Oilers Man Cave

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The Handy Homeowner

Helping Homeowners with Practical tips and DIY advice for Home Improvement, Maintenance, and Repairs

Featured Man Cave of the Week:

An Edmonton man has transformed his basement into the ultimate Edmonton Oilers Man Cave.

Ken Stevenson, a devoted Oilers fan since their NHL debut in 1979, shares a deep connection with the team. His father, a season ticket holder, often took him to watch the Oilers play.

Stevenson’s basement, adorned in blue and orange, is a treasure trove of Oilers memorabilia. It features banners, Jerseys, an old Northlands Coliseum seat mounted on the wall, and the prized piece that started it all: a magazine commemorating Wayne Gretzky’s retirement in 1999.

His late father’s love for the Oilers has been passed down, and now Stevenson shares his dedicated space with his son, creating new traditions like watching games in their special Oilers basement for good luck.

Among the standout pieces in Stevenson’s collection are a replica Stanley Cup signed by former champions, autographed photos of various Oilers players, and the basement's centerpiece: a trio of signed jerseys and game-used sticks from Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Connor McDavid, with McDavid’s game-used stick being the only piece yet to complete the display.

Story source: Ali Yusuf CTV Edmonton

DIY Corner:

Transform Your Basement Man Cave: Painting an Exposed, Unfinished Ceiling

An exposed, unfinished ceiling in a basement can seem like a bit of a challenge when designing your man cave. However, with a bit of creativity and effort, painting this type of ceiling can transform the space into a stylish and cool retreat. Here’s how to do it.

Benefits of Painting an Exposed Ceiling

1. Visual Appeal: A fresh coat of paint can turn a drab, old looking ceiling into a visually appealing feature.

2. Space Illusion: Dark colors can add depth, making the ceiling appear higher and the room larger.

3. Uniform Look: Painting pipes, beams, and ductwork the same color creates a cohesive and clean look.

4. Cost-Effective: Painting is a relatively inexpensive way to improve your space without the cost of adding a drywall or drop ceiling.

5. Open Access: An unfinished ceiling gives you full access if you want to add, change or fix something

Project Prep Work

Materials Needed:

• Paint (latex or acrylic is best for ceilings)

• Paint sprayer or rollers (I highly recommend using a sprayer)

• Drop cloths or plastic sheeting

• Painter’s tape (frog tape works best)

• Brushes for detail work

• Safety gear (goggles, mask, gloves, disposable coveralls)

Steps to Prepare:

1. Clear the Space: Remove furniture and cover any fixtures or floors with drop cloths to protect them from paint splatters.

2. Clean the Ceiling: Dust and debris can prevent paint from adhering properly. Use a vacuum or a damp cloth to clean the exposed ceiling thoroughly. Ok so I used a leaf blower but it did the job!

3. Inspect for Repairs: Check for any necessary repairs such as sealing leaks or tightening loose fixtures.

4. Tape Off Areas: Use painter’s tape to cover any areas you do not want to be painted, such as walls, junction boxes or light fixtures.

Painting the Ceiling

Choosing the Right Color:

• Black or Dark Colors: Ideal for creating a cozy, cinema-like atmosphere. Dark colors can make imperfections less noticeable.

• White or Light Colors: These can make the space feel more open and bright. They reflect light well, which can be beneficial in basements.

• Neutral Tones: Grays and beiges can offer a balanced look, making the room feel modern and sophisticated.

Application Methods:

• Paint Sprayer: Provides a smooth, even finish and is excellent for covering pipes and beams. However, it requires more preparation to avoid overspray.

• Rollers and Brushes: These are more controlled and can be used for touch-ups and detailed areas. Rollers with extension poles are handy for reaching high areas. This is a lot more work as there are lots of nooks and crannies to deal with.

Steps to Paint:

1. Prime the Surface: A primer can help the paint adhere better and cover any stains or discolorations. Apply the primer and let it dry completely. NOTE This may not be needed if your painting a dark color or if your using a Paint & Primer in one product.

2. First Coat: Using your paint sprayer or roller, apply the first coat of paint evenly across the ceiling. Be consistent in your strokes to avoid streaks.

3. Detail Work: Use brushes to paint around edges, beams, and any intricate areas that the sprayer or roller couldn’t reach.

4. Second Coat: After the first coat has dried, apply a second coat to ensure complete coverage and a smooth finish.

5. Final Touches: Inspect the ceiling for any missed spots or uneven areas and touch up as needed.

Finishing Up

Once the paint has dried completely, carefully remove the painter’s tape and clean up the space. Reinstall any fixtures and arrange your furniture. The result is a polished, stylish ceiling that enhances the overall aesthetic of your man cave.

Painting an exposed, unfinished ceiling is a practical and impactful way to improve the look of your basement man cave. Whether you opt for a bold, dark color or a bright paint a freshly painted ceiling can transform your space into an awesome retreat for relaxation and entertainment.

So grab your paint sprayer, put on some tunes, and get started on creating the man cave of your dreams!

Check out these YouTube videos.

How to Paint an Exposed Ceiling

How to Paint an Exposed Ceiling (DIY Basement Ceiling Spray)

Man Cave Essentials:

Man Cave Essential: The Beer Fridge

No man cave is complete without a dedicated beer fridge—a crucial element that combines practicality with indulgence. Whether you're hosting friends for game night, enjoying a quiet evening with your favorite brew, or needing a convenient place to keep your beverages chilled, a beer fridge is a must-have for any well-equipped man cave.

Why a Beer Fridge?

Convenience: Having a beer fridge in your man cave means you don’t have to make trips to the kitchen. It keeps your drinks within arm’s reach, allowing you to focus on what matters—whether that’s the big game, a movie marathon, or a gaming session.

Organization: A dedicated fridge for your beverages helps keep things organized. You can stock it with a variety of beers, sodas, and other refreshments, ensuring you always have the right drink on hand for any occasion.

Temperature Control: Beer fridges are designed to maintain the perfect temperature for your beverages. Unlike a regular refrigerator, which might be too cold or too warm, a beer fridge ensures your drinks are always at the ideal chill.

Space Saver: By having a separate fridge for your man cave, you free up space in your kitchen refrigerator. This means more room for food and other essentials, and no more competing for space between your snacks and beverages.

Choosing the Right Beer Fridge

When selecting a beer fridge for your man cave, consider the following factors:

Size and Capacity: Depending on the size of your man cave and how many drinks you plan to store, choose a fridge that fits your needs. Compact models are great for smaller spaces, while larger units can accommodate more variety and quantity.

Style and Design: Your beer fridge should look good in your man cave. Look for models with sleek designs, glass doors, and interior lighting for a stylish touch.

Features: Modern beer fridges come with a variety of features such as adjustable shelving, digital temperature controls, and energy efficiency. Some even have dual zones for storing different types of beverages at their optimal temperatures.

Making the Most of Your Beer Fridge

Once you have the perfect beer fridge, here are some tips to maximize its use:

• Stock Up: Keep a variety of beers and other beverages to cater to different tastes. Don’t forget to include non-alcoholic options for guests who prefer them.

• Organize Smartly: Arrange your drinks by type or brand for easy access. Use the adjustable shelves to accommodate larger bottles or cans.

• Maintenance: Regularly clean your fridge and check for any issues to ensure it runs efficiently. Proper maintenance will keep your drinks at the perfect temperature and extend the lifespan of your fridge.

A beer fridge is more than just an appliance—it’s a statement piece and a functional addition that elevates your man cave experience. With the convenience of having your favorite drinks at your fingertips, you’ll be ready to entertain, relax, and enjoy your space to the fullest. Cheers to the ultimate man cave essential!

Man Cave Entertainment Picks:

Top 5 Hockey Movies:

1. Slapshot

   A failing ice hockey team finds success with outrageously violent hockey goonery.

2. The Rocket

   A story about Quebec's most famous hockey player, Maurice "The Rocket" Richard, focusing on the struggles of a French Canadian in the National Hockey League dominated by Anglophones.

3. Goon

   Labeled an outcast by his brainy family, a bouncer overcomes long odds to lead a team of under performing misfits to semi-pro hockey glory, beating the crap out of everything that stands in his way.

4. Mystery, Alaska

   When Mystery, Alaska's (amateur) hockey team accepts a challenge to play the New York Rangers, the entire population must put their petty differences aside, and band together, as their small town becomes the center of a nationally televised event.

5. The Mighty Ducks

   A self-centered Minnesota lawyer is sentenced to community service coaching a rag tag youth hockey team.