DIY Network

Game Room Game Room From "Weekend Decorating" episode WDC-307

Before: lots of space, but no personality.

Nancy Golden tackles an old basement that was in need of life. Fun and functional was what the homeowners wanted -- a bright, fresh game room where the family would love to hang out. The 27'x20' space is roomy but has no style or flow, and the furnishings as well as the space are in need of a facelift. There are two busy days ahead, but it will be worth the hard work when the makeover is finished!

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• This makeover is rated intermediate to advanced.
  
• On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 indicating the highest degree of difficulty, it rates a solid 4.
  
• The project took 12 hours over the course of two days.
  
• The estimated cost to complete the entire game room project is $1,800.

Figure A

The first step Golden takes is her customary computer floor plan of the room (figure A). Because the area is large, she divides it into three distinct parts depending on the function: entertainment, games and the bar. Earlier in the week she tackles the prep work, in this case base-coating the walls a Catalina blue, measuring the entire room and measuring the bar countertop. Because the room is a basement without any windows, she has chosen a Scandinavian country look to help lighten up the dark interior (Scandinavian country style uses light woods and blue pastel colors that reflect light). All but two walls have been painted blue; the others will be covered with horizontal paneling in a light wood.

Paneling

Project time: 4 hours.

Materials (general)
Paint and brushes
Paint trays and tape
Screws
Level
Tape measure

Materials (paneling project)
Trim or brad nailer
Nails
Chalk line
Wood paneling

Safety tip: Always wear safety glasses when you're using a pneumatic nailer.

Steps

1. Measure up 4' on both walls where you’ll be installing the paneling. This is the height of the paneling.

2. Snap a chalk line between two points.

3. Using a stud finder, find the studs and mark every one above the chalk line and on the baseboard.

Figure B

4. Use a piece of cardboard to create a template of the electrical outlet (figure B).

Tip: You'll want to feed any wiring through the paneling before nailing it in place.

5. Line up the paneling on the chalk line. It’s a good idea to start on the wall that is the most plumb.

Expert tip: To make a space look taller, install paneling vertically. Horizontal paneling will make the space look wider.

6. Nail the paneling to the wall in every other groove. (Nailing in the grooves conceals the nailheads.)

7. Be sure to measure for all the outlets and any cutouts that need to be made. Transfer the measurements to the paneling and make the appropriate cuts using the jigsaw.

8. Continue nailing the paneling to the wall.

9. Measure the top of the wall to see how much to rip the paneling ("ripping" means cutting wood with the grain).

Figure C

10. With the help of a friend, attach the top section of the paneling. Continue until all the paneling is finished. The addition of 1x2 trim will finish off the "crown molding" for the paneling (figure C).

Tips: Run a dehumidifier after adding paneling in a basement to avoid moisture warping the boards.

Consider the thickness of the paneling and the drywall, and get nails that are long enough to go through both. You'll also need longer screws to fasten the outlet covers back in place.

Time spent so far: 4 hours.

RESOURCES :

Tomboy Tools
Tomboy Tools, Inc.
Website: www.tomboys.com

Poker table and chairs
Trinity Tables
Web: trinitytables.com
E-mail: info@trinitytables.com

Wood paneling
Georgia Pacific
Web: gp.com

Sectional sofa
Bassett Furniture Industries Inc.
Bassett, VA 24055
Phone: 540-629-6000
Fax: 540-629-6303
Email: bassett@neocomm.net
Website: www.bassettfurniture.com

GUESTS :

Richard Lehner
Construction Innovators
10710 Coward Mill Rd.
Knoxville, TN 37931
Phone: 865-560-1970
Website: www.constructioninnovators.com

Chris LeGaux
Lathe Expert
Phone: 865-981-9843

John Sternal
Web: gp.com

John Ferguson
Contractor

Jerold Hulsizer
Web: trinitytables.com
E-mail: info@trinitytables.com