-old grill from my patio. Hey...Isn't Father's Day this weekend????:)

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_6668.jpg
Working on minor framing details this week. Such as door frames, putting in extra screws and nails.(want to make sure those walls hold 2 layers of 5/8" sheetrock on both sides!!!) Soffits outside the HT should be done this week as well. The soffits inside won't be completed until after drywall is up in there.

Topgun,

Sounds like things are going nicely. It's good to see some more folks from the NW Ohio/SE Michigan area. The framing looks great. Some day (when I finally get around to doing my theater) I'm going to have to learn how to do all that fun DIY stuff!

Just wanted you to know that I'm definitely enjoying your thread and look forward to seeing the finished product! Also, I can relate to the diapers! I have a son who is 3 months and I never imagined how much I would spend in formula and diapers!

Best Regards.

Thanks Ripcord!! Did you get some of those bad storms?
As far as the DIY stuff, I am all self taught. Utilize the internet, books, TV, DVD's and DAD.
Yeah, just pull-ups at night now(3 and 4years), but they still cost a bunch.

Hey Topgun! I just picked up on this thread. Things are looking really good. I also noticed that your in NW OH. I am in West Toledo and after seeing the picture of the storm that ate your table and grill I just wanted to share that I can relate.

Keep up the good work!

Judson

Hey Topgun! I just picked up on this thread. Things are looking really good. I also noticed that your in NW OH. I am in West Toledo and after seeing the picture of the storm that ate your table and grill I just wanted to share that I can relate.

Keep up the good work!

Judson


Thanks Judson!! Yeah, friends of ours were without power for 3 days in west Toledo...ouch. Good thing I have flashlights, handsaw, and Paslode nailer, in case that happens to us. :p

Do you guys think 1 vent and 1 return would be enough for my 12x18 HT? I was thinking of putting the vent low at front of theater, and return high near rear.
Thanks,

Thats an impressive photo of the storm cloud. Good to hear that your losses were pretty minor. I lost one piece of siding this year so far and lost a glass top outdoor table last year on my deck due to straight line winds.

That pales in comparison though as my town here in Indiana was hit very hard by the record flooding and several of my friends lost basically everything. Thank God my neighborhood is just far enough away and higher than those areas that flooded otherwise we would be in the same situation. We never lost power but we were out of water for about a day and a half but considering the alternative I'm not complaining!

Keep up the good work and keep the pics coming. I have had to put the build on pause to get some other things around the house done and there are just not enough hours in the day to get it all done! BTW with drywall in your basement you are now ahead of me! I completed my electrical and when I get back to the basement I will be double checking everything before I start insulating.

Regards,

RTROSE

Do you guys think 1 vent and 1 return would be enough for my 12x18 HT? I was thinking of putting the vent low at front of theater, and return high near rear.
Thanks,

Yes I think so. My room is 12.5x22 is in my basement and the one vent is pretty good (the fact it is in the basement helps big time of course since I usually use a blanket in there) although when I think about it, when there are 4 people in there for hours it can get a bit warm and I break out a floor fan so maybe you should go with two for the piece of mind. 1 return is fine though...for sure. My bedroom is larger than your HT and it has the single return.

Yes I think so. My room is 12.5x22 is in my basement and the one vent is pretty good (the fact it is in the basement helps big time of course since I usually use a blanket in there) although when I think about it, when there are 4 people in there for hours it can get a bit warm and I break out a floor fan so maybe you should go with two for the piece of mind. 1 return is fine though...for sure. My bedroom is larger than your HT and it has the single return.

Loregnum,
I just got off the phone with the HVAC company that did my house. They already had put in 2 vents(no returns) in the basement. One is in the soon to be gym, and the other in the family area. They said my unit can handle 3 more additional vents no problem. So, having said that, I will put 2 vents and 1 return in the HT. Thanks for your input.

Thanks Ripcord!! Did you get some of those bad storms?
As far as the DIY stuff, I am all self taught. Utilize the internet, books, TV, DVD's and DAD.
Yeah, just pull-ups at night now(3 and 4years), but they still cost a bunch.
Top Gun,

We were able to avoid the really bad storms thankfully. That is one crazy picture though! Congrats on getting through the diaper stage, but yea, I imagine those pull-ups are also quite expensive. Thank goodness for Sam's Club. Nice shot of all the drywall by the way...most impressive.

I am a big fan of utilizing the Dad...although my go to guy is my father in-law. Keep up the great work and if you need a hand, let me know.

Best Regards.

2nd Full day of electrical, and it is all roughed in.(I hired it out) He will be back Tuesday to finish. I have been putting up insulation, working on the HVAC, and as soon as Monoprice order comes in, I'll run cable. I am looking to
be hanging drywall in July, paint in August, carpet?? ($) gulp.

Top Gun,

We were able to avoid the really bad storms thankfully. That is one crazy picture though! Congrats on getting through the diaper stage, but yea, I imagine those pull-ups are also quite expensive. Thank goodness for Sam's Club. Nice shot of all the drywall by the way...most impressive.

I am a big fan of utilizing the Dad...although my go to guy is my father in-law. Keep up the great work and if you need a hand, let me know.

Best Regards.

Thanks ripcord!

Hey TopGun,

It's been a while since we have seen any updates? How are things coming along?

Picked up this toy at Lowes, hopefully it will cut down on some of the dust.
Anybody try it?


http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/DSCN2148.jpg

Theater entrance. That silver stuff is duct insulation I used to wrap around those metal support poles.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/DSCN2150.jpg

Future screen wall.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/DSCN2151.jpg

Rear wall...

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/DSCN2152.jpg

Looking out the theater entrance towards where the equipment rack will be.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/DSCN2153.jpg

The funny thing is that they started building a multimillion-dollar bridge over the river here, and they finished that faster than my build. lol

Keep in mind, that I am doing a whole basement; theater, gym, playroom, bar, half-bath.

All they built was a lousy bridge.

Room that will contain sump, subpanel, and rack.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/DSCN2154.jpg

said bridge...

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/veteransskyway.jpg

Well, that's a fancy bridge.

Ahh the Craig bridge replacement. Went over that bad boy many a time when I lived in Toledo... Any new Carty snafu's :)

Ahh the Craig bridge replacement. Went over that bad boy many a time when I lived in Toledo... Any new Carty snafu's :)

Unfortunately so...but too many to mention. I might use up all of my allotted bandwith. There is a group currently working on recalling him, so we'll see.

Welcome back.

Just how are you planning on running that conduit? It's too big to notch out the 2x4 wall studs. Will it be in a soffit? And if so, how are you planning on doing the fire blocking with the conduit already attached?

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_4858.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_4859.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_4861.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/jmktopgun/IMG_4860.jpg

Ended up doing 2 layers of 5/8" drywall, insulation and staggered stud throughout HT. Plan on priming the walls tonight.

Welcome back. Looking forward to seeing your progress. Don't take over a 1000 days to do it again!

Regards,

RTROSE