Converting Partial Garage - Need Ideas

[bluffsmith]

OK, I've searched my living areas for the perfect place to create my man cave and I keep coming back to converting the workshop area plus a single bay of my three car garage. This gives me about 15 X 17 area to work with.

Any suggestions as to design plans. Preliminary Plans call for carpeted area, pool table + bar seats for 4-6 + bar area + three flat screen tvs to watch multiple sporting events while shooting pool and enjoying adult beverages with the neighbors.

Still plan to use remaining two bays to park the cars and store stuff. Live in Nashville so weather is not too extreme. Planing on using kerosene heaters during usage period - concern though - will the time when the room is not heated become a problem for LCD or Plasma TVs?

Will likely build a partial wall 4 foot high by 8 foot long to separate mancave area from parked car area. Any ideas as to how to mount 2X4s to concrete floor (I'll be improvising as I'm not the best handyman).

All advice is appreciated. I have no other options for man cave area so I have to make this area work somehow.

[Quads]

Would probably stick the bar in back, with the flat screens on the wall to the side where you can pull a car out, group / move chairs around if needed, and or with the car in there, and a smaller group, have options on a flat panel on the back wall, say above the bar, and then one to the wall to either your left or right.

Astro-turf or short nap carpet. (think industrial type carpet). Broom sweep if needed, vacuum as well, and or hose it down. Sold at HD, Lowes, etc.

Don't know that cold is a problem for LCD's or Plasma TV's. I think you should be OK providing you are not exposing them to extreme / raw elements. (sub-zero, wind, moisture, ugly chicks, etc.)

As far as a stem wall, pretty easy to secure. Build the wall, stand it up and either attach it to the concrete floor with red head anchors, drop in / threaded anchors with a masonry bit (home depot / lowes / etc), or a hilti ram set (nail gun that shoots concrete nails, can be rested for 20 bucks) You could also devise some add'l support with some steel straps or kickers for additional lateral support if needed.

If you have a picture or two of the area you are working with, that's always a great idea generator. Post it and I'm sure you'll gather some other ideas from others.

[MisterShark]

Like Quads recommended:

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/29/2956158f-d162-4b62-9812-6861108c943e_300.jpg

+

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/ea/ea5f0a5c-c1d9-45ae-8fe3-5fc917874e88_300.jpg

+

http://osopher.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/hammer1.jpg


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Fun


You might wanna also pick up some hearing and eye protection if you don't already have some, but otherwise that's what you need to anchor your knee wall's plate (the 2 x 4 that lies along and will be anchored to your garage's concrete floor). Use pressure-treated wood for the plate 2 x 4s.

Regarding which fasteners to use for your particular floor: here's an info page (http://www.ramset.com/fasteners.asp) that'll help you pick the right ones for the job, as well as provide guidelines for proper installation (such as correct spacing, etc..).

[sunsetpizza]

I like the idea of a wall of some sort but what if you want to have a big party?
if you pulled the cars out and threw down another roll of carpet you'd triple your space instantly.
What about a curtain hung from the ceiling. Could still be 4' high and easily lifted out of the way for the bigger parties.

I like the idea though... I grew up in Nashville - parents still live there too.
Welcome to the forum......