Basement Project: Theater / Bar / Rec Room [Text View]

HawkeyeJosh

12-30-06, 01:12 AM

Hello all:

Please be patient with the pictures, thanks!

I just bought a new house about 6 months ago. The basement wasn't finished, but it was exactly what I was looking for. I've got some ideas as to what I would like to do, and have got some nice ideas from friends, but I want to make sure I cover everything and am looking for any additional ideas or advice. I've used a neat architectural program to design and get virtual images of what the completed project will look like.

First things first, here is a floor plan of my basement (which is already framed out as shown):
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/FloorPlan.jpg

Here is an overview of each room...

Rec Room:
The Rec Room is already wired with 4 can lights on a dimmer, switched outlets and a ceiling fan mount. Speaker wire has been run and exits the ceiling in each corner, all run back to a speaker wall plate. I plan on putting a pool table in this room and since I'm a University of Iowa grad, this will be my dedicated Hawkeye room for decor. Cat 5e is run through the walls, phone is taken care of, and cable is run to the plumbing box-out section (to the left of the window). Since the room isn't completed, any suggestions before I gyp it up?

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6429.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/RecRoom1.jpg

Bar Area / Theater Room:
I don't want a dedicated theater room with theater seating, but I still want the capability to really experience movies or sports. Currently this room is one long open area, and I have it divided by a ~3" high partition wall (see pics below). I plan on having 7.1 with floor standing speakers in front, component rack between the two front speakers, and a 120" screen above on the wall. All wiring will be run through walls or ceiling. For seating I would like to get a corner couch to go against the partition wall.

Each side of the room will be lit using 4 can lights on dimmers, each set controlled from the front or back of the room using 3-way dimmer switches.

On the bar side of the partition wall I plan on having a "breakfast bar" area with bar stools sitting under it. This is also the area that I would like the capability to set a laptop down and have wall inputs that go to my reciever and projector. When installing cables and wall plates, what connections would you be most concerned with?

As for the bar itself, I would like to make it out of Oak, and make the final project to look very nice. The easiest way to explain my concept for the bar would be to check out the pictures, but I would like my bar to include a kegerator, small fridge, sink (location???), large back mirror, etc. I plan on putting in can lights in the bar soffit to shine down on the bar itself, rope lights above the soffit to illuminate the interior of the bar area, and rope lights under the ledge of the bar to illuminate the exterior.... other than that I'm looking for suggestions and direction.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6432.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/BarForward.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6431.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/Bar5.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/Bar6.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/Pic3-1.jpg

More pictures can be found here:
http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/

If you have any suggestions, please don't hesitate to express your opinion. If you think that I should do something other than what I've shown, let me know.

mikemusic

12-30-06, 12:49 PM

I don't know if this is part of your original plan but some small recessed lights in the bar area (right above the countertop) would be nice so that you can have some drinks while watching the movie and not really affect the picture. Putting a dimmer would be a +

greg_mitch

12-30-06, 06:26 PM

Wow, those renderings look pretty good. I like your couches. Where did you find that material?! j/k

Whoever gave you that idea for the half-height wall is a genius, it makes that long space like 2 different rooms without limiting the bar areas view of the screen.

I wonder how you are going to place all those speakers in that room. Are you thinking in ceiling speakers or hanging them down from the ceiling or side wall speakers? I can't visualize that.

I think you might want to reconsider placing Hawkeye memorabilia in that pool room. You might offend potential home buyers in the future.

I say you place an air hockey table in that room behind the bar. Let's see some pictures of that!

What is your timeline for completion?

wdang

12-30-06, 08:29 PM

Fantastic! Everything looks very professional so far. Are you going to do everything yourself? I'm sure your theater, bar and rec room will turn out real nice when you're done. Good luck.

HawkeyeJosh

12-30-06, 09:05 PM

:) Thanks for the questions and comments guys.

- Yes, I will be doing all of the work myself. I've got some prior experience with this type of stuff and I'm excited and look forward to the challenge. The part I'm most looking forward to is completing the bar - and I want it to be perfect, thus asking for suggestions!

- The half-height wall was a pretty good idea - for the reasons you listed greg_mitch.

-The speakers will be mounted on the wall. For front center I have a JBL Northridge EC35, and for the surround I have JBL Northridge E10's, the sub is a 10" Klipsch Sub-10, and for the fronts I'm just about ready to pull the trigger on two Infinity Primus 360's (JBL and Infinity are both manufactured by Harman Industries). I think I"m going to run the wire for both 7.1 and 6.1, for flexibility in the future.

- I currently have a Sony STR-DA1ES reciever in my upstairs surround sound, but it only produces 5.1 sound. I haven't decided on a new reciever for the theater, but I'm impressed with Harman Kardon products.

- As for reconsidering the Hawkeye memorabilia... what bowl are the Cyclones playing in this year Greg?

- As for the back room, greg, initial thoughts were an air hockey table but I also dont want to limit myself on storage space. That rear room will be an afterthought...

- Timeline for completion is as funds allows, but once I get an idea and a goal in mind, I'm pretty impatient!

HawkeyeJosh

12-30-06, 09:09 PM

Any better suggestions about the placement of the sink and mini-fridge for the bar? I'd like to move the sink to the front bar on the left side against the wall to hide it a bit better, but I think that's a better location for a kegerator.

What do you guys think???

greg_mitch

12-31-06, 12:17 AM

I am not sure how this would fit but I think you should make the bar side two counter heights. A lower counter height for mixing drinks, kegerator, etc. and the upper counter for serving and having the drinks sit on. Here is an example...

http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base_images/zp/supporting_an_overhanging_granite_countertop_1.jpg

Obviously you have placed your sink in the back which is fine but I think this would be a smart way to do the otherside. Just a tip...

greg_mitch

12-31-06, 01:24 AM

Oooo, I just found this thread....

Bar Plans Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=574277)

Lots of good ideas and plenty of places for plans with several different bar ideas...I like this website...

BarPlan.com (http://www.barplan.com/)

Too bad I already have a bar and the wife would shoot me if I ripped it out to build another one!

HawkeyeJosh

01-01-07, 08:39 PM

Not going to take all the credit for the updates since I've been looking at other people's final designs on the forum, but here is the new concept for the theater area.

Let me know your thoughts on this and the bar area!

Thanks

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/View05.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/View03.jpg

greg_mitch

01-01-07, 10:09 PM

Very nice! I noticed you upscaled the theater area a bit. I think it needed it. You are of course adding cost but I think it will payoff in the long run.

I like how you showed the surround speakers now that helps me a little, although you might find some people harping on you for not putting them in the "right" place, I would venture to guess they will be fine for your use.

where is the sub going to be located again?

Nice rack in the wall for the A/V gear, I think this will take advantage of the useless understair area alhtough you should plan ahead for some equipment cooling measures.

maitak

01-03-07, 08:56 AM

Everything looks great to me. I have a bar/sink setup similar to what you are showing and many times I wish the sink were offset to one side to give me more continuous counter space to the side. Of course, if I did have it offset I'd probably be annoyed that it's not proportional. :D

HawkeyeJosh

01-03-07, 07:08 PM

I have updated the bar to show the sink in the front bar, and on the side next to the wall. This would give plenty of room on the back bar (and those wouldn't be wine glasses, but instead bottles of alcohol) and plenty of room on the front bar. I'm not sure if I like not having it proportional either though!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/Bar05.jpg

MY OTHER ISSUE: How should I terminate the soffit above the bar, right now the rendering shows it ending over the doorway, but I'm not sure if I like that. The sides of the back bar won't actually be solid with doors, I plan on them being open with shelving. So if I end the soffit in the side, then I'll lose that shelf, and the right side of the bar would have it... and I'm thinking that would look kinda funny?

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/Bar01.jpg

Thoughts?

misterkit

01-04-07, 08:20 AM

What about moving the soffit closer in to the edge of the bar and creating another one on the other side? Right now it appears that the soffit takes a 90 degree turn that extends past the bar. If you shorten that up, you might have room for another seat.

kengorman

01-10-07, 08:51 PM

Those renderings look great. It's a great way to visualize what the final product is going to look like.

What program did you use? Was there much of a learning curve?

Thanks,

Ken

HawkeyeJosh

01-11-07, 10:41 PM

Those renderings look great. It's a great way to visualize what the final product is going to look like.

What program did you use? Was there much of a learning curve?

Thanks,

Ken

Thanks! I'm really excited that I can have a good idea of what the final product will be - other than in my head. It also gives me a way to show others and get good ideas. The program I used is called SoftPlan Architectural Design Software. The learning curve is really pretty easy... I created the floor plan and renderings all in a about a day or two having never used the program before.

HawkeyeJosh

01-11-07, 10:47 PM

I started the construction of the front entertainment center / theater. Check out the constuction pics!

Still time for new ideas on bar and theater...!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/construction01.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/construction03.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/construction02.jpg

Check back periodically for more updates!

Thanks!!

HawkeyeJosh

01-14-07, 02:38 PM

More construction pics:

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6455.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6458.jpg

greg_mitch

01-17-07, 11:13 PM

Stage is looking good. How much space are you planning for with the speaker openings in the stage? The only reason I ask is because I think you should plan for plenty of space for all three locations. People who get into theaters tend to get upgraditus and I would hate to limit your future purchases by the opening size in the stage!

Maybe you can help me build my riser so mine will get done!

Tazman101

01-20-07, 12:20 AM

The rederings look great! On the bar issue, maybe move the return soffit to the inside edge, instead of outside edge of the front soffit? that way you don't have the full width of the endcap to contend with, and just cap off the front? If you want, you could then make the return a bit thinner in width, and have one on the other side to make it more symetrical... The only problem there may be a bit visual because you would be meeting the front panel on the back bar area with the return, but that may be less noticable than where it is now..
Another idea is to use a 45 degree angle cut at the meeting points, which would save some space also...

I see the plans above, and they look great, I'm just having trouble seeing the dimentions on them. What are the dimentions of this area, and the whole basement?

Good luck with construction! Keep us posted!

HawkeyeJosh

01-25-07, 11:29 PM

The basement outside dimension is 36'x52', and the rest of the basement is divided within that footprint. The theater / bar area will be 13'x40' when its completed, the pool room will be 13'x22' when its completed. You can kind of size the remaining rooms off the picture.

Thanks for the comments on the renderings!

Here are some updated pics:

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6473.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6490.jpg

HawkeyeJosh

01-25-07, 11:35 PM

And now for the soffiting... I"m going to do the recessed ceiling look with rope light in the soffit. Check it out...

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6498.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6503.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6505.jpg

jwatte

01-26-07, 08:57 PM

Neat! If you find that the area gets too much "tunnel sound" you should consider some wall or ceiling treatments, anything from rigid fiberglass tiles up to fabric covered wall plates.

Regarding mounting the speakers in the wood console, I suggest you pad the sides with something dampening (maybe just regular rockwool insulation), and leave just a little bit for coolong along the top sides. That way, you won't get too much coupling between the console and the speakers. This is a good idea for regular bookcases, too, although the padding is harder to hide there (cloth covering works, for instance).

HawkeyeJosh

01-29-07, 01:54 PM

jwatte, thanks for the advice. I hadn't decided what I was going to do yet as far as sound dampening, etc. Once I get everything else done (soffits, etc) and framed out I'm going to go back through and try to do things to improve sound. Tahnks for the good idea!

HawkeyeJosh

01-29-07, 09:50 PM

Putting my engineering degree and expertise in HVAC to work....

Oh yea, and making room for my soffits while I'm at it ;)

Before:
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6508.jpg

After:
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6509.jpg

HawkeyeJosh

02-04-07, 09:33 AM

The framing of the theater area is just about completed. Now I need to run the electrical and all of the wiring/cables associated with the AV equipment. Of course... since I had gotten this far, I HAD TO make sure the projector worked with the stage area! It turned out to be a bad idea... I lost about an hour of work watching several movie scenes - even though it was projected on a cement and stud wall! Check it out!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6551.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6554.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6546.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6559.jpg

You can find more pictures here:
http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/

HawkeyeJosh

03-11-07, 03:07 PM

I haven't forgotten about the basement... I'm trying to get some new ideas before I move on to the next step. I'm still trying to finalize the bar design as far as dimensions, cabinets, etc. Check out the pics and offer some suggestions....

Thanks

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/031107_02.jpg

Still trying to come up with a good idea for that soffiting...
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/031107_01.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/031107_05.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/031107_06.jpg

Heywood

03-11-07, 04:16 PM

I like the layout and the improvements- just a few comments-

I am finishing my basment and will have a long theater area, with the bar and pool table along one side.

I couldn't tell the exact dimentions for your pool table (But it looks kind of tight)

Don't pay attention to what the sellers tell you, you reaaly need at least 5 ft on each side unless you plan on using less than statndard Cues.

Mak sure you addan outlet to you half wall, in my town it is code.

Are you adding other spaekers to the basment for music and or movie sound? I am not sure which direction I will take.

HawkeyeJosh

03-11-07, 05:25 PM

Heywood,

Thanks for the comments. Yes, the pool table appears that it will be fairly tight, but I've already got the pool table (have had it for many years) and I didn't have alot of movement with my room size due to the stairwell and bathroom - so I'll have to make due with what I have.

As for the outlets on the half wall, I plan on putting at least one outlet on each side - that it also code where I live.

Speakers: I am going to add a separate reciever, etc. to the pool table room and I already have speaker wiring to all 4 corners of the room at the ceiling. As for the theater / bar area, I am going to go with 7.1 for the theater and since its all one big room, I wasn't planning on adding another set of speakers around the bar area. However, now that you bring it up, it wouldnt' be a bad idea to have some back there for music listening purposes (not so much movie). Hmmm... I'll have to think about that one for a while and see what I can come up with. I have a feeling the budget just got increased!

wizbang

03-12-07, 07:56 AM

your room layout looks good. I'm starting preplanning for my basement with about the same type of set up. The half wall has already been in my plans, but it will be "bar height" and on wheels so I can roll it around. My room dimensions are roughly 50 x 17 , but same concept as yours. screen on one wall, bar on the opposite wall, with pool table and furniture in between

chinadog

03-12-07, 08:35 AM

A few comments on the bar. I liked the fact you moved the sink. You'll need counter space right in from of the seating area for making drinks, food prep, etc. The angled corner helps with traffic around the bar and the soffit matching that looks good. I did something similar with my soffit, I used it to allow me to get my lights over the correct positions. I have a large section that's angled and wanted a light over it since it'll house two bar seats, so my soffit design worked out well. It also gives it some character as well.

Looking good!

Bud

AngelaC

03-12-07, 10:30 AM

Couldn't wait to get the projector up huh?? I was the same way when building my family's media room. :D

HawkeyeJosh

03-12-07, 10:52 PM

Hey guys, thanks for the comments. Chinadog I appreciate the input. For the soffit above the bar I was planning on putting in can lights, I thought that it would give good effect and illuminate at the same time. What I'd like to do on the front of the soffit is put in aluminum letters "JERSEY POINT THEATER" or "JERSEY POINT BAR" (Jersey Point is the name of my subdivision) and then illuminate it much like BIGmouthinDC did here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9605434&&#post9605434

Thanks to all of you who post you neat ideas in your threads! Hopefully someday people will see mine when its done and use some of the ideas and concepts I came up with. If so, I'd sure like to know!

HawkeyeJosh

03-12-07, 11:05 PM

For a few months I've been debating what type of bar surface I wanted to use. I've gone to home builders shows, all the stores, searched the internet and it always ended that I HAD to have granite. I've searched a ton of threads, checked out what other people have done - and again decided that I want granite.

So wouldn't you know, I randomly ended up at Home Depot (ok, so maybe not much randomness to it ;) ). Nevertheless, I was looking at countertops - again - and asked the sales person if they had any granite tile. I was directed to the flooring department where, wouldn't you know, they had the exact Absolute Black granite tile that I'm in love with on clearance for $5/sq. ft!

I couldn't turn it down, so I bought 15 boxes and am going to do granite for my back bar, front bar, lower front bar and the breakfast bar on the half wall partitioning my theater/bar room.

Needless to say, I was pretty excited.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6585.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6589.jpg

Anyone have any neat ideas or suggestions for install? I found something pretty close to what I'm wanting to do in "BritInVA"'s thread here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9565702&highlight=granite#post9565702

Since the theater stage will be an all oak finish, I"m going to stay with the same theme for the bar. Black granite with oak would accents... I think it looks pretty sharp!

wzrw47

03-13-07, 08:38 AM

When will it be finished?

scaesare

03-13-07, 11:02 AM

For a few months I've been debating what type of bar surface I wanted to use. I've gone to home builders shows, all the stores, searched the internet and it always ended that I HAD to have granite. I've searched a ton of threads, checked out what other people have done - and again decided that I want granite.

So wouldn't you know, I randomly ended up at Home Depot (ok, so maybe not much randomness to it ;) ). Nevertheless, I was looking at countertops - again - and asked the sales person if they had any granite tile. I was directed to the flooring department where, wouldn't you know, they had the exact Absolute Black granite tile that I'm in love with on clearance for $5/sq. ft!

I couldn't turn it down, so I bought 15 boxes and am going to do granite for my back bar, front bar, lower front bar and the breakfast bar on the half wall partitioning my theater/bar room.

Needless to say, I was pretty excited.

{PICS SNIPPED}

Anyone have any neat ideas or suggestions for install? I found something pretty close to what I'm wanting to do in "BritInVA"'s thread here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9565702&highlight=granite#post9565702

Since the theater stage will be an all oak finish, I"m going to stay with the same theme for the bar. Black granite with oak would accents... I think it looks pretty sharp!

I did granite tile as well:

http://caesare.homeip.net:32171/basement/slides/IMG_2011.jpg

http://caesare.homeip.net:32171/basement/slides/IMG_2012.jpg

More pics here (http://caesare.homeip.net:32171/basement)

HawkeyeJosh

03-13-07, 02:01 PM

Project completion is whenever I finalize what exactly I would like to do - so there are no regrets when its finished. I've got most of the materials already purchase, having had good ideas of what I would like to do. I keep skipping around each part of the basement and haven't fully finished anything yet. But I know that if I finish one section, its going to be distracting to finish the rest right away!

Right now I think that I"m going to concentrate on the bar and try to get that done sometime here in the next few weeks.

HawkeyeJosh

03-13-07, 02:05 PM

scaesare

03-13-07, 03:14 PM

Scaesare: Its ironic that you've checked out my thread as I've already read through yours and have seen what you have done. I must admit, I am impressed!

I like the granite tile example.. it looks really sharp with the black on black. The more examples and installs that I can check out before I do mine, the better. I think I'll have to stick w/ my theme of Oak though since I've already started it though - although you do have me thinking now...

Do you have any suggestions for the granite install and are there things in your basement that you wish you would have changed?

Thanks.

I'm not terribly happy with the joints on the granite... I took somebody's suggestion of "squeezing" black caulk between eac tile butted up as close as possible to the next, and then "shaving" the excess off witha razor.... the idea was to get a "seamless" look.

The problem I had is that my tiles had a small bevel on the top edge, and that made this process problematic. If may change it some day, but I'm living with it for now.

Other than that, I just suggest very solid/level top with backerboard to float the tile in.

HawkeyeJosh

03-13-07, 06:13 PM

jwatte

03-13-07, 07:05 PM

I'm also going woth Black Absolute for my counters. I was going to go with the tiles, but after looking at the work involved and my over-the-top schedule, I broke down and got a quote for a manufactured top. You only live once :-)

I also really love that color!

HawkeyeJosh

03-14-07, 08:39 AM

jwatte, I definately looked at the manufactured and custom cut tops... but at over $70/ sq. ft.... I'll take the pride factor of having laid the tile myself ;) I guess sometimes you have to pick and choose your budgeting battles wisely - especially when there are a million other things I want to still buy! Hope you like your countertop though - they are VERY nice!

cfmustang

03-14-07, 10:21 AM

Scaesare,

Out of curiosity, what did you use to make your cabinets and trim black? I am planning on making the cabinets and half wall black, but with the grain texture showing through. With that in mind, I have been having a hard time finding a finish that I like.

I tried Minwax Ebony stain...nope. It is nowhere near black. Also, I tried another black opaque like stain (I forget the brand) and while it is closer it is still not what I am looking for.

I have been reading around the web about ebonizing wood and there have been suggestions from black dye to a solution of rust in vinegar. Just curious what you used...

scaesare

03-14-07, 01:43 PM

Thanks Scaesare, I also have the chamfered edge on my tiles. I'm going to make the bar tops out of 3/4" MDF board, and then backerboard and granite on top of that. With the cabinets and supports that I have below I'm confident that I will have a solid/level surface for install. I have seen in other threads that people offset the tiles with 1/16" spacing and just put grout in between - which I think is the route that I will be taking. I appreciate the heads-up on what not to do.

When cutting your tiles, did you find that it was easy to chip the edges? Did you cut with the finished side up or down?

I cut finished edge up, as the saw's tendancy would be to chip on the exit-side of the tile (the bottom).

Thant having been said, a good sharp diamond saw blade and we didn't have any chipping problems at all, and as long as we didn't try to feed the material too fast, no cracking either.

scaesare

03-14-07, 01:45 PM

HawkeyeJosh

03-16-07, 08:37 AM

Starting to get more of my electronics.... Crutchfield had the Primus 360's on clearance (b/c of new models) for $350 / pair with free shipping. I couldn't turn it down - especially after reading all of the positive reviews on consumer websites and other threads. Anyway, my "goodies" corner is starting to get full. Can't wait till I can get it all installed. The reciever box shown is for my upstairs reciever, so the main component that still really need to purchase is a reciever.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6647.jpg

HawkeyeJosh

03-16-07, 10:35 PM

Well, I think that I've got some great ideas as to what I would like to do with the bar. The first step will be the back bar and I"m going to use 2 18" Oak cabinets on each side, and then have the two fridges in the middle (the fridges separated by 3" piece of Oak). Here are the cabinets I just bought from Lowes - for a fairly reasonable price...

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6648.jpg

And in order to put up the new, it must be out with the old. Looks like I'll be demo'ing the ole' cardboard mock-up shortly to make way for the back bar. Its kind of neat to see my original mock-up and renderings from the beginning to what the bar has morphed into over the past few months!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6650.jpg

Any last suggestions before I begin? As for the soffiting... I think I'm going to end up dealing with it as it comes since I don't really have a plan as of now...

HawkeyeJosh

03-17-07, 04:40 PM

I started to work on the bar area. Here are some pics. The back bar will have Oak trim around the front and the non-wall side that sits level with the top of granite. The othe two sides will have about 4" of 1" Oak on the walls above the granite. (similar to the renderings). The two fridges will go between the cabinets with about 3" in between...

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6656.jpg

To get the exact dimensions of the back bar counter with the grout spacing, etc. I laid some tiles down for a template:

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6652.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6653.jpg

I also started on the front bar and decided on the dimensions for the overall bar size, but am hesitating to cut the bar top yet becuase I haven't pick out a molding for it yet.

Anyways, just thought I would report the progress. More to come soon!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6658.jpg

johnny15

03-19-07, 10:29 AM

Lookin' good Josh!! I'm very interested to see how your bar turns out. As you've seen, I'm looking to put a bar in mine and I like the tile counter tops out there........

Keep up the good work!!!

jerseyjuls

03-19-07, 08:57 PM

looks great! keep the pics coming please! :D

HawkeyeJosh

03-19-07, 09:53 PM

You guys all know how this works... once you get something (like a projector) you can't just let it sit around. Oh no, no, no... even if it doesn't work - its that anticipation of seeing if it will look like you imagined it.

But seriously... who gets excited over a fridge?

Haha, well aparently me! So I bought 2 of them at Home Depot... on sale, plus another 10% off for using the HD credit card. I couldn't turn it down, and I"ve been waiting for them to go on sale.

So I restrained myself from only opening ONE of them... the other will remain in the box for a while.

But enjoy the pics! ;)

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6666.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6659.jpg

It fits.... just how I thought it would! Whew!
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6661.jpg

Heywood

03-20-07, 08:13 AM

HawkeyeJosh

03-20-07, 08:46 AM

Looking good!

I have a similar wine cooler- I am pretty sure most all models have reversable door hardware- that will look sweet.

I am thinking of going the similar route for the back Bar- I have 7Ft 1in, I am thinking 2 Lowes/Home depot 36" bases, with my 24 in Wine coller in the back bar, And mayybe my beverage fridge in the front bar facing back.

Since my bevereage fridge isn't a built in, I may go with the one you have. ( I think I see "reversable door" on the Box)

Is it 2ft Wide?, and if you don't mind, About how much was it?

Heywood, thanks for the comments. I'm going to have them situated such that both doors open from the middle, so the handles will be right next to each other - and yes they are reversible door.

My back bar is 7' 3" long - I have (2) 18" cabinet sections, (2) 24" fridges and I'm going to put a 3" Oak spacer between the two fridges. The top of the back bar will have 1-1/2" overhang on the two non-wall sides.

The regular price for each is $299, but they are on sale until tomorrow I believe (03/21) - or at least thats when my local store says - for $249. Then since I used the HD credit card I got an additional $50 off for the pair. Good luck trying to find them on HD's website though... I had no luck there.

They are produced by Magic Chef which is a Maytag company.

Let me know how things turn out...

5Cradles

03-20-07, 09:07 AM

Heywood

03-20-07, 02:58 PM

HawkeyeJosh

03-20-07, 06:14 PM

HawkeyeJosh,

Nice build coming along. I've been in the market for a beverage cooler like that and had one question. I found the magic chef dimensions online and the depth is 24.5 in, how do you plug it in while keeping the fridge flush with the cabinets?

I was thinking of a wall clock outlet, I wonder if they make 20A wall clock outlets?
All my outlets in my room plus the wetbar are on a 20A circuit.

Thanks,
James

5Cradles: It looks like Heywood beat me to the punch... the dimensions include the door and handle. You have to remember though that you will not want the front of your door to be flush with the cabinets... if this is the case you will more than likely have issues with your door binding when you open them.

For my electrical outlet I'm just going to use a normal outlet in the wall - nothing special. I'm still at work, but I remember looking last night to see how much room was actually between the fridge and wall and I'm thinking it was about 2-3 inches... so plenty of room.

Hope this answers your questions?

HawkeyeJosh

03-20-07, 06:18 PM

HEJ-

Thanks for the tip-

I just called my local HD, they have one left and are holding it for me.

If I didn't already have a few Wine coolers, I might have gone with one of each so they would match better.

RE: Outlet and cord-

Linked below is the manual-

Link to manual for beverage chiller

it doesn't mention much about the outlet, It only states having the outlet 6 in max from ground, (which would put the plug near the compressor, and not the cabinet area?).

Also, the depth of the unit is actually 20 4/5 inches ( cabnet) with a depth of 25 1/2 depth including the door and the handle.

On my wine chiller, the cord has the flush mount cord ( 90 deg. bend)

Heywood: Congrats on your purchase, I'm glad that they were able to save one for you. I'm anxious to see how it looks with your setup. Was it still on sale? How much did it end up costing you?

PS: Mine are both "beverage" coolers... I opted not to get the wine cooler. I figure I'll have one for bottles and the other for cans. I guess we'll see how well that works out...

chinadog

03-20-07, 07:15 PM

Same Beverage Cooler I got from HD for my bar. Pretty good deal. So far I'm pretty happy with it. I think I got mine last summer. I need to buy another one for my concession area.

Looking good dude!

Bud

HawkeyeJosh

03-20-07, 09:23 PM

5Cradles: I just got home from work and measured... I have 2.5" between the back of the fridge and the wall. Again... this is not the finished/installed product, but it appears to work very well.

chinadog: Thanks for the comments... keep checking back and hopefully progress will continue!

5Cradles

03-21-07, 09:06 AM

Josh,

Thanks for the reply and help. It looks like I found the fridge for me.

James

HawkeyeJosh

03-21-07, 01:55 PM

LOL, I should call Home Depot and request commission... so far I've sold 3 fridges for them! Enjoy the fridge!

greg_mitch

03-21-07, 11:10 PM

Some how I feel as though I should get a cut of that....

HawkeyeJosh

03-22-07, 08:33 AM

Guys, greg_mitch is right... he was actually the first one to get the fridge and I liked how it looked so I ended up getting it. He's putting together a pretty nice theater in his basement also... I suggest checking out his thread:

Oak Knoll Cinema Construction (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=669068&page=3&pp=30)

He is also the one who introduced me to the AVSForum... so thanks for that too Greg!

jpa3d

03-22-07, 08:16 PM

Hello HawkeyeJosh,
My name is Jim and I live in Bettendorf, IA. I'm also in the construction phase of a home theater build. Albeit, a very delayed one but I'm motivated to get going again on this project. I would like to know if you would care to give me some advice or thoughts on my plans. Also, if your planning on doing any crown moulding, I can save you some money. I have an add in the times with my phone number. You can send me a pm or just give me a call. I'm not for sure if my wife just put the add in the Sunday paper or if it's in daily edition.
Look forward to hearing from you.

Jim

HawkeyeJosh

03-25-07, 09:14 PM

Well, this weekend I decided that I was going to work on the bar. Since the bar is a custom size and design... that meant that the wall cabinets had to be custom also.

At least 5 trips to Lowes, Menards and Home Depot... finally decided on some things that I like and sketched it up. Came home and dimensioned it... back to Menards to get the lumber... and here we are:

To connect the sides to the back (and have no screws showing) I used dowell pegs to join the parts together.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6669.jpg

I'm going to have black tinted glass for the shelving (yet to order) but I wanted to have adjustable shelf heights. So... had to drill holes for shelf pegs to set in and spaced them every 2".
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6671.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6674.jpg

I was able to screw the tops and bottoms to the side becuase I'm going to be putting molding around the bottom and top - so they'll be covered up.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6678.jpg

And then for the sides to the back... it was wood glue to the rescue and I had to clamp it together until the glue set.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6676.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6681.jpg

And the finished project (or at least one of them) - still has to be wall mounted and molding added:

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6686.jpg

HawkeyeJosh

03-29-07, 10:00 PM

Hey guys, did some more work on the bar after work tonite. I have the base bartops made and the tile board and granite will sit on top of them. Also started on the soffit.

The two cabinets will be up against the ceiling... it will give me 17" underneath them to the top of the back bar.

Enjoy the pics. Its never too late for advice....

Thanks!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6698.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6700.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6702.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6707.jpg

You can check out more pics here:
More Construction Pics (http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/)

IHaveAMullet

03-29-07, 10:57 PM

Josh:

Just wanting to stop in and say that I am enjoying the progress on your project, looks like it will be a very cool room! Now I need to get my ass in gear and finish up on mine!

calv1n

03-30-07, 10:34 AM

Josh,

Its coming along great. You have a good plan and great room to work with. I'm looking forward to seeing more pics.

Cheers
Calvin

HawkeyeJosh

04-01-07, 08:13 PM

IHaveAMullet and calv1n: Thanks for the comments guys. Hopefully I'll be able to keep the pics coming at a steady pace. I can't wait until the whole thing is done...

HawkeyeJosh

04-01-07, 08:27 PM

This weekend I shifted gears away from the main bar and concentrated more on the breakfast bar / half wall that separates the theater from the bar area.

So the problem: How to support a 10' span with granite tile on top and still have the ability to put heavy objects on the counter - all without any vertical supports in the middle.

Thanks to my buddies in the Structural department at work, I was able to give them some parameters and we ended up with a solution.

The solution: 2"x2"x0.25" Steel beam. That will give me plenty of strength to hold at least two people (and hopefully no one will ever be sitting on it anyway!) with less deflection than we generally allow for new building construction deflection for brick buildings - so cracking of grout won't be an issue.

Then the next question: How the hell do I incorporate a 2x2 steel beam into my design? The solution:

First I primed and paited the steel and angle iron (3 coats each - no cutting corners here!).
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6711.jpg

Next, because of the granite weight, I wanted a double layer of MDF board to avoid any deflection in the center. So I used angle iron to build a shelf off of the 2x2 steel beam and the other three sides will be supported by angle iron against the wall once the drywall is up. (temporary w/ wood right now). So I tapped the 2x2 beam and inserted 5 3/8-16 Grade 5 bolts to connect the angle iron and the 2x2 beam.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6720.jpg

Then cut the MDF to fit:
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6722.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6724.jpg

Then for the second layer of MDF, which will extend over the 2x2 beam and have oak trim on all 4 sides.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6725.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6727.jpg

And then to add the tile... (still need to lay tile backer but was anxious to get an idea of what it'll look like).
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6729.jpg

Then of course for the final test I sat on... and I'm still here to tell you about it!

You can also check out more construction pics of the half-bar here:
Construction PIctures (http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/)

chinadog

04-01-07, 08:34 PM

Looking good dude! You're really making some progress!

Bud

HawkeyeJosh

04-03-07, 08:41 PM

I'm going to put a computer / AV wall plate above the half-wall counter, but am not sure what connections I should include. Obviously my audio will go to my reciever, as might one of my video types... the other (VGA) will go directly to the projector for presentations / picture shows.
I'm thinking:
- HDMI
- VGA
- 3.5mm audio
- RCA

Anyone have any suggestions or any idea where to get a wall plate that has those without keystone?

Thanks!

Neuner

04-04-07, 12:36 PM

Cool - I like the tube & angle support. Good idea for if I ever get a chance to build mine.

Anxious to see how the granite top looks when done. I've always like the look of it.

HawkeyeJosh

04-08-07, 04:45 PM

Neuner: Thanks for the comments. I've not seen any drawback to the design yet, and I've sat on it a few times. Feel free to use the concent!

HawkeyeJosh

04-08-07, 04:53 PM

I got a little burst of energy to remove the support column in the middle of my doorway going into the theater area. Here's how that turned out:

Before:
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6541.jpg

After:
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6740.jpg

Also made a little bit more progress on the bar soffiting:
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6743.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6744.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6747.jpg

Once again, the wall cabinets will be mounted tight to ceiling and there will be trim / finishing panels on the front at the top. The trim continue down to the same level as the soffit, so the soffit / cabinet transition should look semi-seamless.

The question that remains:
Should I drywall and paint the soffiting and accent with wood, or should I make the whole thing out of Oak? Thoughts?

Thanks

gilham1

04-08-07, 08:03 PM

I would cover it in oak and stain it...I really like your bar, it reminds me of the one i worked on a few years back with my dad and the end result was great.
have you thought of a bar rail yet? My dad did one made out of pluming pipes once and had it powder coated and it turned out awsome, not to mention that the cost was alot less then buying one..

dugejust

04-08-07, 09:37 PM

how big is the wide is the space between the front and back of your bar where you will serve drinks etc from?

HawkeyeJosh

04-08-07, 11:30 PM

gilham1 I would cover it in oak and stain it...I really like your bar, it reminds me of the one i worked on a few years back with my dad and the end result was great.
have you thought of a bar rail yet? My dad did one made out of pluming pipes once and had it powder coated and it turned out awsome, not to mention that the cost was alot less then buying one..

gilham1:

I'm thinking along the same lines with the stained Oak. I want it to stand off and be a feature that is part of the bar, and since the rest of the bar will be Oak it should probably match. I was just worried that there would be too much wood when it gets finished. Its good to know that you've seen the end product on one similar... makes me feel better about my decisions.

That's a great idea for the bar rail.. I hadn't really thought of anything for that. I'll definately entertain the thought of powder coating...

HawkeyeJosh

04-08-07, 11:31 PM

how big is the wide is the space between the front and back of your bar where you will serve drinks etc from?

dugejust:

I've got about 34" between the front bar and the back bar. I dont really have good reasoning for the distance other than I just kept moving the front bar until I found a distance I liked and I was able to easily move around between the two.

Hope this helps!

scaesare

04-09-07, 12:40 PM

Forgive me if it's covered earlier in the thread... but that support pole move/replacement was engineer-approved, right?

HawkeyeJosh

04-09-07, 02:02 PM

greg_mitch

04-09-07, 07:37 PM

I doubt moving the column closer to the center would have any devistating consequences but it isn't my house now is it. I bet Frank just mumbled a bit and you thought he said it would be fine.

Looks good. I would do drywall for the bar but I am not much for wood everywhere!

HawkeyeJosh

04-09-07, 09:30 PM

Greg,

No flaunting here... and if you didn't sit right next to me at work, I might be a little offended.

On that note, Frank let out a murmer and I proceeded w/ my own discretion ;)

scaesare

04-10-07, 11:22 AM

Steve,

I was finally able to put my Engineering degree to use on my own basement... instead of everyone else's buildings! Haha. The original owner of the house had actually moved the pole to I guess fit with his plans for the basement - obviously that never worked out (and I dont think he used any structural judgement). I moved the support column back to within 10" of its original construction placement. I also talked to some of the Structural Engineers at work to verify I would not have any issues.

I couldn't tell if you were being sarcastic or serious... but either way - it was thought of!

No sarcasm at all. It just didn't appear to me that you had done any footing work in the concrete for the pole, so I was unsure if you had considered it from an engineering perspective. If you are an engineer, then I suppose you know better than I if that 10" move is still on appropriate footing for the load.

IHaveAMullet

04-10-07, 03:47 PM

I'd paint and drywall most of the soffit, then trim it up with matching oak. Oak looks great, but I'm afraid if you use too much, it might look a bit 80ish...that's just my opinion though.

HawkeyeJosh

04-10-07, 06:02 PM

I see the good points to everyone's comments... I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet.

A better question, what color scheme would look good for the bar area? The real problem is that the theater area and bar area share common walls... so I'm trying to figure out color schemes that wont look horrible next to each other and figure out a good way to transition between the areas. The division of the areas is made by the half-bar / half-wall.

Any ideas?

Also, I"m going to do lettering on the bar soffit of "Jersey Pointe Bar" but am undecided of what color I would like to make the lettering. I have the lettering already and its 4" high, I'm just wondering if I should paint it silver to give it a metallic look or stick with a solid color (possibly black).

Thoughts?

greg_mitch

04-10-07, 11:19 PM

I agree with the mullet guy...when I was looking at houses I would absolutely cringe when I saw wood paneling all over the basement and it seems that is what you are trying to recreate with all this Oak all over everything!

I am sorry if I offended you...do you need to call my mom to talk about it? :(

I thought you were doing Jersey Pointe Cinema?! Axed the cinema already? And when do you determine if pointe should have an "E" on the end?

I vote for all solid flat color like black as recommended by me earlier today. The shiny chrome spray paint looks like something I did in 5th grade to my box with all my starting lineups in it. :cool:

HawkeyeJosh

04-11-07, 10:35 PM

So I have been debating it since I started my theater: What type of component rack do I want to use?

I've searched alot of threads, seen many pictures and even seen what friends have done. I've looked at the Middle Atlantic rack systems and other systems recommended in threads.

I finally came to the conclusion that I didn't want to buy a professional rack system, but instead would build my own. Most of the Middle Atlantic prodcuts that were used in other threads had shelves and the components were sitting on the shelves. For those that didn't use general shelves, but had special rack mounts to fit their equipment ended up paying alot of money for the special rack.

I framed out my wall under the stairs and built the rack to fit. The rack is made of MDF board painted with 3 coats of flat black paint. The shelves will be supported by shelf pegs, which attach to shelf railing that I purchased from Menards. I used a router to cut the grooves in the MDF for the shelf railing to fit flush.

I used a router to cut a 1/4" lip on the backside of the rack so that a back board will also fit flush.

Here are the pics:
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6735.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6737.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6750.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6751.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6753.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6756.jpg

Enojy!

greg_mitch

04-12-07, 08:12 AM

That is really stinking tall. It is gonna look funny with only your VCR in their! ;)

How are you going to trim out the front?

Why are you going to put a back on it? I would leave it open for better cooling.

Have you thought about cable management for all of your components(even the VCR!)?

Glass or wood shelves?

A door on the front? Glass?

The location looks really good. Nice work.

DaveTheWaveUSMC

04-12-07, 10:57 AM

So I have been debating it since I started my theater: What type of component rack do I want to use?

Do you have access to the back of the rack for plugging cables etc.? Doesn't look like it... That would make maintenance/additions easier.

Just my $0.02

HawkeyeJosh

04-12-07, 02:42 PM

Do you have access to the back of the rack for plugging cables etc.? Doesn't look like it... That would make maintenance/additions easier.

Dave,

That's a very good comment and something that I agree is important - access! I measured that before I built the rack enclosure, and I believe I have about 20 inches behind the enclosure. In addition to that, the support wall for the stairs will not have drywall on it, so I will also be able to access it through the stud wall easily.

I'm at work now, but I'll post a better picture of this when I get home.

Thanks for the heads up!

HawkeyeJosh

04-12-07, 10:11 PM

Here are the pictures behind the rack mount, as promised:
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6757.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6758.jpg

Enjoy!

DaveTheWaveUSMC

04-12-07, 10:34 PM

that looks like plenty of room for access... Awesome, I'm very jealous.

We looked at a house in Georgia that had a full basement and would have been perfect for something very similar to what you are doing. I stayed in Louisiana instead... No basements down here. :)

gilham1

04-13-07, 04:04 PM

HawkeyeJosh

04-13-07, 06:29 PM

I know it was asked but didnt see that you said anything on it, but what are you using for a front for your a/v rack.I know i fell in love with the plexi- glass door calvin in using on his..

I just went back and looked at your render and seen you leaving it open, is that still the plan?

For the front of my rack I am undecided about whether to leave it open or put a glass door on it. I think that I may end up making a door for it and if I decide that I dont want it on there, I can take it off. That remains to be seen...

Calvin's door is pretty neat (I just looked at it). Did he buy it or build it? (I picture read his thread ;))

Thanks!

gilham1

04-13-07, 08:59 PM

he bought it if im not mistaken..

HawkeyeJosh

04-16-07, 06:40 PM

Haven't forgotten about the basement... wired up the can lights for the theater and bar areas. Nothing too much fun to look at or take pictures of though.

I've got both areas wired with 3-way switches temporarily (eventually will get 3-way dimmers). One set up switches is near the bottom of the stairs into the basement, the other is at the opposite end near the bar.

Anyways, the progress continues...

HawkeyeJosh

04-18-07, 09:23 PM

Still doing some wiring after work when I have time.

Here's a general picture.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6762.jpg

Here's the question:
Where should I put the inputs for the computer, above or below the counter. Also, what connections do you think that I should put in the wall? I'm thinking VGA, RCA and 3.5mm audio. Suggestions?
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6763.jpg

Thanks!

robgr

05-02-07, 07:44 AM

I love the look of the bar, pretty much exactly what I am hoping to build.

Would you mind posting the dimensions of the bar?

Thanks.

HawkeyeJosh

05-03-07, 11:15 PM

Here are some updated pics... getting anxious... I have left room at the top for the ceiling drywall (you might be able to see my spacers in the pics). Also, I want to get everything mounted before I decide where to put the outlets. I still need to run all the electrical and lighting before I put the ceiling up...

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6770.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6772.jpg

HawkeyeJosh

05-03-07, 11:17 PM

I love the look of the bar, pretty much exactly what I am hoping to build.

Would you mind posting the dimensions of the bar?

Thanks.

Robgr:

Here is a non-scaled Microsoft Paint "rendering" with dimensions of my bar. If you have any questions, let me know. The height of the front bar is about 42 inches, the back bar and the lower front bar are standard kitchen cabinet height. The two hanging cabinets with shelves are 41" tall and will mount tight to the ceiling.

Enjoy!
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/Bar_Dims.jpg

andy4theherd

05-08-07, 04:02 PM

just stumbled across this thread...

WOW!

very nice work. can't wait to see the end results.

have you decided on flooring yet? (sorry if i missed the post if prev discussed)

HawkeyeJosh

05-08-07, 07:45 PM

just stumbled across this thread...

WOW!

very nice work. can't wait to see the end results.

have you decided on flooring yet? (sorry if i missed the post if prev discussed)

Thanks for the comment... I hope the end result is as neat as everyone is expecting it to be - including me!

I'm most likely going to go with a light gray carpet with tile behind the bar and about 18-24" in front of the bar. Haven't really decided on any colors yet. Suggestions?

HawkeyeJosh

05-22-07, 08:40 PM

Haven't forgotten about the basement... now that summer's here there's alot going on. I'd like to finish by the end of summer so I can have a party for the Bears opening day game. We'll see what happens...

chinadog

05-22-07, 10:34 PM

Go Bears! Get rid of Rex!

Bud

HawkeyeJosh

05-27-07, 07:39 PM

Go Bears! Get rid of Rex!

Bud

Hhhhmmm... i'm a 100% Grossman supporter. Regardless of how the Bears got there, how many QB's in their first year starting take their team to the Super Bowl?

'07 will bring great things...

HawkeyeJosh

05-27-07, 07:53 PM

Finally got back on the basement kick (after a rainy Saturday) and my aparent A.D.D. continued as I moved away from the bar for a while and concentrated on the theater area again.

I've been tossing around severaly ideas around as to what I want to do with the ceiling in the theater area. I decided that since I have the recessed type ceiling with rope/ambient light around the sides that I wanted that to reflect off gyp. But I also wanted to maintain access to my ceiling for future running of cable, etc.

I came up with a 18" border of gyp around the entire room, with a lay-in celing in the middle portion. Its unique, but that's also the look I'm going for - something different.

I didn't want to sacrafice the 6" min of ceiling space that tradition lay-in "T" bracing requires, so I did some research and found this stuff called "GridMAX" at Menards. A little heistant at first b/c its plastic, I ended up getting it and installed it this weekend.

Turned out pretty good. You'll see in the pictures I've got OSB as the border right now, but I needed to "build-up" the ceiling to match lay-in height. So the gyp will go over the OSB.

I haven't figured out what color the ceiling will be yet (thinking either light blue or a grayish) but I will paint the gyp, ceiling grid and the lay-in tiles all the same color.

I will have to slightly move the can lights so they are centered in the ceilling tiles.

Hopefully it turns out well! Enjoy the pics!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6782.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6780.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6779.jpg

chinadog

05-27-07, 08:13 PM

Hhhhmmm... i'm a 100% Grossman supporter. Regardless of how the Bears got there, how many QB's in their first year starting take their team to the Super Bowl?

'07 will bring great things...

Dude, don't forget about defense and special teams... huge factor in getting the Bears where they were. Grossman was just way too inconsistent for my liking. I think they would have had a great season with or without him. Should be an interesting 07 indeed!

Bud

johnny15

05-30-07, 09:41 AM

Dude, don't forget about defense and special teams... huge factor in getting the Bears where they were. Grossman was just way too inconsistent for my liking. I think they would have had a great season with or without him. Should be an interesting 07 indeed!

Bud

Dare I say it.......oh, what the heck................go Packers!! :p .....or maybe I should have a :mad: because Ted Thompson is an idiot!!!

Josh, I'm looking forward to you getting back to your bar. I curious to see how your tile countertop turns out!!

greg_mitch

05-30-07, 06:12 PM

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6779.jpg

Is that speaker wire I see dangling. Looks like you have been busy wiring things up as well. :cool:

HawkeyeJosh

05-31-07, 08:59 AM

Is that speaker wire I see dangling. Looks like you have been busy wiring things up as well. :cool:

Oh, and thanks to greg_mitch, my electrical and speaker wiring is almost completed in the basement. We made it into a weekend project. Thanks Greg (there, now you got your props ;) )

krooooog

06-17-07, 11:03 PM

Brodequin

06-18-07, 11:58 AM

I didn't want to sacrafice the 6" min of ceiling space that tradition lay-in "T" bracing requires, so I did some research and found this stuff called "GridMAX" at Menards. A little heistant at first b/c its plastic, I ended up getting it and installed it this weekend.

A few questions about the GridMAX ceiling. How easy is it to remove select tiles? How much does the system cost?

HawkeyeJosh

06-18-07, 02:59 PM

Josh,
This project looks great! I might have missed where it was addressed in this thread, but something about the bar top makes me nervous, having just had a granite breakfast bar put in my kitchen. I know that you are only using tiles and backerboard, but I'm just wondering if you are planning to use any brackets to support the overhang portion of the bar? It looks like it is currently just MDF nailed or screwed into the 2x4 halfwall. It looks like about a 12" overhang so I was just curious about your plans for supporting the weight.

I'm looking forward to following your progress....

krooooog:

You might be right with the overhang issues. The overhang is a little less than 10", so its not too large. However, with someone leaning on it, it may need some additional supports. As you can see, right now the bar is not completed (I keep skipping around on the basement as a whole) and from the half-bar that I put in, I'm not scared to throw some support at it ;) I'll play it by ear as I go, and may end up adding some supports on the underside. I"m doing design-build :)

Thanks for the head-up!

HawkeyeJosh

06-18-07, 03:08 PM

A few questions about the GridMAX ceiling. How easy is it to remove select tiles? How much does the system cost?

Brodequin:
From the short time and experience that I've had with the GridMAX system, the tiles are pretty easy to remove. The nice thing about the plastic is that you can deform and bend it (within reason) to insert/remove tiles without the plastic kinking or showing any signs of wear/tear. The metal ceiling grids are pretty rigid. I originally bought some of the metal and noticed that there were kinks in it just from hauling it home from the store. Ugh! The other thing I like about the GridMAX is that I lost only about 1-1/2" of celing height as opposed to the 6"+ that are recommended for the metal gird.

As far as price... the stuff is pretty expensive. For the ceiling rail (the part that fastens to the floor joists) and the actual tile support (the part that snaps into the ceiling rails) you're looking at about $12 for a 8' linear section for the main supports. The cross-members between the main supports (2' pieces) aren't that expensive, at around $1.50 each. Not to mention the cost of ceiling tiles ($5 each) but those will be needed with the metal supports also.

The bottom line:
I chose this method becuase it allowed me to keep a fairly high ceiling. While the price of the GridMAX was significantly higher than a traditional metal ceiling grid, the use of GridMAX didn't break the bank since my application isn't on such a large scale. I'm doing the GridMAX in the theater area inside a 18" gyp border, and then again above the bar.

Hope this helps. Thanks for the questions.

I've been hibernating on the basement for a while, I need to get back in the swing of things - but summer makes it difficult!

IrmoGamecoq

06-19-07, 09:05 AM

Actually, summer makes it easier for me to work in my basement. The hot SC weather drives me indoors and away from all the outdoor projects I've been working on lately. :)

Brodequin

06-19-07, 10:05 AM

Hope this helps. Thanks for the questions.

Thanks for the reply! I'm trying to figure out what to do with my basement, so this certainly helps.

HawkeyeJosh

06-19-07, 12:57 PM

Actually, summer makes it easier for me to work in my basement. The hot SC weather drives me indoors and away from all the outdoor projects I've been working on lately. :)

Iowa has some pretty warm summers too (with ridiculous humidity) so the basement does feel nice sometimes in the middle of the day. That's another reason why I can't wait to get it done!

HawkeyeJosh

06-19-07, 12:58 PM

Thanks for the reply! I'm trying to figure out what to do with my basement, so this certainly helps.

If you have anymore questions, dont hesitate to ask. Glad I could help!

HawkeyeJosh

06-24-07, 07:49 PM

Got a little bit further on the theater room. Couldn't wait to put up some drywall, so I got two sheets on. Then went back to the insulation. Also ran the cabling and electric to the projector location, the electrical for the rope lights and finished other various electrical things in the room.

Check it out...

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6793.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6794.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6796.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6798.jpg

Keep checking back... I should be making more progress shortly!

HawkeyeJosh

07-08-07, 10:53 PM

Well, I've been moving forward quite a bit on the theater area the past few weeks. And thanks to a few hours this weekend and alot of help from greg_mitch, its starting to look like the original renderings. Check out the pictures and enjoy!

Let me know your comments...

In-ceiling speakers for the two rears (7.1) and some lighting for the breakfast bar / half wall.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6813.jpg

Making room for the furnace vent... obviously not complete done w/ that one yet.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6811.jpg

This is the interface between the lay-in ceiling and the gyp. I've got the gyp cut right up next to the supports for the lay-in ceiling grid. Once the bottom pieces of the grid are in place, it will cover the raw end of the gyp. Essentially, the gyp will interface with the ceiling grid the same way the ceiling tiles do - except its one continuous piece.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6809.jpg

More pictures of the rear speakers and breakfast bar lighting rough-ins.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6802.jpg

The breakfast bar. The cable laying there is a laptop video / audio hook-up. When its completed, the cable will be in the wall and you will be able to pull it out when needed and hide it the rest of the time.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6803.jpg

Room overviews - look backward.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6807.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6806.jpg

Those wires in the half-wall are for ButtKickers.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6805.jpg

Room overviews - looking forward.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6799.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6800.jpg

Hope you enjoyed! Its never too late for suggestions...

cuzed2

07-09-07, 03:55 PM

HawkeyeJosh

07-11-07, 08:00 AM

Hawkeye Josh,

I've been monitoring your project - while contemplating my own basement / theater project. Your's is really progressing nicely - I especially like the soffitt and ceiling ideas you are pursuing.

Well; your project has inspired me to get started - I have started mine by attacking the most difficult basement room first - adding a 1/2 bath). Thanks for sharing!

CuzEd2

Thanks for the comment... it always gives me a little bit more motivation when I know other people are looking at what I'm doing for ideas and are also excited about seeing the end result.

I hope that your basement project turns out well and I would like to watch your progress also. Feel free to steal any ideas that I've used for your own basement - as most of those ideas I've gotten are from other threads. My basement is a mixture of all the thread ideas that I've seen and liked; obviously within the constraints of my basement layout.

Good luck!

johnny15

07-11-07, 08:13 AM

My basement is a mixture of all the thread ideas that I've seen and liked; obviously within the constraints of my basement layout.

Yeah, basement layout and budget!!! LOL!! :p

Keep up the good work Josh!!

HawkeyeJosh

07-11-07, 10:47 AM

Yeah, basement layout and budget!!! LOL!! :p

Keep up the good work Josh!!

Its so true that its not even funny! LOL.

Volodymyr

07-11-07, 12:51 PM

Wow, how bad I wish right now I wasn't in a rental, and oh was not a student! I would kill for the opportunity to not even get that amazing HT in the end, but the chance to do all that work. I've been unlucky in that my dad shares none of my hobbies so I've crutched along in "carpentry" with nothing more than a circular saw lol (though I got to use propper tools in woodshop lol).

Not to mention right now I am despising my International Studies degree, I should have transfered and changed to construction management when I had the chance!

Kudos on the amazing work, it's looking top notch.

EDIT: I also really like the couch plan if you're keeping with that. That's the one thing I don't understand on most the nice HTs around here, the theatre sitting. I watch my movies at home so I can spread out on my couch after a hard days work! Of course to each his own, I have a bad back too and it's nice to be able to stretch it out by laying flat.

APorter

07-13-07, 01:26 PM

Nice job so far. I finished my own basement and eventhough it takes awhile to complete, you get the added satisfaction that you did it yourself. As a Buckeye fan to a Hawkeye fan, you better get moving as football season is almost upon us.

Here's some motivation for completion before the season starts, I'll remove if you don't want them posted here.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/APorter/Buckeye%20Room/DSC_0004.jpg

I went with computer connections on the wall and I like the fact the cables are kept out of the way on the side. You can see the monitor in this pic. The computer is in the equipment rack.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/APorter/Buckeye%20Room/DSC_0014.jpg

I went without a door on my equipment rack.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/APorter/Buckeye%20Room/DSC_0016.jpg

HawkeyeJosh

07-16-07, 08:48 AM

APorter:

I dont mind youi posting your pictures, even though it is Ohio State. I like how your theater turned out, with the exception of the horrible color scheme. lol... actually mine will be similar. My goal is opening day of the NFL to host a party for the Bears / Chargers game, but that is coming up pretty quick.

I'm excited for it to get done though. Stay tuned for updates!

GO HAWKS!!!

HawkeyeJosh

07-17-07, 05:32 PM

Well, I thought that my setbacks would be more financial than mother nature... I guess I should have remembered to cover the window-well again after cutting the grass. Then again, 15 hours of continuous rain - I'm not sure it really would have mattered. Gotta love Iowa!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6817.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6822.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6819.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6815.jpg

Now time for clean-up!

greg_mitch

07-17-07, 05:41 PM

Wow, I feel bad for you. Hopefully you don't get down about these setbacks and still soldier forward!

http://www.windowwell.com/

http://www.polyguardcovers.com/

http://www.windowbubble.com/

I don't want to say it but I did tell you to solve the water problem before you went any further. I don't know that a window well cover is the solution to the problem but will take care of the symptoms.

chinadog

07-17-07, 09:20 PM

Ouch!

djearl81

07-19-07, 04:47 PM

HawkeyeJosh

07-21-07, 08:01 PM

Keep going Josh! Don't let the rain stop you. Shoot for the Saints vs Colts on September 6th. It'll give you a buffer in case you have any more setbacks... or an excuse to have a test run before the bears game.

I just found your thread and was hoping to see a finished basement. I guess I'll have to follow along if you don't mind. Keep up the good work.

The rain isn't going to stop me... I've got the messed cleaned up, fans going and a dehumidifier. Everything is back to normal, and luckily, there wasn't anything on the ground (other than a few previioiusly-salvagable pieces of drywall) that got ruined, and it wasn't deep enough to affect the already-hung drywall.

Progress has been moving forward...

Please keep on following... there should be alot getting accomplished here in the next few weeks. Sept is coming up fast.

HawkeyeJosh

07-21-07, 08:06 PM

Worked on the bar friday night and part of saturday day. Most of the stuff done was electrical, but you can also see that I've added the foot rest, PEX for the sink, bought some more cabinets and reinforced the overhang on the front.

Enjoy!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6823.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6829.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6824.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6826.jpg

Check out additional photos of the entire construction process here:
http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/

greg_mitch

07-22-07, 12:55 AM

JoeTiVo

07-22-07, 10:18 AM

HawkeyeJosh

07-22-07, 11:33 PM

So I take it that you figured out how you were going to switch the lights in two different locations. It looks like quite a few wires in that triple gang box!

Looks like Monday is the big day! I have been scrambling to get stuff done on my theater. I should have some pics up tomorrow. Once the carpet is in...it is all down hill.

Looks good...but I don't see all the cabinets or sink!

greg_mitch:

Actually, I've decided that I'm only going to have one switch for each light instead of the 3-ways as we discussed. There are quite a few wire though (3 in, 3 out) and they are feeding the lights that will be on the back bar, the track lights serving the bar area, and the can lights overtop of the front bar. Right now I just have regular switches (contractor pack), but will make them dimmers eventually.

Good luck with the baby tomorrow, hope all goes well! Let me know...

As for calling me out w/ the sink and cabinets, I've added this picture (the other cabinet is shown at the bar in the above post):

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6830.jpg

Enjoy!

HawkeyeJosh

07-22-07, 11:36 PM

GREAT thread, Josh. I'm just starting my basement remodeling project. I hope to get construction started in a couple of weeks. Still tweaking out the design a bit at this point and I got some great ideas and thoughts from this thread of yours. While my project is not going to be as elaborate as yours, there are similarities. Some initial 3D renderings are here if you'd like to take a look:

http://steve-mann.com/ht.html

I'm looking forward to check this thread regularly. You've inspired me to do the same when I actually get moving on my project.

Thanks again for sharing all of this.

JoeTiVo:

I hope you basement work goes well. I've checked out your renderings.. they are pretty detailed and very well thought-out. What are the two spaces on each end of the theater room? Storage?

Iits always nice to hear comments from people about their thoughts on my progress. Its a little bit more motivation to get things done, plus its a feel-good feeilng.

Please keep checking my thread since more things should be happening fairly quickly here in the next month and a half. Time is running out for football season and I've got to get my butt in gear!

JoeTiVo

07-23-07, 06:33 AM

I hope you basement work goes well. I've checked out your renderings.. they are pretty detailed and very well thought-out. What are the two spaces on each end of the theater room? Storage?

Thanks... I hope it goes well too. We'll have to wait and see. :)

Yeah, the two spaces on each end are storage. The area behind the screen is where the water softener and sump pump are located. And just to the left of that is the main plumbing stack. So, I don't have much choice there. At the back of the theater is just good old storage. I have to have some place to keep my unused 'toys'.

Don't worry... I'll be watching this thread. It's very inspiring.

Zappes

07-23-07, 07:07 AM

This project is simply amazing - I really enjoyed the thread so far. OK, a strong feeling of envy nagged at my brain whenever some new pictures came, but I can handle that. ;)

Now I really look forward to more progress and more pictures - reaching the end of the thread here and seeing that it's not done yet was like watching two parts of a movie trilogy and suddenly realizing that you haven't bought the third part. Anticipation kills me. :)

HawkeyeJosh

07-24-07, 05:20 PM

HawkeyeJosh

07-24-07, 10:40 PM

Took off work early today and worked on the bar and got a couple solid hours of work in. Finished up wiring the lights and installed the track light that will be behind the bar. In addition, worked on the ceiling grid layout and soffiting around it, much like the theater area. Inserted the cabinets and cut a hole for the sink.

Anyway, the pictures are more self-explanatory of the progress...

This is how I'm re-inforcing the overhang on the bar.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6831.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6833.jpg

Track lighting.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6836.jpg

Inserting the cabinets.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6837.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6838.jpg

Sink and overview.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6846.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6843.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6840.jpg

Hope you are enjoying the pictures. I like adding more pictures than text... I'm a picture reader myself!

Supdawg

07-25-07, 05:19 AM

I've just spent the past hour reading this thread from the beginning. Very impressive indeed. This looks almost like would I would portray as a perfect bar/ht.

Looking forward to seeing it wrap up!

Good luck, hang in there and keep up the great work.

JoeTiVo

07-25-07, 06:41 AM

Hope you are enjoying the pictures. I like adding more pictures than text... I'm a picture reader myself!

"Pictures are worth a thousand words." Indeed!

Keep it up.

HawkeyeJosh

07-25-07, 09:43 PM

HawkeyeJosh

07-25-07, 11:19 PM

OK guys, I'm in some need of some advice and some ideas. I need to figure out what flooring I want to put where. I'm figuring that at the bottom of the stairs (foyer area) and then continuing into the bathroom I'm going to do tile. Then for the theater room - so from the stage back to the half-wall - I'm going to do carpet.

What should I do from the half-wall back to the bar? Should I just continue the carpet? If I continue the carpet, should I maybe tile around the bar 2 feet or so incase drinks get spilled and the bar stools can sit on the tile?

Should I do hardwood floor from the half-wall back to the bar? I was thinking that might be just too much wood though, with the stage wood, the front and back bars wood, and then the floor wood?

Then I was thinking about wood up to about a 3 foot buffer around the bar, and then do tile to the bar. Then I've got carpet, tile and hardwood. The combination of all that might get a little to much.

I would personally like to do tile BEHIND the bar at a minimum...

Everyone that I've talked to has a different idea of what they would think is neat.

Its time for everyone that's been following my thread to weigh-in on the situation.

The color scheme for the room(s) will be:
- The half-wall down in the theater area will be a dark charcoal (continuing around the room to the component rack)
- From the half-wall up will be a light gray, which will continue as the color for the entire bar area / poker area.
- Ceiling of the theater (including the soffits) will be a turquoise color, the color in the bar area (poker table place) will be white, and the ceiling above the actual bar will be black.

What do you think?

Zappes

07-26-07, 03:59 AM

I somehow have the feeling that this might be too many different colors and materials, but I'm not very good a visualizing such things in my head. This would be the moment at which a 3D rendering might be incredibly helpful as adjusting colors and textures and playing around with it would be a lot easier than painting the room, seeing that it's not perfect and painting it again. ;)

Neuner

07-26-07, 08:55 AM

I did something a little different for my flooring since I used Carpet Tile. I was afraid that the thickness of the Ceramic Tile would be a lot more than the Carpet Tile creating a difficult transition between the two. I then decided to get Store Entrance Carpet Tile for around & behind the bar. We love it. Its heavy duty stuff that can take a lot of abuse, wear & tear, and it rejects spilt drinks while it still looks & feels soft. This may not work or look very good if your using regular Carpet & Pad. The other benefit is that it allows a bit of cushion so my bar stools don't wobble.

Zappes

07-26-07, 09:29 AM

I also suppose that the acoustic properties of the store entrance carpet might be better than those of ceramic tile, though I'm everything but an expert on that.

rastan

07-26-07, 11:01 AM

johnny15

07-26-07, 12:23 PM

I would probably just do tile from the half wall through the bar. It's easier to clean and will last longer- especially around a bar. Also, if you ever have a water problem again you'll have less carpet to have to replace. I've never had a water problem in my basement, but I did mostly tile just in case. The only carpet is in the theater room-which is a standard rectangular shape so if I ever have to replace it, the work/cost would be minimal.

I'm going to agree with rastan here. I would tile from the half wall all the way through the bar.

although, it might be neat to do a strip of carpet from the half wall back towards the bar (like a runner), just stop a few feet back from the bar...... that way the carpet leads you into the theater area.

just my two cents....

djearl81

07-26-07, 02:14 PM

OK guys, I'm in some need of some advice and some ideas. I need to figure out what flooring I want to put where. I'm figuring that at the bottom of the stairs (foyer area) and then continuing into the bathroom I'm going to do tile. Then for the theater room - so from the stage back to the half-wall - I'm going to do carpet.

What should I do from the half-wall back to the bar? Should I just continue the carpet? If I continue the carpet, should I maybe tile around the bar 2 feet or so incase drinks get spilled and the bar stools can sit on the tile?

Should I do hardwood floor from the half-wall back to the bar? I was thinking that might be just too much wood though, with the stage wood, the front and back bars wood, and then the floor wood?

IMHO - I think the combination of tile, carpet, and hardwood in such an enclosed area would be too much and it'd undermine the look your going for. As a sound buff, I'd ask where the speakers will be and what direction they'd be aimed. Tile/hardwood will reflect more sound than carpet. I'd factor sound reflection into the equation.

If you decide to tile around the front of the bar, then I'd tile behind it for a continous look. (Sorry about the added work/cost.) Chances are there will be spills all around the bar due to making drinks...and enjoying them.

Are you putting speakers in by the bar area (Maybe a second zone?) If so, I'd wire up a volume controller by/behind the bar so you could turn down the bar spearkers if people are trying to talk while others are watching something in the theatre. You might consider putting a soft surface on parts of the bar that won't show to cut down on the echo.

Like I said...just my opinion.

Neuner

07-26-07, 02:20 PM

IMHO - I think the combination of tile, carpet, and hardwood in such an enclosed area would be too much and it'd undermine the look your going for.

Like I said...just my opinion.

I would have thought the same, but for some commercial projects I've been involved with they've used 3+ types in small areas with a great look - One that comes to mind is they used a single row of tile to form a perimeter around wood flooring. The tile then butted up against carpet. Looked really cool especially since it was radiused!

HawkeyeJosh

07-26-07, 06:27 PM

Thanks for all of the comments guys, I'm still not sure exactly what I want to do. I was at one of our job sites today and saw the tile they are installing. I thought it looked pretty neat. Its the Crossville Chemistry Series, this particular color scheme was Rubidium. Here is a picture of that:

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/DSCN8132.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/rubidium.jpg

I also looked at other color schemes in the same brand and found the lighter "Krypton" color scheme like this:

http://www.crossvilleinc.com/tile/av154krypton_9up.jpg

What do you guys think?

HawkeyeJosh

07-26-07, 06:28 PM

I would have thought the same, but for some commercial projects I've been involved with they've used 3+ types in small areas with a great look - One that comes to mind is they used a single row of tile to form a perimeter around wood flooring. The tile then butted up against carpet. Looked really cool especially since it was radiused!

Neuner,

Do you have a picture of this? It sounds neat...

Zappes

07-26-07, 07:30 PM

@HawkeyeJosh

I normally don't do home decoration, but I had to do my share of web design. A tool I always found very useful is this color scheme generator:

http://wellstyled.com/tools/colorscheme2/index-en.html

Basically you pick one color you want to use as base color for a color scheme and start toying around with the settings. The tool will then calculate color schemes that look good for web sites - and I guess that those schemes won't be too bad for interior design either. :)

I thought this might be useful as I personally find it very hard to find a set of more than two colors that actually look good together.

HawkeyeJosh

07-26-07, 10:51 PM

Guys,

Here is the floor plan and what the flooring type currently is.

Red - Carpet
Blue - Tile
Gray - Unfinished
Green - Undecided.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/Flooring_Large.jpg

HawkeyeJosh

07-26-07, 10:59 PM

IMHO - I think the combination of tile, carpet, and hardwood in such an enclosed area would be too much and it'd undermine the look your going for. As a sound buff, I'd ask where the speakers will be and what direction they'd be aimed. Tile/hardwood will reflect more sound than carpet. I'd factor sound reflection into the equation.

If you decide to tile around the front of the bar, then I'd tile behind it for a continous look. (Sorry about the added work/cost.) Chances are there will be spills all around the bar due to making drinks...and enjoying them.

Are you putting speakers in by the bar area (Maybe a second zone?) If so, I'd wire up a volume controller by/behind the bar so you could turn down the bar spearkers if people are trying to talk while others are watching something in the theatre. You might consider putting a soft surface on parts of the bar that won't show to cut down on the echo.

Like I said...just my opinion.

You might be on to something as far as sound attenuation, etc. That's something that I never really thought of, to be honest with you.

djearl81,

You are correct in thinking that I am going to have 2 zones in the large open area. One will be for the theater area, the other for the bar area. I"m not an acoustical buff, so I'm not sure how all this stuff will work with the flooring. Thanks for the heads-up! Here is a floor plan with speaker locations.

Red - Theather Speakers
Blue - Bar speakers
Green - Rec room speakers

... yea, tons of speakers... I'm aware, but who knows what the use of the basement will be at any given time!

Keep in mind though, that not all of the speakers will be installed right away... I still am on a budget, but the speaker wiring will all be there ready for a speaker.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/SpeakerLocations.jpg

Neuner

07-27-07, 08:59 AM

Neuner,

Do you have a picture of this? It sounds neat...

No, sorry. I was on a walk-through and didn't have a camera. I'm no longer with the company that did that project. It had finishes and a style similar to the restaurant pics you have. The 'Loft Look' is popular in downtown St. Louis right now and what kindof prompted me to finish off my basement the way I did.

The tile was laid first in a 1-1/2' wide radiused strip. The tile was laid in a grid like normal but the cuts were radiused. There was a lot of waste but it was only a small section that was done this way. They then set the wood flooring on the inner side of the radius and later finished the other side off with carpet.

JBUNGIE

07-29-07, 02:50 PM

johnny15

07-29-07, 02:52 PM

Holy Sh*t!! I would have cried :eek: !

I'm sure he did that already and just didn't tell us!!! ;)

HawkeyeJosh

07-29-07, 08:59 PM

I'm sure he did that already and just didn't tell us!!! ;)

Believe it or not... I laughed. It wasn't a laugh of joy, it was a laugh of "You've got to be kidding me..."

At the very least, it added a twist to the basement project and some conversation on the thread.

Work is still progressing, the water problem is in the rear-view mirror. :)

Martianpc

07-30-07, 10:53 PM

Well, its way to late to suggest this, but maybe for the rest of your 2x4s on the floor you may want to use green treated so the water doesnt haunt you.

Neuner

07-30-07, 10:58 PM

Well, its way to late to suggest this, but maybe for the rest of your 2x4s on the floor you may want to use green treated so the water doesnt haunt you.

They should be treated anyways, but if his basement floods again, wet 2x4s are the least of his worries.

HawkeyeJosh

07-31-07, 08:57 PM

They should be treated anyways, but if his basement floods again, wet 2x4s are the least of his worries.

You guys are correct, they 2x4's should be treated. All of the 2x4's around the perimeter of the foundation are treated, but the walls that are within the footprint of the basement are not. (This is code compliant) In my defense, the walls were framed prior to my purchase of the house - but that's a cop-out on my end. The half-wall and bar base are not treated, and those are my doing. Of the other ones not treated within the footprint of the basement, they will all have at least one side not enclosed / covered w/ drywall (either the furnace room or the sump pump room) to dry any slab moisture.

Hopefully the basement wont' flood again, and wont have to worry about it! I dont think the bar will have any issues since the back side will not be finished, and the cabinets will just sit against it. The half-wall could have potential problems with slab moisture, but I dont believe it to be a major issue.

Thanks for paying close attention, the heads-up is appreciated!

HawkeyeJosh

08-07-07, 10:22 PM

Its been a while since I've last posted any pictures or progress, but believe me when I say that progress is still being made!

Just about all of the drywall is hung (with the exception of the wall w/ the component rack. I've got the plumbing for the bar sink done, and I've started mudding (some of the mud is still wet in the pictures). Keep in mind that I'm not a professional mudder by any means, and I am learning as I go. I'm confident that it will turn out well - plus it will be a feel-good feeling when the project is complete and to know I did almost all of it myself.

Enjoy the pics!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6852.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6858.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6853.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6856.jpg

HawkeyeJosh

08-07-07, 10:24 PM

So I have been spending alot of time at flooring places, Lowes, Menards, etc trying to figure out color schemes and what type of flooring to use. Thanks to all of you who offered your suggestions!

I think after looking at everything this is how it will play out:

- Behind the bar will be a charcoal tile with a basic pattern (13x13 squares)
- Following the shape of the "L" on the outside of the bar will be the same charcoal colored tiles, two rows deep. So there will be approx 26" of tile in front of the bar (in addition to the 6" foot rest in front of the bar). When I put a bar stool on it (with tile samples) it worked out well for spacing.
- Carpet will be continuous between the theater room and the poker area, up to the bar. Carpet color will either be a light or dark gray. We are looking at the Shaw Chromatic grays.
- The foyer in the basement (bottom of steps) will also be tile. Not sure if it will be the charcoal tile or a different color / style, but that tile will continue into the bathroom.
- The Rec Room will have carpet and most likely be the same color as the theater room.

Here is a picture of the charcoal tile (the flash makes it look lighter than it actually is) with the black granite next to it and some Oak wood (stained similarly to what the bar color will be).

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6863.jpg

Thoughts?

greg_mitch

08-07-07, 11:24 PM

- Carpet will be continuous between the theater room and the poker area, up to the bar. Carpet color will either be a light or dark gray. We are looking at the Shaw Chromatic grays.

OMG! We?!!

I like the look of that dark gray tile much better than that chalky looking stuff you brought over to my place. Go with it. I also like how you went with my idea of just a bit of tile around the bar and not going from the half wall back with tile. :D

Drywall looks great. I bet you can't wait to help Husser and anyone else who finds out you know how to do that!

Progress is...well....progressing. Although I can just smell that bears opening game.

So who is going with you to the Chiefs game?!

greg_mitch

08-07-07, 11:25 PM

Oh yeah...be sure to check your sump pump tonight! It is raining cats and dogs! :eek:

johnny15

08-07-07, 11:31 PM

HawkeyeJosh

08-08-07, 07:26 AM

It sounds like you've thought it out quite a bit, so that's good! :)

I still think you need to address the half wall area. I think if there is carpet behind the half wall, it will be harder for people to move the chairs to get on/off them......IMO.

Otherwise, things are looking good!!

How about a little banter........go Packers & go Badgers!!! :p

johnny15:

I contemplated the idea of tile behind the half-wall for the chairs to move easy and I"m really split on the idea. Its supposed to be supplemental seating (it'll probably turn out as primary seating, since nothing is ever used as intended) and I'll have the mini bar stools there, so moving them shouldn't be a problem. My concern with using tile is that it will need to be about 3-4 rows deep from the front of the wall for the chairs to sit on... I'm worried that it will extend too far into the poker area and make that area seem smaller. I dont know if I've explained it well, but what do you think?

Thanks for the suggestions!

johnny15

08-09-07, 11:32 AM

johnny15:

I contemplated the idea of tile behind the half-wall for the chairs to move easy and I"m really split on the idea. Its supposed to be supplemental seating (it'll probably turn out as primary seating, since nothing is ever used as intended) and I'll have the mini bar stools there, so moving them shouldn't be a problem. My concern with using tile is that it will need to be about 3-4 rows deep from the front of the wall for the chairs to sit on... I'm worried that it will extend too far into the poker area and make that area seem smaller. I dont know if I've explained it well, but what do you think?

Thanks for the suggestions!

Josh,

I'm not sure how much room you have between your half wall and the bar, so if you would add 3-4 rows deep of tile, it may only leave you with a little section of carpet in the poker, which may look silly... :o
maybe a different idea (depending on the pile of your carpet) would be to get stools with rollers. although, I'm sure you want to have the same stools there that you will have around the bar and I don't think stools with rollers on tile is good for anyone that is drinking!!! ;)
Really, the decision is yours because you have to live with it, so go with your gut (after all, you're seeing it in person and we're looking at it through pictures.....keep them coming by the way :) ). If it were me, I'd be tiling from the half wall back and if I really wanted some carpet in the poker area, I'd be using a rug under the table (easier to clean and and less to worry about if you ever get water down in the basement again). Either way, I'm sure it'll turn out great!

Sorry, I'm not trying to be wishy-washy on you, I'm just trying to help you think of everything and so you can make the best possible decision.

Good luck,
Johnny

HawkeyeJosh

08-09-07, 10:21 PM

Josh,

I'm not sure how much room you have between your half wall and the bar, so if you would add 3-4 rows deep of tile, it may only leave you with a little section of carpet in the poker, which may look silly... :o
maybe a different idea (depending on the pile of your carpet) would be to get stools with rollers. although, I'm sure you want to have the same stools there that you will have around the bar and I don't think stools with rollers on tile is good for anyone that is drinking!!! ;)
Really, the decision is yours because you have to live with it, so go with your gut (after all, you're seeing it in person and we're looking at it through pictures.....keep them coming by the way :) ). If it were me, I'd be tiling from the half wall back and if I really wanted some carpet in the poker area, I'd be using a rug under the table (easier to clean and and less to worry about if you ever get water down in the basement again). Either way, I'm sure it'll turn out great!

Sorry, I'm not trying to be wishy-washy on you, I'm just trying to help you think of everything and so you can make the best possible decision.

Good luck,
Johnny

Johnny,

You're not being wishy-washy... its nice that you point out things that I didnt' think of. I believe that if I were to tile at the half-wall also, I would have too little carpet in the interim space that would look weird. As for tiling from the half-wall back, that was one of the original plans but my g/f and I couldn't agree on a color. I like the lighter colors, but they dont match the rest of the color scheme. She liked the darked colors, but I'm trying to avoid the dungeon feel. So here we are... a medium-dark gray tile just around and behind the bar. What a compromise!

Keep the comments coming!

HawkeyeJosh

08-09-07, 10:32 PM

Here are some pictures around the bar. Obviously the absolute black granite on the bar, then the gray tile on the floor. Trying to decide whether to go w/ the light or dark carpet, but leaning towards the lighter color. I think the dark would be too dark.

Thoughts?

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6869.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6867.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6872.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6871.jpg

greg_mitch

08-10-07, 02:05 PM

Pick the lighter carpet....

Maybe do a quick paint scheme after the drywall is finished to better help...or photoshop it all and post a render.

Tazman101

08-11-07, 02:10 PM

You might be on to something as far as sound attenuation, etc. That's something that I never really thought of, to be honest with you.

How about padding some of the walls with a sound absorbing material? You could just pad the front of the breakfast bar half wall ( toward the theater ), the seating area of the main bar wall ( toward the theater, under the bar ), and the seating area of the breakfast bar ( under the bar ).. Get a nice cloth covering or carpet to cover the padding, that would match your couch bar stools etc... This would also make it so you have less of a 'wood look' all around your area, and it would tie in with your tile color...

The project looks great! keep up the good work and the pictures!

HawkeyeJosh

08-13-07, 02:25 PM

How about padding some of the walls with a sound absorbing material? You could just pad the front of the breakfast bar half wall ( toward the theater ), the seating area of the main bar wall ( toward the theater, under the bar ), and the seating area of the breakfast bar ( under the bar ).. Get a nice cloth covering or carpet to cover the padding, that would match your couch bar stools etc... This would also make it so you have less of a 'wood look' all around your area, and it would tie in with your tile color...

The project looks great! keep up the good work and the pictures!

Tazman:

Excellent idea. As a matter of fact, when looking at carpet at one of the local carpet places, we saw this thin black carpert that was almost felt-like. That got the wheels turning about carpeting the bottom half of the wall as opposed to painting it. I think it would do wonders for the sound, plus I think it'd look really neat. I've already decided to use the carpet on the theater stage in the viewing area. I think it will absorb the sound and light well in that area and won't be a shiny surface to cause glares.

Anyway, awesome idea!

Keep em coming!

APorter

08-15-07, 12:46 PM

How much beer is going to get spilled on that carpet in the poker area on Saturday afternoons when the Hawkeyes are playing?

HawkeyeJosh

08-15-07, 01:59 PM

How much beer is going to get spilled on that carpet in the poker area on Saturday afternoons when the Hawkeyes are playing?

I'm guessing less than when I have my grand opening celebration party!

Point taken, however. And a good one at that! Its just something that I will have to deal with, but for the most part I'm sure people can be semi-responsible. Hopefully?

coolhand

08-15-07, 03:43 PM

The question is how much beer is going to be THROWN when the Hawkeyes play the Badgers?

HawkeyeJosh

08-15-07, 06:19 PM

The question is how much beer is going to be THROWN when the Hawkeyes play the Badgers?

I'm assume that you are referring to throwing your hands in the air, in turn accidentally spilling the beer, everytime the Hawk's score on the Badgers?

Yea... if that's the scenario there will be alot of beer to clean up.

Although as animated as I get during Bears games, its bound to happen more than once!

HawkeyeJosh

08-19-07, 09:46 PM

Just wanted to upload some more pictures to keep you guys interested. I've been putting alot of time in the drywall mudding and when it comes to this type of stuff I'm a perfectionist... or at least I'm trying!

Anyway, only 19 days left until the Bears season opener. Here is a goal-list to have done by then:

- Finish drywall and mudding
- Paint with USG First Coat (not final colors)
- Assemble theater stage
- Possibly paint and install tile in bar area

Doable? We'll see!

Put up soffit in the poker area which will cover the return ductwork. You'll notice from the picture that the soffit is just about a half-inch smaller than the theater soffiting. This was intentional b/c I wanted the rooms not to appear continuous, thus individual soffiting.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6879.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6880.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6875.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6878.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6877.jpg

Enjoy!

chinadog

08-19-07, 11:36 PM

Looking good man, keep up it. I am also looking forward to the Bears opener, but have a nice comfy place to park my butt for the games! You've got your hands full!

Go Bears!

Bud

coolhand

08-20-07, 04:43 PM

HawkeyeJosh

08-21-07, 09:55 PM

Wow. Thats a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it in. Good luck. It always helps to have that deadline looming.

It was bad enough when you were an Iowa fan but a Bears fan too?? Shedding cool points by the second...

LOL... coolhand, don't be jealous. Its OK buddy, we can't all be perfect! ;) If we were all Hawkeyes and Bears fans (like myself), we wouldn't have anyone to root against.

HawkeyeJosh

08-21-07, 10:04 PM

For a late add (in place of my existing JBL rear speakers) I decided to add in-wall speakers for the rears. They're the JBL HTI6's. (Actually white, will be painted black)

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6883.jpg

scaesare

08-22-07, 09:24 AM

Feeble minds think alike? :D

http://caesare.homeip.net:32171/basement/slides/IMG_1420.jpg

http://caesare.homeip.net:32171/basement/slides/IMG_1925.jpg

More pics here. (http://caesare.homeip.net:32171/basement/slides/IMG_1925.htm)

HawkeyeJosh

08-22-07, 05:59 PM

scaesare

08-23-07, 10:54 AM

MMMM... it appears that GREAT minds think alike... ;)

If you insist. ;)

Incidentally, on my grills, they had a cloth "membrane" on the back of them held on by adhesive. I peeled them out, as the spray paint would not have worked with them in.

I originally thought about trying to save them in order to dye and re-install them... but once I tested the grills as-is, I decided it wasn't necessary:

http://caesare.homeip.net:32171/basement/slides/IMG_1928.jpg

http://caesare.homeip.net:32171/basement/slides/IMG_1945.jpg

HawkeyeJosh

08-23-07, 06:11 PM

If you insist. ;)

Incidentally, on my grills, they had a cloth "membrane" on the back of them held on by adhesive. I peeled them out, as the spray paint would not have worked with them in.

I originally thought about trying to save them in order to dye and re-install them... but once I tested the grills as-is, I decided it wasn't necessary:

http://caesare.homeip.net:32171/basement/slides/IMG_1928.jpg

http://caesare.homeip.net:32171/basement/slides/IMG_1945.jpg

Steve,

Thanks for the heads-up. I wasn't sure how I was going to approach the cloth either. I guess I'll learn from your experience - just take it off.

johnny15

08-23-07, 07:57 PM

just take it off.

I know it's your thread, but let's keep it clean!!! :p

HawkeyeJosh

08-23-07, 09:08 PM

I know it's your thread, but let's keep it clean!!! :p

LOL, I have no comback...

HawkeyeJosh

08-23-07, 09:13 PM

I've used the USG "First Coat" as a primer for the theater area since the stage wall will be covered mostly by the stage, and what is not covered by the stage will ultimately be covered with black carpet... thus I'm not going to paint it and just leave it in primer. The black carpet wont be added until I've had time to make an actual screen, so for the interim the wall will be the screen :)

Anyway, I"ve got the First Coat primer enough that I can put the stage together and get those pieces out of way. Then it should be pretty quick to finish the theater room since most of the mudding is done and the primer doesn't take long to apply... especially when you have a helper!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6886.jpg

cuzed2

08-25-07, 12:49 PM

Hawkeye Josh,

Your latest updates looks great !

I thought I would try my hand at posting a link to begin sharing images of my CuznEddy Cinema.

Assuming the link opens you will see my rough layout, at the top of this sketch is my open floor plan theater area. The area to the bottom is where I have started the bathroom and a possible Bar.

Layout Sketch =

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...youtSketch.jpg

The next links are the roughed in bathroom / bar area =

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...1-6144_IMG.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...1-6182_IMG.jpg

The following is my temporary "proof of concept" temporary theater, using an old HP/Optoma DLP projector =

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...1-6148_IMG.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...1-6146_IMG.jpg

And a standard Def OTA screen shot with the temp setup:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...1-6191_IMG.jpg

Hopefully this test will come thru - if so look for a string in the near future titled "The CuzznEddy Cinema Project.

Thanks For Looking !
CuzEd2

P.S> I'm not working in the basement next weekend >> going to see the Hawkeyes play at Soldier Field instead.

HawkeyeJosh

08-25-07, 07:05 PM

Hawkeye Josh,

P.S> I'm not working in the basement next weekend >> going to see the Hawkeyes play at Soldier Field instead.

I will also be at Soldier Field for the Hawkeyes vs. Northern Illinois game. Can't wait, but that means I dont have much time to get mine good-enough-to-watch-the-Bears-game finished!

cuzed2

08-26-07, 12:09 PM

Hawkeye Josh,

I started my build thread & actually posted some photos, it is listed in this forum as the:

CuznEddy Cinema

As for Soldier Field and the Hawks game - still don't know where I am sitting my brother (from the Waterloo area) has my tickets. May be going to the Navy Pier Rally on Friday night. I'll drop you a PM when I know details.

CuzEd2

HawkeyeJosh

08-26-07, 10:26 PM

Did a little bit more work this weekend. Made removable cover/wall (insulated) for the window I"ll be covering. Put the second coat of primer on the stage area. Pretty close to finishing up the drywall. Still have another day or two of mudding/sanding, then another day of paint. Have to get the stage up... not sure how, but I'm thinking it'll have something to do w/ hydraulics.

Anyway, pics are worth more than a description. Enjoy!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6888.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6889.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6891.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6892.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6893.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6894.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6895.jpg

HawkeyeJosh

08-27-07, 10:22 PM

Thanks to greg_mitch and another buddy from work for coming over and helping me lift the stage, its finally set in place! Starting to look more and more like I envisioned.

Of course, once the stage was up, would I really be normal if I didn't set up the projector and watch something???

Obviously some playing around with the image still required... but I thought it looked extremely well - even when the lights were on! (Although the pics appear washed out w/ the camera flash, and blurry due to shutter speed)

Enjoy!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6896.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6899.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6898.jpg

greg_mitch

08-27-07, 10:30 PM

OMG! Get back to work!!!

cuzed2

08-28-07, 01:57 PM

Wow - THis is really looking nice
(wish I was even 1/2 this far along)

CuzEd2

HawkeyeJosh

09-04-07, 09:46 PM

Well... the orignal goal was to have the basement done by the first Bears game... that obviously at some point became not feasible. The next goal was to have the theater area done before the game.... still no carpet I see! Then the lesser goal was just to be able to watch the game. Looks like that will be possible.

Still have a few days left and I will be able to apply the primer to most of the basement (minus probably the bar area). If I clean it up, put the bar back together (in a non-finished state), bring down my bar stools and couchs from upstairs, it just might be feasible. Not exactly how I wanted it, but it should work. Still trying to decide whether to have people over or just let someone else show the game...

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6910.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6909.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6908.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6906.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6905.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6904.jpg

DaveTheWaveUSMC

09-05-07, 08:40 AM

Looks like you have enough done to show the game. The only reason not to show it is if you know someone who has a better setup.

I say go for it...

GO SAINTS

johnny15

09-05-07, 08:52 AM

cobolisdead

09-05-07, 11:37 AM

Looks nice! I say go ahead and use it!

John Martin

09-05-07, 07:31 PM

If I were you I would NOT show the game down there. Based on the pics there is a LOT of dust still in the air and cleaning up will make it worse so why subject the PJ to that torture and yourself to the cleaning of it afterwards.

John

HawkeyeJosh

09-05-07, 11:25 PM

Hey Josh,

Things are coming along nicely!! Personally, I do understand your frustration, but don't let it get you down. :)
I think you might be better off letting someone else show the game. If you do all that cleaning up and start moving furniture into the space, it's going to be to easy to use it in that state versus having that last push to really start finalizing everything!!
Plus, when you have people over, you want to give them that oohh and aaahhh feeling!! ;)

-Johnny

I think that I"m going to forfeit the game in lieu of the "ooohh aaahhh" effect when I have to basement "Grand Opening" party. You bring up a good point, and one that I also was worried about, that I dont want to ruin the suprise in an almost-done state... it will take away from some of the completed satisfaction. Plus, for the first party I would like to have the pool table set-up and the bar in full service... I think it would make for a fun night.

In addition, a buddy at work just finished his basement a few months ago and he has a pretty sweet set-up as well. He said that if I decided not to have it, he would happily show the game.

I must admit that I"m a bit frustrated at this point, but it certainly wont keep me down for long. I keep looking at it and I"m really not that far away (although I"ve been saying that for a while now ;) ). The Rec Room is a much more simpler design and the drywall shouldn't take as long (not as many weird angles, soffits, etc.).

Keep checking back soon, progress will continue!

Thanks to everyone who has been following my thread. I appreciate the support!

John Martin

09-06-07, 07:29 AM

HawkeyeJosh

09-06-07, 08:38 AM

The "oooh ahhh" feeling is exactly why I NEVER moved the PJ downstairs to test it in the room. I set it up upstairs and projected on a blank wall and occasionally watch a movie on it with a couple speakers BEHIND us LOL Really takes away from the experience but is definitely getting me motivated to finish.

Josh,

Did not say it last time but the room is really starting to come together. I will be anxious to see how the bar area comes along since I am doing one as well. I am still hashing out the details with my wife on that one so we'll see how she reacts to any choices I make. She already gave me a thumbs up on the kegerator. Keep up the great work so far and I will keep checking back.

John

John,

That's funny that we all think alike. We've watched quite a few movies upstairs on a blank wall... obviously without all of the effect (except a HUGE image). Last year I had a Super Bowl party... which was the final straw in my excuses to buy the projector then as opposed to waiting. I ended up with the Optoma HD70 and really couldn't be happier. There are alot of people who will say "it doesn't do this" or "it doesn't have that" but really, I'm amazed and that's all that I care about.

The bar should start coming together rather quickly now, but with Sundays no longer a work-option day, it may take longer than expected!

cuzed2

09-06-07, 11:24 AM

HawkeyeJosh

09-06-07, 02:06 PM

Josh,

I assume you made it into Chicago and enjoyed Saturday outcome? I found it interesting that Hawkeye fans ounumbered Northern fans by about 4:1.

Your project is looking awesome - can't wait to see you're finished photos. Please keep 'em coming - you're updates are motivating me to keep moving on the Cuzzn Eddie Cinema.

A question - now that you have been working with the GridMAx celieng system for awhile - are you still happy with it? I'm still undecided if Iwill go drywall or ... ?

Keep up the good work you're ALMOST there!!!

Cuzed2

Chicago was exciting, but I spent WAY too much money! It was satisfying that every bar we went to in downtown Chicago on Friday night was taken over by under-dressed seas of black and gold. The tailgating was also amazing in the fact that Northern fans were few and far between - which is amazing given the fact that they Dekalb is twice as close as Iowa City. Although, I"m not sure you can ever top Iowa City tailgating. Anyway, a great weekend with a shaky result... we won, but dont sign us up for any National Championships next week. Still pretty green in some areas.

getbuilding

09-08-07, 10:43 PM

coolhand

09-09-07, 04:13 AM

psubill78

09-09-07, 09:33 PM

HawkeyeJosh

09-10-07, 02:06 PM

I am looking forward to more photos. It has helped with my decision on how to finish our basement. The photos make for some easy tutorials. It is much appreciated. Was interested in what you are planning to finish the bar. Notice you used black tile for the counter, what is planned for the sides?

The sides of the bar will most likely be 1x6's of stained oak on the outside surfaces. The sides will be even with the top of the granite to form a level surface. The front portion of the back bar (above the fridges, etc) will be 1x2 pieces of stained oak - similar to "scaesare".

http://caesare.homeip.net:32171/basement/slides/IMG_2011.jpg

Then the interface with the wall will also have 1x6 pieces of stained oak (see below).

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6772.jpg

When I get home tonite I will try to mock up close to what I"m doing, take a picture and then post that picture. Check back later tonite.

HawkeyeJosh

09-10-07, 02:10 PM

I didn't want to rain on your parade weeks ago about the likelihood of getting the place finished for football kickoff but you are really making great progress. Don't let those football filled weekends slow your progress. Perhaps you could still manage to get it done on time to watch my Badgers kill your Hawkeyes in two weeks. Just know that as soon as you put the PJ up progress will come to a halt. I am glad you called off your party, that was certainly the right decision.

Badger tix have gotten so hard to get of late I was shocked a few years ago to see so many Iowa fans. You guys travel really well and know how to tailgate. Almost as well as the Badger/Packer nation. But not quite.

On WISCONSIN!
GO PACK GO!

I'm not too worried about the Badgers... I did manage to catch the last 3 qtrs of the UNLV game. They didn't exactly strike fear - in anyone! Overrated???

As for the Iowa traveling well... that's a compliment and we know that plays a big role in bowl selections also. I'm not sure how this information was collected, but it was reported that in the two nights Iowa fans were in Chicago (Friday / Saturday) for the Northern Illinois game they spent a little over $8 million. Not bad... but then again, we're pretty proud and deidcated!

HawkeyeJosh

09-10-07, 02:16 PM

It's been said 100x over, but once more won't hurt. Looks great.... I must say, I was cracking up - as your bar concept is nearly identical to what I'm planning to do, even down to the double home depot fridges (great price, great quality, just wish they got a little colder)....

How do you intend to cut the granite? what are you doing on the edges.... Do you have more detailed plans for the bar?

I was debating on doing the bar after drywall, but after watching your posts, I may change my mind.

Again, thumbs up!

Thanks for the compliments... it never gets old having people say it looks good ;)

I will be cutting the granite using a diamond blade on a tile cutting saw. A guy at work has the saw and says that its worked out really well for him in the past (he is in the process of building a new home). Most of the edges have a slight chamfer on them, so I will need to match the chamfer using a home-made jig and the tile cutting saw. As far as a more detailed plan of the bar... what exactly are you looking for? I'd be more than happy to answer any of the questions you have, but if you are looking for a general overview there are quite a few pics, renderings, etc in the previous pages of the thread. Just let me know...

As for the drywall before or after the bar... I secured my bar right into the stud wall for added support. You can easily put the bar up as an afterthought (and still secure it to the wall), but be aware that it may make more sense to run all your electrical wire (if applicable) through the bar without before the drywall.

Just a thought. Let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help!

psubill78

09-10-07, 02:28 PM

Thanks for the compliments... it never gets old having people say it looks good ;)

No problem. Many pat's on the back 2 you!

As far as a more detailed plan of the bar... what exactly are you looking for? I'd be more than happy to answer any of the questions you have, but if you are looking for a general overview there are quite a few pics, renderings, etc in the previous pages of the thread. Just let me know...

Heights of the 2 tier sections, or a more detailed layout of how you are building it. I'll take a look at the pix on the photobucket site, I don't recall seeing one w/ the heights or layout...

As for the drywall before or after the bar... I secured my bar right into the stud wall for added support. You can easily put the bar up as an afterthought (and still secure it to the wall), but be aware that it may make more sense to run all your electrical wire (if applicable) through the bar without before the drywall.

After looking at what you've done, I've pretty much decided to do it now vs. waiting - another benefit would be to get those fridges plugged in and cooling the refreshments ;)

Take care & thanks

HawkeyeJosh

09-10-07, 09:50 PM

Heights of the 2 tier sections, or a more detailed layout of how you are building it. I'll take a look at the pix on the photobucket site, I don't recall seeing one w/ the heights or layout...

Here is a cross section / elevation of my entire bar layout with all of the main construction components defined. The image should be self explanatory. I'm still wokring on a dimensioned version, which would be done in an hour or so...

Enjoy!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/BarElevation.jpg

HawkeyeJosh

09-10-07, 10:36 PM

Alright, as promised.

Elevation with dimensions:

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/BarElevationDims.jpg

Front Bar wall (shown in plan view):
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/BarDims.jpg

Tile Pattern around bar:

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/TilePattern.jpg

longwa

09-10-07, 11:31 PM

psubill78

09-11-07, 08:29 AM

Alright, as promised.

2 words. Wow, thanks!

I can guarantee that many a folk will be admiring these images.

I can't recall the name of the software you use (it was mentioned earlier) but I recall seeing it was expensive (like $1000+) is there a home user copy, or a demo that you used? Or did you pay the purchase price?

HawkeyeJosh

09-11-07, 09:01 AM

These are perhaps some of the most detailed designs I've seen posted. Thanks for taking the time to draw up the plans just for the benefit of fellow AVS'ers.

I'm in the process of copying your design for the half-wall bar facing the screen and the pictures have been extremely helpful. Keep up the good work!

-Aaron

Here is a drawing to better show my construction of the half wall. I"ll have to give exact dimensions (wall height and counter height) when I get home, but enjoy this for now!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/HalfWall.jpg

Let me know if you have more specific questions. Thanks!

HawkeyeJosh

09-11-07, 09:05 AM

2 words. Wow, thanks!

I can guarantee that many a folk will be admiring these images.

I can't recall the name of the software you use (it was mentioned earlier) but I recall seeing it was expensive (like $1000+) is there a home user copy, or a demo that you used? Or did you pay the purchase price?

The software that I used is called SoftPlan and it is made by ArchSoft software. I've had the software since high school (when it was in its infancy stages) and I believe I sent in for a demo from their website.

http://www.softplan.com/

I remember that they sent me a cd and an entire booklet, etc in the package. That was like 9 years ago... so their policy may have changed since then - especially if they've grown as a company. Keep in mind that the version I have has limited capabilities and not all options are available, but sometime you just have to work around it. Sorry I dont have a solid answer for you here...

HawkeyeJosh

09-11-07, 09:09 AM

Josh,

I assume you made it into Chicago and enjoyed Saturday outcome? I found it interesting that Hawkeye fans ounumbered Northern fans by about 4:1.

Your project is looking awesome - can't wait to see you're finished photos. Please keep 'em coming - you're updates are motivating me to keep moving on the Cuzzn Eddie Cinema.

A question - now that you have been working with the GridMAx celieng system for awhile - are you still happy with it? I'm still undecided if Iwill go drywall or ... ?

Keep up the good work you're ALMOST there!!!

Cuzed2

Cuzed2,

Sorry that I took so long to get back to you on the GridMax question. Well... as of yet I haven't had any regrets with it and it has been pretty easy to work with. Like I said before, the only negative is the cost of it which could be significant depending on the quantity. I wanted a unique ceiling look for the theater area, plus it was difficult for me to give up the accessiblity to my ceiling, so I decided to go with the GridMax. Let me know if you have anymore questions!

HawkeyeJosh

09-14-07, 05:52 PM

Doesn't look like much will get done this weekend... I'll be heading to Chicago for the Bears / Chiefs game. Hopefully we can get a running game going and let Rex open it up. Go Bears!

chinadog

09-14-07, 07:02 PM

Doesn't look like much will get done this weekend... I'll be heading to Chicago for the Bears / Chiefs game. Hopefully we can get a running game going and let Rex open it up. Go Bears!

You dog! Go Bears!

Bud

Charlie97L

09-25-07, 05:12 PM

are you going to be framing in the screen differently? right now it doesn't look 16:9?

looks awesome! :)

HawkeyeJosh

09-26-07, 07:34 AM

are you going to be framing in the screen differently? right now it doesn't look 16:9?

looks awesome! :)

I will just be using the wall as the screen... so no, I will not be framing the screen. You are correct that at this point it is not 16:9, and there will be some of the wall that will be visible during a movie. I've put the projector up and watched some scenes of a movie and it looks OK to me... but if I find later that I do not like it, it should be fairly easy to make a screen. The idea right now is the width will be used as shown, and wall will be visible at the top and bottom.

Charlie97L

09-26-07, 12:55 PM

gotcha. i would recommend masking/painting out the bottom and top that's not used. especially if the rest of the room is darker colored, as it appears to be shaping up to be, the excess white will reflect stray light back at you, making the picture seem dimmer. just IME of projecting directly on to a wall. :)

HawkeyeJosh

10-04-07, 09:47 PM

Just to let you guys know that I haven't completely fallen off the face of the Earth... but these football weekends are killing me! Between the Hawkeyes and Bears (and enough heartbreaks to go around!) I'm either in Iowa City or Chicago, or going somewhere to watch the game!

HOWEVER... I still have been getting things done on the basement. The entire bar/theater area has been primed and is ready to be painted. After I paint I'll do the tile behind the bar and in the foyer, the bar tops, and the half wall. Then of course all of the finishing stuff... which I'm sure will take forever.

So wouldn't you know that my ADD kicked in again though, and I've shifted gears to the Rec room. Started hanging drywall in there. I figure with my recent drywalling experience (hanging and mudding) I should be able fly through it pretty quickly.

Enjoy the pics!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6918.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6919.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6915.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6916.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6917.jpg

Keep checking back, I'm hoping to get alot done this weekend!

HawkeyeJosh

10-07-07, 07:38 PM

I rented a drywall lift this weekend and finished hanging the ceilings. Now for the theater / bar area I have to mud the remaining ceiling and spay the knock-down ceiling. Then time to paint!

As for the Rec Room... only a few more sheet to hang, then mud, and I'll do the knock-down ceiling the same time I do the bar area.

I've been saying it for a while... but its getting closer!

Here are some pics to keep you up-to-date:

The Rec Room ceiling is done:
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6930.jpg

The bar area ceiling is done:
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6931.jpg

A bartender's view:
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6933.jpg

Enjoy!

coolhand

10-09-07, 12:15 PM

I'm not too worried about the Badgers... I did manage to catch the last 3 qtrs of the UNLV game. They didn't exactly strike fear - in anyone! Overrated???

As for the Iowa traveling well... that's a compliment and we know that plays a big role in bowl selections also. I'm not sure how this information was collected, but it was reported that in the two nights Iowa fans were in Chicago (Friday / Saturday) for the Northern Illinois game they spent a little over $8 million. Not bad... but then again, we're pretty proud and deidcated!

Yeah, they clearly haven't been as strong as we expected this year. But atleast we have been winning (mostly). Plus we beat Iowa (then again everyone seems to have done that this year including that mortifying ISU squad).

Regarding that UNLV game you referenced: Season tickets at UNLV are only $70 so Badger fans bought out the entire stadium not only for the game but for the whole season. Badger fans actually bought ~ as many tickets for the entire season as UNLV. Now THAT is travelling.

HawkeyeJosh

11-04-07, 08:18 PM

So it's been quite some time since I've updated the thread. The past few weekends have been pretty busy for me so I have worked on it here and there, but never got around to taking new pics or updating the thread. This weekend I got a good day and a half of work done.

Some of the things you will notice in the pictures:
- I bought the tile for the bar area (the dark gray color). Originally was $2.60/ft2, and I ended up getting it for $1.50/ft2 after tax! I was pretty happy about that one.
- I've decided to carpet the bottom have of the theater room walls with a thin black carpet (the carpet store told me its actually interior car carpet), but I didn't want to put it on the walls directly. Instead, I bought the pegboard and cut out the outlets, etc, and screwed it to the walls. I'll use a 3M adhesive to attach the carpet to the pegboard. That way it will be easily removable.
- Finished the gyp ceiling to the side of the bar.
- Finshed hanging drywall in the foyer area

There's a guy at work that has the equipment for doing the knock-down ceiling, so that will be my next step, then paint the walls, install the bar area tile and then the cabinets etc, will be installed.

Enjoy the pics!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6948.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6946.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6943.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6936.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6940.jpg

greg_mitch

11-05-07, 06:40 PM

I'll use a 3M adhesive to attach the carpet to the pegboard. That way it will be easily removable.

I hope you don't think that the 3M adhesive is easily removable....it isn't. I think what you mean is the pegboard with carpet will be removable.

How are you securing the pegboard to the wall? If with screws, then how will you unscrew the pegboard with carpet glued on the front of it?

Are you going to use some sort of chair rail to cover the top of the pegboard/carpet interface with the regular drywall?

HawkeyeJosh

11-11-07, 09:11 PM

More progress on the basement. Sprayed the ceiling this weekend (although the picture are horrible). Everything is ready to be painted, so that will be the next step. Then the tiling and finishing. I'm starting to get more excited!

Theater area color scheme:
- Ceiling: Pewter soffit and gyp, pewter lay-in tiles, flat black ceiling grid
- Top half of wall: Light Gray
- Bottom half of wall: black carpet

Hope to be finished painting within the next week or so.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6954.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6955.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6951.jpg

tighr

11-12-07, 03:13 AM

Wow, just got done reading the thread, took nearly two hours! Looks great, keep up the good work. I'll be excited to see what the finished product looks like.

HawkeyeJosh

11-12-07, 09:06 AM

Wow, just got done reading the thread, took nearly two hours! Looks great, keep up the good work. I'll be excited to see what the finished product looks like.

tighr:

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm getting pretty exciting for it to coming to an end. Its been a long process... but I've been doing it as time and money allow. The nice thing is that most of the stuff I need (tile, granite, cabinets, etc) has already been purchased, so its just a matter of time....

Keep checking back for more pictures and updates!

HawkeyeJosh

11-12-07, 10:39 PM

Didn't take long to get the painting started... still need to paint the bottom sections of the soffiting, but it's getting late and an early morning tomorrow! More to come soon!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6962.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6961.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6960.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6959.jpg

Enjoy!

cuzed2

11-13-07, 01:35 PM

HawkeyeJosh

11-13-07, 09:47 PM

Hawkeye Josh,

Wow - almost done and looking great. Im thinking you may be ready for the Hawks Bowl game...?

I have just finished the bathroom in the Cuzzn Eddy Cinema build and will post photos later this week. Next up for me is electrical >> therefore a few questions on your build:

1) What are the dimensions for your Theater area (excluding the bar)?

2) My primary lighting will be can lights supplemented by sconces and ropes in the soffitts. Curious > how many can lights did you use, also; brand, and size?

Thanks,
Craig - CuzEd2
Cuzzn Eddy Cinema

CuzEd2,

1. The dimensions of the theater area are about 17' long x 13' wide, give or take.

2. In my theater are I used 6 total can lights, they are 6" Builders Downlights found at Lowes. The can lights will be on a dimmer switch, so easy to adjust brightness. I've had quite a few people tell me that 6 of them is overkill... but I like rooms BRIGHT. With the color scheme in the theater area being mostly dark, I thought I would add more lights to counteract. Keep in mind that I want the theater area for other things too... not just dedicated to theater. Also, the stage acts as a nice shield from the can lights and provides shade on the projected surface, so even with all of the lights on in the basement full-blast, you can still see a well defined, bright picture from the projector - I was pretty happy to see that.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have more questions...

Neuner

11-14-07, 08:26 AM

How much is the acoustical tile & track? I'm thinking about this for my next project.

johnny15

11-14-07, 08:42 AM

CuzEd2,

1. The dimensions of the theater area are about 17' long x 13' wide, give or take.

2. In my theater are I used 6 total can lights, they are 6" Builders Downlights found at Lowes. The can lights will be on a dimmer switch, so easy to adjust brightness. I've had quite a few people tell me that 6 of them is overkill... but I like rooms BRIGHT. With the color scheme in the theater area being mostly dark, I thought I would add more lights to counteract. Keep in mind that I want the theater area for other things too... not just dedicated to theater. Also, the stage acts as a nice shield from the can lights and provides shade on the projected surface, so even with all of the lights on in the basement full-blast, you can still see a well defined, bright picture from the projector - I was pretty happy to see that.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have more questions...

Josh & CuzEd2,

I have 4 cans in my theater area as well as 4 sconces. My area is about ~13x20 and the four (six inch) cans make it plenty bright. Plus, there is plenty of light that comes from the rest of my basement areas that helps keep things bright enough. I never have my cans on when the projector is on and when I'm in the basement for more than 20 minutes, it's always on! :D
I'll run my sconces when the PJ is on and because they are on a dimmer, they are rarely at full blast.

Just thought I'd throw in another view point.

Keep up the good work Josh! I still haven't started my bar (money constraints :( ) so I'm excited to see how yours turns out so I can show the wife and she'll let me bend the budget a little! :o

HawkeyeJosh

11-14-07, 08:48 AM

How much is the acoustical tile & track? I'm thinking about this for my next project.

Neuner,

From the short time and experience that I've had with the GridMAX system the tiles are pretty easy to install and remove. The nice thing about the plastic is that you can deform and bend it (within reason) to insert/remove tiles without the plastic kinking or showing any signs of wear/tear. The metal ceiling grids are pretty rigid. I originally bought some of the metal and noticed that there were kinks in it just from hauling it home from the store. Ugh! The other thing I like about the GridMAX is that I lost only about 1-1/2" of celing height as opposed to the 6"+ that are recommended for the metal gird. I've also found that the GridMAX is easy to paint (the traditional metal also is, I'm sure) as I used a gray primer and then flat black - both Lowes brand spray paint.

As far as price... the stuff is relatively expensive. For the ceiling rail (the part that fastens to the floor joists) and the actual tile support (the part that snaps into the ceiling rails) you're looking at about $12 (total) for an 8' linear section for the main supports. The cross-members between the main supports (2' pieces) aren't that expensive, at around $1.50 each.

The ceiling tiles I decided to go with are the Armstrong "Sahara" series ceiling tiles. I've shopped around quite a bit for them. At Lowes they are $5 a tile and I found them for an everyday price of $3.98 at Menards. I've been holding off of them for a while, and they finally went on sale at Menards for an additional 15%? off last week. I think the cost per tile ended up at $3.38. Still not the cheapest, but saving over $1.50 a tile was nice!

The bottom line:
I chose this method becuase it allowed me to keep a fairly high ceiling. While the price of the GridMAX was higher than a traditional metal ceiling grid, the use of GridMAX didn't break the bank since my application isn't on such a large scale. I'm doing the GridMAX in the theater area inside a 18" gyp border and above the bar, again with a 8" gyp border.

Hope this helps!

If you have any more questions or would like a better picture angle to help you out, let me know... I'd be glad to help.

HawkeyeJosh

11-14-07, 10:22 AM

Josh & CuzEd2,

I have 4 cans in my theater area as well as 4 sconces. My area is about ~13x20 and the four (six inch) cans make it plenty bright. Plus, there is plenty of light that comes from the rest of my basement areas that helps keep things bright enough. I never have my cans on when the projector is on and when I'm in the basement for more than 20 minutes, it's always on! :D
I'll run my sconces when the PJ is on and because they are on a dimmer, they are rarely at full blast.

Just thought I'd throw in another view point.

Keep up the good work Josh! I still haven't started my bar (money constraints :( ) so I'm excited to see how yours turns out so I can show the wife and she'll let me bend the budget a little! :o

Johnny15:

I know how the budget contraints are... that's why mine has taken over a year thus far, and I'm still not done! My goal, and I"m still on pace, is that at the end of the project everything will be paid for and I will not have incurred any debt. After I paint the rest of the walls I'm going to lay the tile flooring in the bar area. Then I"ll move on to the actual bar top itself. Shouldn't be but a few weeks... and I'm getting excited!

Glad to see that you haven't lost interest with the thread, given my slow progress!

cuzed2

11-14-07, 10:29 AM

Hawkeye Josh / Johnny 15,

Thanks for lighting confirmation - This is thedirection i was thinking:

My Theater area is 15 x19, Ill probably go wioth 4-6" cans in the central area, and then 2-3 smaller cans or pinhole lights near the screen - all on dimmers

Thanks Again
Cuzed2

tighr

11-14-07, 07:02 PM

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p197/jmheacock/IMG_6955.jpg
If I'm not mistaken, this is the area above your poker table. What do you plan on doing with that lonely lightbulb? Will that be replaced with a ceiling fan, or some other overhead attachment?

HawkeyeJosh

11-14-07, 11:15 PM

If I'm not mistaken, this is the area above your poker table. What do you plan on doing with that lonely lightbulb? Will that be replaced with a ceiling fan, or some other overhead attachment?

tighr:

You are correct, that is the area where the poker table (or at least some sort of table at some point) will be placed. You're right=on with that lonely light... eventually it will become a fan (or at least that was the intention). But putting the light up makes it nice and bright for painting and working down there. The fan will certainly be a low priority of the completion of the basement... but I wanted to be able to easily add one at any time. In the interim, if I don't hang a decorative light, I"ll just put a cover on it. I did use a ceiling fan mount/box, so it will support about anything I could imagine to put up there (even me after I put it up - for testing purposed of course ;) )