Family Room Built-In - Installing The Top or Header

Well Hello!

I'm popping in today with a quick progress report on the family room built-in.

I took Thanksgiving and Black Friday off from working on this project, but for the most part, this is the place where you can find me at any given time.

I haven't posted anything on my social media channels because it takes time, and I don't have it right now. I'll probably make some updates this week.

That first picture was taken last night. But let me tell you how that top part was closed in. →
This next picture is how the built-in looked at the end of my last post.


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When I built the shelves and the long columns, I didn't trim the extra material at the top. I assumed that extra part would be covered, just the same as when building a previous project of mine: the dining room shelves. However, I had trouble with the columns. The front face of those columns had to be flush with the header or top part. So, I needed to trim the front part of those columns.

My cordless DeWalt Oscillating tool saved the day! 

Do you have an oscillating tool? 

You need to have one. Oscillating tools are problem solvers. Every time you run into a problem, they get you out of there. I love this DeWalt because it's cordless, and it's powerful, and changing the blades is super easy.

DEWALT 20-VOLT MAX LITHIUM-ION CORDLESS OSCILLATING TOOL KIT

 

Well, I started with column number 1, and in no time, they were all done!

Then I built seven frames from 2 x 4s. These are the supports on which the header would be nailed. 

The supports were installed one on top of each column, with an extra support at the center of the entire built-in. They were set in place using the Ridgid angled finish nailer.

RIDGID 15-GAUGE 2-1/2 IN. ANGLED FINISH NAILER

When building and installing those frames/supports, make sure they are set at the proper depth. 

You have to account for the thickness of the front board and any extra moldings you need to install next.

RIDGID 4.5 GAL. PORTABLE ELECTRIC QUIET AIR COMPRESSOR

Before closing that space, I asked Mr. RLC to run the electrical for some sconces I wanted to install at the top of each shelf. 

Oh, he also ran the cable for a light in the center of the room.

As soon as he finished running the electrical, I went ahead and closed that space up there. I used 1/2" plywood. I ran out of plywood and had to use 1/2" MDF on that first shelf.

For the shallow shelves, I had to add extra supports to secure those front boards onto them. Those extra supports were vertical pieces of wood nailed to each side of the 2 x 4 frames and one horizontal piece nailed on the top edge of the shelf. 

Remember to install those extra supports back, so the front of the board is flush with the shelf.

The next step was to install the crown molding. I first installed it on the side and center shelves. 

Then, it was installed on the push-back shelves, coping those angles.

As you notice, I also added a 1/4" lattice on each column, and the rough edges of the shelves were covered with a 1/2" x  3/4" parting bead.

The final step was to set up the TV wall in the built-in.  

I opened the holes in the countertop to run the TV cables to the equipment on the base cabinet using my Bosch Daredevil spade bits. I also installed the 2 x 4's to create a false wall to hide all the cables.

 19PC BOSCH DAREDEVIL SPADE BIT SET |  RIDGID 18-Volt OCTANE Cordless/Brushless 1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver

This has been a big, messy room these past weeks.

DEWALT 20-VOLT MAX LITHIUM-ION CORDLESS BRUSHLESS DRILL/DRIVER AND IMPACT COMBO KIT

Sawdust, tools, and materials were a constant sight. 

Luckily, my Ridgid Vac was a huge help in containing all the dirt and picking it up quickly. This thing has a tremendous suction power!

RIDGID 12 Gal. 5.0 -Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum

  

After cleaning and removing everything from the shelves, this is how they look:

Some moldings are still missing, and I need to install the front board on the TV false wall. But overall, this big wall of shelves is ready for some caulking, sanding, priming, sanding, painting, sanding, painting... 

Oh, and doors.

I'm going to try spray painting this project. I'm closing in the area and protecting anything I don't want to be painted in this room. Hopefully, it's easier than using a brush. 🤞


Here are the links to all the work done for this built-in project:

The Doors and Final Reveal

The Tools That Made It Easier

The Door Knobs

The Painting Process

Installing the Top or Header

Building and Installing the Shelves

The Countertop

Building the Base Cabinets

Family Room - The Before

*This post contains affiliate links.

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