Construction questions: Building a false screen wall

Ron-P

Below is an older pic of how the front wall is now. I'd like to build a false front wall roughly 2' out from the existing wall to hide the mains, center and sub.

I was thinking about using 2x2's for the framing. I've ordered up black grille cloth which I will use to cover the entire false walls framing.

I'm looking for tips / suggestions from anyone who has already done this.

steveinaz

I think it might be difficult to find 2x2's that will be straight enough for runs that long? Doesn't take much length to get them to start sagging on you.

Just my take....

hoosier21

I think this will be built on the "short" end of the theater, if Ron uses the 2x2's vertical and short pcs on the hoizontal it should be fine.

I can only think of one comment/question: are you planning on stretching the fabric directly over the 2x2's? I am thinking a backing or something would make it look nicer, like the foam insulation that comes in 4' x 8' x 1/2" sheets, just to smooth out the bumps and framing.

Scratch that, looking at the photo again I see the "backing" idea would trap your subwoofers output behind it.

Ron-P

Yes, it will be across the short end of the room plus having vertical supports every 16" or so. It will be screwed to the ceiling, side walls and the front stage as well so sagging should not be an issue. The only weight it will see is that of the screen itself. All the speakers will be on stands behind the wall. The tough part will be finding 2x2's 10' in length, if not I may have to use 2x4's and rip them down or use them as is.

As for the fabric, I was planning on building frames that I'll wrap the fabric around and use velcro to attach those to the actual screen wall frame allowing for easy removal so I have access to the gear behind the wall.

madmax

I have not done it myself but have given it some thought. You can use a non-stretchable nylon or plastic screen across the studs (behind the fabric) to keep the fabric from drooping. (Light spray of spray adhesive on the screen). Would your screen be in front of the wall? If against it then worry about sound causing it to shake. Someone somewhere makes a screen which allows sound to travel through it. Might make sense because you could put the center behind it.

Another option would be to make something similar to large speaker grilles. 1.5' x 7' (7' or whatever your ceiling height is). You could put a wood strip across the ceiling and another strip across the floor and just velcro the 1.5' x 7' panels in place. Easy access to anything behind them.

madmax

Ron-P

Another option would be to make something similar to large speaker grilles. 1.5' x 7' (7' or whatever your ceiling height is). You could put a wood strip across the ceiling and another strip across the floor and just velcro the 1.5' x 7' panels in place. Easy access to anything behind them.

Oh, now that's a good idea!

The screen will be mounted to the false wall as it is now mounted to the actual theater wall. I do not experience any vibration problems the way it is now. Worse case, I can isolate the screen via hook type hangers and hang the screen to miminize contact with the wall reducing vibrations that the screen will see.

madmax

It is almost the same thing you said about wrapping the material around frames. We were both thinking and typing at the same time.
madmax

Edit: I would still recommend wrapping the frames with a screen mesh first. Although it wouldn't stop anyone from falling through it I think it would add enough stability to handle someone accidently leaning on it or brushing against it.

amulford

I agree. Face the false wall with some fiberglass screen. You could actually glue the grill cloth to it, also. As far as the framing is cocerned, I personally wouldn't use 2x2's. I would probably go with 1x4's, but that's me...

Ron-P

Fiberglass screen as in the screen material on you basic household screen door? That is another good idea which I will do.

The problem with 1x4's would be securing them to the side walls, floor and ceiling. I may just go with my original thought and use 2x4's, overkill maybe, but it won't go anywhere.

Some great idea's here guys, thanks!

amulford

Ron,

If you want ot be able to remove it at any time, cut the top at a slight bevel and build it "tight". Then put in some stop blocks where you want to position it, push it in and it will stay in place.

disneyjoe7

I would use 2x3" not the 2x2", these are usually straighter then the 2x2". Well at least in Florida I would think in California also.

scottnbnj

if you're going to frame around the screen with 2x material, try to find fingerjointed studs. they're not perfect either, but there's less of a chance of them going totally wild.

)

madmax

The big flaw with my "speaker grille" idea is that at about the middle they will not line up nicely. They will change shape with the temperature. If you use that idea make sure you put a small dowel on one side and a hole on the other side. (about mid ways between floor and ceiling). When you put the panels in place the dowel will fit in the hole of the next one thus keeping all the panels (or grilles) lined up with each other.
madmax

Ron-P

Thanks for the all the tips guys. 2x3's, forgot about those, they should work perfectly, light yet stronger then 2x2s.

Did some measuring over the weekend and things are not going to work out as I had hoped. If I bring the wall forward 24" so I can hide the sonosub, the image gets too small and I cannot move the PJ back far enough to regain that.

So, I plan to build the wall out 18" so I can hide the mains, center, the AC unit (and eventually, all the gear) behind it. The sub will sit out in front for now. Once this project is done I will build a new sub that will fit under the back row of seating. There's plenty of space there now just need to build the box.

With the 18" wall and moving the PJ back a few inches I'll be able to keep a decent screen size and hide most everything.

Ron-P

I have decided to do all 2x4 construction. Over-kill, maybe, but it will be solid and less prone to vibration. What works out well is that at 15" away from the front wall I have a ceiling joist and down the side walls, studs all lined up so the screen wall will be screwed into the studs and joist making for a very soild wall.

I demoed everything last night. I plan to pick up the lumber within the next couple of days and get started. I'll shoot some pics as I move along.

Ron-P

2x4's were the way to go, makes for a very solid wall. Here's a pic I took several days ago. The framing has all been painted black and I'm getting ready to move all the gear behind it. Then, I'll start building all the frame work for the covers.

I bought some 1" galvanized pipe with a couple 45s and moved the PJ back 6" which allows me to keep the same screen size. I was in fear of having to reduce the screen due to moving the wall forward but it's working out perfectly.

Ron-P

Here's a pic of what she looks like as of last night. All the gear and speakers have moved in and are about 75% hooked up. Should have the rig up and running tonight.

I finished buying all the materials to start making the fabric frames that will mount to the screen wall and hide everything.

Ron-P

Here is a pic of the revamped PJ mount.

okiepolkie

Looks good. So when are you going to come do that to my house, with all of your gear?

Ron-P

Thanks Okiepolkie and never. Doing this once in my life is enough at least until I retire. Then I'll build a bigger and better one.

mantis

Ron,
nice work man. I like the stealth look. Your on track here. Post some pics of the finished work. I'd love to see em.

Dan

amulford

Very nice. Please post pics of the finished look. I think you will like it when your done...;)

Ron-P

Thanks guys, I'll keep posting pics as I progress. Last night construction got cut short as I got the PJ and 3 front channels up and sat back and watched an hour of AvP.

Believe it or not, with no fabric covers over the gear and speakers none of it can be seen during movie playback. At this point there's no real reason to build these fabric frames other then for aesthetic reasons, which I will still do.

I'll say this, it sure makes for a better movie viewing experience not have speakers and such sticking out and being a distraction.

PolkThug

Great project Ron! I need to do something like that in my basement.