False Chimney Build - Idoits Guide

[lee_whippet]

Hello all!,

First time posting on this forum, but enjoyed viewing the different threads and looking at the photo's over past couple of weeks.

Looking at most threads and photo's i think i've got the basic idea of what is required for a false chimney, but can anyone out there help with a step-by-step idoits guide?

I've a long flat wall and am looking to build a false chimney to mount a 37" LCD (and possibly an inset below for DVD & Sky Box or a false fire below for decorative purpose - don't want to damage the screen with the heat!).

Looking for info on what size timbers and bolts to use, how the frame should be constructed, when the wires go in, moving the aeriel points, should the cavity be insulated for sound proofing, etc, etc

[N42]

Well here's a start, build the frame out using 63x38mm CLS Timber and 9mm plasterboard.

[albriscoe]

Hi Lee


I would agree with N42 regarding the cls timber but would suggest you use 12.5 mm plaster boards as you get a much flatter surface to plaster to. They are a little more expensive but at £3.50 for an 2400x1200 board you`ll only need 2 or 3 for a standard chimney breast.

If you don`t want to plaster use tapered edge boards which only need filling and sanding where the joints are but a skim of plaster is the way to go really

As to contruction I would check elootos`s thread

Windows 7 Media Center in false chimney breast and other continuing work.....

this will tell you all you need to know for your own diy project

cheers and good luck and don`t forget the photo`s

Allan

[N42]

Yep and my plans should be posting up anytime soon.

[lee_whippet]

Thanks for the replies Allan and N42.

The look of Elootoo's chimney / tv / inset is very similar to what i was looking to achieve. The projector and drop down screen look brilliant but i'm not planning on one of those ... way too complicated for me!.

The thing that worries most is constructing the frame, putting the wires in, insulating it out, having it plaster boarded and skimmmed, and then finding out i've missed something or need to access something 'inside' the chimney and not being able to get at it! (without causing damage to the chimney).

[twintin]

If you are worried about access inside just do what i did and leave a huge cut out behind the screen. It makes it dead easy to access anything (you can just move the screen and lean in) just be sure to leave a couple of extra sockets and it's a doddle. I think i may have put a couple of piccys in my home build thread which may show what i mean
cheers
Mark