We started by building a base out of 2×4’s to set the BESTÅ shelf units on. This was sized to fit the convenient setback in the wall in the basement.

Next we had to size the three IKEA shelf units were about 1.5 inches to long in total, so we happily voided any warranties and I modified the unit that would go in the middle.

After the modifications were done, the bases of the shelf units were screwed down to the 2×4 frame and then they were fully assembled. All the wiring was run for audio, networking, and power hiding it in a gap behind the shelf units and in the walls.

We painted the back wall an accent color. The doors were installed on the unmodified units and we build a custom top to go over the BESTÅ shelf units to get the television the correct height. We also filled in the wall using the LACK shelves.  Oh and we played some RockBand to test all the wiring connections.

We finished by installing the trim and painting the new countertop white to match the BESTÅ shelf units.

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Before getting started with the how, here is the before shot.  As you can see, just a big open space! Be sure to check out those classy Christmas decorations!

To start this project we needed to remove the floor board and affix a post to the floor joist in order to have a stable wall that didn’t wobble. After pulling up the floorboard we found that the previous owners had just covered up the old cold air return when they removed the wall. This made it really easy for us to nail in a post and install some angle braces for support. Woot! It would also allow me to put the cold air return back in the wall and not have it in the floor anymore, this was a big bonus for the wife who hated the vent in the floor!

Next up was the simple task of building a standard wall frame and attaching it to the existing wall and the new post. Space was left open in one segment for the cold air return. Also we built up the post to give it the desired size.

OK, as a geek dad, I could not resist the temptation to run some low voltage wire for TV, Ethernet, and phone.  These runs are from the premise room to the cable TV junction, basement home theater, a new outlet in the new wall, and other places. The reason for doing all this it it will let us replace a bunch of wire that the previous owners ran on the outside of the house! I can’t stand running cable on the outside of a house.

Now for the drywall and paneling. Yes I said paneling! The family room is painted paneling (remember, I told you this is 1970’s house). At Home Depot, we found the closet paneling we could to match what was installed. As a side note, paneling in 2010 is about 1/2 the thickness of paneling in 1974 so we needed to double up. With the drywall up and the top trim and plate installed it was on to mudding, taping and sanding which for me is the the worst part of any job, short of plumbing!

After a few days we are almost there and it is time to prime and paint the new wall and trim! Once again, I must thank the previous owners for their thoughtful decision to paint with the most expensive paint on the planet, Sherwin Williams! Even after coupons and sales the paint still cost us about $100; that was more than all the other materials combined! With the wall painted and the rest of the trim installed, we now have an awesome finished half wall!

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