Lashed To The Mast
03-01-2009, 01:13 PM
My Man Cave...
I desperately needed two things:
-More storage for tools and seasonal crap
-A small place to be a man (cigars, poker, TV)
THE SHED
I was out of space in our house to do this (no basement, garage or extra room available). So, in September of last year I went to an Amish general store about 40 minutes from the house and asked them to build a 12 x 20 shed to my specs. They placed doors and windows where I wanted them and even went as far as matching the siding and roofing material of my house.
In October they delivered my shed completely built and placed it exactly on a spot I had leveled and ready with stone. This spot is accessible from my driveway and deck but it is not connected to the house. This makes it ideal for smoking, making noise and just plain getting away from it all.
BUILDING THE INTERIOR
After arrival, I built a wall down the center to divide storage from cave. Above the wall I made a loft opened up to the cave side so I could store cave crap.
My father-in-law ran the electric, I insulated the entire thing and all of my friends and I put beadboard up on all walls and ceilings with the help of many beers.
Believe it or not, my wife painted the entire interior (forest green walls/white ceiling) and laid tile for the floor (black & white)!
FILLING THE INTERIOR
On the storage side I have one wall of shelves to hold tools and crap. On another wall I hang lawn tools and on the third short wall I have a work bench. I also use this side for seasonal storage of summer stuff in the winter and vice versa.
On the cave side we installed a 32" flat screen with built in DVD, a ceiling fan/light, electric fireplace, kegerator, beer neon and personal memorabilia.
In its normal set up, there are 2 recliners facing the TV with side tables for cigars and drinks. There are a couple folding chairs for guests as well.
In poker mode, the recliners go to the storage side and folding chairs/poker table come down from the cave's loft to be set in the center of the room. The max in my room for poker is 8 seats.
THE OUTCOME
I use to hate the long winters being trapped inside, but now, this winter flew by with all the cigars I smoked, hockey I've watched and poker games I've hosted in the Cave! This is the best thing I've ever done.
Hell, the little money I invested in this has and will save me thousands. I don't go out to bars/restaurants/clubs as much as I use to. I don't need to...I got it all here! Even my friends agree. I'm glad I could do this for all of us. There's a lot more Man Time now!
I have to learn how to post pics so I can show you the Cave (and my custom chips from Guma when they arrive!). Just thought I'd share my Detached Cave story now. Thanks for the great forum! :thumb:
I desperately needed two things:
-More storage for tools and seasonal crap
-A small place to be a man (cigars, poker, TV)
THE SHED
I was out of space in our house to do this (no basement, garage or extra room available). So, in September of last year I went to an Amish general store about 40 minutes from the house and asked them to build a 12 x 20 shed to my specs. They placed doors and windows where I wanted them and even went as far as matching the siding and roofing material of my house.
In October they delivered my shed completely built and placed it exactly on a spot I had leveled and ready with stone. This spot is accessible from my driveway and deck but it is not connected to the house. This makes it ideal for smoking, making noise and just plain getting away from it all.
BUILDING THE INTERIOR
After arrival, I built a wall down the center to divide storage from cave. Above the wall I made a loft opened up to the cave side so I could store cave crap.
My father-in-law ran the electric, I insulated the entire thing and all of my friends and I put beadboard up on all walls and ceilings with the help of many beers.
Believe it or not, my wife painted the entire interior (forest green walls/white ceiling) and laid tile for the floor (black & white)!
FILLING THE INTERIOR
On the storage side I have one wall of shelves to hold tools and crap. On another wall I hang lawn tools and on the third short wall I have a work bench. I also use this side for seasonal storage of summer stuff in the winter and vice versa.
On the cave side we installed a 32" flat screen with built in DVD, a ceiling fan/light, electric fireplace, kegerator, beer neon and personal memorabilia.
In its normal set up, there are 2 recliners facing the TV with side tables for cigars and drinks. There are a couple folding chairs for guests as well.
In poker mode, the recliners go to the storage side and folding chairs/poker table come down from the cave's loft to be set in the center of the room. The max in my room for poker is 8 seats.
THE OUTCOME
I use to hate the long winters being trapped inside, but now, this winter flew by with all the cigars I smoked, hockey I've watched and poker games I've hosted in the Cave! This is the best thing I've ever done.
Hell, the little money I invested in this has and will save me thousands. I don't go out to bars/restaurants/clubs as much as I use to. I don't need to...I got it all here! Even my friends agree. I'm glad I could do this for all of us. There's a lot more Man Time now!
I have to learn how to post pics so I can show you the Cave (and my custom chips from Guma when they arrive!). Just thought I'd share my Detached Cave story now. Thanks for the great forum! :thumb: