TV Recess on exterior wall which is now internal wall after extension

moneyspending

After side extension of our semi the exterior cavity wall is going to be an internal wall.

In the extension we are going to get bedroom. Hence the exterior wall will be plastered and skimmed. I am sure this is a cavity wall.

Is it possible to build a recess (inset) for 60" TV in this wall? I understand this wall will have two layers with cavity in between.

The idea is to flush TV with wall and hide all cables behind...good idea?

keith969

Had a two story extension built onto our last house, and at the top of the stairs there used to be a window. This was filled on what was the outer wall leaving a cavity/shelf for a picture and ornaments. So yes it is possible.

Doozergirl

A former window is already supported above, so that is more than easy to have as a recess. Knocking out a skin of brick in an existing wall is also possible, but it has to be approached caefully as the opening has to be supported. The wall is also still as integral to the structure as it ever was and everything above needs to remain supported correctly.

It would be wise to talk to the structural engineer appointed on your project and ask them how it can be achieved safely. It won't be achieved cheaply.

moneyspending

Doozergirl wrote: »

A former window is already supported above, so that is more than easy to have as a recess. Knocking out a skin of brick in an existing wall is also possible, but it has to be approached caefully as the opening has to be supported. The wall is also still as integral to the structure as it ever was and everything above needs to remain supported correctly.

It would be wise to talk to the structural engineer appointed on your project and ask them how it can be achieved safely. It won't be achieved cheaply.

Very sound advice. I am going to talk to engineer today.

TheCyclingProgrammer

Would probably be easier to build an internal framework and recess it that way IMO.

brightontraveller

Most don’t tend to have large TVs flat to the wall unless there low down they tend to be higher up and angled downwards knocking whole out that size will nearly always require support (lintel above etc)

Easier cheaper to just cut into brick for channelling /conduit etc so cables don’t show? less than £20 in materials ?

Or if you really want tv face to be flush with wall build false wall against existing as you having wall plastered anyway ( cost of few sheets of plasterboard/ timber or metal stud ) You could also stick sound proofing in false wall so noise from extension and vice versa doesn’t enter room also?

It is generally (with a few exceptions) a no no putting cabling in external cavity wall likes of Electricity Safety Council generally mark it as undesirable practice ditto NHBC Standards etc?

Although primarily wall is no longer an external cavity one so to speak the cavity may still go to/join the external cavity one and presents the same sought of risks e.g fire, Thermal insulation damaging cables etc

Also Approved Document C, 2004 Edition, Section 5: Walls, paragraph 5.13 b
May be in play not knowing if existing house/wall is higher than extension e.g. ground floor walls not external cavity but first floor etc are? Your sought of breaching the cavity with the TV ? generally not a great idea