I've been lurking here for ~2 years; while I pondered how to finish my basement (and if I was up the task)?

After seeing the many succesfull projects on these forums, and the tremendous support and resources - I decided to go for it!

So I will start with a link that shows my earliest efforts of using sketchup. As you can see this is a large open rec room with a theater area. Yes; this is a compromise - trading acoustics potential for a larger more flexible space room:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LayoutSketch.jpg

The bottom of the sketch shows the area that is already under construction, the bathroom and potetnial bar area - thought I would take on the most difficult task first:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6181_IMG.jpg

The following links show my temporary "proof of concept" front PJ set up. I am using an older (free) HP/Optoma DLP, and a home made hanging screen. The idea was to test the WAF & get the family buy in. Whenever I get finished, 1080p projectors should be quite affordable:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6148_IMG.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6146_IMG.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6191_IMG.jpg

Thanks For Looking!

This time with the actual photos (hey - I'm still learning).

Rough Sketch of my Layout:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LayoutSketch.jpg

Roughed In Bathroom (& Possible bar area)
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6181_IMG.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6185_IMG.jpg

Screen Wall:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6146_IMG.jpg

Screen Wall with temporary projector:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6148_IMG.jpg

Standard Def Broadcast Image (seeking WAF and selling the family on this concept):
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6191_IMG.jpg

Thanks for Looking (and the patience as I learn)
CuzEd2

Welcome to the madness. I gotta ask about the porcelain throne. What's with that elevation?

BIGmouthinDC,

Thanks! As for the elevated throne:

The original owner of this house did not spend the few extra $$ to have bathroom plumbing stubed into the concrete floor. Therefore I had a choice of busting the floor open OR for about $600.00 going with this pump/tank appartus.

It actually worked out well, I went with the lowest profile throne I could find and the end result is a toilet no higher than a handicap throne.

The photo immmediatly below shows the backside of the bathroom wall and the rest of the appartus.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6187_IMG.jpg

Regards,
Cuzed2

Cuzed2,

You've got a good start and it looks like it should shape up nicely!

Any more progress/pics??


Keep up the good work!

Wow! I am envious of that layout! It looks like you have a very nice start!

Thanks for looking and the encouraging comments!
Some more updates and additional progress photos

In my effort to frame towards the theater/play room >I have sacrificed another 80 or so 2x4's.

Immediatly below is the open room adjacent to the theater area:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/FrontWall-TempScreen-090307.jpg

I have started a false wall with doorway access to cover the crawl space:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/PlayArea-AdjacentTheater-090307.jpg

This view (was standing near the screen) was looking back into the play area showing my temporary equipment rack:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/TempEq-Rack-090307.jpg

And this last photo was taken from the entrance of the new bathroom, it shows the rear of what will become my equipment closet:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EquipCloset-Backside-090307.jpg

Good Afternoon,

I will follow this post with some photo updates, Since my last update I have now completed 90% of my basement framing. I am now at the point of framing my screen wall. I hope my question on the sketch below is clear.

In the upper RH corner, to the right of my screen, I will need to frame and box-in some plumbing, my water meter is in this space. This will result in a 22" wide x 6' deep bump-out to the RH side of my screen.

I'm thinking I might gain an acoustical advantage (at the cost of floor space) if I were to put a matching wall like structure to the LH side of the screen? What does everyone think, well this help acoustically?

I was also thinking of filling a portion of this hollow space to end up with bass traps?

I know this open floor plan is a bit of an acoustical compromise - I am just trying to make the best of it. Open to any and all suggestions

Thanks
CuzEd2 - Craig

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ScreenStageRough-InQuestion.jpg

In the photo below you can see the plumbing I needto box-in
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6148_IMG.jpg

Hey Craig!

Yes, you have a great space for this! I was a little limited in my layout, but you have a lot of room to work with. That's always a good thing.

Great start so far. I know, it never goes as fast as you would like.

Keep posting the pics. I'll be following along.

Good luck on picking up some of those theater seats!

Steve,

Thanks for looking and the kind words.
As for the theater seats - I have a call into Nancy's cell phone VM in orderto pursue some of these

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ScreenStageRough-InQuestion.jpg


Craig,

I would build a box out to match the box out that you need for your water meter. It will help keep the focus on the screen vs it feeling "uneven" to the viewers. I did something similar to this for my wall opposite from my posts. I wanted it to look/feel even, so I built fake posts to match even though it wasn't needed. It just so happened to work out well for wall sconces!! ;)

Another benefit of doing this is it will help keep light off of your screen wall that may come from the open game area. That happens to me when I have the lights turned on in the area that I'm planning to build a bar. Just another thought!!

Looks good....keep up the good work!!....and keep posting pics! :D


-Johnny

Johnny,

Thanks for the opinion on this!

In fact; later last night I went down to the "hole" (as my wife calls it), and framed in the LH front-side to match. I agree the balanced look already looks better, and hopefully will be better for acoustics.

I also have a support column at the rear left side of the room - I will be disguising this by boxing into a rectangular pillar for a sconce light and my left-rear surrond speaker. I will then bump out the back portion of the RH wall to match.

Regards,
Craig

JoeTIVo,

Thanks for the comments and the lead on the seats. I just talked to Nancy; I think she is getting me a meausrement. I have 82" of width for my backrow (adjacent to the entryway).

I "think" I can fit 3 of the theater seats. If you can share a measurement with me - it is definetly appreciated!

Craig

You bet... I'll grab one for you when I get home this afternoon. If I would have known... I just came back to work from the house. I could have grabbed it there. Oh well.

Sorry I didn't get this to you yesterday, Craig. I forgot all about it. :(

The four chairs I have measure 7 feet across from armrest to armrest. Individually, they measure about 23" from arm to arm, and three of them are 64" across.

Steve,
First - Thanks for the detail on the theater seating.

To All,
I have done a bit more framing and have now acted on your various inputs regarding my question of how best to build out the screen area. I have now rough framed both the LH and RH sides of the screen area.

In the last photo you can see that I have also framed the RH side-wall from the screen back back thru the theater entrance and into the adjoining bar area.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ScreenStageRough-InQuestion.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ScreenRoughBoxed.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LSPartialWall.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/RSScreenRoughBoxed.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/DenAreaFramed.jpg

Just donated $500.00 to Lowes buying my tile & supplies for the bath area - maybe I can get that looking like a real room by next weekend?

Regards,
CuzEd2 - Craig

Just a Bump - will be posting more photos this week

Bump - Bump

Been a while since I posted, but I think I may have one of the time more time-consuming rooms out of the way and done - the bathroom. 2 quick photos below.

Next up: Bending conduit and getting my electrical and lighting roughed-in.

Thanks for looking

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/BathroomEntry.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/BathroomExit.jpg

Been a while since I posted, but I think I may have one of the time more time-consuming rooms out of the way and done - the bathroom. 2 quick photos below.

Next up: Bending conduit and getting my electrical and lighting roughed-in.

Thanks for looking

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/BathroomEntry.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/BathroomExit.jpg

Craig:

I have to admit that the I think the bathroom turned out really well! Great job. I just have to ask, and I noticed BigMouthInDC asked also... whats with the elevator toilet?

I'm not exactly sure how I want to finish my bathroom, but I like the tile-on-wall idea - I was also planning on tiling the floor.
Keep the progress coming!

Hawkeye,

Thanks for the positive comments.
As for tile > I had my doubts, but am now glad that I chose to spend the extra 2~3 evenings tiling the back wall.

The elevated toilet was to accomodate the above grade tank/plumbing arrangment shown in one of my earlier photos.

By using this above grade tank/pump arrangment > I was able to avoid cutting open my slab, trenching the plumbing in and laying new concrete. If the orignal owner would have just given the builder the extra $300.00 to have drains stubbed into the slab (to the ejector pit) I could have avoided this elevator throne. Although I have to admit it is no wose than using a handicap throne at an airport.

Go Hawks!

nice work so far.

i was wondering what your plans are for the ceiling? drywall or drop? just curious as to if you will demount the PJ to install the ceiling.

later.

aham23,

Thanks for Looking

I will be going with the drop ceiling using the ceiling link/ceiling max type of product for the majority of my basement and theater. This will allow me to maximize my ceiling height to at least 7.5 feet. There are some areas below the ductwork that will be drywalled. I also like the combo look that Hawkeye Josh has employed.

My PJ is temporary - the replacemnt will likely be soffited as it is very near the back wall.

Craig,

The bathroom looks great. Nice job on it. It's good to see progress still taking place. Keep it up!

JoeTiVo,

Thanks - appreciate the encoragement. I'm out the door to Lowes to buy >> some canlights and electrical supplies - tomorrow I'l be bending conduit and pulling wire (I hope).

Craig

Hope Everyone is getting into the Holiday Spirit!

I'm still plodding forward on the Cuzzn Eddy Cinema. Most of my recent electrical work does not show well in photos (although I have attached a few below).

What I have been up to since the last post:

- I have bent a lot of conduit (about 1/2 the basement has 110v installed now)
- Added 4 breakers and associated conduit runs
- Two of the breakers feed dedicated ground 20 amp circuits for my Equip closet
- One is for the 6 can lights I installed at the base of the steps/hallway & bar area
- Ran conduit and installed 3-way switches (and lights at top and bottom of the stairwell
- another circuit for genral purpose outlets in 1/2 the basement

The photo below is my Equip closet with conduit for 20 amp circuits:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EqCloset-Conduit.jpg

Next > with Drywall and 20 amp dedicated ground outlets:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EqCloset-Conduit-Drywall.jpg

Found a very quiet lighted Bath fan for use in my Eq closet. Trying to decide if I will place my lighted exhaust fan on the Eq closet wall or Ceiling ? It will exhaust the excess heat into my shop area.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Eqcloset-ExFan.jpg

Thanks for Looking

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6191_IMG.jpg

Thanks for Looking (and the patience as I learn)
CuzEd2

I was interested till you showed an image of the Cubs losing... :)

ntode,

Sorry - I almost cutthat picture down when I realized your observation. Don't worry this will be the year forthe Cubs!

I also need to put up some new photos - I have been doing lots of electrical work and it does not show really well. I'll post again next week.

Thanks for looking!

I should call this the snails-pace theater project!

Despite the lack of updates I have been plugging away. The last 3 weeks have been electrical, moving conduits, installing conduits, 6 can lights, and locating 4 sconce lights, have also roughed in my rear column locations for the rear sconce lights.

I am relocating conduits in order to maximize headroom (should have a finished heigth of 7'8").

A few pictures are posted below. Please note I installed some new gadgets:

Installed the Buffalo IR flasher kit > works great. Also bought a 4 gang deep box that will someday allow the upgrade to a Grafik Eye - for now I have some economical IR controlled 3BM dimmers ($89.00 - lots of bang for the buck).

Photos below.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/BackWallFramed.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LWall50.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/RWallDark.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/DimmerCloseUp.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/AllLites50.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/AllLitesDim.jpg

What dimmer setup are you using?

Svoboda,

Check out this website for product info on their GL320.

http://www.3bmsmartswitch.ca/

I found a seller on ebay that sold me a package including 3 of the dimmer switches with one remote that controls all 3.

(Another tip - somewhere on this forum is info where you can get an extra deep 4 gang "masonary" box that will allow you the room to expand to a Lutron Grafik Eye - I seem to recall that I ordered the box from Hanks Electric in California?)

Hope This Helps?

nice job with the lights and switch. are you planning on any fancy universal remote to control every thing?

later.

aham,

Thanks - I will be going with a Harmony remote (not yet sure of which model).
Can it be madeto control these lighting dimmers? Not sure - worse case; I end up with 2 remotes.

I have an earlier model Harmony in my family room and it seems to be pretty user friendly

amazon has a killer deal on the harmony 880. found it over at slickdeals.net. it comes with the RF extender and you can get it for less then $200.

check it out. HERE. (http://slickdeals.net/?permadeal=11447#direct_deal_11447). its an instant $100 off the $299 then a potential 10% more via mail in rebate. if i wasnt so set on an MX remote i would be all over this.

it should control the dimmers with no issues.

later.

aham23,

THX for the Harmony lead. I'm curious as to why you went with MX - I've heard they may be more involved to program (maybe not)?

two reasons, past experience and feel.

i have had a MX 500 for about 8 years now. it has worked flawlessly for me. it is not one of their computer programable remotes and it took me about a week to get it fully going to my liking. i love it.

i made a trip last week to Best Buy and checked out the Harmony 890. it just doesn't feel like a sturdy piece of equipment. i thought cheap plastic when i picked it up. i dont like the buttons either as they are very close. you need some small hands to work it.

it does appear the Harmony line is easier to program though and more wife friendly :).
a lot of people love the Harmony line of reports. i just suggest checking them out at Best Buy. if they have the Magnoli Store in them then they carry the MX 810 too.

just dont buy it from them as you can get it much cheaper online.

later.

OK - I haven't posted in awhile. Have been doing lot's of electrical work that does not photograph well.

However; for a break from the electrical > I did start working on my screenwall. I needed to build the wall 6~8" out in order to get an even surface in front of the existing drain pipe that runs across this wall. First up; was to remove the temp hangining screen and prep the wall:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ScreenwallPrep.jpg

Then install 2" of insulating foam board, and frame some notched 2x6's overtop for a flush surface:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Screenwalfoamboard-framed.jpg

Then back to running more electrical conduit (yuk). This is a 20amp circuit that will power only the general purpose outlets in the theater and rec room areas (14 outlets total):
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ScreenwallACConduit.jpg

Please note the areas in the corners for floor to ceiling base traps. I plan to fill the joist areas behind the screen and between the bass traps; with some combination of insulation, OC703, and/or linacoustic, then cover with GOM or a Dazian cloth panels. Any suggestions (I have 3" ~5"" of cavity depth between the joists)?

I will also be building a stage and matching header above (center channel will go up top).

The last photo is the cavity that encloses spome utilities on the RH side of my screen. I have a matching build-out on the LH side of the screen.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/RHSubwooferCavity.jpg

My current thinking is to build "sonotube subwoofer towers" to place inside these buildout cavities? I have room for a pair of 12" subwoofer towers on each side, and will likely use ~1000 watts to power these 4 x 12" subwoofers...?

Thanks in Advance for your suggestions (and criticisms)

Craig

Selfish Bump - will beadding more photos soon

Craig

Good Afternoon

I am way overdue for a photo update. The last few months I have spent a lot of time bending and installing conduit (over 350'), the result of which really doesn't show in photos.

I am now stepping up the pace > because I have a drywallwaller coming in ~3 weeks. So here are a few photos.

Last month I did manage to splice in some HVAC ductwork (2 supplies and 2 returns) the photo below is from a corner of my shop area where I tapped into the plenums.http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/HVACMods_042808.jpg

The following photo is just outside my shop area and shows what will become my Eq closet, Not a lot to see; But I added a quiet bathroom exhaust fan/light, a thermostat, and drywalled. I will be adding a structured wiring panel on the left wall inside the closet. Immediatly to the left is the wall with an HVAC return and a supply vent.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EqCloset_042808.jpg

This past weekend was spent installing LH and RH side soffitts in the theater area.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LHSoffit-GameRoom_042808.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/FrontWall-Soffitts_042808.jpg

In the photo immediatly above >> I am still trying to decide how I will treat the two adjacent sidewalls closest to the screen? I will have floor to ceiling bass traps in the corners and will use the pink stuff in the studs behind the screen > covered with linacoustic and GOM.

The final 2 photos are what you see when facing the rear wall of the HT area.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/BackWall_042708.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Closet-Pantryarea_042708.jpg

I have been ordering supplies and spending $$ like crazy (including prefab built-ins). More to follow

Thanks for Looking!

Looking Good.

So Saturday I received my custom built, build-in cabinet boxes from Cab Parts.
Good thing the delivery company showed up with a lift-gate truck.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/UnpackingBuild-Ins.jpg
The total weight was 450 lbs for; 2 bookcases, My equipment Rack, and a matching media storage rack

The Equipment Rack Build-ins are in position as shown below. I will drywall flush, to the edge, and finish with an Oak trim. I specified Oak tape banding on the box edge so this will be stained to match.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Built-InRackRoughed-In.jpg

Also got my structured wiring box installed in the Equipment closet:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/StructuredWiringBox.jpg

A quick update:

In addition to the Equipment and media build in's - I have also installed two built-in bookcases in the game room area.

Last night I installed about 200 lbs of steel tube to support the front edge of my 12' long bar/sink ledge that spans the end of the game room

More photos soon - I promise

Good Afternoon,

A bit late with my updates. Have spent the last several weeks travelling; but am able to report some progress.

** Purchased my speaker setup, as follows:
2 Klipsch RF 35 towers (new)
Klispch RC-7 center (ebay) will go above screen
Klipsch RS 35s (ebay) will go into columns
SVS 20-39 tower subwoofer (ebay)

** I have run smurftubes for cable raceways, have started populating my structured wiring box and "plumbed" interconnecting raceways into my equipment closet.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EQcloset-structuredwiringpanel.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EqRackLRColumn.jpg

** Reworked my screen area and adjacent sidewalls to better accomodate speakers, hide water meter utilities, and to improve the asthetics (curtains,etc - see photos below).

** Added a soffit above the screen to house my center channel.

** As for my PJ plan. I was leaning towards an Epson. However; last week I had a consulting visit from a custom installer. He seemed pleased with my plan and strongly suggest that I "study up" and consider the new SONY VPL 40 - I'm now leaning in that direction. It was also suggested that in order to maximize PJ brightness that I consider mounting my PJ CLOSER to the screen. Therefore I have roughed in a second ceiling mounting position (12' from screen instead of 18') and ran the power conduit and raceways accordingly.

** I am now in the process of getting ready for a drywaller to do his magic. Problem is; everytime I am about to start stuffing insulation > I get another "Gee wouldn't that be nice to build-in idea" As for insulation; please note I have added foam board to the bottom 1 foot, the upper ~7 foot will be unfaced bat insulation (have never had water in this basement, a "just-in -case" measure).

In the final 2 photos below you will see my concept photos - I apologize as I did not have my sketchup program avaialabe - I used powerpoint from my travel laptop.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LFScreenArea.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/RFScreenArea.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LHScreenConcept.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/RHScreenAreaConcept.jpg

Thanks for looking, questions, and any suggestions you may have to share!

150 new views and no comments...(no problem - someday I will post phots that show siginficant change)

One quick forum quesion from a forum newbie:
How do I remove or change the questin mark icon form my thread?

Thanks,
CuzEd2

Not sure on the question. I am enjoying keeping up with your progress. Looks good so far. Really like the neat equipment closet and the handy light in there to make it easy to see what you're doing.

If people are like me, they just lurk and don't post. Keep up the good work. You're to the rewarding part now where you can really see it start to come together.

Well, I just found your thread today. But I would like to say that it looks great. Lets see some pics of that game room too. It may not be a theater, but it's just as exciting to see the build out of that. I like the thought of the basement being a total entertainment package.

I don't have the room for a dedicated theater, so I'm stuck for now with a theater/rec room. But, even if I did have the room, i would want it to be open and accessible from the bar area, since most people don't want to watch sporting events in a dark dungeon.

CuzEd2,

Things look really good! Keep the pictures coming! Don't know if I missed it, but I want to see where that bar top is going (where you put the tube steel).


-John

DaveWolf,

Thanks for the encouragement - I just need to step up the pace > and then turn it over to the drywallers. Hopefully in month I will post photos with some real change

FoeHammer865,

Thanks - I'll grab a fresh photo of the game room area - for my next batch of photos.

Johnny15,

Hey - good to hear from you. Your thread (and conversations) were one of the examples that inspired me to keep after this - especially the open layout.

As for the game room and bar ledge >> I'll grab a better photo and will post this next week.

Enjoy your weekend (and theater)!

Johnny15,

Hey - good to hear from you. Your thread (and conversations) were one of the examples that inspired me to keep after this - especially the open layout.

As for the game room and bar ledge >> I'll grab a better photo and will post this next week.

Enjoy your weekend (and theater)!
Craig,

I'm glad my build could help inspire you! This board is where I got my inspiration from too; it's great that way.
I'm still trying to dig up funds to build a bar in my basement, but since having a kid, the whole finances thing changed quiet a bit!
Anyway, keep up the good work and keep the pics coming. The open concept thing is a big hit when we entertain and for card night with my buddies!

John

Good Afternoon,

First of all - photos of the adjacent game room area. Please note the West end of the game room has a 12' counter for those shooting/observing billiards. You can also see the steel that will support the front edge of the ledge. It is 2"x2"x1/4" thick steel tube bolted to a 1"x1"x1/4" angle iron. The idea is that I can support the ledge with no legs underneath - this idea was lifted from Hawkeye Josh's build.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/GameRm-West-Bar.jpg

This tube goes into the sidewalls where it issupported on 4x4's. ALso on the left end you can see the "orange octopus tentacles", these are the wiring raceways from my Eq closet box.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/WiringBox-BarSupport.jpg

The opposite end of the game room - includes door to my storage area, (please disregard the blue adhesive where I got carried away in using too much foam board - decided to remove this as exposed foam board is a fire hazard, still need to finish cleaning that up).

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/GameRoomEastEnd.jpg

ALso ran some more cabling, raceway, HDMI cable, and power for my PJ

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/PJMount-Wiring.jpg

Next two photos after I installed a 4" spot above the equip. rack - so one can adjust equipment without bothering viewers.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/PJ-EquipArea.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EquipmentRackLited.jpg

Next Photo shows the sconce lighting on the LH wall

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LHSconceLites.jpg

Last photo shows the addition of 4" accent can lighting (IC rated) on the RH wall for movie posters (at the RH reflection points), and the RH sconce lights. Sconce lights are Minka Lavery, Calvera line.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/RHSconce-AccentLites.jpg

I will have 3 lighting zones:

1) 6 overhead 6"cans (65W ea)
2) 4 sconce lights (50~100w)
3) 4" accent lights for posters (35 watt spots)

Will also add soffitt rope lights to zone #2 or #3.

Thanks for looking
Craig


Well I am travelling this week, next update should include insulating and sound isolation measures

Bumping

Getting ready to post new photos.
Have finished installing 38 roolls of insulation, low voltage wiring, and started my "trayed-ceiling" look.

I like the idea of the narrow bar with no legs. That has got me thinking about a similar situation I could make as well. Thanks. I like the sconces too.

Finally - ready for drywall, spent the last week:

1) Stuffing insulation into the basement, R25 into the ceiling joists - I'm happy, cut noise from above by ~2/3rds.

2) Trimmed my ceiling for a "trayed" ceiling look. Borrowed this idea from Hawkeye Josh. Drywall around outer edges and will use "Ceiling Max flush mount 2x2 tiles in the center. The border is defined with Brickmold - see photos.

3) Also pulled all of my low voltage wiring to the Eq closet. Thank You - MonoPrice!

First two photos show my overhead center channel (Klipsch RC7), also a shot from the underside to show speaker cradle and the ceiling detail.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/CenterChannel-CeilingDetail.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Underside-CenterChannel.jpg

Next Up Front Wall:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/FrontWall.jpg

Back Wall:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/BackWall.jpg

And lastly, the wiring pulled to the EQ closet.

With a little luck next week's photos will show finished drywall result

Thanks For Looking!

Forgot to attach Eq Closet wiring pull photo - what a treat this will be to "dress out" later.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LowVoltagePulled.jpg

Update (and a bump)

Looks like those photos with Drywall will be coming soon. About 9PM Last night; I am in the basement doing more work - when the drywall guy calls and said he had a cancellation and could start Thursday AM !!!

So I scrambled around in the basement till midnite to make sure I was ready.
He shows up early, about 7:30Am with a crew of 4 helpers. They will start taping and mudding on Saturday, (and may finish on Monday PM?)

It is now 11:00AM and they are already 3/4 finished with hanging the sheetrock - this will be the best money I have spent !!

(P.S> Had to make a "re-supply" run. Retrieved an additional 24 sheets of drywall using the wife's Suburban (too bad gas is so $$ - I would keep this rig forever) :)

That will be the best money you ever spent. I hung my own drywall, but had a guy mud & tape for me because he used to do it, plus he needed some cash so he did it pretty cheap! Wish I would've paid someone to hang my drywall as well. It was a pain...not hard, just a pain! Keep up the good progress. Looking forward to seeing the pics!

OK - OK more of a teaser update. I need to stop taking vacation and start taking ansd sharing more photos of recent progress, An update until the photos are posted:

My drywaller did a great job! Took the mudding and sanding all the way to primer ready. When he finished we took a family vacation for a week - I then returned and cleaned and primed the entire basement.

I then was lucky enough to catch a great deal from Jason on one of the refurbished JVC RS1's - it is tucked away until I can get the dusty work finished.

This week - was spent stuffing insulation into the remaining basement ceilings. I have R25 stuffed between the joists and it is really starting to get quiet down there. Can't even hear the wife yelling for me to come upstairs for Dinner - Hmmm!

This weekend will hang a suspended ceiling in the adjoining pool room area.
Also ordered some Ceiling-lume decorative samples for the HT room - still haven't decided?

Maybe then I can temporarily unbox and try out the RS1....

Photos will be coming soon - I promise :)

OK so attached is the latest photo progress report:

The first photo is from the bottom of the stairs, to the right is the Bar/Den area. The door to the left goes into the HT room
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/BottomofStairs-1.jpg

Next Up is the Bar/Den area not too interesting yet - Need to get the ceiling finished
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/DenorBarArea.jpg

Next photos are the theater room. Please note the open columns at the rear that will house my surround speakers - still trying to decide how to finish these off: All GOM covering, or a combo of GOM and Wood veneer...?
If I go with all GOM > I'm thinking I can fill the lower half with mineral wool for some additional bass-trapping?
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/TheaterEntrance-RRColumn-1.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/TheaterRmBackWall-EqRack-1.jpg

The next two are the screen wall (sorry about the bad lighting).
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ScreenWall-1.jpg

Please note the opening for the SVS tube subwoofer on the right (wonder how my water meter will like the bass ponding?)
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/RHScreenWall-SubwooferBay-1.jpg

And lastly; the adjoining pool table/party room, with my Union Insulation subcontractor:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/DrinkLedge-GameRoom.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/InsulationSubcontractor-1.jpg

looking good!

I've had those came Calavera sconces picked out for years now. I started looking again at lights and I still keep going back to them.

Thanks,

You have good taste.

The hard part for us is to now select color schemes. We are leaning toward Reds and Browns - with plenty of wood trim (walnut to cherry shades).

Craig, any updates to the HT ceiling? Tray looks awesome.

QueenDVD2,

Nothing new yet

However; just got an email stating that my Ceilinglume decorative tiles are shipping today. And yesterday; I received my ceiling link track materials, also picked up some flat black paint and primer for the ceiling drywall that surrounds the trayed area.

Damn - The ceilume tiles came , but were damaged in shipment by UPS.
The nice people at Empire West are on it and I am confident that will have them replaced soon.

Damn - The ceilume tiles came , but were damaged in shipment by UPS.
The nice people at Empire West are on it and I am confident that will have them replaced soon.

Well crap... always sucks to get yourself all stoked up about getting something and then it comes in broken.

Place looks like its gonna be a fun place to play and hang out. You'll be done before you know it. Damn good feeling to be past the drywall stage...

Wazzy,

Thanks for the positive comments. Getting past drywall was a huge motivator for me.
So much so >> that I actually temporarily mounted my RS1 PJ and watched a movie and some HD OTA.

Took it back down when I heard the ceilume tiles were on the way.

At this rate; in another couple of months - I just might be to your point of completion. Hoping to have all ofthe big jobs finished by Superbowl....

Hey Craig,

Great job! Looks really nice, and yes I am one of those people that lurks around here but doesn't post. It gets a little intimidating seeing all of the great work that everyone else is doing, but it's also inspiring. So I am about to begin a project of my own (I think). Your set up is similar to my situation in that it is located on one side of the basement, and you're keeping things somewhat open to the rest of the basement. I'm calling mine a dedicated theater "space" as opposed to just a dedicated theater. My problem is that I have only 7'2" from the concrete floor to the bottom of the ceiling joists, and then some plumbing that is in the way as well.

Are you going to do anything on top of the concrete such as dricore, etc. or just go with a pad and carpet? Also, I noticed that it doesn't seem that you worried too much as far as sound isolation/reduction goes (eg. DD/GG, Hattrack, etc.). Are you pretty satisfied with just insulation and drywall? I can't do a whole lot because of my low ceilings and the fact that the room is opened up to the rest of the basement which includes the stairwell leading to the kitchen upstairs; and my dilemma about this has kept me from getting started. "Paralysis by analysis"

Hey Craig,

Just poked through your thread, and am really impressed with all the work you've done. I was dealing with a similar issue in my HT room with a water meter, and that's why I have the equipment rack in the room at the front left. Glad you were able to resolve yours and still keep it looking really sharp.

The drywall really makes your place look like it's getting close to finished (hey, we all know there's lots left, lol), but the motivation is nice.

Keep up the great work!

Mike

Korkster,

Thanks for checking out my thread.

As for ceiling height (I was bit luckier), after much work in moving "only" electrical conduits and incorporating soffitts > I was able to free up 7'10" in my HT room.

My thoughts on soundproofing my arrangement:

I had an open space - so it would be impossible to get the full benefit of DD, GG, etc..Besides; my space was in the basement and all the sleeping rooms were 2 floors away. I did stuff the overhead soffits with R25 to help block noise coming in from above. The result; overhead noise (kitchen activites & foot-traffic,from above have been reduced by about 70%, If I crank a nice "bassy" movie from below > the noise going up into the kitchen and family rooms seem to be reduced by 50~60%

I considered dri-core but I am taking a pass. I have lived here 11 years and have never had water in my basement. I will be going with pad and carpet direct on a painted/sealed floor. I hope I do not miss the thermal advantages of the dricore?

You said these threads were inspiring you - so just jump in and go for it. I am at the 18month point > I may or may not make my 2 year target - but every week is a step (or two) closer :)


paceQUOTE=korkster;14648351]Hey Craig,

Great job! Looks really nice, and yes I am one of those people that lurks around here but doesn't post. It gets a little intimidating seeing all of the great work that everyone else is doing, but it's also inspiring. So I am about to begin a project of my own (I think). Your set up is similar to my situation in that it is located on one side of the basement, and you're keeping things somewhat open to the rest of the basement. I'm calling mine a dedicated theater "space" as opposed to just a dedicated theater. My problem is that I have only 7'2" from the concrete floor to the bottom of the ceiling joists, and then some plumbing that is in the way as well.

Are you going to do anything on top of the concrete such as dricore, etc. or just go with a pad and carpet? Also, I noticed that it doesn't seem that you worried too much as far as sound isolation/reduction goes (eg. DD/GG, Hattrack, etc.). Are you pretty satisfied with just insulation and drywall? I can't do a whole lot because of my low ceilings and the fact that the room is opened up to the rest of the basement which includes the stairwell leading to the kitchen upstairs; and my dilemma about this has kept me from getting started. "Paralysis by analysis"[/QUOTE]

Thanks BlaXXXima!

So it appears to be a very rainy weekend here in No. Illinois. Nice excuse to work in the basement instead of outdoors. So here I am at the keyboard thinking about going to the basement and "becoming one" with either black paint for a theater ceiling surround, or go after firring strips and ceiling tiles in an adjacent room..?

Wait a minute; I get the impression there are many friends with updates on this forum that I need to go checkout first

Cheers!
Craig - Cuzed2

Wishing all a Good Day!

So for the last few weeks - the work has been steady, albeit NOT at breakneck speeds. First up was to finish the 2' drywall ceiling border in flat black (one coat primer, and 2 topcoats).

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/BlackBorderBeforeTiles-1.jpg

After temporarily mounting my RS-1 and testing screen size and placement > I decided to locate the PJ closer to the rear wall (from 11' back to about 16.5' back). Very thankful that I anticipated this possibiity and had a raceway and some reinforced bracing already in place behind the ceiling drywall.

This was also a good time to install my 7.1 rear seakers (Klipsch 6/5" in-ceiling style). So much for photographong a black ceiling - believe it or not there are 2 speakers, a chief ceiling mount, and a PJ power recepatacle hiding in this photo:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/71Speakers_PJMount-PosterSpots-1.jpg

Next a side note; the Ceilume company (Empire West) was very responsive - they air shipped replacement tiles to me. The initial shipment was damaged by UPS - great service from Ceilume!

Below is the ceiling-link grid system (from Kensa -another great product), installed and ready for tiles:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/CeilinglinkGridwork-1.jpg

First tile installed above EQ rack:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/FirstCeilumeTile-1.jpg

3 hours later and almost done (the most time-consumng part was "fine-tuning" the postion of the can lights)

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/HTCeilingAlmostDone-1.jpg

And lastly the finished product - despite the dust and my poor photo lighting.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/FinishedHTceiling-1.jpg

Two out of 3 celings are now finished, this week will be a tossup between:
1) setting up and checking out my new-used marantz 7002,
2) or finshing the celing in the adjoining room, or...maybe both....

Thanks for looking!

Very nice job on the ceiling cuz. The Stratfords have a classic look and really add character to the room.

The ceiling looks great!!! I love the black. I originally wanted to paint my drop ceiling tiles in my theater area, but the wife had a bird, so white they stayed.

Keep up the good work. It's coming along nicely!

QueenDVD2,

Thanks; BTW - I check the latest on your build daily.
Continues to inspire, and looks GREAT!

Johnny15,

Appreciate the views and comments. I couldn't believe my wife was OK with black ceilings in this room. So far So good!

With a little luck I iwll be done by Superbowl...??

Great thread! Where did you purchase the orange flexible conduit you used? Love the ceiling!

DavBoy,

Thanks - appreciate the feedback,
The orange raceway came from Smarthome. It is manufactured by Carlon

Thanks! pricey, are you happy you used it versus conventional PVC?

Cool drop ceiling, I dont normally like them! :)

davboy,

The main reason I went the pricey "orange" route instead of the grey PVC was for code reasons:

Went to my local HD and was about to buy the grey PVC when I learned that I could have some code difficulties - apparently the grey PVC is designed and rated for outdoor use (something about fire ratings and toxic fumes). Still not sure I believe this >> However; I decided to play it safe and go with what was approved for my local building code.

Thanks!

Drywall ceiling was my first choice - However; I had too compromise as there were way too many things up above that either needed to be moved or i would need access to someday.

As it turned out I bet I spent 2 extra months moving electrical to the sides of the room where it could be soffited - this was done so that I could preserve a ceiling height of 7'7".

At this rate, YOU will beat me to the punch (I'll be waiting on an RS20). Nice progress.

Got my ceilings finished, doors cut & installed (more construction photos later).

Decided it was time to appreciate the recent round of efforts by taking a viewing break!

Finished my homemade screen over the weekend; DW on an Aluminum "80/20" frame.

A big thanks to "20fan":
He has a nice thread going over on the DIY screen forum for this slick aluminum frame idea. Got the screen wall mounted just in time to see GB stomp the Bears :(

My screen dimensions areas follows:
-Viewable area 57" x 101.5"
-Overall size is 61" (delivered width of the DW) x 105.5".
- 2" border

For cutting the DW; a few tips that resulted in a very clean edge:
Bought a new plywood blade for my skill saw, taped the "cut line" on both sides, and cut from the unfinished side (finished side down).

I used contact cement to attach a 2" border. Here are the supplies.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/BorderSupplies.jpg

I meant to take a photo showing how I masked off the inner edge of the border with painters tape. This kept the contact cement off the viewable area and made it much easier to get a nice straight edge with the border.


The finished result:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/borderfinished.jpg

And Temporarily Mounted (screen will be coming down so that I can install linacoustic, GOM, trim work, and finish the drapery valance on top):

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/screenmounted.jpg

The following are HD-Ota shots from a JVC RS-1. Sorry did not have time to put up any 1080p blu-ray material. (will also make my excuses in advance; did not use a tripod, my first attempts at screen shots, and have not yet tweaked the PJ with Video Essentials Essentials disc).

First up - 1080i from Fox sports:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/OTA-1080i.jpg

Remainder are 720p from PBS:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ota-720p-2.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ota-720p-1.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ota-720p-4.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ota-720p-3.jpg

Very nice screen shots. I'm so jealous. Choking on your dust...heck, I can't even make up my mind on the screen choice. You must be so psyched. Ceiling looks just as great as ever.

place is coming together... ceiling looks nice and so does the DW screen.... I had one for a while until it met with an untimely accident during the build.... great screen material...

can't wait for more pics...

Queen / Wazzey,

Thanks for the encouragement. Yours are 2 of many builds that help keep everyone motivated. I will add my latest construction photos next.

Wazzey - will soon be sharing some 1080p shots from Transorfmers.

Finally - got my Blu-Ray player (slightly used Samsung 1400) up and running with the DIY screen. I thought the Video would be the biggest Wow factor > the new Audio formats might be the bigger story.

Following are from Transformers/Blu-ray via JVC RS1 (note; the pixelation you might see below is most likely from my old 2Mb Elph camera.) In real time I have to get to about 4' from the screen to see pixels.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/XFormers_Blu-Ray1.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/XformersBlu-Ray2.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/XformersBlu-Ray3.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/XformersBlu-Ray4.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/XformersBlu-Ray5.jpg

Really looks nice. :D I love the ceiling and the DIY screen looks quite good!

Here's the Latest. Items left to be done:

Trim
liacoustic and GOM on screen wall
Surround speaker columns
Paint, Carpet, Stair Railing
(possibly tile work and wet bar**?)

First photos are taken at the bottom of the stair landing. **Still haven't decided if this room will be an exersize room, or will become a pub room with some form of wet bar (behind the running machine and cabinet I have plumbing stubbed in).

Opinions Anyone?

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/BarorExersizeRm.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Stairlanding.jpg

Eq. closet - wiring needs to be dressed:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Shop-Eq-Entry.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EqCloset.jpg

Next Up are from the Theater Room:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ScreenWall-2.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/RSurroundColumn.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EqRack.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LFScreenWall.jpg

Final photos are the from the adjacent open area game room

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/PlayRmBookcase.jpg

and the future drink-ledge at the end of the game room

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/PlayroomDrinkledge.jpg

Thanks Johnny,

Remember >> it was about 12~15 months ago that you're thread was one of several responsible for getting me into this expensive Hobby - Gotta love it

Great progress cuz. Since you have the game room with the ledge that could serve multi-purpose for your drinkers. I'd vote for the exercise room but I'm guessing I'm probably in the minority.

Thanks Queeen!

I am now leaning towards an earlier idea for that room, a compromise that would allow a lot of flexibility:

I think the Pub idea could become modest walk-up service bar in the corner:
Perhaps just a "walkup" L-shaped counter-top and sink against the corner with some wall cabinets - no seating and no bar. This would free up most of the room to be flexible space for exersize equipment (or even a future office, or den)

look'n good! Real nice work on the screen, I'll have to pop over to the DIY section and read more about those.

Updates?

can i see pics of the finished floor in the bathroom?

Queen,

Sorry - the Holidays and other distractions have found me way overdue for more work and progress reports.

After seeing your Excellent results - I definetly need to get moving again

JonyHouse,

Thanks for checking out my build

Sorry the Holidays have taken me out of the loop. I'll be back in the basement taking photos and sharing later this week

can i see pics of the finished floor in the bathroom?

JonyHouse,

Sorry about the delay. Finally got to the basement. Snapped this photo for you. More progress photos will follow.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/BathroomFloor.jpg

Regards,

Hoping everyone had a good Holiday Season!

As for me being out of touch - My apologies, but not much was going on - at least not in the basement or HT.

Our Holidays started out rough, but did improve dramatically. Started out in November with a really big health scare in our family > the "C" word!! Fortunately; after 4 weeks and many tests it turned out to be a "one-of-a-kind" freak situation involving lymph nodes and mysterious lumps, turned out to be a very good story - all is well - NO cancer. Made for a VERY Thankful Thanksgiving !!

We no more than get this behind us and my trusty '86 Suburban starts acting up. First the tranny failed and was repaired, 3 weeks later the rear end blew up. Got a junk yard rear end, then a prompt visit to the Chevy dealer to trade for a "Pre-bankruptcy" sale on an '08 Equinox. Sure am glad my heavy hauling for the basement is finished!!

So I finally got back down there and started my column enclosures.

The left side column cover is almost finished. Took (stole) some tips from Queen DVDs build (thanks Queen). I decided to finish my columns with 3/4 " MDF, and will wrap these in GOM.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LColumnCoverGlued.jpg

The opening at the top is for my sconce light

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LColumnCoverInstalled.jpg

And the Right hand column still needs to be done, (I packed these full of leftover insulation)
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/RColumn.jpg

Also a question:
I will be covering these with GOM (after I round the front edges with a router). Am undecided if I should just paint these flat black and cover with GOM directly, or perhaps I should wrap them in batting before covering with GOM..??

Nice work on the columns Cuz! That was fast. I too was worried about whether the columns would need to be painted or not. My HT guy says that my fabric will cover them fine so I left them as is. However, it is worth noting that he didn't think it was necessary to paint the false wall frames black but indeed I see through the GOM in the pictures. But for movie watching it's completely fine. Somehow though I think it will be less of an issue with the columns. I don't know if I would pick the wrap in batting before covering since I'm assuming that the batting is white and your GOM choice for the columns is black? That would bleed right through. I'd vote for the flat black paint and then wrap in GOM for the safest route. Or you could temporarily wrap one without stapling but have someone hold tight and then snap a photo and see if the MDF shows through or not.

Nice work on the columns Cuz! That was fast. I too was worried about whether the columns would need to be painted or not. My HT guy says that my fabric will cover them fine so I left them as is. However, it is worth noting that he didn't think it was necessary to paint the false wall frames black but indeed I see through the GOM in the pictures. But for movie watching it's completely fine. Somehow though I think it will be less of an issue with the columns. I don't know if I would pick the wrap in batting before covering since I'm assuming that the batting is white and your GOM choice for the columns is black? That would bleed right through. I'd vote for the flat black paint and then wrap in GOM for the safest route. Or you could temporarily wrap one without stapling but have someone hold tight and then snap a photo and see if the MDF shows through or not.

Queen,

I'll do a little testing to make sure - but will likely skip the batting and go with GOM over a flat black painted surface.

BTW: my GOM is the deep burgandy color; seems to match the curtains flanking my screen rather well.

Help me decide on stain color?

Am nearing the completion phase of our HT. I will have a substantial amount of pine woodwork. What is known; We are utilizing "claret" (burgundy colored) drapes to flank our screen. We will also be using a matching burgundy color GOM fabric. A portion of the walls will be painted some shade of brown, or rust color.

Below are 2 test samples of the stain (tested these on the inside of 2 closet doors). The fabric in the center is a drapery panel we will be using.

Please let me know your opinion; the left color or right color:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/StainComparison2.jpg

The stain on the left is called Georgian Cherry, and the one on the right is called Brown Mahogony

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/StainComparison1.jpg

Thanks in Advance!

I'd pick the right color, but that's because I'm not a huge fan of cherry colored wood in general.... Both look good with the fabric, so I don't think you could go wrong either way.

Johnny15,

Hey thanks for looking and the opinion. Good to hear you are still watching the rest of us "slackers" trying to finish our rooms :)

;) I disagree with Johnny. I would go with the one on the left. Personally, I like both and like Johnny said, you can't go wrong. Without seeing the wood color and things like that in the rest of the room/basement, it's hard to make a final decision.

Depending on the room, I'm more of a Cherry fan. Keep up the good work.
Foe

Question for you: How are the corners of the columns going to affect the angled horns on your speakers:confused::confused:? From the pics, it looks like the speaker is set back into the columns, with the horns partially pointed at the corner 2x4's.

I would think you would want a gap in the edge of the columns to allow for this. Meaning the opening would wrap around to the side a little.

Johnny15,

Hey thanks for looking and the opinion. Good to hear you are still watching the rest of us "slackers" trying to finish our rooms :)

I definitely wouldn't call you a slacker! :) You've been making good progress!
It's going on 2 years since I've finished my basement and still need to get around to building a bar....:rolleyes:
I guess that's what working full time, having a baby (he's 2 now), and going to school will do to you though.... Oh yeah, let's not forget to mention this crappy economy that's keeping me from getting any decent raises too! :(

FoeHammer,

Thanks for the opinion on the color!

Also; A good eye on the surround placement and possible interference with the horns.

Believe it or not; it is close > but I do have line of sight from the edge of the horns to all seating areas. However; those column shrouds are coming down one more time for some additional preparations. At that time - I will be opening up the horizontal axis of the opening by an additional 1" on each side.

I definitely wouldn't call you a slacker! :) You've been making good progress!
It's going on 2 years since I've finished my basement and still need to get around to building a bar....:rolleyes:
I guess that's what working full time, having a baby (he's 2 now), and going to school will do to you though.... Oh yeah, let's not forget to mention this crappy economy that's keeping me from getting any decent raises too! :(

Thanks for the vote of confidence - lets hope this economy thing reverses in our lifetime > I really don't want to work forever!!

Thanks You All for sharing your choices.
I also posted this same question in a separate thread.

The opinion Tally comes in at 7 voted for the Georgian Cherry , and 2 votes for the Mahogony.

(P.S. The cherry color was also my wife's choice, I was not so sure)

Thanks Again

Cuz, first love the name there one of great movie roles :D. Glad to see you making such great progress. Am looking at DIY screen myself, currently have Behr UPW painted MDF as a temporary and am looking to try out DW. Does pic seem bright enough for you on your screen ? Looked great on those Transformers shots-- the chase scenes with Optimus Prime in the freeway is great for showing off color and detail of HD-DVD/Blu-Ray as well. Keep up the hard work it pays off--I think as I am just at studwall stage :o
Greg

Greg,

We are big Christmas Vacation fans - a Holiday ritual. Even helped host a Cuzzn Eddy Christmas party one year. Every one had to come in costume - The homewoner even had an electrician add extra circuits for added "outdoor illumination".

Thanks for the positive encouragement. As for screens >> My DW screen seems plenty bright to me (even with RS1 on the "low" setting). In fact I can watch OTA-HD sports with medium room lighting.

I see you are in Overland park. For many years I flew weekly to/from KC to work at the government facility operated by Bendix (now Honeywell on Bannister Rd) on the MO side. Would often cruise to Overland park for dinner.

You live in a nice area!!

cuzed2,

Bounced over to your build from Jonny's with the water/insulation questions, and glad I did. Very nice work! Couple quick questions for you.

Can you post a couple more photos of the inside of your equipment closet? I am planning to use a very similar under-the-stair approach and am very impressed with how you handled it, especially the wiring. I probably wouldn't have the patience (or more importantly the skill!) to go as tidy as you did with the full structured wiring, but I really admire the way you handled this. And great idea with the bath light/fan fixture!

Also, regarding the sound insulation from upstairs noise, especially footfalls. What flooring material do you have on the rooms above the theater? I've got hardwood floors and currently (pre-ceiling treatment) when my wife and/or daughters walk around in their heels it can sound like someone banging on the ceiling with a hammer! I'm afraid because of the wood floors above I may have to go to the trouble of dampening by cutting drywall into strips to fit between the joists and glued right to the ceiling itself, as some of the sound experts seem to recommend. Just seems like such a lot of work.

I don't plan to do the whole DD/GG route either, because the room is open to the stairwell and other areas, but I do want to at least minimize the sound coming into the HT from above and am not sure insulation alone will do that.

Thanks, and keep up the good work!

cuzed2,

Bounced over to your build from Jonny's with the water/insulation questions, and glad I did. Very nice work! Couple quick questions for you.

Can you post a couple more photos of the inside of your equipment closet? I am planning to use a very similar under-the-stair approach and am very impressed with how you handled it, especially the wiring. I probably wouldn't have the patience (or more importantly the skill!) to go as tidy as you did with the full structured wiring, but I really admire the way you handled this. And great idea with the bath light/fan fixture!

Also, regarding the sound insulation from upstairs noise, especially footfalls. What flooring material do you have on the rooms above the theater? I've got hardwood floors and currently (pre-ceiling treatment) when my wife and/or daughters walk around in their heels it can sound like someone banging on the ceiling with a hammer! I'm afraid because of the wood floors above I may have to go to the trouble of dampening by cutting drywall into strips to fit between the joists and glued right to the ceiling itself, as some of the sound experts seem to recommend. Just seems like such a lot of work.

I don't plan to do the whole DD/GG route either, because the room is open to the stairwell and other areas, but I do want to at least minimize the sound coming into the HT from above and am not sure insulation alone will do that.

Thanks, and keep up the good work!

Hanesian,

I'll be working down there tomorrow and will snag a few more photos of the EQ closet for you. As for the bath/fan light: If I were to do it over again I would have spent the extra dollars for a Panasonic unit, although they can exceed $100.00 they are the quietest.

As for the floors above my theater:

Above the game room (left side of the theater) is our kitchen with a tile/slate floor.

Above the HT is our dining room with laminate hardwood floor.

I can say that just simply stuffing my ceiling joists FULL of the fluffy insulation reduced the footstep, and "sliding chair" noise by about 75%. I was both surprised and pleased with the amount of reduction.

I like the mahogany color, it looks alot like the color of stain I am using on our bar. Early american.....well kind of close ayway. I purchased brown colored berks and was going to paint the bottom half of our room black with a chair rail then wasnt sure what color to paint the top. Wanted to go with some sort of brown/tan/rust. Would love to see the color ideas that you have in mind. We also have burgundy curtains to hang on the screen wall so I need something thatgoes with them too

Iusteve,

Thanks! I'll bet I test stained 6 colors to get to this point. I am about to go down there now to finish staining the last of my doors and all the door jambs (I hate the tedium of sanding/staining and varnishing).

As for wall colors - still undecided. Am leaning towards taupe and/or rust colors. I also have enough Burgundy GOM fabric to do a portion of my walls and am also undecided on this part.

nice build!

are those surrounds inside that little nook you built in the columns? Shouldn't they be mounted on the surface?

Iusteve,

Thanks! I'll bet I test stained 6 colors to get to this point. I am about to go down there now to finish staining the last of my doors and all the door jambs (I hate the tedium of sanding/staining and varnishing).

As for wall colors - still undecided. Am leaning towards taupe and/or rust colors. I also have enough Burgundy GOM fabric to do a portion of my walls and am also undecided on this part.

How about some pics of color samples? Maybe a shot of the color sample card from the paint store? I am curious to see what your thinking here

IuSteve,

I wish I was that far along. I have about 100~200 sample chips in a file waitng to be narrowed down. Once the wife and I go thru the process of narrowing the list > I will be more than happy to post what I am thinking.

IuSteve,

I wish I was that far along. I have about 100~200 sample chips in a file waitng to be narrowed down. Once the wife and I go thru the process of narrowing the list > I will be more than happy to post what I am thinking.

No problem. I am not near that part either I just like to see others ideas ahead of when I get to that point so I can plan and think ahead. How far and which direction are you from Chi-town? I was out that way yesterday picking up theater seats. Well East chicago/West Indiana....but still in the Chicago area

IUsteve,

I am about 35 miles NW of Downtown Chicago, near the Woodfield mall area.

How about you ? I see you are in Northern Indiana.
I was in the Valparaiso area this past fall buying some surplus acoustical materials from another Ht builder. He had an awesome basement project including a 2:35 scopeset up with AT transparent screen, and an RS1 - awesome setup!!

nice build!

are those surrounds inside that little nook you built in the columns? Shouldn't they be mounted on the surface?

Krisen,

Thanks. As for the surrounds I tried them both ways. Being semi enclosed > in the surround column does not seem to make much difference (as long as I keep the opening wide enough, for dispersion from the side firing horns)

Iusteve,

I believe you were looking for some additional photos. Feel free to ask away;

With a gear "test-fit" > OK I have been cheating and watching a few movies
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EQRack-FurstRun.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EQRmEntryfromHallway.jpg

So much for neat wiring - this will get reworked (someday)
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EQRoomUpperLeft.jpg

Upper right hand corner - these are the "thru-wall' feeds to the PJ.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EQRmPJFeeds.jpg

The structured wiring box, and the AC power feeds. The orange outlets are 2-20amp dedicated (and isolated ground) recepatcles.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EQRmStructuredwiring.jpg

Below this temporary rat's nest is; the exhaust fan outlet venting into my shop area.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EQRoomExhaust.jpg

Yes there is still storage under the steps. I need to finish adding 5/8" drywall, mud/tape, and "fireproofing". Be sure to check your local codes - mine require that finished spaces under stairs be finished with 5/8 fire rated drywall.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/EQRmStorage.jpg

Update:

In addition to staining and finishing 6 doors; I decided to use this long P-Day weekend to finish some tiling. The first area is the bottom of my stairs (a fridg/pantry area).

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/FridgPantryAreaprepped.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Pantry-FridgArea-tiled.jpg

If you turn right at the bottom of the stairs (turning left leads to HT), takes you to an adjoining "flexible use" room; about 9' x 16'. In the far corner by the window I tiled the floor for a walkup wet bar. I will install 45" of base cabinets, wall cabinets, and a sink. This area could become a full bar if I ever decide to add a bar in front of the tiled area. In this photo the grout is still wet, fortunately it is getting lighter as it dries.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/WetBarArea-tiled.jpg

I want to see you color choices......lol. But those doors are gorgeous, I love the stain great job on them and clean up your wires will ya?! GEEEESH!!

Those look like the same tiles I have in my basement. Are those a HD stock tile? Looks liek you went with the 12" vs. the 18" tile, right?

Things are looking' good! :D

Forget the wires! The doors look awesome!!

Forget the wires! The doors look awesome!!

I said that didnt i?? :rolleyes: Lol they do look great

Iusteve/Queen/Johnny15,
Thanks for the kind words, I guess I better change my work agenda for tonight and get after those wires (lol)

Johnny
The tiles are stock items from Lowes, 12".

Update (and a bump to stay out of the archives).

Have finished all of my doors - I hate staininig and varnishing!

Today's mission:
1) Hang my last door
2) Attend a Chicago area HT meet - should be a blast!

Tomorrow:
Buy some cabinets for the pantry and service bar area and watch the Vegas Nascar race in HD. Oh and take some photos for my next posting.

:)

After attending an excellent HT meet in Chicago on Saturday (Big Thanks to Mr and Mrs. Zamboniman !!) >> I was inspired to visit Lowe's and buy some cabinetry for my basement & adjoining HT areas

First Photo is the bottom of the stairwell. Well have wall cabinets across the top.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Pantry-Cabinets.jpg

Next Up is the bar area, a walk-up/wet-bar for now. Who knows this could serve as the back bar if I wanted to build out into a full sit down bar later

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Servicebar-Cabinets.jpg

Next photo shows the fruits of my door labor (I hate staining, but have to admit I kind of like the distressed-6 panel Pine result, actually lighter in person). Door to the left goes to the bathroom, center door to my shop, and the open door to the right is the EQ closet under the stairs

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/HallwayDoors.jpg

Next two are from the HT room:

First one is the RR surround column, small coat closet, and the entry to the HT. Still trying to decide weather to cover the columns from top-bottom in burgundy GOM, or add a chair rail and do the bottom 1/2 in matching stained wood, opinions anyone?

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/RHColumn-ClosetDoor.jpg

Last photo is looking across the HT room and shows the Left rear surround column, and a view into the adjoining pool table room. That door goes to my crawl space.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LHColumn-LHScreenWall.jpg

looking good

Thanks!

Good Afternoon,

Soon I will need to make decorating decisions for my wall and column treatments and colors. All I know for sure is that for a portion of the walls we will be going with Burgundy drapes and burgundy GOM. We will likely contrast this with some combination of paint in a brown hue, and/or stained woodwork to match my doors.

The right hand wall of the theater room will require the most treatment (sorry about the low lighting, drapes are redder than they appear in this photo).
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/th_RHWall-Column.jpg (http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/?action=view&current=RHWall-Column.jpg)

The left side is open so the treatment is really just the column and the end cap of the short wall (shown with the sconce light)
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/th_LHColumn-LHScreenWall.jpg (http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/?action=view&current=LHColumn-LHScreenWall.jpg)

What ever theme I choose for the columns; I will likely extend to the adjacent wall areas. Please excuse my crude renderings (and limited photo editing skills). I did these in powerpoint and obviously messed up on photo sizing and matching the burgundy color to the existing drapes. Anyway your opinions?

Column 3 is the simplest design (I really hosed the sizing on these - sorry)?
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/th_ColumnOption3.jpg (http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/?action=view&current=ColumnOption3.jpg)

Column 2:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/th_ColumnOption2.jpg (http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/?action=view&current=ColumnOption2.jpg)

And Column idea 1:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/th_ColumnOption1.jpg (http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/?action=view&current=ColumnOption1.jpg)

Thanks for the opinions!

If you have chair rail in the whole room I'd go with #2. Otherwise, I actually like the simple clean look of #1.

Thanks Queen!

That's the kind of input I am looking for.
Indeed; if I do choose to place a chair rail across the column, it will extend around the room.

This is where I would be giving you my feedback/opinion IF I had young enough eyes to see the detail in your photos. Unfortunately, they just look like postage stamps to me.

Very nice and colorful postage stamps, but stamps just the same. ;)

Can you get any bigger versions for the over 50 crowd to see?

hanesian,

Thanks for trying. You are cracking me up with the postage stamp analogy :)
Because I just went over the 50 milestone myself.

I have no idea how I messed up the sizing thing on photobucket - however I sure did.

If you try clicking on these thumbnail sized images they should convert to bigger postage stamps, or take you to the photobucket page where they will be bigger postage stamps - hopefully big enough to share an opinion.

If not; I will go back to digital picture school or will repost.

CK

Actually, I tried that in photobucket but they were still tiny. So I cast my vote based on the postage stamps :rolleyes:.

Queen,

I need to go back and participate in photo-posting "101" :)

As for the columns > I have decided to go for the simple method and wrap the entire column in the Burgundy GOM (after I route a very small rounded radius onto the front vertical edges of the columns). I will then reinstall and post better quality photos.

I can then ponder the decision of adding chair rail and/or a wood stained lower portion. These items will be easy to add later, and after painting is done.

I also have enough Burgundy GOM to do all of the HT walls (including linacoustic, batting, and the full acoustic wall treatment; Hmm.....

More later!

Eh? Whats that? Can you speak up a little for us old folks who can't see or hear properly?

Just kidding. ;)

Like Queen, I too tried to bounce to photobucket to see the photos, but - alas! - no improvement. That's when I remembered I had a long overdue appointment with my medicine cabinet and had to run!

I'm back now, thankyouverymuchindeed! Now, WHAT were we talking about? :confused:

hanesain,

Too funny !
I'm over 5-0 and have a 14 year old at home. As a result; I hear lots of this maturity based humor :)

CK

Selfish bump (in preparation for more progress photos).

Currently working on columns for HT room, and cabinetry for wet bar area. More photos by week's end

To All,

As you can see below I have the majority of my column labors finished.
First 4 photos are the LH column.

Before:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LHColumn-LHScreenWall-1.jpg

And underway:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LHColumncovered.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LHColumnAssembled.jpg

Left Side Result:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LHColumnFinished.jpg

RH Column:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/RHColumnFinished-Lit.jpg

And Now Questions (and comments) relating to my "markups":
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ScreenWallQuestions.jpg

"A"
Plan to cover this "end-cap" in matching Burgundy GOM, What do you think?

"B"
I am planning to paint extend the ceiling flat black to the vertical soffit surfaces?

"C"
I will add a stained pine moulding to this vertical wall edge to separate the end cap from the curtain area? I am thinking of using decorative fluted piece, and will cap the top edge where it meets the soffit with matching stained crown mould?

"D"
Area under the screen will receive linacoustic covered with Burgundy GOM, or with Black fabric. Your opinions Burgundy or Black GOM...?

"E"
The last photo is a question of color for the surrounding side and rear walls ...?

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/RHWallandcolorquestion.jpg


All comments/suggestions are welcome - Thanks!

No Opinions or Suggestions......?

A: My fear is it becoming too burgundy with the velvet curtains but burgundy would certainly keep it consistent with your other columns. I'm confused though, why is there a cut-out in the right column. It doesn't appear that you are putting your fronts in them.

B: Agree.

C: I'm a sucker for fluted trim and crown. But I'm not sure how it would look with your drop ceiling?

D: Definitely black GOM for under the screen. You want that image to float in a sea of blackness.

E: I'm not so great with colors but like visuals. Can you photoshop different ideas in? I don't know how to do it but others have done it for me and it helps tremendously for decision-making.

By the way, nice wrap job. I do have one question though. I see a little air on top of one of the columns. Will your crown be hiding this gap?

"A"
Plan to cover this "end-cap" in matching Burgundy GOM, What do you think?
I think that would look good.

"B"
I am planning to paint extend the ceiling flat black to the vertical soffit surfaces?
Definitely absolutely positively.

"C"
I will add a stained pine moulding to this vertical wall edge to separate the end cap from the curtain area? I am thinking of using decorative fluted piece, and will cap the top edge where it meets the soffit with matching stained crown mould?
I'm having a hard time picturing this so can't really comment.

"D"
Area under the screen will receive linacoustic covered with Burgundy GOM, or with Black fabric. Your opinions Burgundy or Black GOM...?
I like the idea of burgandy curtains cut off to match the side curtains, with GOM behind it. I saw someone else do this approach on a build thread here (can't recall who) and it looked great. Otherwise if you can't or don't like that approach I would tend to go straight black GOM.

"E"
The last photo is a question of color for the surrounding side and rear walls ...?

All comments/suggestions are welcome - Thanks!
Something other than burgandy or black, but complementary, like gray perhaps?

Looking nice!

Queen,

Thanks for inputting, my additional comments** below

A: My fear is it becoming too burgundy with the velvet curtains but burgundy would certainly keep it consistent with your other columns.
** Am also concerned about an abundance of Burgundy - I think i will temporarily cover these end caps with the Burgundy to see how it feels.

I'm confused though, why is there a cut-out in the right column. It doesn't appear that you are putting your fronts in them.
**The right hand build out/end cap, hides my water meter, also made a nice space to locate on of my SVS cylinder subs. The curtain and the cutout allows the sub to be "heard"

B: Agree.

C: I'm a sucker for fluted trim and crown. But I'm not sure how it would look with your drop ceiling?
** I might go with a simpler stained wood look, less fancy, but an attempt to match my doors.

D: Definitely black GOM for under the screen. You want that image to float in a sea of blackness. **Agreed - Thanks

E: I'm not so great with colors but like visuals. Can you photoshop different ideas in? I don't know how to do it but others have done it for me and it helps tremendously for decision-making.
** I think I will get my wife down there with the numerous paint chips to narrow our choices, Once I am down to 2~3, I'll do some photoshopping and re-post

By the way, nice wrap job. I do have one question though. I see a little air on top of one of the columns. Will your crown be hiding this gap?
** Sure enough crown on top and base mold on the bottom.

Hanesian,

Thanks for commenting, especially for the alternative idea on treating the area below my screen. As for side walls - I think I'll add grey to my consideration list

I think that would look good.


Definitely absolutely positively.


I'm having a hard time picturing this so can't really comment.


I like the idea of burgandy curtains cut off to match the side curtains, with GOM behind it. I saw someone else do this approach on a build thread here (can't recall who) and it looked great. Otherwise if you can't or don't like that approach I would tend to go straight black GOM.


Something other than burgandy or black, but complementary, like gray perhaps?

Looking nice!

Craig,

The HT is coming along nicely, I just found this thread and realized you're local! Anytime you want someone over to demo the HT to I'm open! Seriously though very nice job and I can't wait to see pictures of the finished HT.

I wish I head the room to build one myself, maybe someday!

Klipschhead,

Thanks for the encouraging words. Some day I'll be done enough to consider a demo or HT meet - I'll let you know if I ever get to that point.

So you are in the Chicago area..? I'm in the NW burbs (Palatine/Hoffman area).

By chance; did you attend Zamboniman's meet a few weeks ago?
If so we probably met.

Craig,

Things are really looking good! Love the wrapped post by the way!
I saw your questions posted a few days back. I think you have some good ideas, but the one about painting the soffit black....I'm afraid it may take away from the ceiling some......maybe a nice shade of dark gray to have a dark color, but also something to make the ceiling stand out a little more since there is so much detail to your ceiling panels.
I think adding a third color to your room will really help it pop.....not that it doesn't look great already!!! :D

Keep up the good work, I'm enjoying it!

Johnny,

Thanks! - good inputs.

I will need to do some "photoshopping" to visualize a choice of soffit colors; dark grey, black , or a dark brown/cocoa color. If dark grey or cocoa > this will become my 3rd color for use on other areas as well.

As for this week; I am staining and applying poly to my wet bar cabinetry. Hopefully I can finish that phase and post some new photos soon

Johnny,

As for this week; I am staining and applying poly to my wet bar cabinetry. Hopefully I can finish that phase and post some new photos soon

This is definately a slow moving phase of any build, I have been doing alot of the same....keep up the good work. As for the soffit black will help it disappear into the darkness along with the ceiling. As for the cocoa that is the color we used on the walls and I was unsure at first but after its up (3 coats) I love it......

Iusteve,

Thanks for stopping by. Sure enough i am staining those stock Oak cabinets from the big-box store. Last night was my second night night of staining.

I had to go with two different shades of stain on the oak to get the shade I am after. This was necessary to get the Oak cabinets to match the stained Pine doors. I am very close and will start applying Poly tonight.

That Cocoa color in your thread is one I am considering for my 3rd color. But still not sure how it will go with Burgundy and black....?

Criag

Looking good when are you going to try and start hanging some drywall ?

Iusteve,

Thanks for stopping by. Sure enough i am staining those stock Oak cabinets from the big-box store. Last night was my second night night of staining.

I had to go with two different shades of stain on the oak to get the shade I am after. This was necessary to get the Oak cabinets to match the stained Pine doors. I am very close and will start applying Poly tonight.

That Cocoa color in your thread is one I am considering for my 3rd color. But still not sure how it will go with Burgundy and black....?

Well let me tell you this....staining is a blast....:rolleyes: Actually the final result to me is VERY satisfying!! Keep at it. As for the cocoa color, It was not my first choice as I had originally wanted black all around however when we got the stellar deal on the brown microfiber berks then I had to change colors as I was not sure how they would look against black walls. Now that said after we put our 3rd coat on I was then sold on the color as it is plenty dark and the color appears really deep if that makes sense. Now with burgandy.....I actually have 6- 84" panels of burgandy velvet curtains that I had inteded to use on the screen wall to surround the screen and I think they will look good together (atleast my wife tells me they will) but I havent gotten them out to see yet as I dont want stuff all over them. What I am saying is the cocoa is a great an original color as you dont see many others using it and I will get my black on the ceiling :D

WOOlly,

Thanks for kind words.

I am so glad that all of the drywall activities are behind me. I was originally going to do it all myself. After drywalling, and mudding the bathroom; I decided enough for me.

I hired a crew to drywall-mud-tape the rest of the basement. No doubt the best money spent.

Iusteve,

Good info on the colors. Seems we may end up with a similar color scheme.

So yesterday; I come into our office and the landlord's painter is putting the finishing touches in our building foyer. He was painting some trim with a very interesting "leather/bronze" accent color. So I asked him to paint me a large sample chip. Took it home and the WAF was surprisingly good! WOW - Is it possible that I may have found a good 3rd color for my accent color..?

This weekend I'll test my photography skills and attempt a few photos with some sample chips shown against my Burgundy GOM and Burgundy drapes.


Have you decided what you will be doing for carpet?

I already had carpet in the room prior as it was a finished room that I have redone. I am stuck with this carpet for now. Its not ideal for the theater but it is what it is.

I like the idea of burgandy curtains cut off to match the side curtains, with GOM behind it. I saw someone else do this approach on a build thread here (can't recall who) and it looked great.
Not sure if you're already past this point, but I found the thread with the screen wall curtain treatment I was referring to - it's docprego's build thread. Here's the link:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15504978#post15504978

Hanesian,

Thanks - I'll give this some more consideration, might work for me.

Cuzed2

I'm sure you were confused when I asked when are you gonna hang drywall :rolleyes: I don't know how I missed all the pictures from pages 3 on as I have looked at them many times. I'm going to say I was having a senior moment and move on :D

Good Afternoon All;

Another weekend in the basement found me finishing and poly top-coating my cabinetry: 4 coats of wipe on poly brought the cabinets to a furniture grade finish (Thank to WOOlly for his finishing tips). Next Up; was to install the cabinet boxes for the wet bar area.

I chose to put a 3/4" plywood backer up for my wall cabinets. This allowed for better anchoring and a better surface to contact cement veneer to later. Because my plan included some low voltage LED under-cabinet lighting, a switched receptacle was also added above the wall cabinets. I then cut a shallow vertical slot into the backer to hide the LED wire feed to the left side light, for the right corner cabinet this wire is off to the right edge of the backer board (these areas are covered by the foil tape).
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/BackerBoard-Wiring.jpg

Then: Level and screw a temporary cleat into the wall to aid in mounting the cabinets. Note the light kit has also been temporarily located and tested.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/WallCabsMounted.jpg

And with the veneer installed in between the wall cabinets. I am thinking about some glass shelves for the space in-between? The crown above and between the cabinets will have the same LED downlight:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/VeneerInstalled.jpg

And another with the lights on:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/UnderCabLiteTest.jpg

And a shot of the base and wall cabinets at the pantry near the bottom of the stairs. This base cabinet had to be stretched 4" in width to fill the opening to the fridge:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Pantrybase.jpg

The next photo is a possible accent color for the HT room. I will be doing the larger wall surfaces in black or a dark cocoa. The accent color is a bronze/carmel look as shown here (sorry - still waiting for our office painter to confirm the exact name).

Curious if anyone has opinions of this color ?
If I go with it; it will be used either for:

1) the face of the soffits
2) or for the underside of the soffits...?

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ColorSwatches.jpg

Last photo is the same color sample on the soffit face?
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/SoffitColorA.jpg

Also I have a forum type question:
How does one edit the name of one's thread? I feel like changing the title from "Begins" to the "End is near", truly a Happy Thing !

Tonight I intend to mount cabinet doors, work on the bridge across the top of the wet bar, and a crown mould to trim upper edges. Hopefully more photos tomorrow.

Bump ..bump....

Looking for opinions to the questions posted above.
Also How do edit my thread title..?

Thanks!

I like the black as a better complement to the burgundy GOM. However, I'm not sure if it will be a bit much for the surface area of your wall. Have you tried photoshopping it? That seems to help a lot in terms of visualizing what the entire space would look like in a particular color, whether bronze or black.

Queen,

Thanks for stopping by:

If I do go with the bronze/carmel color it will be as an accent color with limited useage (underside of soffits or the soffit face).

The majority of my walls likely be black or the dark Cocoa. You are correct; I need to go to photshop to visualize, Just need to take the time out from basement work to play with photoshop.

Bump ..bump....

Looking for opinions to the questions posted above.
Also How do edit my thread title..?

Thanks!

If you find out can you share with me? I even emailed to Forum moderators and didn't get a response...

I think if you do an advanced edit to the first post you can change the "subject" - but I think you have to do it pretty early in the process to have it take. To be honest with you, I wouldn't sweat it as a both Sandman and Chinadog's threads both say begins or begun. You are in plenty good company.

The Mods can do it if you get them to do do it. I wouldn't bother asking Alan or Dennis though - pick one who seems to do more blocking and tackling stuff.

I am not sure I "get" your full vision of the colors, but the soffit face makes more sense to me than the soffit bottom for an accent color. I haven't read your whole thread though.

Dave / Mike,

Thank you both for stopping by. Since posting that question; I checked the FAQs - seems from the point one starts a thread you have only 2 hours in which you can edit a title.

As for my colors:
I will need to post some better mock-ups to help visualize what we have been thinking. Short Summary - we need to pick something that will go good with Burgundy GOM and Burgundy drapes, we are thinking of black and/or shades of brown, bronze, rust ,etc...

My better half has already indicated that we have enough grey in other parts of the house :)

We used browns and blacks and I'm really happy. I just need to get the Burgundy drapes to cover the windows and other accents. Nice colors seem to work pretty well together.

Mike,

Thanks; I revisited your thread and indeed I like the brown paint you selected. I agree it seems that it would go well with Burgundy drapes.

My apologies if you have already answered this question (I think you did , but i couldn't find the answer). So Again; What was the paint color and brand?

As for Burgundy drapes:
We got ours at Penney's - if you wait a short while you will find that they run terrific sales often. I think we got about 60% off the normal price for ours

:)

Weekend progress;

The weekend was split between small projects and my son's 14th birthday party (3 of his friends, Whirlyball, followed by Pizza and "mancave" movies, including Quantum of Solace). His friends had not been in the basement since this madness started. After the jawdropes, a couple of interesting responses: How come my chair is shaking? Can we turn up the bass higher, How much does this cost, >> even an offer to help finish - priceless!!

Project time was divided as follows:

Ordered some cabinet tops for the wet bar and pantry areas. We are going with one of the new granite "look-a-like" countertops.

Received my bar sink from
www.premiercopperproducts.com
(posted the source as I know some watchers are currently exploring sink options). I went with a dark finish as opposed to the bright copper. Looks good, can't wait to get the counter-top and faucet, so I can finish the wetbar.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/CopperSink.jpg

I then moved back to the HT room and wrapped both of my "screen-flanking-walls" with the Burgundy GOM.
Right Side Before:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Half-wallbeforefabric.jpg

And After:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/halfwallafterfabric.jpg

I think we have finally narrowed the wall and color choices down, next update Ill try and post some photo shop examples...

Mike,

Thanks; I revisited your thread and indeed I like the brown paint you selected. I agree it seems that it would go well with Burgundy drapes.

My apologies if you have already answered this question (I think you did , but i couldn't find the answer). So Again; What was the paint color and brand?

As for Burgundy drapes:
We got ours at Penney's - if you wait a short while you will find that they run terrific sales often. I think we got about 60% off the normal price for ours

:)



Sorry I didn't get the email update about your thread. The paint we used was Duron and the darker brown was "Virtual Taupe" the lighter brown in the gameroom was "Tony Taupe". I'm really happy with the colors, I need to get some 'after' pics since we're done until later this summer (shower and bar are all that are unfinished at this point). Thanks for posting the link for the sink, I'm still planning the bar!

MIke,

Appreciate the paint colors. Sounds like you are about to kick back and enjoy your efforts for a while - enjoy!!

That column looks better dressed.

Have you gone through the show me your color scheme thread?

Here is a burgendy/brown combo (the only one I saw)
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/photopost/data/502/medium/IMG_2177.JPG

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12734460#post12734460

Thanks DC Pilgrim,

I did check out the "show me" thread.
The one shown was especially useful, some comments:

-Appear to be the same drapes I am using
-Shows that the brown/tan tones can work quite well
-I am thinking of going with even darker shades of brown.

Sometimes I think too many choices make the selection task near impossible. I am getting to the point of:
Just stop procrastinating, and go buy the paint :) !

Yeah - I would go darker. Go ahead and buy paint and procrastinate further - just get little sample jars and paint a bunch of patches.

Yeah - I would go darker. Go ahead and buy paint and procrastinate further - just get little sample jars and paint a bunch of patches.

Dave,

At risk of sharing my ignorance, I will ask:
So you can get paint mixed in small sample jars, even at the big-box stores..?

Think so for what every product line they are pushing. Don't remember. We used a lot of Benjamin Moore, and even they were a bit limited in selection for the sample ones. Sometimes we shelled out the $10 for a quart if they didn't have the $5 samples.

I am half kidding around, but we did find it useful in certain rooms to narrow to three paint chips and then sample them in the room. MY wife is a very visual person.

Yeah HD, Lowes, all the paint stores will sell you sample containers of paint colors. Typically it's roughly around a pint or so for four to five dollars. We went through about a $100 worth of samples, and then changed the colors at the last minute to a color we didn't have a sample for.

If you have spare pieces of drywall paint those so you don't get too many coats of paint in one spot.

Dave / Mike,

Thanks. I do remember one of the stores offering smaller samples, just didn't realize it was common or that prices were reasonable.

I will have to go out and grab 3~4 sample colors, (and sure enough; I do have some leftover drywall).

A progress (or very little progress) Bump:

This past weekend:
-Got my bar drain connected to my ejector pit.
-Added my crown across the top of the wet bar wall cabinets.
-Acquired some paint samples for the HT room.
-And shoveled snow (again - in April..??)

Travelling this week, hoping my counter-tops are ready when I return. Will post more photos when they arrive.

Wishing Everyone a good productive week!

Good Afternoon TO All,

Spent one day of the Easter weekend finishing my bar sink and counter-tops.

On my last update - mentioned that I was hooking my bar drain into the ejector pit, a few photos below:

First had to cut an access hole into the ejector lid (the vent line is the one disconnected for better access)
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Holedrilled.jpg

Reassembled and ready to go:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/DrainConnected.jpg

Picked up my "high definition" formica countertops and began installing the bar sink:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/CuttingSinkHole.jpg

And the almost finished product (still need to put a crown mold across the top "bridge")
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/WetbarNeedsCrwon.jpg

And a few close up photos for those asking about the new HD formica material:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/WetBarCounter1.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/WetbarCounter2.jpg

And lastly the snack/fridge area:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/PantryCountertop.jpg

Looking beautiful my man!! Is the drain from your sink running straight to your sump pump pit? Anyway I have to say the counter,sink and faucet are gorgeous I love it!!

IUsteve,

Thanks!!

Actually the bar sink drain runs through a trap and ~4' to my ejector pit. The ejector pit is the one the floor drain is hooked to, this goes to the sanitary sewer line.

The sump system is a totally separate pit.

I was kinda curious about that too. Seemed odd to go to a sump pit. Thanks for explaining.

counter is looking good. I really like the HD formica, for the price.

I told my mom this weekend I was thinking of going that route and she told me I was crazy and that considering the money I have in the basement, why dont I just do granite...I told her I was not as rich as her and that I would split the difference. That conversation ended quite abruptly after that.

Countertop looks great cuz! Curious what it looks like on the underside? Also, is it just one smooth surface or is there a thin coat on top of the formica, like on a pressed wood product?

Does it come with different edge patterns (i.e. ogee, etc.)?

Smakovits,

Thanks. I think if one is doing larger counter-top quantities .. I believe the price difference would be small, within $5.00/ft.

However; I was dealing with less than 8 lineal feet - and the granite people are typically not interested in small jobs

Craig

counter is looking good. I really like the HD formica, for the price.

I told my mom this weekend I was thinking of going that route and she told me I was crazy and that considering the money I have in the basement, why dont I just do granite...I told her I was not as rich as her and that I would split the difference. That conversation ended quite abruptly after that.

Queen,

Thanks (also for the add'l info on the Berklines).

As for your questions:

1) Yep just finished on one side, the underside and core, is the cheap pressboard stuff.

2) At least 6 different edge finishes including Ogee.

Countertop looks great cuz! Curious what it looks like on the underside? Also, is it just one smooth surface or is there a thin coat on top of the formica, like on a pressed wood product?

Does it come with different edge patterns (i.e. ogee, etc.)?

The counter tops look excellent!!! You mention that those are the "high definition" Formica....so is that the textured Formica, right? If it is and it's what I'm thinking, those look even better in person!! Nice choice! My in-laws have that with the 45 oak bevel on the edge.

Johnny15,

Hey good to hear you chime in, and staying in touch on the forum! I was worried that you were spending all your free time enjoying the fruits of your HT labors :). Have you started building that bar area yet...?

Indeed the so-called HD formica has a bit of texture to it, and also seems to have some mica or "mineral-like" chips imbedded in the finish. Mine came from Menards.

Hey Cuz,

Yeah, I still hop on the forum from time to time! I wish I could say I was spending all my time in my HT, but that's not the case. Work all day, come home and chase my 2 year old around the house for several hours and then I log online and do my school work. Only a few classes before I finish up my BSIT. I'm thinking December time frame!! :D

Sadly, no work on the bar yet. Free cash goes towards school. Once school is done maybe my wife will loosen up the bank book for me.... :rolleyes:

Keep up the good work, I'm enjoying the progress!

Keep the BS degree momentum going - you'll be glad you did, and will have plenty of time later.

Been traveling for two weeks:

Looks like a rainy Sunday >> a trip to the basement to get back to work - what's next:

1) Finish the wet bar - install crown mold & reconfigure sink drain
2) Install new smoke detector wired to whole house alarm circuit and test
3) Need to do some minor framing to the header and soffitt above my screen, in advance of some more bass trapping and GOM

OK - I really did take on some work yesterday. Managed to get the crown mold installed above the wet bar (still need to fill trim nail holes).

Looking for suggestions for the area between the wall cabinets:

Am thinking of a mirror on the vertical space between the cabinets, and perhaps 2 glass shelves about 6" deep (glasses or liquor bottles)? overhead LED light might make it show well?

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Wetbar-CrownMold.jpg

Then on to the soffitt above my screen. The problem here is that the underside of the soffitt is visible when seated in the front row. I find that the center speaker, and the HVAC duct is distracting. My plan is to fill this area with mineral wool for additional bass trapping, and then stretch black GOM across the underside to cover the distractions.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LSScreenSoffitt.jpg

Needed to add some framing to "contain & suspend" the mineral wool and as an attachment point for stretching and stapling the GOM across the underside. There will also be just enough room behind the mineral wool to allow me to add the valance above the screen.

What I have to work with:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ScreenSoffittA.jpg

And with the added "framing"
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ScreenSoffittB.jpg

Almost ready to install the mineral wool - tomorrow nights project
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ScreenSoffittC.jpg

I think a couple of glass shelves in your cabinets would look really nice! I'd consider making the bottom shelf solid otherwise you might get some goofy shadows or something with the light shinning through both shelves. Just my opinion tough.....

johnny15,

Good point - I'll have to keep this in mind - Thanks!

Yesterday's progress:

Ordered Black GOM for screen wall and flanking sidewall areas.
Also picked up Mineral Wool to basstrap the soffitt above my screen.

So last night; I "rotozipped" openings into the face of my overhead screen soffitt. When completely finished this "face" will be covered with black GOM, including a removable black GOM grill for the center speaker.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/SoffitRotozipped.jpg

Next up was to fill this cavity with the mineral wool :
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/SoffittUndersideStuffed.jpg

The black GOM will cover the vertical face, and will be stretched taught across the bottom side of the soffitt to improve the underside appearance:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/SoffitStuffed.jpg

Are you planning on painting the face of the screen soffit that will be covered by the GOM to minimize light reflection?

The finish on the cabinets turned out great :) nice job

Hanes,

Indeed; in fact I am going to paint the "faces" of the soffitts below the ceiling black all around, and the face above the screen will be covered with black GOM. I will probably use some black painted trim where the GOM meets painted sections.

Thanks WOOlly - someone gave me a great tip - to use the wipe on poly :)

Although no new photos - I have been slowly plugging away, Outdoors and springtime has gotten in the way:

Got the whole house smoke detector/alarm system back on line with all new detectors (this started with the HT ceiling and realization that I had 10 years old smoke alarms).

Ordered and received some black GOM >> A big call out to GIK (and Frank) for great customer service. Ordered on Monday afternoon > GOM on my doorstep Wednesday afternoon !!

Bought a roll of Linacoustic, 1" x 4' x 100' (price was ~160.00).

Pulled down my theater drapes (temporary install for test fitting and custom conduit rods).

Tonight & tomorrow = painting, by this weekend should be into Linacoustic and GOM installations.

More photos later
:rolleyes:

So if I am not careful; springtime and my Son's soccer may get me "Loganed". In order to avoid that distinction, I offer the following evidence of forward progress:

I did manage to purchase some Linacoustic:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Linacoustic.jpg

Last report had me at the point of stuffing my soffitt, removing my screen, and priming the entire soffitt surround in flat-black, in preparation for GOM:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Soffitstuffed-readyforpaint.jpg

Primed flat black and Linacoustic is now covering the exposed mineral wool (front and underside)
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Soffittpainted2.jpg

And now with the GOM stretched and stapled, Just what i was hoping; for the underside distractions have disappeared:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/GOMunderside1.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/GOMunderside2.jpg

The GOM extends from the ceiling/soffitt intersection down vertically, then wraps under the crown and across the underside to the screen wall (allowing space to hang my drapes and valance) . Result: everything has disappeared into a sea of black.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Disapperaed.jpg

Next up: to install the linacoustic and trim above and below the screen , and the flanking walls.

Oh; and I just got word the Marantz service center called - they have installed and updated the firmware in my Marantz 7002 - will pick it up tonight and get some "working music" back into the room :D

Progress looking good cuz. Curious whether you'll have any Lin left. I also purchased the same size roll and still have quite a bit left.

Looking great, didn't even know you had a build thread sorry. I only look in the dedicated section, guess I'll need to stop over here too :)

I really like the ceiling detail. I see you got some linacoustic finally! Did it fit in the car ok?

I'm with Queen, I had leftovers from my build and from my panel. I got half a roll left from my panels that I'm probably gonna throw away.

Queen / Shawn,

Thanks for the encouraging words. Progress is slow because of Spring and something even more important > my son's travel soccer (in fact we are playing in St. Charles tonight).

Yeah that linacoustic just barely fit in my car, and I suspect that I will end up with a have roll left over.

Hopefully; I can get more of the flanking walls covered with Lin and GOM this week. Then I can get into some painting and begin the carpet selection process.

I'm with Queen, I had leftovers from my build and from my panel. I got half a roll left from my panels that I'm probably gonna throw away.


I suspect that I will end up with a have roll left over.


Dont throw away as its ALWAYS better to recycle (my way) :rolleyes: I am right down the road from you both just 2 miles off the Indiana toll road (80/90)

IUsteve,

I'll give you a heads-up before I toss any of my surplus materials.

In fact now that you mention it >> I bought my OC703 for my bass traps from a guy Valparaiso. It was great; while picking up the OC - I got a demo of his HT, with a JVC RS1 and CIH-SMX screen. The next day I came home and ordered my very own RS1.

On another note: I believe you were the one to put me onto the Dark Cocoa paint color? I bought a pint (and 4 other colors) and painted up drywall samples. My wife now says our accent color is Dark Cocoa!

IUsteve,

I'll give you a heads-up before I toss any of my surplus materials.

In fact now that you mention it >> I bought my OC703 for my bass traps from a guy Valparaiso. It was great; while picking up the OC - I got a demo of his HT, with a JVC RS1 and CIH-SMX screen. The next day I came home and ordered my very own RS1.

On another note: I believe you were the one to put me onto the Dark Cocoa paint color? I bought a pint (and 4 other colors) and painted up drywall samples. My wife now says our accent color is Dark Cocoa!

Muchos Gracias Senor!!
Yep the Dark Cocoa is all me (good or bad) its been up in our room for a few months now (maybe less not sure) and it has REALLY grown on me. It actually is a relaxing color and one that you just dont see used much, in fact I am not sure if I have seen anyone here use it yet. I cant wait to see your use of the color in your room.

I also posted a thread in this forum for this question, but thought I would also ask here:

Anyone have experience with spraying stain and a clear topcoat?
I am thinking of using a high volume low pressure setup to "bulk" finish my trim and materials in my "ventilated" garage.

Wondering if anyone can think of reasons that this would be a good, or aside from cost, a bad idea....?

This is a really great thread. I take it you have finished the project now, but I'm only up to page 4. I'll be checking back later. And thanks for this really great thread! :D

Formby.

Formby - Thanks!

I wish i could say I was finished, but the end seems within grasp. Springtime in Chicago has diverted my attention a bit. This weekend I hope to do more work; adding acoustic treatments to my screen and flanking walls, etc..

The big items that remain to be done:

finish my bar/drink ledge, granite tiles and stained wood trim
stain and install wainscoting, bottom 1/2 of the walls in our billiard room
Stain and install all of my trim and mouldings
paint
carpet
and lastly, install a railing system for my stairs

Ohh, cool, I've still got more updates to look forward to then :D I need to learn a bit about acoustic treatment because my KEF iQ10s sound amazing in the shop, but only great at home :C This is using the NAD C 315BEE for both so, it's probably the room. Hmm......

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/WetbarCounter2.jpg


I love that sink and it goes very well with the oil-rubbed bronze faucet. I have already called the manufacturer and the prices are much better than I expected- even less than the stainless steel sink that I was considering. The only thing that I haven't yet decided is the size. Is that the 17" sink? How do you like it?

Thanks,
CJ

CJ,

Sorry about the delay; I have been traveling.
Just measured the sink diameters:

Where the sink meets the countertop, overall outer diameter is 16"
The Actual opening at the top is 13 3/4"
And the inside diameter at the bottom of the basin is 10 1/2"

Although I have not "excersized it with a party yet; So far it seems perfect for my use.

Hope This Helps

OK done traveling for awhile (I hope). Seems springtime allergies are killing me outdoors. So today is indoors: I will split my time between the Indy Race and working on my screen wall.

My last efforts included pulling down my screen and drapes, adding a bass trap above my screen and then stretching GOM for center channel and header areas above my screen.

This weekend involves Linacoustic and Black GOM for the screen wall and flanking walls.

The next 3 photos are the 3/4" furring added to the perimeter in order to "flush out" the Linacoustic install:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/CenterFurringStrips.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LSFurringStrips.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/RSFurringStrips.jpg

And the next two are after trimming the outlet openings and painting all furring flat black (framed the outlet openings with 3/4" furring hot glued to the wall)

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/CenterFurred-Primed.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LSFurred-Painted.jpg

Back to work more photos later!

Looking good cuz! Bass traps are something I never added but always wondered how much better it would sound if I had. Better to do it from the onset and just move forward. Great progress.

Thanks Queen - hope your Memorial Day is enjoyable!!

Looking good cuz! Bass traps are something I never added but always wondered how much better it would sound if I had. Better to do it from the onset and just move forward. Great progress.

Bass Traps?! BASS TRAPS?!?!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr79/hanesian/AVS/gr-rr.jpg

What's all this talk about BASS TRAPS?!?! You must be from New Jersey, or somethin'!!

What ever happened to plain old lures and fishing poles?! Too hard for you, Einstein?! HA! You prolly couldn't catch a bass unless he jumped up into your boat and knocked himself over the head with your paddle!! Bass traps in the corner?! What kind of boat has corners, anyway?! That's what I'd like to know!! What are ya trying to do here, make me sick?!

I, Roseanne Roseanna Danna, once got caught in a trap and I can tell you - it is no picnic, even when you're not an ugly stinky fish! Traps are unfair, especially when the police don't even believe you when you swear to God that you weren't going over the speed limit!! Doesn't swearing to God count for nothin' anymore?!? I swear to God!!

I'm tellin' you! I thought I was gonna die!

Fortunately I was saved by a famous prince from that country that no one remembers the name of, who just happened to be there and fell in love with me, or I might have never gotten out of that trap, and it wasn't even in the corner of a boat!! So why should some poor fish have it worse than us, is what I'd like to know?!?! Just so somebody can brag that he has a bunch of poor basses trapped in their boat corners!?! That's just disgusting!!

It just goes to show you - it's always something!!

And don't even get me started on all this talk about violins in the streets!!

Epic lol on the effort that went into that last post! :D

Hanes,

Too Funny !!

I'm responding from my home office where I proudly display my fathers 9 lb Boundary Waters Walleye. Dad has since passed on, but it brings me great joy to reminisce about fishing with Dad and family, his proud Navy days, and a lighter outlook on life. I do truly appreciate your lighter side, especially on this Memorial Day.

Wishing All a Good Weekend, and the utmost respect in honoring our Veterans !!!

AH, that bass trap install is just what I needed. I have been pondering traps of my own, but was wondering how I can tie it into the already installed baseboards and finished walls. With carpet arriving in 3 days though, it might just be an after thought...if it is going to be a thought at all. I just havent been able to make that decision just yet, but yours look good, so I will keep watching for a finished product, I may just do it later, over the carpet one day.

CJ,

Sorry about the delay; I have been traveling.
Just measured the sink diameters:

Where the sink meets the countertop, overall outer diameter is 16"
The Actual opening at the top is 13 3/4"
And the inside diameter at the bottom of the basin is 10 1/2"

Although I have not "excersized it with a party yet; So far it seems perfect for my use.

Hope This Helps

Thanks- how is the quality? I'm a bit scared of how inexpensive they are.

CJ

CJ,

I was worried about the same thing. I was pleasantly surprised - it is a pretty heavy guage - quite sturdy.

Excellent! Thanks. I'm going to order one today.

CJ

OK done traveling for awhile (I hope). Seems springtime allergies are killing me outdoors. So today is indoors: I will split my time between the Indy Race and working on my screen wall.

My last efforts included pulling down my screen and drapes, adding a bass trap above my screen and then stretching GOM for center channel and header areas above my screen.

This weekend involves Linacoustic and Black GOM for the screen wall and flanking walls.

The next 3 photos are the 3/4" furring added to the perimeter in order to "flush out" the Linacoustic install:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/CenterFurringStrips.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LSFurringStrips.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/RSFurringStrips.jpg

And the next two are after trimming the outlet openings and painting all furring flat black (framed the outlet openings with 3/4" furring hot glued to the wall)

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/CenterFurred-Primed.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LSFurred-Painted.jpg

Back to work more photos later!

Update

OK; I have my screen-wall 95% finished. What's left - outlet covers, trim up top where the crown/soffit meets the ceiling, and the VERY last item will be to rehang the drapes and valance after ALL dust producing activities in the entire basement are completed. Keep in mind, the photos below will eventually include Burgundy drapes, these photos are also are dust challenged, however:

After putting Linacoustic on the LH wall:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LinacousticLeftWall.jpg

Next is the RH Wall with Linacoustic and GOM: The flat black area near the bottom right is the access panel for my plumbing, the larger opening on the far right side is the home for my cylinder sub.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/RHWallLinacousticGOM.jpg

Last photo: Includes linacoustic and GOM, and the screen is reinstalled. (although the angle of the camera shot skews the photo - the front wall really is symmetrical
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LinacousticandGOMFullView.jpg

Hopefully my next updates will illustrate the completion of my drink ledge in the adjoining game room. I picked up some 12" polished black granite tiles, and some Oak trim for this purpose (idea courtesy of Hawkeye Josh). I have tomorrow off - but will be spending part of the day babysitting the installation of a new garage door - Oh the joys of remodeling while trying to mantain 20 years of househould wear and tear :)

Looking good cuz. I couldn't recall but did you hang the projector yet? That screen looks awfully inviting...

Oh yeah - I did.
I hung my RSI late last fall and promptly lost 5~6 weeks of progress :)

Oh yeah - I did.
I hung my RSI late last fall and promptly lost 5~6 weeks of progress :)

But they were fun weeks, right?

CJ

CJ,

Absolutely! Hey did you receive your sink yet? I assume you ordered the drain flange as well?

I had it drop shipped to the granite company so that they could cut out for the sink. It should be there Monday.

This is what I ordered:

BREC16DB
Gourmet Rectangular Hammered Copper Bar/Prep Sink
16" x 14" x 8"
3.5"





D-132ORB
3.5" Kitchen, Prep, Bar Basket Strainer Drain Oil Rubbed Bronze
N.A.
3.5"





C900-ORB
Copper Sink Installation Silicone
4.5 OZ
N.A.



W900-WAX
Copper Sink Wax and Cleaner
20 OZ
N.A.


CJ

CJ,

Aside from the rectangular sink - looks like my order.
Looking forward to your installed photos

Went shopping today:

Bought all materials to finish my drink ledge / bar in my pool table room.
Actually came home and went to work cutting MDF and preparing the drink ledge for granite tile and oak trim.

Then I splurged and ordered custom fit smoked glass doors for my EQ. cabinet and media cabinet. Total included 3 glass doors, each is 67" tall x ~11" wide. I suspect I overpayed ($300.00 incl all hardware and taxes...). At least it's done, and I'm moving forward....

Time for a photo update,
Spent part of the weekend finishing the drink ledge in my rec room.

When I framed this room; I installed a 1/4" thick x 2" sq. steel tube across the back of the room to be used as a bar/drink ledge. Attached along the inside length of the tube is 1/4" x 1" angle for supporting the counter top material.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/DrinkLedgeBeginproject.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/DrinkLedgeFirstLayer.jpg

I needed to add the upper layer of 3/4' base material - this will ultimately be the substrate upon which the Black granite tile will be "installed":
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Adding2ndlayer.jpg

I then needed to flush out the front surface of the steel tube to have an attachment point for the oak face. This was done by ripping some nice straight 2x2s to the correct size. These 2x2s are both glued to the steel tube with construction adhesive and screwed in place from above:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Ripped2x2s.jpg

Clamped Screwed and Glued:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/2ndlayer-2x2s.jpg

Ready for Oak:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/ReadyforOak.jpg

And a test fit with the tiles and the "rough-cut" oak pieces:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/Oak-Tile-TestFit.jpg

Gluing and nailing the oak into place:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/OakClamped.jpg

Ready to secure the remaining Oak and "trimming", (then wood filler, router and belt sander action):
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/BeforeFinalTrimming.jpg

My Thanks to Hawkeye Josh!! many of these details are borrowed from his build.

Small stuff done this week:
-Continuing with the Oak treatment for my the drink ledge
-Painting and Installing flat black base-mold around screen area
-Painting and installing plastic outlet covers and speaker jacks for the theater room
(even found some Rustoleum paint that matches the Burgundy GOM - it's called "claret")


Now the Question:
Trying to decide weather to install wainscoting in the pool table room?

Take a look at the 3 photos below (the first photo was borrowed from today's EH article on the forum home page); this is the Wainscoting treatment idea I am thinking about adding to the lower portion of the walls in my billiards room (the final 2 photos). What do you think?

Borrowed example:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/BorrowedWainscotIdea.jpg

My Billiards room total size 12' x 21':
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/DrinkLedgeBeginproject.jpg

And a view of the opposite end of the room:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LFScreenWall.jpg

Cuz,

Everything is looking great! I think a wainscoting would look killer in your pool area! I think it always dresses and area up, so it would be hard to go wrong with your decision. If/when I ever get around to finding a money tree so I can build my bar, I'm thinking of using a look a lot like the one in the sample picture you posted.
Like I said, looks good and keep up the good work! :D

Just looked through your thread. It's looking great.

Yes, we both have a love for Klipsch. Fantastic speakers indeed. I noticed your RC-7. I had one before I bought the RC-64 to match my RF-83's. The RC-7 is rear ported. I was wondering how much the sound was going to be effected with it being enclosed but later saw pics that you left the rear open. Nice job. What front speakers and sub do you have?

I really love the ceiling-link grid you installed. Very nice touch.

I like how you created columns to house your side surrounds. Great alternative than to have them mounted up so high.

You've put a ton of work into it and you should be very proud of your efforts.

Johnny,

Thanks for the input on the wainscoting - You have helped me decide.
The only question now is when; I am getting weary and feel a need to get this space use-able. I may do the wainscoting later (when energy and funds are replenished).

I suspect it will only be a matter of time (and a degree) and you will be having a nice tall cool beverage at your finished bar

Just looked through your thread. It's looking great.

Yes, we both have a love for Klipsch. Fantastic speakers indeed. I noticed your RC-7. I had one before I bought the RC-64 to match my RF-83's. The RC-7 is rear ported. I was wondering how much the sound was going to be effected with it being enclosed but later saw pics that you left the rear open. Nice job. What front speakers and sub do you have?

I really love the ceiling-link grid you installed. Very nice touch.

I like how you created columns to house your side surrounds. Great alternative than to have them mounted up so high.

You've put a ton of work into it and you should be very proud of your efforts.

Youthman,

Thanks! For fronts > I have the RF35s, got some new old stock last year - a buy I could not pass up.

For Subs I have a pair of SVS 20-39's.
Hopefully; I can soon join your photos in the finished forum

Have a Good Weekend!

Good buys are great. Most of my gear has been acquired from Craigslist or Bartering.

I look forward to seeing your finished pics.

Looking good cuz! Of course, you know I'm going to vote 'yes' for the wainscoting ;). I really like the look of the bar pic that you posted.

Thanks Queen!

You know the idea to explore this came from your deliberations with Big and Shawn.
I assume yours well soon be done?

:)

I really like the shelf idea. It looks really cool and useful!

CJ

Hey not that it matters, because you have decided already but I second the wainscoting it would finish that area off nicely.

Nice build, good work and looks really sweet.

I like the drink shelf in your "billiards room" is a really nice touch and well thought out. Care to "rack'em up?" Careful how you answer I'm known locally as a real.......

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/poolballa_2006/Pool_shark_resize1.jpg

Regards,

RTROSE

RT,

Thanks! Sounds like you are the one to avoid for a casual game!