How to Build a Home Theater: The Process Explained -

So, wondering how to build a home theater, are you?

Maybe you’re upgrading your man cave, making a media room that your family can enjoy together… Perhaps you need a use for that guest room that stays dusty year-round!

This guide will take you from conception to construction—all in a matter of minutes.

Step 1: Find Your Space

A home theater should be theater-sized, so find a room that’s on the larger size. We recommend looking for a room that’s 20 feet long by 15 wide when designing a home theater. You can use a smaller space, but a larger room leaves you space for soundproofing and soundproofing will be essential if your theater is near a common area.

For size and soundproofing reasons, home-theaters tend to be in converted basements. Other good options include…

Building a small extension
The attic, if you have a reasonably sized one
A spare bedroom that’s a decent size (try for at least 20×15, though 15×12 can do in a pinch)

Step 2: Plan Your Layout

Either break out a napkin and start sketching or open up a free 3D software like SketchUp and map out your home theater ideas. Include as much detail in your home theater design as possible. This single step determines the success of your project.

The more you know about your future theater, the easier it will be to frame, position your speakers, and position your power outlets.

Step 3: Demo and Construction (if Needed)

Converting a guest bedroom? This step isn’t for you. Deciding to add an addition to your house or converting a basement? Keep reading.

This step is similar to a standard construction project. In fact, you might want to consider hiring out for this step.

Grab some 2×4’s or a contractor and get your room roughed in and ready for sound wire and electrical outlets.

Once the framing is in, you’ll need to put in insulation. R30 insulation is the standard for floors, ceilings, and exterior walls. If you’re adding this inside your home, R11 should be enough to deaden most sounds your movies make.

You’ll still need additional sound protection, but R11 is a good start.

If you decided to re-use an already built room, you should still follow the next steps. Pay extra attention to hiding cables in wire channels and underneath trim for a cleaner look.

Step 4: Run Your Surround Sound Wire

If you’re investing in a home theater, then you’ll likely be adding in Dobly Atmos speakers. That gets messy wiring if you don’t run your wiring inside the walls.

To run your speaker wiring, you’ll want to start by marking the position where each speaker will live.

If you’re using a 9.1 speaker system (9 speakers and 1 subwoofer), you’ll want to mark the following configuration.

One speaker above OR below the screen
One speaker in the bottom corners on either side of the screen
One speaker in the top corners on either side of the screen
One speaker on either side of where you want the chairs to sit
Two speakers on the wall behind the chairs

If you’re using a 7.1 speaker system (7 speakers and 1 subwoofer), then mark…

One speaker above OR below the screen
One speaker in the corners on either side of the screen
One speaker on either side of where you want the chairs to sit
Two speakers on the wall behind the chairs

If you’re using a 5.1 speaker system (5 speakers and 1 subwoofer), then mark…

One speaker above OR below the screen
One speaker in the corners on either side of the screen
Two speakers on the wall behind the chairs

Finally, run speaker wire (use at least 16-4 wire) from your receiver to the places you’ve marked out for your speakers—drill holes through the framing large enough for the wire to pass through to keep the wiring neat.

Step 5: Run the Video Projector or TV Wire

Most home theaters will use a projector, so map out where you want your projector to be and run three cables.

An HDMI 2.0-2.1 cable to carry video and audio to the projector.
An audio cable to carry sound from your projector to your Receiver. Use whatever cable your receiver accepts.
A CAT5 cable to allow your projector to be controlled with an RF remote. (This step isn’t necessary, but it’s a nice touch.)

Newer 65+ inch TVs can make a great home theater media device too. For a TV run the following cables.

An HDMI 2.0-2.1 cable to carry video and audio.
An audio cable to carry sound from your TV to your Receiver. Use whatever cable your receiver accepts.

Whatever your solution, grab a high-quality HDMI switcher or an equipment hub and run for your media cables to plug into. This step will let you have multiple inputs going to your TV and only a single HDMI to manage.

Step 6: Wire Your Lighting and Outlets

Consider hiring an electrician at this point as well. Making sure that your home theater lighting and sockets are wired safely is a job best left to trained professionals.

Still, whatever your approach, focus on getting lighting that runs along the sidewalls, not lighting that sits directly overhead. Side lighting will give you the “theater atmosphere” and won’t cause too much glare.

You’ll also need floor lighting for your seating. Consider adding LED strips to the underside of your chairs for a nice underglow effect.

Add dimmers for extra lighting control as well.

Head here for some great theater lighting ideas.

Step 7: Your Walls and Soundproofing

Make small holes in your drywall to run your cabling before you nail down any of the panels. Next, texture your walls and paint. Special sheetrock types can help with soundproofing as well.

So, if it’s in the budget, go with QuietRock or another soundproofed-sheetrock alternative.

Once your drywall is up, hang some extra soundproofing panels to deaden the noise further. DIY soundproof panels are easy to make for cheap too.

Finally, opt for a solid core door if one isn’t already installed.

Step 8: Set up Your Media Devices and Seats

This step is your victory lap. Now you get to hang your speakers, your TV/projector and screen, your receiver, and any media consoles you want to use. Follow the included directions on your equipment for the best results.

Make sure to manage your cables for an extra clean look!

Finally, bring in any home theater seating you want to use. Whether that means stadium seating or an extra-plush couch is up to you (don’t forget about that underglow/raceway lighting for safety).