I'm moving into a new house that's got a better setup for a home theater, compared to my old place where I had to run speaker wires behind wood paneling. This time, hiding the wires behind the baseboards won't work due to the number of wires needed. I was considering a method where I use a magnet to find drywall screws, then mark a ~4-inch wide channel with a chalk line and cut it with an oscillating saw. The idea is to remove that section of drywall, run the wires behind the exposed studs, and then replace the drywall, just patching up a thin line. Is there a better or easier way to tackle this? I'd appreciate any advice!
5 Answers
Or you could just embrace the chaos and leave the wires exposed on the floor! Throw down a stylish rug over them—it's not the neatest look, but it could be a quirky feature! Just kidding, definitely try to wire it properly if you can!
Crown molding has a decent gap behind it, making it perfect for running wires up and down without much trouble. Just be careful of insulation if you’re dealing with exterior walls. It's a neat and tidy solution!
Your idea sounds pretty solid if you're comfortable with repairing drywall! Just keep in mind that you'll probably see where the cut was even after patching. I’d suggest checking out the attic or basement first; you might be able to run the wires from there without cutting through anything. Drilling up or down into the walls could be a better alternative, plus you can avoid messy repairs!
Why not cut that notch behind your baseboard instead? That way, you can avoid repainting the whole room! Plus, a lot of the work is hidden, so it's a win-win.
If you're keen on patching, I’d recommend cutting out 4x4 squares between the studs instead of a long strip. It’s less work and easier to patch! You’ll still have to sand and float the seams, but it minimizes the damage.
Great tip! Those long drill bits can really help out here.