Installing Wall Ceiling Speakers: Cutting the Hole

Wall ceiling speakers are a nice addition to any home theatre system. Cutting the hole in the wall or ceiling correctly is vital. In most cases, you only have one shot at this. Here’s a simple guide to help you get it right the first time.

Measuring

Before you start cutting, you need to measure out exactly where you want the speakers. Some home theatre systems suggest the speakers be a certain distance from each other to maximize performance. Use your Stud Finder to locate the studs. It’s usually ideal to have your speakers directly in the center of two studs, but check with the manufacturer recommendations to determine the best placement for you wall speakers. Once you’ve located the stud, you can measure the spacing between the speakers. Use the pencil to sketch the outline of the speaker. Keep in mind that most speakers will need an extra inch or two on the outside of the speaker for the mounting pieces.

Cutting

Once you have the area outlined in pencil, you can begin to cut with your drywall or keyhole saw. You want to do this slowly and with precision. If you remove too much of the wall or ceiling, you will be left with an unsightly hole you have to repair. This can potentially ruin your project as you will have to patch the area and wait for it to cure before you can start again. There’s no sense in adding additional days to your project time just to save a few minutes at the present.

Once you have the section cut, it’s a good idea to save the center section you’ve just removed. Even if you’ve planned perfectly you may find a pipe or duct that will prevent you from placing a speaker there. Keeping the center section you’ve cut will make it easier to patch and paint if you need to move the location of the speakers.

Wiring

If you haven’t already run any wiring, you can do so now that you have the pieces cut out. You will keep the speakers out until the wiring is complete. It’s much easier to pull a wire through a hole than to try to crawl in to the attic to attach wiring to a speaker you’ve already installed in the wall.

Insulation

If  you want to add an extra layer of sound proofing, consider adding some fiberglass insulation around the newly cut hole. This will help improve the sound you get from the speakers. If you choose to do this, just make sure you are following the manufacturers directions regarding the insulation installation.

Repairs

Now that your hole is cut and ready to use, you can go back and patch up anything if necessary. This is why you had drywall patching material, just in case. You may also want to smooth around the cuts you’ve made to ensure an even fit.