Home Theater Design and Construction

**nitrox1** · **10-21-09, 02:16 PM**

I recently began to build my dedicated 7.1 home theater in my basement. Which unfortunately is smaller then I would have like but who never said that. Due to restrictions the dimensions are roughly 11' width and 26' long and the drop ceiling will make the height 7' when installed. I decided to step the room in from the existing cement basement walls by 2' on three sides in this part of my basement to still allow for access to some mechanical s and rule out any light from the three existing windows.

I will add photos when I figure out how to upload them here from picassa.

**Ted White** · **10-21-09, 02:19 PM**

Sounds good, Dennis. Building the walls in as you describe will help with sound isolation as well.

**tonyvdb** · **10-21-09, 02:36 PM**

Hi Dennis, You can upload your photos using our own image hosting gallery here. Once uploaded you just have to copy the image location and paste it into this thread using the "insert image" icon.

**nitrox1** · **10-21-09, 02:41 PM**

Here is a link to picassa....hope this works.

**nitrox1** · **10-21-09, 03:11 PM**

This should work....sorry

**tonyvdb** · **10-21-09, 03:43 PM**

Where you have your picture hosted. right click on the image, select copy image location, then come back here and use the

icon above where you type and paste the link in the dialog box and select ok.

**nitrox1** · **10-21-09, 03:59 PM**

**MatrixDweller** · **10-21-09, 04:41 PM**

I'm assuming you plan on having the drop ceiling below that HVAC duct. You may want to consider building a bulkhead around the HVAC and then drywalling it and the ceiling rather than going drop ceiling. Drywall or double drywall will have much better soundproofing potential especially if you stuff the joists with insulation.

At least maybe frame that HVAC duct and drywall it so that your drop ceiling can be higher up. 7 feet will seem pretty low once the whole ceiling is up. Even an extra 6 inches will make a huge difference.

**nitrox1** · **10-21-09, 05:03 PM**

Yes below that duct is where the suspended ceiling will begin at 7'. Thoght about what you suggest and cannot drywall the ceiling because of pipes(feeds and drains), not to mention the symmetry of the room.

Also I am not to concerned with sound proofing per se. but rather sound adjusting later with traps and panels.

I wonder if I boxed around the duct and did the same thing on the other side of the room while increasing the height in the middle of the room if that would work and not harm the sound.

**MatrixDweller** · **10-21-09, 06:21 PM**

If you have the option for more ceiling height I would take it. Having bulkheads on either side would make it look symmetrical. If you plan on treating your first reflection points on the ceiling then the extra height will be favorable.

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