What would you do with this basement space?

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

We have a large basement area, partially finished (previous HO put in drywall and flooring, but only temporary dividers instead of framed walls). We're looking to make it a rec room, with a big home theater TV (ideally very big), a gas fireplace, and if possible, a pool table. We hired an architect for this as a package with our kitchen, but they focused mostly on the kitchen and didn't have a lot in the way of design ideas for the basement (and have been really difficult about plan changes).

Here's a bare plan and their plan to just frame off the mechanical area and put in a gas fireplace. I think their plan is pretty basic and feels crammed in, and I'm not sure there's space for a pool table laid out this way (~4 ft on each side at best).

Any creative thoughts on how to make this work better? Feel free to go crazy with it! Note that the fireplace has to go along the "Mechanical" side and can't be on a foundation wall, but it could potentially be a freestanding gas stove instead.

Featured Answer

PRO

Century Billiards

7 years ago

Pool Table sizes are approximate. You don't really have 4' on both sides. I would consider a slightly smaller regulation 7' size.

7' table - 39" x 78" (play field) & requires a space of 12'8" by 16'2" for perfect play

8' table - 44" x 88" (play field) & requires a space of 13'4" by 17'2" for perfect play

The overal dimensions of the table can vary, depending on the style of table you go with. The top rails have different widths. You are mostly concerned with the inside dimensions (play field), as the cue stick will shoot over the top rails.

We'd love to assist further. Please email us for more info at nygameroom@gmail.com

Best of luck with your project.

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Comments (12)

Joe P
Original Author
7 years ago
Just going to try bumping this once. If you have any ideas, thank you. :)
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
FYI architects are poor kitchen designers so maybe address that first then get a good audio. visual designer to work on the basement space a pool table rquires 5’ around on all sides so keep that in mind in this quite small space . A large TV requires a distance from the screen that IMO you do not have. Maybe think foosball table instead or even a hockey game table or maybe a shuffle board.
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Joe P
Original Author
7 years ago
Good ideas, thank you Patricia.
fnmroberts
7 years ago
It's difficult to "imagine" how to define another's space without knowing all you wish to incorporate. So, I've taken a video of our main room to provide ideas. We used color to break spaces, have installed lights to accommodate a pool table (though n o plans to actually place one), created an AV area and use an electric fireplace for ambiance as well as supplemental heat all around a kitchen/bar because we use the basement primarily as an entertainment space.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAUak7Xneh0&t=18s
Joe P
Original Author
7 years ago
Wow, that is really helpful, thanks!
fnmroberts
7 years ago
Glad it was helpful. I’ll try to get a copy of our plan but we’re out of town until Monday.
Joe P
Original Author
7 years ago
No rush, we’re very early in planning right now. Thank you.
fnmroberts
7 years ago
Good Morning - Attached is a link to some plans including our basement. Unfortunately I can't locate the original and the photo sharing site won't permit me to share a single picture.

Spent 5 winters doing the built-out. I market placement of every wall and light on the floor with masking tape, moving as necessary, so that we could walk and "live" the space before construction began.

https://beta.photobucket.com/u/treeshouse/a/626cc424-e504-40d9-b041-6441ff0769fe
Joe P
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks very much for sharing. It looks like a great space!
PRO
Century Billiards
7 years ago
You really want 4.5' around the table for good play, there are alternatives to a pool table as well. We might suggest a gaming table (poker/dining/bumper pool), foosball, and shuffleboard table as well.

Are there children that will be enjoying the space? Or is this for adult entertainment?
Joe P thanked Century Billiards
Joe P
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Thanks very much, that is extremely helpful! Here's what it looks like if I frame the left wall back a little further. I can get 4.5' on each side but the pillar can't move so I lose a foot or so there. The couch has a low back that shouldn't interfere with shots. In answer to your question there will be kids using the space also.

I'd be open to non-pool table options if it's really not going to work out but would rather do the pool table if possible. Other options: go down to the 7' table size, or use shorter cues?