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  • Home Sports Center: Building the Component Box
  • From "Weekend Remodeling"
    episode WKR-301


    PHOTO

    Before: This TV Room features a big screen, but is pretty standard.
    PHOTO

    After the Weekend Remodel: a wall of monitors is created to capture the action of several teams at once. Touchdown!
    Host Fuad Reveiz is in the middle of transforming an ordinary den into a Home Sports Center. With the framing, drywall and top shelves in place, Reveiz tackles the creation of the component box and a backer board for the plasma TV installation.

    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
    advertisement


    PHOTO

    Figure A
    PHOTO

    Figure B
    PHOTO

    Figure C
    PHOTO

    Figure D
    PHOTO

    Figure E
    PHOTO

    Figure F

    1. In this demonstration, Reveiz pre-builds the component box before installing it into the media wall. He takes measurements, then cuts the pieces. Carpenter's glue is applied to the end pieces, before they are secured to the top and bottom pieces with a trim nailer (figure A).

    2. A back is cut and secure to the box, then a hole saw is used to create an opening for the wiring (figure B). Finally, a quick coat of black spray paint is added to finish the component box.

    3. Now, it's on the plasma box construction. Here, Reveiz creates a frame from 1 x 12s that are cut to size and screwed together at the ends. To create a back stop in the plasma opening, Reveiz uses 1 x 2s that are cut and screwed to the back of the opening in the plasma box. The box is installed and secured to the frame with screws (figure C).

    4. Next, it's time to build a removable background behind the plasma screen that will allow access for upgrades or adjustments.

    5. To build your own plasma back board, first take precise measurements of the inside of the newly-created plasma box.

    6. Use a T-square to mark 3/4" plywood that will be used as the back board, then cut to size with the circular saw.

    7. Measure the board to find the center, then draw intersecting lines at the center. Center the mounting bracket on those lines and bolt it securely into place (figure D).

    8. Next, install barrel bolts at the corners (figure E) to hold the back board in place (this will allow the board to be removed when access is needed).

    9. Use the hole saw to create an opening for the wires. Finally, give the whole back board assembly a coat of flat black spray paint (figure F).

    At this point, the job is half-complete. Next, Reveiz will guide us through the addition of trim and paint.

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: