Building My Basement Shop - Ductwork Question

[Chris Dodge]

I have finally made the move to my new home in Utah. I have one problem though. I have eight foot ceilings and ductwork running down the middle of the shop area The ductwork is nearly four feet wide and hangs down about a foot so I don't have much headroom. I need to frame around this but don't see how I can run 1/2" drywall across the span without any more support than a 1x2. Any suggestions on how to frame and drywall this ductwork? See the picture below:

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[Paul Johnstone]

You could build 2 x 4 "walls" around the sides of the ductwork and then use 3/4 plywood between the "walls" (covering the bottom of the ductwork).

That should be plenty strong and not cause you to loose that much more headroom. The 3/4 ply wood be strong enough to accept drywall screws as well.

At least that's how I've done it in the past.

[Joe Chritz]

Pauls answer is the best way.

All my soffits are built from 2x2's (ripped 2x4's actually) and hang 1 1/2 below the duct. The plywood trick would gain you 3/4" if headroom was a really tight.

Joe

[Jim Dunn]

Why not use 1/4" drywall?

[Joe Branch]

Paint it and forget it. It is a work shop. Unless ...:)

[Al Killian]

Jim, 1/4" drywall is not meant for ceilings. It will sag after some time, 1/2" is what works best.

[Jim Becker]

Softits are a snap if you use metal studs...much less weight to deal with and the so-called 2" version is perfect for the job. It will easily support 1/2" drywall. I did my whole basement (including a lot of soffet work) in my previous home with metal and it was great being able to hold up a big, long secion with one hand and use the screw gun with the other hand. No way one can do that with wood...

[Chris Dodge]

Thanks for your replies! I already have the wood for the sides so I am going to go ahead with the plywood for the bottoms of the soffits. Headroom is the main issue here. I just don't have much and need all I can get because my tablesaw is going to go under this ductwork along with the outfeed/assembly table. I need headroom. Thanks again!

[Brian Dormer]

Rather than plywood or drywall - have you considered soft, suspended ceiling tiles. They are VERY lightweight, flexible and putting up the tracks is a breeze - even if you do it solo (I speak as a vetran of 2 basement remodels). I have a big, fat airduct in my home office and that's how I boxed it in.