This is my latest custom project. This unit covered an entire brick wall and features concealed wiring with easy access, a vent fan with thermostat for electronics behind closed doors, a wireless remote sensor, puck lights and decorative trimwork. The frame around the TV is easily removable for access to the TV. This unit was built to enhance the aesthetics of the room and to make the fireplace look like a fireplace with a raised hearth as opposed to an opening in the brick wall to light a fire. The hearth extanded the length of the wall. Thanks for looking.
Viewer Comments:
Nice work on the built-in, like a lot of people on this site I just don't care for the flat screen above the fireplace. Your work looks great, nice clean lines.
Ryan,
The built-in looks fine but I believe I would have encouraged the homeowner the have the bricks cleaned prior to installing your work. I think the dirty brick retracts from the clean white lines of your work. I leave the TV placement up the homeowners. If its above the fireplace then its above the fireplace. Whether I personally like that it or not has no bearing on the subject.
Thank you for your input. I'll remember to have the bricks cleaned on future projects. What is the best way to clean bricks? I, too, have my own opinion as to TV over fireplace, but it is up to the customer. Thanks again. Happy Holidays!
Hey Kevin I just gave my opinion about the flat screen above the fireplace. It does have a bearing on the subject, however yes the customer can put the flat screen any place they want to. I think that when they do put it above the fireplace it takes away from a job well done just as much as dirty brick.
Just a thought , but if the brick is dirty right above the firebox , what will happen to the nice white woodwork in the same spot?
I did something similar... http://www.woodweb.com/galleries/project/posts/744.html
I'm not particularly partial to the TVs being over the fireplace but the layout of the rooms has everything to do with furniture placement and where you can put what. Assuming that you don't have the time to knock down the fireplace and move it, the TV has to be able to work well in the arrangement of furniture. Its just how it is.
Nice job. Looks like great work!
By the way, you can wash that very easily now...Muriatic Acid 50/50mix with water and a brush. Home Depot has it.
Clean everything up with cold water and make sure the carpet is protected with plastic.
Before I started the project, I did ask the customer how often they used the fireplace. They said maybe once a year if they even use it. They are aware of the soot issue.
Placement was another consideration. From the brick wall clockwise a 4' entryway on the first wall, 7' entryway opposing wall, bay window seton the right wall leaving only this wall for a TV.
Nonetheless, it sure does create a much better look for the room as opposed to a plain old, boring brick wall.
Very nice work Gary.
Thank you all for your input. It is invaluable.
My biggest concern about this project was the TV height. Although I feel it may be a bit too high, blancing the entire project took precedence while keeping the TV as low as possible.
I did make sure to get a tilt mount.
Excellent results, Ryan. Personally, I would have considered leaving the brick exposed behind the shelves. For balance, continuity, touch of originality, and less cost. Just the same, though; customer signed off on the wood backing, the end product looks great, and you've walked away with a check. Uh, you did remember to grab the check, right? D'oh!
I don't ever forget the check.
I love this. We are wanting to do this in our family room. How do we get the plans for it?
Wow! I've come a long way. This project was among the firsts as an independent Cabinetmaker. I am still in the business and serving the Louisville, Kentucky area. I suppose it's time to share more of my work here. There is a lot! Thanks for looking.
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