Hi there. This is my first post. I have read a lot about false walls here, but none of the posts have addressed my specific questions.

I would like to build a false wall to integrate my AV setup into. I have the following:

65" DLP (rear proj.) TV (approx. 2.5 feet deep)
Onkyo receiver
2 front and 1 center channel speaker
Playstation 3
Wii
Directv Sattelite receiver/DVR
iPod dock

I would like to build in compartments for the following as well:

1 for Bluray movies
1 for video games
1 long one running the length of the wall (or 3 separate even ones to allow for structural support) for displaying various sports memorabilia
1 large access panel on the lower right (to store Rock Band drums and guitars all of which take up a lot of room and are an eyesore)

My questions are, should I anchor the structure to the existing wall (keep in mind it is an exterior wall and packed with insulation) or the floor and ceiling?

How can I put a door on the access panel on the lower right that is hidden?

Should I use 2x4s? Are 2x6s overkill?

When I dry wall the facade, any tips for rounding the edges around all the shelving?

Finally, suggestions for heat management?

I appreciate the opportunity to learn from all of the people here who have done this before. This will be my first construction undertaking of this size and I hope that it goes rather smoothly.

I am going to take some measurements and document my vision in Visio or Powerpoint. I hope to post these soon.

[thefathacker]

Originally Posted by cjranucci

My questions are, should I anchor the structure to the existing wall (keep in mind it is an exterior wall and packed with insulation) or the floor and ceiling?

How can I put a door on the access panel on the lower right that is hidden?

CJ,

I'll only attempt to answer what I've quoted you on above:

It's difficult to imagine your scheme without a picture - it would be helpful if you could knock something together on google sketchup as myself and many others have done previously - that will help other members to help you.

Answers: -

If your wall is not floating an is an extension of your existing wall - in the interests of crack free plaster you need to make it as secure as possible. The best way would be to secure it to floor, wall and ceiling.

I recently revamped my lounge and put a hidden door in that - albeit in MDF. I'm not sure you'll have much success in hiding a cupboard in a drylined wall - but if I'm wrong I'm sure I'll be corrected.