Ok so the wife and I decided to turn our basement into a Home Theater, Bar and Game Room.

Here is some pictures of the progress so far...

Just another surburban basement....BORING!!!
http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/4062/img1798lp3.jpg

Ya know kids toys, boxes...
http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/8238/img1799qo3.jpg

Old computer...the typical "STUFF" that we will never really use again.
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/8600/img1800gm9.jpg

Hmmmm...what would fit good on a wall that is 12" between support beams...More on that later.
http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/2872/img1801op6.jpg

OK get to work...Up goes the poly, framing and insulation...
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/5637/img1803hg4.jpg

Mold resistant drywall...basement is VERY DRY but this is a good thing to do.
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/2526/img1835qu8.jpg

Before...
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/1500/img1834nl6.jpg

Same shot after...
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/9273/img1862qn2.jpg

HEY WHERE'S THE BAR AT? Oh here it is...
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/3742/img1863ob3.jpg

Put in a storage area...
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/6021/img1865gz6.jpg

Ya gotta love last second changes/ideas...Hey what's up with that black box?
http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/3712/img1866rv8.jpg

Ahhhhh yes...an Audio/Video rack system...Empty right now till the dust goes away.
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/6710/img1874ue4.jpg

More progress on the...HEY WHERE IS THE BAR...Ohhh I see...right thurrrrr!
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/3053/img1875mq3.jpg

2 things a bar should always have... A drink ledge and a a/v/power outlet for a Flat Screen.
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/7362/img1876zs1.jpg

Ok now back to the BAAAARRRR. The plan is to have a section that is sunk about 6 inched below the surface the is covered with glass. The rest of the surface will be covered in solid oak floor planks. Here I am test fitting some hockey sticks for the display area.
http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/2342/img1877vr0.jpg

We started placing the oak planks today and should have them all done tomorrow. This has been a 2+ month project and should be finished in about 2 weeks. I still have to do the tile on the countertops, set a date for the carpet install and install/tune the audio/video gear.

Bought a Denon 4308CI, Optoma HD80 Projector, Denon DVD plaver, Furman Power connditioner, APC batter back-up for the projector. For the speakers I bought Definitive Technology for the center, side surrounds and rear surrounds. I am going to use my home built main speakers,SEAS Drivers, and my home built sub, 12"Adire Audio Brahma with 2 15" PR's.

I'll post more pics once we get closer to completion.

~Netko~

Nice job… can’t wait to see the finished product…. And of course those screen shots…:D

Love the look. From the color of the walls, wainscoating and flooring. Very nice work and it looks like it's going to be a terrific space for friends and family! Congrats.

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6043/img1890ai7.jpg

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/2773/img1891hc9.jpg

Hardwood floor planks. Started to knock down the high points last night and will sand real smooth this weekend.

Looking good! I like the recessed display area of the bar. Hmm, maybe my next bar... :D

update pics.

2nd coat of poly...still have to sand it with 220 grit and hit it with a 3rd coat.

I made the pics large so everyone could enjoy the grain...you are welcome.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1162/img1949mp6.jpg

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2810/img1946cr9.jpg

Nice work so far

Where did you get the bar arm rest? Also, what is pinned under the arm rest?

Thanks!

That's what I'm talk'n about! Nice work.

Where did you get the bar arm rest? Also, what is pinned under the arm rest?

Thanks!

Heynow^ and I have our sources:p There are hidden braces under the armrest. You could stand on the edge and it will not move.

...did that for the strippers that show up... then again:o

Where did you get the bar arm rest? Also, what is pinned under the arm rest?

Thanks!
I can get that type of arm rest. only a few bucks a foot.right down the road from me is a saw mill that makes it out off solid oak and poplar I think they may also do cherry . the name of the place is denoon .

Heynow^ and I have our sources:p There are hidden braces under the armrest. You could stand on the edge and it will not move.

...did that for the strippers that show up... then again:o

Strippers...hey, when are we all invited over for the unveiling...of the strippers...not the Home Theater...LOL :D

Can't wait to see more pics...again...of the strippers...:D

Mike

Netko350Z brought his HD80 over to my place over the weekend to do a little screen sampling and although we didn’t have any strippers we did get treated to some eye candy when we fired up the Optoma. (sorry no screen shots)

I think he has selected the perfect match for this type of game room, party room, non dedicated theater room, etc. The HD80 has some fire power and lit up my neutral gray screen equally as well as my Sharp light cannon, with some outstanding CR to spare. And if you are into sitting close to the screen there is no detectable SDE until you are on top of the screen. :)

So those of you following this thread stay tuned to the end because I think we should be seeing some fantastic lights out shots and some equally great ambient light pictures of his room. :D

Yep what he said....

Built the frame for my screen today. I am going to try to bring it upstairs and attach the BO cloth. If I can fit it up my stairs!

Otherwise I will have to wait till carpeting is in. I hope it will be in by the weekend.


All that is left to do is...
Set the tiles(Can't get my hand on the wet saw till Saturday)
Finish staining some trim pieces.
Set the wet bar sink.
Paint the backside of the bar.

I told the wife I would not mount the PJ to the ceiling till everything is done. My theory is that I would mount it and everything else would not get finished.

I'm on the home stretch!

Built my 100" screen. Made a frame over frame with black edging to filter any stray light. I have to fit the actual screen this weekend after the carpet goes in.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7525/img1952us1.jpg

This is what I mean by frame over frame design...

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8538/img1953hi1.jpg

Then NETKO said..."LET THERE BE LIGHT"

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2812/img1955cs4.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/981/img1956as0.jpg

And he saw the light and it was good.

I gotta tell you, I think this is going to turn out great! I love the wall colors very rich looking.

what colour red is that?
looks nice!
Sorry to hear about the denon btw.
bad bit of luck!

It is called "Merlot"

Thanks for the well wishes for my Denon. I am PISSED since we were planning on having a party on Dec 1st for the all out "opening" night. I could pull out 10+yr old Sony that has the rear channels blown out and go old school. But it wouldn't be the same. At least the night before we managed to test the screen and watched Finding Nemo. It was the first time my 4yr old daughter has ever heard a surround sound system and a video that big.

She wanted me to put everything in her room.

Looks like I have a audiophile/videophile in training.

Few more updates...

Here is the cement board down ready for tile...

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/6895/img1962ln1.jpg

Tile down. I still have to buy a few more to finish the backsplash.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/2290/img1964vu8.jpg

The backside of the bar. Painted it to match the walls.

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/6704/img1963vh4.jpg

I built the 100" screen and it's ready to be mounted to the wall.

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/8599/img1960fz7.jpg

Bar and cabinets look great, tile and paint is awesome, screen looks outstanding.

I can almost smell the popcorn popping……… :D

Do you have a different picture of that column that I assume is wrapped in oak?

Coming along real nice. Getting me excited to build my own when I get my first house.

Do you have a different picture of that column that I assume is wrapped in oak?


Yes wrapped in oak...

I'll snap a few pics later today.:cool:

Hey, I really like your screen you built. Can you build me a 2.37 117" wide one??? :)

Mike

Well I should be TOTALLY finished with my basement this weekend. I just have to put up the trim around the countertops and touch up a little paint here and there...


Finished pics to come! Bar top looks AWESOME with the glass!

Still have to buy some pictures for the walls. Looking for some traditional "BAR" pics.

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/6742/img2013va5.jpg


http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/9797/img2014mh4.jpg


http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/3971/img2016sl0.jpg


http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/556/img2017ry7.jpg


http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7463/img2018sa9.jpg


98.5% done...

Very nice!!! I like the recessed look on the posts!

Thanks... I am now paying off the bills....

Just ordered up a RF Remote with IR flashers. The Denon RC-7000ci

It offers 2 way communication between my Denon and the remote so I know what is playing. I also started to install the in-wall speakers in my great room.

Looking to have an opening party in the next few weeks.

Great project and you have me quite envious. :o

Put a Jimmy Buffett concert DVD in crank up the audio and forget about the snow outside. :eek:

But before you do that post some gratuitous screen shots …..:D

PS

Did I hear party????????

looking through all these awesome bar threads is making me thirsty :) !

great looking setup. what model of fridge did you go with. i am on a mission to find one.

thanks.

Very awesome...especially the hockey gear in the bar! Now you need a kegerator!

Holy cow, That looks good. I really love the bar area. Great job so far. Might I ask how long the bar is where the 3 chairs are sitting? Mine will be about 7' so I was curious as to what you are working with.

John

It is about 7ft. I have found that the person that sits in the chair closest to the angle in the bar tends to scoot over to the angled part.

Great project and you have me quite envious. :o

Put a Jimmy Buffett concert DVD in crank up the audio and forget about the snow outside. :eek:

But before you do that post some gratuitous screen shots …..:D

PS

Did I hear party????????


you gotta get over here and play with my screen paint.

I need to get Digital Cable TV or a sat dish. I have heard that sat dishes and snow don't mix well.

looking through all these awesome bar threads is making me thirsty :) !

great looking setup. what model of fridge did you go with. i am on a mission to find one.

thanks.


Fridge is a Haier. Bought it at Target on sale a few months ago for something like $135. I wish it was a little bit bigger. But it does what it needs to do.

looking through all these awesome bar threads is making me thirsty :) !

great looking setup. what model of fridge did you go with. i am on a mission to find one.

thanks.
I also bought a Haier. It looks about the same size...I got it at BJs

yea it isn't bad...I had to fab up a platform for it to sit on so it would work under the counter top. I just finished off the bottom with some trip yesterday. Looks better

Wow! Looks great!

It is about 7ft. I have found that the person that sits in the chair closest to the angle in the bar tends to scoot over to the angled part.

Netko,

Thanks for the information. Here is a shot of my bar in progress. Not as big as yours but should serve me well.

http://images34.fotki.com/v1082/photos/1/1014235/5777266/IMG_8634002-vi.jpg

John

As long as there is alcohol...you could serve it on a folding table and it would be OK.

Well the "Best Buy" bug bit me. Scored a sweet deal on a LCD TV for the bar area.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8251241&type=product&id=1169512520871

Regular price is $479.99... It was on sale for $399.99. BUT they were outof them except for a open box one that was sitting on the shelf. They sold it to me for $319. I brought it home and the screen was STILL sealed in the plastic as if they never even fired it up!

Everything was still in the plastic. So I figure I got a KILLER deal.

Ordered a mount from Parts Express for $25.

I am running a HDMI line over to the wall outlet and I am going to have it hooked up two ways. One will be set to display whatever is playing on the main screen and whatever is running on the HD cable line. The other is to play regular analog cable tv.


Digital HD cable gets installed on Jan25th. Looking to have a opening party on Feb 9th.

Awesome build, but I had a question if you've had any glare using the pj with the white ceiling tiles.
Thanks,
Brian

There is some but not as bad as you would think. I know the right way to do it would be for black tiles. But that might look odd if it isn't a 100% dedicated space. I might experiment with a few ideas...stay tuned.

Form=Function

DUDE :p

Few updated ones of the stuff on the walls...

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2094/img2040fa8.jpg

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/2439/img2039xh5.jpg

Looks fantastic!

Heck yeah pens! Awesome bar, really like the glass top even if it wasn't penguins stuff.

You should most certainly cut that synergy down and stick a blade into it as opposed to stuffing it into that box, it has far too much value as a two piece out on the ice... :)

That was a broken synergy stick that I used. I got it caught onder the opening where the zamboni comes out and broke the blade! I have 2 other ones that I use. I think all these high priced sticks are a WASTE of $$$. I believe they are now in the $200+ range.

yeah, it is crazy, heck, the reebok O-stick the one datsyuk uses is 300 some

I still play hockey and the big difference between a $300 stick and a $75 stick is $225 bucks.

Old time hockey...go wood!

hey nice job !!! just another Pens fan from Da Burgh still working on my set up hope to get pics. posted soon

Netko congrads on the great build. I found your build via a friend. He sent me the link as I am in the same situation you were in when you first decided to take this job on.

I used to be into Nissans but have moved to Subarus. I want a wrx rally car for a second vehicle but after seeing this I would rather dump the money into my basement.

Now I have to convert some of my other car buddies.


A question.

With your second screen to you have a splitter coming off of the denon or does it have the connection to share the signal being sent to the PJ?

Looks great! nice work. My wife like the Pens gears. She's from Greensburg

Netko congrads on the great build. I found your build via a friend. He sent me the link as I am in the same situation you were in when you first decided to take this job on.

I used to be into Nissans but have moved to Subarus. I want a wrx rally car for a second vehicle but after seeing this I would rather dump the money into my basement.

Now I have to convert some of my other car buddies.


A question.

With your second screen to you have a splitter coming off of the denon or does it have the connection to share the signal being sent to the PJ?

I ran the HDMI second output from the Denon to the other TV. The only downside is that whatever I am watching on the main screen I also have to watch on the TV. HOWEVER I did run a separate Cable TV line to the TV on the wall so I could watch different sources on that one

As for a WRX rally car.... trust me I went out to my garage and looked at my 350Z and thought about doing a full motor build, twin turbo, all the goodies and I could top out at about 600WHP...but with cars you can only sell it for what the market is going to pay for it. I figure I will drive it for one more summer then decide what I want to do.

The thought of selling it for something a step up is always on my mind. Still looking for my 97 Viper GTS... That would be a car I would buy and keep forever. The Z is nice but there are too many "kids" these days with them.

It's a 04 with only 11k miles....

http://www.erieridez.com/Gallery/albums/userpics/10012/normal_350zdriveway.jpg

Looks great! nice work. My wife like the Pens gears. She's from Greensburg


Yea I quickly realized I need to get more "updated" gear. Most of the stuff is from the 90's.

Hey Netko, great space you have there. I am planning a basement build that is similar but I'm thinking of making the theater a dedicated space. The only draw back is that it closes up the open feel that I see you have. Are you happy with it open or do you wish you would have created a dedicated space for the theater? Also what is the height of your ceilings? Thanks

PS: I own a 03 Z, great car... and I also debated on building a JWT twin turbo for some time, but the cost/value ratio didn't work for me either. Anyway still a great car.

If I had more space in my basement I would have gone with a dedicated space. But I wanted to maximize the space. IMO...I used the space to its best capicity. The acoustics is the only drawback since my sides and rear channels are in the ceiling.

I will measure the ceilings.

Did you look into the LS2 swap into your Z? Hinson Motorsports is working on a kit to do just that!
http://www.hinsonsupercars.com/

pics:
http://www.ilogicweb.net/hinson/TEMP/350Z091small.jpg

http://www.ilogicweb.net/hinson/TEMP/350Z088small.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd80/AACstyle/DSC04943.jpg

Brian Hinson is still in the final stages of some of the electrical work. From what I have heard everything looks like it should work...a/c, cruise, etc.

OK the ceiling above the bar area is about 6"10 and the rest of the area ia 7"10...ish

I was concerned about it being too low over the bar but it really isn't that bad. It kinda add to the area since it is the same height across the area. I looked into framing the HVAC runs in this ara but I really wouln't have gained that much. The same area is where the gas and water line runs are.

Wow,

Very nice work and the HT looks GREAT!!

Netko - beautiful room!

I have a question - where did you find your A/V rack? Does it have a glass door, or is it open? Great idea.

A/v rack from Partsexpress.com It is a Mid-Atlantic. I went with the biggest they had in stock.

No glass door... open for all to see!

I could put a glass door on but then the light bars on the power meter would not slide out if the door was open.

BTW.... the back of my rack is wide open to the storage area. I put a piece of black cloth over the back to block the light. It is kida cool since it does let a little bit of cool air flow through my equipment.

Few more pics...
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/232/img2041ww8.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4900/img2042zg8.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4361/img2039ja5.jpg

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/9936/img2040jq9.jpg

Just noticed these are the old pics. Since I took these I have add a HD CatTV box. Sits under the power conditioner.

That really looks sharp! Do you have a layout online anywhere? I'm also interested in your bar dimensions.

Thx!

Very nice job Netko! Like the dark maroon color of the bar area

Great build thread, awesome bar! Hey, where'd you get the Guinness sign????:p

Linens and Things is where I got the sign.

OK I am thinking about adding some rope lighting behind some crown molding around the center screen area. Just doing 3 walls. Left side, back section, and right wall. I would attach the crown molding in such a way thay the lights would shine up behind the molding. Lower it maybe 2 inches from the top.

Netko350Z, what speakers do you have mounted in the ceiling? With my layout I will have my surrounds and rears in the ceiling. Wondering about bleeding of sound to the room above.

Your space looks fantastic!

Definite Techs.

UIW RLS III Center, UIW BP/A sides and UIW 64/A rears.

Hardly any sound bleed. More SUB-Bass complaints from the wife. :)

I've seen many different projects on this site... some HUGE and waaay over the top, some more down to earth and still on a semi-big scale, some small and bare bones...

Yours is my favorite of them all. Seriously.

Love the bar area size and build, love the sitting area...

It's missing one thing though...


DRINKS!!!!

looks great!

Thanks everyone. The space still amazes me. We had some friends over a few days ago and they were blown away by how thought out the space is.

I still remember all those days when i would go down in my basement and just try to picture how it would be best to set it up. My imigination is what ultimately drove the design.

oh and Elite FDH1.... Don't worry... the drinks heve been there. I have to be extra careful when I mix up my Long Island Ice Teas... One of mine will have a person HAMMERED!!

Note to self: Never drink one and try to plan out my next project in the basement. Results may not turn out good.

:)

The only thing that I might have changed is the glass top on the bar. Don't get me wrong I like the idea but we find ourselfs being careful as to how much weight we put on that area. But if I wasn't to have done that I wouldn't have been able to put my display in there.

Looks great. Do you have any pics of the bracing you used for the bar molding?

Negative... I used a combo on nails into the railing and a 2"x2" strips along the bottom.

Zero issues with flexing and or coming loose...

...When the strippers are dancing on the bar.

Photobucket of all my pics...

http://s391.photobucket.com/albums/oo357/Netko350Z/

Photobucket of all my pics...

http://s391.photobucket.com/albums/oo357/Netko350Z/

Netko when you get a chance I pm'd you about a few things. Just wanted to let you know and thanks for a great thread

No problem.

The bar is extremely solid. Like I said if a tornado was to hit the safest place would be under the bar... with a few bottles of the finest!

As for the lights, they sell hangers for the grid.

Hey when is Electronic House going to feature MY DIY build?????

nie work! Love the bar

Thanks Meng.

A few more toys...
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo357/Netko350Z/IMG_2523.jpg

http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo357/Netko350Z/IMG_2529.jpg

equipment?

What kind of poly did you use and do you use the same poly on the bar molding? Looks great! I'm building my bar now and am about to start the top.

Mike

that's a good idea. reading that reminds me i should poly the wood trim on the bar i just built (tile top). thanks.

nice pics in this thread. it's a great basement. built for fun.

Thanks guys. I bought a water based poly. No problems so far even with a few spilled drinks... woopsie!

I was demoing a movie to a friend of mine and might have fried one of the drivers in my floor speakers. It was one of the 6 1/2" SEAS Excel unit's. They don't make that driver anymore! Only a 7" now!!! DOH! So I might build a new pair of front speakers. The ones I have there now have lasted me 8+ yrs.

That is a damn nice basement you have there! Awesome awesome setup.

WOW!!!!! What a beautiful bar... right down to the Penguins memorabilia. I am a HUGE Pens fan and am in the process of building my Man Cave. I want to make it a 'Pens Cave' but am having trouble deciding what to do with the walls. My current idea is to paint the top 2/3 of the of the wall in Penguins gold, add a white chair rail, and then paint the lower portion of the wall black. If I do that, what color would you suggest staining the bar? Any other ideas you may have for a fellow Pens fan???

Great bar. Could you post your bar footprint and counter depth? I have a similar space and just want some actual measurements.

How did you do the poles? specifically....how are they attached to the pole?

WOW!!!!! What a beautiful bar... right down to the Penguins memorabilia. I am a HUGE Pens fan and am in the process of building my Man Cave. I want to make it a 'Pens Cave' but am having trouble deciding what to do with the walls. My current idea is to paint the top 2/3 of the of the wall in Penguins gold, add a white chair rail, and then paint the lower portion of the wall black. If I do that, what color would you suggest staining the bar? Any other ideas you may have for a fellow Pens fan???

Hmmmm I would also incorporate the Penguins blue...

Have you thought about having the logo painted on a wall?

Great bar. Could you post your bar footprint and counter depth? I have a similar space and just want some actual measurements.

How did you do the poles? specifically....how are they attached to the pole?


I will measure later when I get home. The poles are secured with a small block at the bottom nailed to the cement floor then the actual box being built around it. You have to frame the top and bottom sections.

I will measure later when I get home. The poles are secured with a small block at the bottom nailed to the cement floor then the actual box being built around it. You have to frame the top and bottom sections.

Is this your rack? http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=262-410

Is this your rack? http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=262-410

Looks like it, same one I used in my media room. I also got the screw covers strip from middle atlantic to hide all the screw heads.

While I love the Penguins throwback uniforms (I actually purchased one about 4 years ago with Lemieux on it) I prefer the Pens in black and gold (not yellow). I have a friend who works at a sports apparel manufacturer. He told me that the Penguins organization has bought ALL of their powder and navy blue material due to a color change when they open the new arena. The intent is to go powder blue full-time... I am NOT in favor of this change. Anyway, back to the issue at hand...
I do intend to paint the circular logo (from the throwback / 3rd jersey) on the wall but in black and 'vegas' gold. I am just not sure about my base-plan for the wall. After looking at another person's project, I am thinking about doing gold on 2 walls (opposite on another) and black on the others.... not sure...

sorry I have been busy with work...

kcdude24...yes that is it.

floorlizard... yea the throwback is ok but I am partial to the black and gold....

powder blue and navy FULL time?!?!?!.... ewwww.

http://www.electronichouse.com/article/pre-order_for_your_peek_at_the_best_diy_projects/diy


Order up! I am in there!

Blew a driver in my mains... FACK!

You have a red Titan stick

You = awesome.

Nice set up.