Man Caves 2012

Planning pays off for basement retreat
This basement underwent a dramatic transformation from unfinished to wow! Now it boasts bright colors, a surround-media room, and spacious game room.

Install vinyl flooring in a weekend
The new vinyl flooring products on the market today are incredibly easy to install, even if you haven’t completed a DIY flooring project before.

Good choices for home media
Home audio and video evolves constantly. Learn these basics so you can shop smart.

Mirrors make cave look bigger
There’s a bit of magic going on in this Harley hangout. This garage bump-out looks twice its size, due in large part to a reflective wainscot that rings the room

Guy’s guide to neon signs
Before you buy that first glowing sign for your man cave, learn what to look for before plunking down your hard-earned cash.

Design a custom neon sign
Get your creative juices flowing! Work with a neon artist to create a custom sign that will become the focal point of your man cave.

Neon gallery
You can collect plenty of reproduction neon signs. And, it’s a fun trip to restore old neon signs.

A cave crammed with color
There’s nothing boxy or dark about this basement. And that seems to suit the boys just fine.

Shadow box for your collectibles
Behind a figured-maple frame, a 5 inch-deep shadow box accommodates heirlooms and treasures.

A $500 backyard bar
First an artist’s studio, next a maintenance shed with a beer fridge in the corner. Then buddies helped convert it into the Shedbar—their own social club.

Beer-fridge makeover
Cases of longnecks have flowed through this 1990s-era refrigerator. For its loyal service, Scott freshened up its exterior with mementos of memorable brews.

Home bars: Lots to decide
Take time planning your home bar—most guys do. The experts say there’s no one correct order of planning, you just need to start somewhere.

A bar built from hockey sticks
A Calgary Flames fan puts the biscuit in the basket with his salute to hockey.

College bartender designs his dream space
Whether he’s hosting a Green Bay Packers party or his running buddies’ book club, you’ll find this former college barkeep at his station.

Coke cooler restoration
Relive a slice of simpler days when you could walk up to a cooler, lift the lid, and grab an ice-cold soda. Just don’t forget to pay before you head out the door! Here’s how one of those classic coolers was restored.

‘Breweriana’ in the basement
The collection honors beer and brewery art. But the drywall detail sets the tone for this basement hideaway.

Craft an acrylic case for collectibles
Dust off your favorite collectibles and display them in clear view inside custom acrylic cases.

Big-league basement
It’s the next best thing to being at the game in person. Descending just a few steps into this basement sports retreat—complete with historic seats and free popcorn, beer, and peanuts.

All-star framing for your favorite jersey
If your hangup is sports, give a little extra attention to detail when framing your favorite jersey.