Pimp my man-cave

LonghornCatholic

LonghornCatholic

Deo Gratias
I finally got the go-ahead from wifey to build a shop in our backyard.

I've been wanting a man-cave for a while now and I want it to be off-the-hook, as you kids like to say. I would really like some man-cave ideas from Hornfans.
How do you have your man-cave setup? I know a flat screen is a must - what else you got? pool table - bevo painted on the wall - poker table? Thanks for the ideas.
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If you are looking for UT stuff for this cave then go to the co-op website, they have all kinds of stuff that i think would be great (i.e. recliners, mini fridge, coolers, couches, lamps, etc.)

hard to beat....minus the prices
 
Yes - it will be detached.
But only about 10 yards. We have a pool directly in the back so I have to build it on the side.
 
Good for you.... I am envious.

I second BB245 - check out the Co-Op for various "stuff" but especially some framed graphics for your walls. They have some excellent UT sports graphics that would really set off your man cave and make you very proud. They will not be cheap, but they are high quality.The only problem would be which ones do you pick with only so much wall space. There are also retail stores that sell sports memoribilia (not sure on that spelling) that I have seen in some upscale malls... don't remember the names but they have high quality stuff that might interest you,
 
No greater favor will you ever do in the preservation of your mental health, trust me.

May be too grandiose for the space available to you, as I took a split-level approach in building a two car garage -- narrow ground floor workshop w/ half bath. Serious looking joint jammed with work tables, gun safe, reloading, humidor, power tools and the ever-present bouquet of Hoppe's #9 bore solvent. Entire upstairs w/ full bath dedicated to entertainment as in HD flat, Bose surround, pool table, air hockey, etc. Decor equal parts UT sports glory/Cold War/Texana. A righteous man-cave I do say.

Oh yeah, as BB245 can attest, when he and his college mates come home and invariably comandeer the upstairs, I can humbly retreat to that little safe harbor below and sublimate.
 
When I get my man cave, the first thing going in is a Margarita machine, followed by at least 46 inches of high def tv, a blue ray, Roadrunner, and of course, any wallspace not covered by the Budweiser Bikini team will have UT stuff all over it. (Oh, and a fridge loaded with Corona Lights) I seriously can't think of anything else you'd need, except to invite a few friends over when mama goes on a trip.
 
My advice is to bring lots of $$$. It will cost more than you think.

I had a $5000 budget for mine, which is just a 19 x 15 den in my house. I spent about $8000 and it's still not done 'cause the wife was freaking out.

52" LCD TV and 2 giant recliners are the heart of thing. I probably spent too much on the surround system. Then to take advantage of all the cool electronics,I had to have Blu-ray

I decorated the Cave with a 3' long E.O. Goldbeck panoramic photo of Austin/UT skyline circa 1970 and a poster of the tower lit up with a Number 1 from 1969.

It was worth every penny as I watched the Horns stomp OU on the giant TV last Oct. Just do it!
 
Here's the Man Cave site - check out the gallery:


The Link

My Man Cave is a pretty basic 11'x14' room with medium oak floors, Burnt Orange walls up to the 10' white ceiling, white wood trim & crown molding, 42" plasma on a 5' entertainment credenza, 4' bookshelf with my favorite 150 books, teakwood end table with UT stained glass lamp, and a loveseat/sofa to park my *** on.

The walls have various UT/Tower/Bevo/stadium pictures & prints, along with a framed section of stadium turf, a shadow box with two genuine Aztec flint knives, a couple of cool Austin & Texas-themed pictures, and a cross-stitch picture of the Alamo (done by Mrs.Sco). There is a 30"x40" Texas National Champions flag hangin' above the plasma tv, and Texas Longhorn valance curtains above the windows behind the couch.

On top of the humidor sits my certified genyouwine brick from the NEZ demolition, on top of the book case sits the DKRTM stadium model in a plastic display case - with two 2005 MNC hats on top, and is flanked by models of a B-25 bomber and a P-47 "Jug".

Am going to replace the little sofa with a leather sofa & love seat this Spring and hopefully have a Longhorn-themed coffee table to prop my feet on.

No fridge is required, as Mrs.Sco is very adept at fetching refreshments as needed.

Will post photos later.
 
Definitely have plumbing installed for the wet bar and 1/2 bath. You'll be glad you did, especially since your cave is detached from the rest of the house.

Mine has a tierd floor for stadium seating with lights built-in to the steps (similar to a movie theatre).

Blackout window covering is a must. Otherwise, you better make certain that your flat panel is positioned away from the incoming light to eliminate glare.

Recessed lighting with a dimmer switch adds a a nice touch.
 
I would probably go for some glass garage doors opening out to the pool making the area convertible to open up to the pool. Sort of not cavelike though, but will make it easier to sell the wife on the other goodies. Then a large heavy roman shade (perhaps burnt orange) to cover the glass garage doors if I want to watch something in the dark during the day.

Ice maker- a big mother ****** $1500 24 lb storage capacity and 40 pound per day production. overs drink fests and pool parties, much better space utilization and utility than a kegerator for example.

Advantium wall oven- basically a smaller oven that works as either a high speed oven or microwave. So you can nuke stuff or brown stuff because it cooks with a combo of light and you can cook most man cave foods, with the ability to brown stuff like chicken wings. Cooks 30 percent faster conventionally.

I would probably put in a bath with a shower, but that's just me.

I though about a two burner cook top, but maybe that's too "kitcheny" for what you might want.

Run a LOT more electircal than you think you will need with extra outlets for the outside facing the pool. I like the longer track plugs up underneath the cabinets where you don't see the outlets. Pool Table is always good but lots of space...
Larger round table to sit around and of course potentially play cards.

Double deep chair rail that is wide enough to be a place where you can set a drink, especially important if you opt for the pool table. Eliminates the need for taller coctail bar tables that take up space. Can double as a place to put pictures when drink fests are not happening.
 
As stated before, lots of electrical outlets, all on separate circuits, especially appliances. Once you get plans drawn, let us see them for more ideas.

Also, make sure you get permits and zoning advise before hand. I don't know where you are, but some cities do not allow free standing building above a certain size (tool shed).

Also check neighborhood association prohibitions, if that applies to you.

Oh, burgular alarm ( w phone line). Need to protect all that good stuff.

My man cave is a woodworking shop, so I have tools instead of the typical mancave stuff. I have a 19" tv up in the corner, mostly for sound. I go inside for UT stuff, lest I cut off a finger when I get excited.
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Good luck,
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