The Lion's Lair Theater Build

[lldalastdon]

The Lion's Lair

Background:
We built this home in 2017, the thought going in was to have a clean slate for a basement where I could design it and have it how I wanted it. I had a goal in mind to have a home theater, home gym, entertainment/bar area, then the remaining will be unfinished storage. My vision of the dedicated home theater is to be used for movie watch, gaming, sporting events, potential party space.

Space:
I know, I know the theater isn’t exactly rectangle because of the back “hitch”. My plan is to place a bar in that area for 3-4 seats. The dimensions a bit off being that the width being a 16’-4’’ instead of 16’-10’ and the length including the “hitch” being 30’-2’’ instead of 30’-4’’. The height is 8’-9.5’’.

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

Design:
The goal is to be simplistic and modern will considering the WAF. I’m gong for a dark theme, probably mostly blacks and greys. I would like to have 2 rolls of 4 seats with a bar that seats 3-4 people in the “hitch” area. Row 2 and the bar being on a riser. I would also like to build a stage under the screen and false wall. The A/V and networking room will be in the storage area.

Specs:

I will update this list as I buy items and decisions are made or changed 😊. I have thoughts about the tech that will go in the room but haven’t purchased anything.

• Room Dimensions: 16’4’’ x 30’2’’ x 8’9.5’’
• Sound Isolation: 5/8’’ double wall with green glue, clips & hat channel, some fiberglass insulation, solid core door with sealing, and putty pads for outlets.
• Screen: 150-160’’ 16:9 screen. Maybe a DIY using Seymour Center Stage XD fabric??
• Speakers (7.2.4): DIYSG 1099s for LCRs (purchased), HT-8's for Side and Rear Surrounds (purchased), RSL C34E for Atoms (potential), &  Dayton UM18-22 + Mini Martys for Subwoofers (potential)
• Receiver: Denon X6500H (purchased)
• Project: Either JVC NX5/RS1000 or Epson 6050UB (lean towards this because of the size)
• Seating: Not sure yet.

Current Progress:

Below is the pictures of the current progress of my build.  I'm currently finishing the 2nd layer of drywall.  It's taking a lot longer since its a one man sure .

Framing:

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

Clips & Channel:

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

Backer/Hush Boxes:

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

First Layer of Drywall:

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

[AVSMike]

Looks like you are making good progress. Nice documentation. Like the pictures. Keep it up.

[lldalastdon]

Looks like you are making good progress. Nice documentation. Like the pictures. Keep it up.

Thanks Mike.  Although I'm months out on being complete, I'm wondering if I should pull the trigger on the projector now to avoid prices to increase because of the trade war.

[AVSMike]

Thanks Mike.  Although I'm months out on being complete, I'm wondering if I should pull the trigger on the projector now to avoid prices to increase because of the trade war.

Sent you an email.

[TRainH2O]

Man, I love these build threads. Please update it often.

When I was finishing off part of our basement, we used full sheets of drywall. It was a lot of work to handle, measure, cut, and hang those 4'x8' sheets. I wish I knew about those smaller sections.

Is this the new way to hang drywall? 

[lldalastdon]

Man, I love these build threads. Please update it often.

When I was finishing off part of our basement, we used full sheets of drywall. It was a lot of work to handle, measure, cut, and hang those 4'x8' sheets. I wish I knew about those smaller sections.

Is this the new way to hang drywall?

Those are actually 4x8 and 4x12 drywall sheets that are 5/8" thick. The plywood on the ceiling is 5/8" thick as well. Since I'm doing clips and channel with two layers of drywall w/ green glue, I used plywood in the areas where I would potentially mount the projector.   It needed to be able to handle the mount and weight of the projector and not compromise the decoupling for soundproofing by screwing into the joists.  It  looks smaller because I needed to stagger the joints. 

I'll try my best to keep up the momentum but it's hard when you are the only person doing it. Plus, I have to split my time with my wife and daughters that are 3 and 5 years old. But reading through threads and watching YouTube videos keeps me motivated. 

[TRainH2O]

HA, the photo makes it look (to me) like they are smaller sheets.

[lldalastdon]

HA, the photo makes it look (to me) like they are smaller sheets.

Haha.   I can see that.  Sorry, I took the photos with my Pixel.  The photos do make the room look smaller than it really is.  Hopefully, it would help, when I start adding stuff in the room.  

[Dylan Seeger]

You have a decently sized room for the theater. Keep us posted on the progress! 

[lldalastdon]

I made some more progress on hanging the second layer of drywall over the weekend. I finished the ceiling,  the back wall and started on the left wall. I have a stretch goal to have all the drywall hung by end of this coming weekend. We'll see... 

Sorry, for the mess.  Hanging drywall gets very messy. 

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

The Lion's Lair Theater Build

[AVSMike]

Hanging drywall is not fun, but at least a lift takes ceiling works from, oh my aching back to I am tired.
Nice progress.

[lldalastdon]

Hanging drywall is not fun, but at least a lift takes ceiling works from, oh my aching back to I am tired.
Nice progress.

Exactly! I would have never been able to do any of it by myself without it. Until this project I had no idea how much drywall weighed. The hardest part is getting the panels on the lift. Once it's there, it's all about lining it up. I would recommend it for anyone tackling hanging drywall alone. 

[TRainH2O]

Making some good progress. Yeah, there's just no way to hang a ceiling without that lift. Even with two people, it's a pain without one.

My basement theater had a ton of low hanging plumbing and HV/AC ductwork. I went with a grid ceiling in my room, so my drywall was just on the walls. It still made a huge mess and an even bigger mess with the finishing. 

[David Vaughn]

Drywall dust is the worst invention of mankind. In fact, it was invented by the devil to torment us months after the project is completed. I just remodeled a bathroom in my house and had to do a small drywall patch and just sanding that little area clogged up an AC filter to the point that it was useless after only one week. It's been 6 weeks now and sure enough, I'm still finding drywall dust that keeps settling on furniture! 

[TRainH2O]

Drywall dust is the worst invention of mankind. In fact, it was invented by the devil to torment us 

That and the spray texture (popcorn) they used to use (and still do in some cases) on ceilings. At some point, you are going to want to paint the ceiling and you always have to be extra careful not to get it too wet or it will fall off. If you ever have ceiling damage because of water or a misstep in the attic, you will NEVER get it to match 100% unless you strip it all off and respray.

I want mine gone so badly but it will be a huge mess and then after it's gone, I'm sure that the underlying drywall will have to be "finished", which means.........you guessed it, drywall dust.