How to Build A Soffit Around Ductwork

By Robert Robillard on Design

How to Build A Soffit Around Ductwork

Soffit Skirt Wall: different Ceiling Heights

In some situations [photos above] you may be separating two different ceiling heights. In these situations the vertical plywood panel may be all that you need.  If this is the situation make sure that the lower ceiling terminates into the 2x material and for a better look and less error make sure the 2x material is ½ to 1 inch lower than the lowest ceiling.

When framing a skirt-wall soffit make sire to include bracing to keep the plywood from bowing or twisting.

By leaving the 2x lower I can have my plasterer install blue board and plaster on the exposed plywood and then install two lengths of corner bead on the lower 2x and plaster up the side of the 2x. This way the lowest ceiling terminates into a plastered surface.  It’s results in a sharp, clean look.

Note on the photos in this article:

There are way too many soffit situations to detail in this article so I will show photos from a most recent project. The photos show a room that is being How to Build A Soffit Around Ductworkfinished into an exercise room and how to build a soffit around duct work.

The floor joists are over 9 feet off the floor and floor height was truly amazing. Originally we were going to install an acoustical ceiling at 7’4” to completely cover the duct-work and create a flat ceiling.How to Build A Soffit Around Ductwork

The homeowner then changed her mind and decided to purchase some exercise equipment that necessitated an 8 foot ceiling. We decided to build a skirt-wall soffit around the HVAC duct work and have a taller ceiling in half of the room and a 7’4″ ceiling at and around the HVAC duct-work.

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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