Flatnate's Theater Build

[onyxbfly]

Originally Posted by Flatnate

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[Show spoiler]ell I packed up all the gear the other night. That was kind of bitter sweet as I have no idea when I'll be able to fire up the projector again.

I struggle a bit with how much do I want to do right off the bat, and how aggressive do I want to get with my plans for the room versus just saying "you know what, F .. it, I want to watch something down here, and enjoy the room now".

For instance, to paint ceiling black or to leave it white? I could just leap off the deep end paint it back before I move anything down there. Could be finished by next week. Sure would be easy at this point, or do I stay white, and hang some black acoustic panels in front of the screen (mindful of how its a very low ceiling actually)?

Second. The carpet dilemma. I really want to put a riser in for a second row and have it under the carpet. Do I get a quote to have the existing rug pulled away from the wall and modified? Existing carpet is not the perfect color but its in okay shape and remember the room is 14x32. Or do I just save up, and put in new carpet and have it cut right away to work with a riser and stage in front of the screen wall at a later date? Carpet with installation will easily set me back the cost of that Falcon Screen. Holding out for both along with the screen wall fabric and stage/riser materials will take time... I figure lucky to have that completely wrapped up by Christmas given some of the other projects that need addressing

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So from people who have done this before, did you leave your rig essentially boxed up to do the whole project right from start to finish or did you do things incrementally in stages?

I'm sure everyone will have a variety of opinions that would work best for them. Here is my take on it:

You mentioned getting plans. I'd take all the measurements and pictures of the space before yiou get started and send them to an architect and get some plans made up. Then plan your work and work your plan.

I would not buy anything gear wise until you are ready to install it. More often than not builds can take longer than anticipated and become more costly than budgeted. That good deal you find today will not be worth much if you don't get around to using it for a few years.....

I would not leave stuff boxed up. I'd set it up and build around it. This way you will have a working idea of how your gear fits in your room. It will allow you to enjoy what you have and take baby steps. Unless you are talking about going balls to the wall and building your entire theater...

In ref to the carpet I'd rather spend money once. You can build your own riser for short paper and when its time to do the carpet it will be in place.

Having a house is a blessing. You and your lady are fortunate to be blessed. Sit back for a while enjoy the space. Don't leave your gear boxed up calling you like the ring in the lord of the rings. Its so easy to get caught up with what you don't have and its not the way you want it etc.

Appreciate what you have and be easy. Not saying that you do not. Just sharing from my POV. I know how easy it is to subcome to lure of the man cave and upgraditis!!!!