So I want to turn 800 sq ft of free space into a movie/rec room for the husband....

[MisfitsFiend]

We have about 800 sq ft in the basement that is currently unused. We want to turn it into a relaxing tv/rec room with a big cushy couch and stuff. We already have a bar area (and refrigeration, etc) that we could use for parties, watching the game, etc. once it all comes together I am interested in suggestions for

flooring - we have concrete floor with old tiles on top (prob asbestos lines, so I don't want to pull up, just put something on top). Hard wood floors?

ceiling - need to replace existing ceiling tile - with what? I don't want a drop ceiling

placement of stuff - we already have a pool table and dartboard. My husband wants a projector and a big screen. I also want to move the computer room down here.


basic plans (the green area is free space)

And yes, it's Monday, week 3 of my new job, and I am almost crying for some work to do.

 

[FoBoT]

basement floor, i would stick with linoleum
don't know about ceiling, what ever is easy to do?

 

[scorpmatt]

I'd stick with the current floor and buy an area rug. those things are great. unfortunately I cannot access the pic because my work sux

 

[SearchMaster]

Floor - hardwood floors might run a moisture risk in the basement.
Ceiling - running wires will be more difficult if it's not a drop ceiling

 

[skace]

Wouldn't you want to tear off the tiles and then simply paint the concrete with some of that sealing stuff.

For the ceiling you will most likely want tiles because, unless you have some weird layout, there is most likely things you will need to do maitenance on at some point or another in that ceiling.

This is just my thoughts. I'm sure some real diy pros will be in here shortly for the best advice.

 

[Tiamat]

you are an awesome wife!

Hmm, Cement floor is good - you will understand when he gets some subwoofers. Do you like carpets? Carpet on Cement works, Hardwood could make acoustics tough to handle, although there are ways around acoustic problems.

How high are the cielings? 10, 12, cath?

800sq ft is huge.

I strongly recommend posting at www.avsforum.com in their audio arena -> audio theory forum. They have quite a few acoustical engineers and many other experienced folks that know quite a bit about setting up an HT room.

 

[MisfitsFiend]

Thanks for all the input so far! I am very weary about pulling off the tiles off the floor because out house was built in 1906, and I am pretty sure those tiles have asbestos underneath them. They still adhere really well to the concrete.

The ceilings are about 9' like the rest of the house, but there are a few 2" pipes that run along the ceiling. If we had to install a drop ceiling underneath these, then I am afraid the ceiling would be really low.


Tiamat - thanks for the www.avsforum.com, we will visit them to see about setting up the HT.

 

[vi edit]

For the floor, go with Cork. It's pricey though. It'll run about $3.50-$5.00 a sq/ft to put down. It's durable, quiet, insulating, and resistant to water, unlike true hardwood floors. It's perfect for basements.

A second choice would be impact vinyl. It'll insulate the floor, it doesn't require any adhesive (dry lay), and it's pretty reasonable. It goes for about $.89 to $1.30 a sq/ft. Plus it's very durable.

I put impact vinyl down in my weigt room in an unfished room in our basement:

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/viedit/workout1.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/viedit/workout2.jpg

 

[MisfitsFiend]

Hey, thanks for the pics! I never thought about cork - have to look into it.