DIY Network

Entertainment Bar: Electrical From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-310

With the framework in place, host Fuad Reveiz wires the entertainment bar and adds outlets.

This project mixes many different elements (cabinetry, pre-cast stone, countertop installation) and requires carpentry, electrical and masonry skills. Because of this, this project rates 4 out of 5 on the Weekend Remodeling difficulty scale.

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	Before the Remodel: a basic basement with room for improvement.
	After: From boring basement to family room with a dash of panache.

Materials:

2 x 4s
2 electrical boxes and outlets
Non-metallic building electrical wire
Drywall and drywall "mud"
1/2" cement board
Wire mesh
Mortar
Pre-cast stone
Cabinets
Under counter refrigerator
Various trim pieces
Nails and screws
Painting supplies
2 granite countertops
Steel mounting plates
Hammer
Circular saw
Drill and bits
Pliers
Trim nailer
Tape measure
Electrical tester
Wire strippers and wire nuts
Utility knife
Trowel
Cardboard
Grinder
Level
Shims
Clamps
Caulk gun and caulk
Silicon adhesive
Bucket
T-square
Chalk line
Work gloves (for working with metal lathe)

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Note: This project was designed with the assistance of a computer design program. The instructions for your particular project may vary.

Note: Before beginning electrical work, turn power off at breaker box.

1. In this example, an outlet exists on the other side of the wall, so a key hole saw is used to create an access hole through which wire will be pulled from the other side.

2. Next, in the adjoining room, the cover plate is removed and the outlet is pulled out.

3. Cap non-metallic building electrical wire, then push a large section through the back of the box and into the wall. Attach the other end of the wires through the quick-connect holes on the back of the outlet. Attach the black wire to the black side; the white wire to the white side and the grounds together. Put outlet back into the box and replace the cover plate.

4. In the family room, pull the wire through from the other side. Mount an electrical box for the under-counter refrigerator and push the wires through the back of the box.

5. Install two more boxes at the top of the wall that will be accessible from behind in the bar, in the backsplash.

6. Drill holes in the studs and fish non-metallic building electrical wire through the wall studs (figure A) into the other electrical boxes, so all are looped together. Use plastic staples to secure the non-metallic building electrical wire to the wall studs (figure B).

7. Next, measure length for drywall pieces, then set the first section in place and trace around outlet boxes (figure C).

8. Cut the outlet holes with a keyhole saw, then set drywall back in position. Attach to studs with drywall screws.

9. Trim the tops of the drywall with a utility knife. First, use the knife to score the back surface of the drywall (figure D), using the top of the wall as a guide.

10. Snap the drywall and cut the other side of the paper backing.

11. Install the outlets in the electrical boxes. Attach white wires to silver screws; black wires to brass screws); connect the ground wires and tie off to the green ground screw.

12. Set the first cabinet into position on the short wall. In this example, the cabinet needs to be 23-1/4" from the front wall to the edge to ensure the other cabinet aligns as desired. Check for level and plumb.

13. Remove the top drawer of cabinet and attach to wall studs using 3" cabinet screws. Set the other cabinet in place and check for plumb and level.

14. Attach cabinet to wall, making sure screws go through mounting board and into the studs. Pre-drill cabinets at the corner and bring together with 2" square drive screws. Attach a filler strip to wall to trim out the refrigerator opening (figure E).

15. Install 2 x 2 bracing between tops of cabinets along the wall to create extra support for the granite countertops.