Cinemaphile's HT Build Thread (rookie DIYer and first HT)

[cinemaphile]

(Newest posts/pics at end of thread)

Current Status: Framing, electrical, wiring, insulation, drywall hanging/finishing, painting, flooring, carpet, doors, trim, pole coverings done.
Still to go: (replace and) mount side speakers, mount center speaker in-wall, closet door, minor touch-ups, finish decor, get my new tv, replace ugly temp furniture!


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So this is where I'll be tracking the construction of my new home theater, which should begin in a week or two. I'm not very experienced at such things, but limited budget demands that I do the work myself.
Well, "home theater" may be a bit of wishful thinking - The wife is basically planning for it to be another living room, but I think I've convinced her to let me make it primarily a theater room.

This is mostly just a tracking thread for my own reference, but feel free to comment/advise if you have anything to say! Newest pics/posts will be at the bottom, of course.

The area to be finished totals around 950 sq ft, with about 450 of that being the actual theater room. Any wall framing/insulation/etc in these first pictures was all done by previous owners.


As you reach the bottom of the stairs and turn around the corner, this is the view of the basement. Most of it has been cleared out, with just a few stacks of boxes and toys in the front, and a few pieces of furniture and the tv in the back. I'm standing in the front section which will be a playroom for the kids, and the back half (or so) will be the home theater.

Lighting will be recessed in ceiling.


The home theater space: The current 65" projection non-HD TV is being replaced with a same-size or larger flatscreen HDTV, or possibly a projector and screen (still havent decided - size vs resolution). We'll try to sell of that 65" - it wasn't used much anymore anyway. We have a 40" HD upstairs.
I'm building a wall just a couple feet out from the back wall on which the TV will be mounted, basically making a walkway/closet behind the TV where I can work with wires, etc. Front speakers (left/right/center) will be built into that wall as well.
Components will reside in a rack/cabinet to the left of the TV, below where the electrical box currently sits. An outlet and wiring will be built into the ceiling for possible projector in future.
Wall decor will consist of framed movie posters and possibly a couple sconce lights.
The hideous old hand-me-down furniture will be replaced. We're thinking an L- or U-shaped couch where the current one sits, then behind that, slightly elevated, an extra row of seats - recliners or theater seating - with a small table for eating/working/etc. An outlet will be built into the riser for laptops and such.




As you approach the theater room and turn right, there is an extra room there. This will house a small fridge/microwave/cabinet for snacks, some seating, and eventually a pool table (though not in the very near future). For now it will just be more "living room" space.


View from in front of the TV. That wall will be finished but the area behind (which contains HVAC, sink, storage, etc) will remain unfinished.


View from TV looking up length of basement. The wall/doors dividing the TV room from the playroom will be even with the back of the stairwell there.


Front/Playroom area with the last of the stuff to clear out before work begins.