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Man-cave - What would you include?


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I need some help...

This is almost a fantasy come true...I've been given an opportunity to build myself an "area" in the basement. :goof: The area is roughly 13' x 25' and has an existing fireplace in the middle of one long wall. The area has no windows and is in the "dark end" of the basement...concrete floor/walls and exposed joist ceiling.

I'm looking for ideas on what to include and what building materials to use. My budget IS limited somewhat but creativity is NOT. This area is to be secured from 12 year old and his friends...and ner-do-wells.

Items that are mandatory:

"Full size" safe

Loading bench/storage - only one loader so far 550B

Computer area

Lockable door

From here where would you go? I'm looking for practical options, crazy options, "james-bond" options, whatever...I must admit that secret panels are an option too...aren't we all just big kids...or just me.

Building materials:

I only have one wall/door that must be built to section off from the rest of the basement. I don't think I can pull off a poured concrete wall, but what other options are there for a strong wall. Would block be worth it?

Ideas for securing safe? It is a major brand safe...very heavy and very secure in its own right.

FYI - I have been looking at the loading areas in the gallery and found some great ideas there, too.

Thanks in advance...

:cheers:

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WTF??? :surprise:

This is almost a fantasy come true...I've been given an opportunity to build myself an "area" in the basement.

Who pays the mortgage on this place to which you have been given an opportunity to build yourself a 13 x 25 foot "area" in the dark end of the basement?

Give the dark end to the grateful wife and kids and use the property as you choose!

Sheesh! I hate to get all political in these fine forums but this reeks of Socialist Education and Feminist inspired Political Correctness!

Get a pair!

:devil:

Edited by AikiDale
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Sounds nearly identical to the "gungeon" that I had at the last house.

I had the required reloading bench and also a gunsmithing bench. Beyond that, I had these big heavy counter tops units that I took out of one of the stores that Steve Anderson closed. Lots of storage...sturdy as hell...and, free.

I put in a cheap utility sink and ran water to it.

In the counter tops, there was room for a microwave and a half-sized fridge.

I had a little desk in there with the computer. And, an area with a TV, carpet remnant and a couple of extra chairs (one high back that didn't make the cut for the rest of the house) and a coffee table.

I walled my area off with one straight wall (dry-walled) and added a solid core door with a normal key lock. If somebody really wanted in...it would have been no big deal to defeat the wall or kick the door in. But, it did serve to keep out the curious. If somebody wanted in, they'd have to "break in".

I ran lots of light. You can't have too much. And, I ran lots of electrical outlets (some in the "ceiling" of my room).

I had my mini-mill in there, but it probably goes better in the garage. My parts washer and my compressor stayed in the garage.

Oh...and I had a few book-shelve units in there too. So, all my "gun stuff" had a place.

I slapped some paint on the walls and stained the floor (going for bright colors since it is a basement with no external light).

The humidor wasn't in there because I didn't smoke in the house. Though I did consider running a vent to the outside. That would have meant getting a bit more serious about keep the smoke from leaking out to the rest of the house.

I purposely made/left it industrial looking. You don't want to make it attractive...then somebody will want to share it with you. ;)

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Dillon calendars in case you can't find an "assistant" of sufficient caliber for the pole. :devil:

42-inch plasma HDTV.

Recliner to rest your weary muscles from all that reloading and smithing.

Edited by XD Niner
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Something else...

When I walled mine off, it looked like that was the exterior wall of the basement. People that didn't know, didn't even realize there was a room there. If you can work that into the mix, I highly suggest it.

Even with the door, most people wouldn't realize a room was there (goofy). And, I could have taken the door out of the line of sight with a shelving unit or something.

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Something else...

When I walled mine off, it looked like that was the exterior wall of the basement. People that didn't know, didn't even realize there was a room there. If you can work that into the mix, I highly suggest it.

Even with the door, most people wouldn't realize a room was there (goofy). And, I could have taken the door out of the line of sight with a shelving unit or something.

May we see pictures?

If not I understand!!!

FM

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Something else...

When I walled mine off, it looked like that was the exterior wall of the basement. People that didn't know, didn't even realize there was a room there. If you can work that into the mix, I highly suggest it.

Great idea, Flex. I think I can work this in.

Strange no one has mentioned a toilet. I forgot to mention this could be worked into scheme although this would push the $$ up a bit...I don't do plumbing.

Keep the ideas coming.

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Strange no one has mentioned a toilet

Didn't I mention the sink???

Seriously, you'd really want to have the pipes already roughed in to add a toilet. That, or add in one of those mulching/pump type deals...I think. Shit runs down hill. (yeah...I just wanted to say that :))

A urinal might be a manly touch.

Check your budget. Framing, dry-wall, door, electric...even doing the work yourself, it adds up. I went in phases.

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I am in the middle of finishing my 890 sq ft basement right now. Half for dry fire/air rifle practice and the other half for reloading/cleaning.

I thought that a urinal, one of the big tall ones that go from the floor to chest height, would be cool. I just got one of those looks...

I would be sure to run some PVC or copper pipes for compressed air.

Add more outlets than you think you might need and dont forget to add a phone line and/or lan drop. I also have a couple in wall speakers.

I thought about a stripper pole, but they give me a nasty rash.

Edited by Tom Freeman
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I thought about a stripper pole, but they give me a nasty rash.

Oh, man! Now that's a visual that I didn't need. :sick: I think it may be time to close this thread. :lol:

Edited by XD Niner
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Run lots o' power outlets, and air if available.

Hang more lights than you think you'll need.

Shop for the biggest safe that makes sense, and then buy one size bigger.

Home Depot and Lowe's have plastic, free-standing shelving units that are nice. Configure however you like and you can move them when needed.

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"I don't think I took any pics."
You irresponsible twit!!! :rolleyes:

------------------------------

Meanwhile: You know, there are a lot of features in these, uh, "man caves" that would be quite suitable for a "sensible-woman cave." Well, sans the urinal perhaps. But in case I got stiff 'n sore from too much reloading, I definitely WOULD see that a "pole" was installed for loosening up and entertaining friends. Great place, too, for the old Joe Montana and David Lee Roth posters. Yep, the "sensible-woman cave", ladies and gentlemen, is a valid idea.

:lol:

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Siggy...I took a mental picture. :)

Now...here is another.

I thought that a urinal, one of the big tall ones that go from the floor to chest height, would be cool. I just got one of those looks...

I have a buddy (old room-mate) that used to pop in on after matches on the weekends and such. We'd do a little beer drinking in his garage. He'd put a 5-gal bucket in the corner. :)

Give her a choice. :cheers:

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