DIY Network

Home Sports Center: Building the Frame From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-301

	Before: This TV Room features a big screen, but is pretty standard.
	After the Weekend Remodel: a wall of monitors is created to capture the action of several teams at once. Touchdown!

Are you a sports fan that hates to miss a single second of team action? If so, then Weekend Remodelinghost Fuad Reveiz has the project for you! Here, Reveiz will demonstration the creation of a Home Sports Center. This one features a plasma screen and two monitors -- all on one wall and all controlled by the same remote, thanks to infrared emitters.

On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being most difficult, this project rates a 2.

Materials:

2 x 4, 2 x 2 and 1 x stock lumber
Drywall
Drywall tape
Drywall mud
Locking slide bolts
Drywall screws
Interior trim
Caulk
Paint (flat black spray paint and the color of your choice for the wall)
TV monitors (3, in this example)
Flat panel monitor
Trowel
Pry bar
Tape measure
Level
Reciprocating saw
Hammer
Utility knife
Biscuit joiner
Compound miter saw
Circular saw
Drill
Framing square
Framing nailer
Trim nailer
Hole saw
Paint brush
Bucket

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H
	Figure I

Building the Frame

This room has a recessed area that will make the placement of the wall easy. For your own project, create a plan on paper before beginning construction to see what configuration will work best for your room. Computer programs are available to make this task easier and allow you to switch between different room views or plans.

1. With a plan in hand, first begin to build the framework that will support your monitors. Here, Reveiz begins work in a recessed area that will be perfect for the new TV wall. He first scores the top of the baseboard with a utility knife, then uses a pry bar to pry it away from the wall.

2. Next, measure the area where your wall will be installed. Here, Reveiz measures the back wall to determine how much of the carpet will need to be removed (figure A). A 2 x 4 is tacked into place to be used as a cutting guide, then a utility knife is used to cut the carpet along the edge of the lumber (figure B). The carpet and padding is pulled away from this area. If a tackless strip is present, as in this demonstration, it will have to be removed as well.

3. After the carpet is removed, nail the 2 x 4 directly to the subfloor to mark placement of the bottom of the new wall (this is now the sole plate). Scribe a line on the existing wall that will mark the edge of the new wall and the placement of the new top plate.

4. Nail the top plate into the rafters (figure C), then add a second top plate as needed to bring the wall down to the height needed.

5. Measure for the end studs, cut and nail into place (figure D). Measure and cut the studs that will create the outside edge of the box that will hold the upper monitors and nail to the top plate.

6. Create a cleat on the wall to support the shelves that will hold the upper TV monitors (figure E). Anchor to the wall studs with a framing nailer.

7. Add shelving supports, then add framing for the larger plasma screen. Add 2 x 4 spacers between the two levels of monitors.

8. Continue building the framing to your specific plans (figure F). If you want to add a component box at the bottom -- as in the example -- be sure to create a small alcove that will house the box within your framing.

9. Nail drywall to the framing (figure G), then cut holes in the drywall for your monitors. First, make pilot holes at each corner of the area to be removed. Cut the area away using a drywall saw (figure H).

10. With all the openings cut, it's time to apply the first coat of joint compound, or "drywall mud". Apply smoothly to seams and nail holes.

11. Next, install the upper right TV monitor shelf (figure I), making sure it's flush with the surrounding wall before securing with screws. Install the second shelf in the same manner.

With the framing and drywall in place, it's time to move on to the construction of the plasma TV backer board and component box.