Vol.1 No.7
17 April 2002

Using Foam Core to Construct a Room Box, Part IV:
Finishing Front of Room Box

George Hoffman

To finish the front of the Room Box we suggest using a good grade of cherry, maple, birch or whatever wood you feel would enhance the appearance of your room. The lumber should be approximately 1/8" thick.

1. Measure and cut the 4 needed pieces one at a time and you will insure a better fit.

2. Starting with the top board of the front of your room box, measure from top of outside finished plywood down to 1/8" below the ceiling foamcore. Next, measure the length of the room box from outside to outside across top. Cut and glue into position using vinyl glue. Be sure to clean off any excess glue as you go along so as not to spoil the final finish or stain.

3. For the bottom repeat the above leaving 1/8" up above the interior floor of the room box. Again, measure the length from outside to outside across the bottom. Cut and glue into position with vinyl glue.

4. To do the side panels, measure from the outside of the finished plywood of the room box to 1/8" beyond the side foamcore walls of the interior room box. Measure the distance between the top and bottom finish boards that have already been applied. Cut and glue into position with vinyl glue.

5. A final finish sanding is recommended to make sure you have a smooth even surface with no glue spots and you will then be ready to stain, paint, or finish as you choose.

The last step would be to select a frame that will be suitable for the style of room you have designed.

If you will be assembling the frame you will want to remember to miter the corners. Glass or plexi-glass will be mounted behind the frame and will protect the interior of the room box and its contents from any dust or soil. The frame may be hinged at the top or bottom or applied as a solid fixture with a slot on the top to allow for removal of the glass or plastic.