False Wall Around TV - what materials are best?

Deep · 6 Jul 2017 at 11:02

I'm thinking about building a false wall around my TV so that I can hide the big mass of cables that I've got.

I've got a very simple AV unit.

It's looks like this but without the bottom shelf. So it's just the top and middle shelf
I want the false wall to be in front of that so that the cables feed straight out and into the back of the items on the AV unit.

There is a small caveat, I want the panel that falls behind the bench to be removable, it'll only be a small section but that'd be brilliant.

I'm going to get this wall mount which will be mounted directly onto the brick wall behind.
I'm then going to build the wall around that, but I'm unsure what materials to use.

I could go for straight plasterboard which is fixed to the timber frame, or my brother recommends marine plywood.
If I get the plywood then I just need to sand it and prime it, no need to worry or have the extra expense of getting it plastered.
What finish would be the best? And if I get it plastered I'd see the join of the removable panel but it'd be hidden behind the unit so that's not the end of the world

SupraWez · 6 Jul 2017 at 11:10

Plasterboard on timber frame.

Joins and fixing locations can be filled and smoothed and then paint the whole thing or paper it.

Buffman · 6 Jul 2017 at 11:11

Do you have a picture/diagram of what you're trying to achieve? I can't work it out, surely you're losing space in your room?

Surely rather than a false wall you could chase the cables into the existing plaster then Replaster over them?

Remember if you make a false wall you'll have to make a rigid connection with your TV bracket (you shouldnt try hang it just on plasterboard).

Ive got that tv bracket, and it's great.

SupraWez · 6 Jul 2017 at 11:20

Google image search something like plasma false wall and you will see lots of examples and methods.

Deep · 6 Jul 2017 at 13:50

The Craig said:
Do you have a picture/diagram of what you're trying to achieve? I can't work it out, surely you're losing space in your room?

Surely rather than a false wall you could chase the cables into the existing plaster then Replaster over them?

Remember if you make a false wall you'll have to make a rigid connection with your TV bracket (you shouldnt try hang it just on plasterboard).

Ive got that tv bracket, and it's great.

I've not chased the cables into the walls is because I don't like the rigidity of it. I've got so many different things under my TV (PS3, PS4, Wii U, N64, HTPC, Steam Link, Amp (i think that's it)) that I want to be able to chop and change the cables and stuff.
It's something I'm definitely going to consider in my next property though. I'd like to keep almost everything in a separate room apart from TV, HTPC and PS4 (or whatever it is by then)

The timber will only be a few inches thick at most so I won't lose much. I've already gained a lot by removing the chimney breast that was there previously.
The TV will be direct on to the brick work.

I'll draw a crappy picture and upload it soon.

https://imgur.com/tAlZcmw

Daaaavvveee · 6 Jul 2017 at 14:00

Deep said:
I've not chased the cables into the walls is because I don't like the rigidity of it. I've got so many different things under my TV (PS3, PS4, Wii U, N64, HTPC, Steam Link, Amp (i think that's it)) that I want to be able to chop and change the cables and stuff.
It's something I'm definitely going to consider in my next property though. I'd like to keep almost everything in a separate room apart from TV, HTPC and PS4 (or whatever it is by then)

The timber will only be a few inches thick at most so I won't lose much. I've already gained a lot by removing the chimney breast that was there previously.
The TV will be direct on to the brick work.

I'll draw a crappy picture and upload it soon.

Could you upgrade your amp to one that can take an input from each device then just have the 1 cable going up to the TV?

its what I have, makes it a lot easier

Buffman · 6 Jul 2017 at 14:32

Daaaavvveee said:
Could you upgrade your amp to one that can take an input from each device then just have the 1 cable going up to the TV?

its what I have, makes it a lot easier

I think I realised what you mean now, but for the sake of keeping the wall flush I would just chase 1 (or two) 4k hdmi cables into the wall.

Got any pics of the existing room?

I have some pics of my tv in this thread, the bracket is really impressive (and heavy!) for the money.
https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/bungalow-build-log.18757204/page-2

Deep · 6 Jul 2017 at 14:37

I

The Craig said:
I think I realised what you mean now, but for the sake of keeping the wall flush I would just chase 1 (or two) 4k hdmi cables into the wall.

Got any pics of the existing room?

I have some pics of my tv in this thread, the bracket is really impressive (and heavy!) for the money.
https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/bungalow-build-log.18757204/page-2

'll take one tonight

I'm glad the bracket is heavy and solid. I might be able to hide the Steam Link on it as well.

the_r_sole · 6 Jul 2017 at 15:34

If you're going to all the expense and hassle of building a partition wall just to hide a cable, why not go the whole hog and design everything in rather than having a freestanding unit in front of a false wall?
the other thing to be mindful of, you need to maintain a certain amount of ventilation around the tv (check the manual) - also don't size it just for the tv you have at the moment, look for similar sized screens and look at overall dims including bezels etc to make sure a replacement will always fit!
If you are worried about cables in the future you could run some plastic duct and use faceplates with brush openings on them rather than having removable panels.