Frame around I-beams for cabinets or aesthetics.
Soffitt is a term used to describe a box that is built down from the ceiling. Soffits can be used to hide structural features or to provide a proper place to hang cabinets. Without soffits, cabinets would be too high; the top of the cabinet would be unreachable without a ladder or step-stool. If a building or home has structural features such as I-beams, soffitts can be built to hide the feature or simply to provide adequate cabinet anchoring. Start by building the soffit on the ground and then nailing it to the ceiling.
Instructions
1. Measure the base of the I-beam. Place two, 2-by-4 studs on the ground parallel with the beam standing on their sides. The studs should be placed so that they are 4 inches wider than the I-beam on the outside. For example, if the I-beam is 6 inches across the bottom, the studs should be 14 inches from outside to outside.
2. Place another stud on a miter saw. Cut enough studs at 10 inches to place one perpendicular between the studs on the ground every 12 inches the length of the soffit. The 10-inch studs should be laying flat on the ground.
3. Shoot two, 2-inch staples through the long studs, into the ends of the short studs on both sides to form the the bottom of the soffit. It should look like a ladder.
4. Measure the height of the I-beam from the ceiling to the bottom of the I-beam and add 1 inch for the measurement to cut the vertical risers on the I-beam. For example, if the I-beam is 12 inches tall, cut the risers at 13 inches. Place another stud on the miter saw and cut enough risers to place one every 12 inches the length of the soffit.
5. Stand one vertical riser on each side of the ladder spaced 12 inches apart. Shoot two staples through each vertical riser into the sides of the ladder to secure the vertical risers to the sides of the ladder. The structure of the soffit is complete.
6. Lift the soffit up to the ceiling. You will need one or two assistants to help at this point. The ends of the vertical risers should fit against the ceiling on both sides of the parallel ceiling studs. Shoot two staples through the ends of each vertical riser into the ceiling studs to secure the soffit to the ceiling.
Tags: staples through, studs should, vertical riser, vertical risers, another stud, another stud miter, both sides