I'm about to get started in converting our game room into a HT. I used the riser caculator and it came up with 12 inches. I have a couple of questions:
1) How should I finish/cover the riser? I was thinking of padding and a dark carpet, but don't have a clue on how to cover the corners with carpet.
2) I still am uncertain of how wide to make it, as I'm still working on the dimensions of the furniture. We're leaning toward 2 reclining sofa's that we saw at Sam's but I'm not certain how closely I can place them. I'm hoping I can get them placed at 4 feet from each other (viewing distance 13.5 feet and 9.5 feet). What do you recommend - buy them both and lay out the riser after I have set them and see what clearances I have? I also know that I'll need a step so I will need to factor that in. I was intending to make the riser about 12 feet long leaving 1-1/2 to 2 feet extra on each side of the sofa for a table. What do you think?

Putting a lip on the riser makes carpeting simpler. You wrap the carpet down around and staple underneath. Then you cut strips for the vertical area and staple on. For the corners you just slit the carpet and fit it tight together.

Got this knowledge from watching my carpet guys.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00535.jpg

X2 on everything BIG said. I used rope light under my overhang for step lighting (not pictured below).

http://www.mostlyharmless.org/theater/carpet1.jpg

Thanks for the quick reply. Looks great by the way.

As far as the width of the riser, I just spoke to a furniture guy and I think the width will end up being closer to 6 feet than 4 feet because of the much the furniture reclines. I'm also now looking at 2 rows of 3 as opposed to the sofas. What do you think?

As far as the width of the riser, I just spoke to a furniture guy and I think the width will end up being closer to 6 feet than 4 feet because of the much the furniture reclines.

I have two row of three but if your chairs are going to fully recline you really need to be looking at 6 1/2 ft. Mine is 6ft 8 inches and it just works. If you make a mistake you can always just set the first row a few inches in front of the riser.

Have you checked out Berkline home theater seating from RSH on the accessories forum?

My riser is 7' deep. I think 7' is a good minimum depth. It will allow for ample room to recline as well as a little bit of space so that the feet of the people in the back aren't right up against the heads of those in the front row when everyone is reclined.

I think 8' is generally considered the ideal depth for risers but 7' would definately work. I think 6' would be cutting it close.

Thanks. I just ordered 2 rows of 3 seats from one of the site sponsors, and the sales person walked me through how to space these. I will probably set them up without riser and see how it all fits. Then select screen size then riser height. Thanks again for the advice.