What the customer wanted
The room already worked. What it did not have was anywhere for the television to live. The set was standing against the long wall with the box, the sound bar and four cables behind it, and there was nothing on that wall to break the height up. What they asked for was the whole end of the room as one built-in piece: the screen recessed into the wall, shelving up both sides of it, and light coming out of the shelves rather than from a lamp in the corner.
What was there
A flat plastered wall, floor to ceiling, with a window to one side and a radiator under it. Nothing structural to work around and nothing to hide behind. That cuts both ways. A wall with no features is the easiest one to frame against and the least forgiving once it is skimmed, because there is nothing else for the eye to look at if a line is not straight.
What we did
Framed first, in timber, floor to ceiling. Uprights plumbed and fixed back to the existing wall, then the horizontal rails set out so the alcoves line through with each other right across the face. The TV recess was built around a ply backing board so the bracket screws into something solid, and the socket and the aerial went in behind it at frame stage rather than being chased in afterwards. The wiring for the alcove lights went in at the same time, one drop per alcove, left terminated and boxed for a qualified electrician to connect.
Then plasterboard, cut to the openings and screwed off to just below the paper. A bead on every external angle and on every recess return, scrim on every joint, then skim. A wall this size sits at the longer end of the few days a media wall usually takes, framing to finished skim, and it wants drying time after that before anyone puts paint near it.
The finish
Alcoves down both sides, across the top and under the screen, every one of them returning square, with a downlight in each. That is the part that decides whether a wall like this reads as joinery or as a box. A lit alcove throws light along its own edges, so a return that wanders shows up the moment the lights go on and the room lights go down. Decorated in white, the frame disappears and what is left is the shelving and the light.
More on how these are built, and the questions people ask before booking one, is on the bespoke media walls page. This job was in Southport.
What customers say
4.6 out of 5 from 11 reviews on Google. Every review below is verbatim from that profile.
Anthony's just finished skimming the lounge. He prepared it all thoroughly and was so conscientious throughout. He arrived punctual in the mornings and never stopped until it was finished. He's done a brilliant job the room looks immaculate. He left it so clean and tidy afterwards. We would recommend him to anyone.
Anthony has done a fantastic job on our rendering. Excellent communication from start to finish and has always been responsive. He has turned up every day early and has left the place spotless. Couldn't fault the service and would use again and recommend to others. Thank you so much.
Anthony rendered the gable wall and single storey kitchen of my house. He did an excellent job of the work. Anthony fully explained the process and where he was up to as it progressed. He made sure that surrounding area and walls were protected from any debris or render during the process and did an excellent job of cleaning up both as it progressed and at the end. Anthony was also a pleasure to deal with as a tradesman. In addition his price was really competitive compared to other renderers who quoted. When I get the rest of the house re-rendered I will certainly be using Birkdale Plastering and Rendering.
I recently had the front of my house rendered by birkdale plastering and rendering, and couldn't be happier with the results. From start to finish Anthony was professional, friendly and highly skilled. The quality of the rendering is outstanding, giving my home a fresh, modern look. Anthony paid great attention to detail, kept everything tidy and completed the job on time. If you're looking for expert rendering services I highly recommend birkdale plastering and rendering. Fantastic workmanship and excellent customer service. Thank you Anthony!
Anthony did an amazing job re-rendering our bungalow. The finish is flawless, and our home looks brand new! Professional, tidy, and efficient from start to finish. Highly recommend Birkdale Plastering and Rendering. Thanks again!
Anthony is prompt, professional and friendly in nature. He arrived when he said he would and completed all plastering work to an excellent standard. He also did an amazing job with my coving. I would 100% recommend him for all plastering work 😊 ...
Areas we cover
Based on Liverpool Road in Southport. We work right along the Sefton coast, down into Liverpool, and inland across West Lancashire as far as Preston. Every town below has a page of its own.
Related services
Internal Plastering
Skimming, float and set, ceilings and repairs. Flat walls that take paint evenly and stay that way.
Read moreDry Lining & Plasterboarding
Stud walls, ceilings and insulated linings, set out square, taped and beaded before skimming.
Read moreDecorative Plasterwork
Cornice, ceiling roses and panelled ceilings restored, matched and run in where sections are missing.
Read moreGet a free written estimate
Tell us what the walls are doing and we will come and look. You will get an honest assessment and a written price, with no obligation and no pressure.
Get in touch
Tell us what the walls are doing and we will come and look. Free written estimate, no obligation.
- Phone 07923 545449
- Email anthony9thompson@yahoo.co.uk
- Address
Birkdale Plastering and Rendering
546 Liverpool Road, Southport PR8 3BG - Opening hours Every day, 7am to 9pm