Securing an interior soffit

[ksalhoff]

I'm planning on adding a decorative soffit (approx 18" square) around the top of a room. This will be used to house recessed lighting. The span is pretty long (28' x 14'). Planning on using 2x2 to build it.

:?: My question is: what's the best way to support this on the sides which are parallel to the ceiling joists?

Any suggestions or pointers to websites that might have more info would be appreciated.

THANKS!

[Rich]

Your best bet is to put ladder blocking between the ceiling joists at 24" o.c. Then the vertical members will be able to attach to the ladder blocking.

[ksalhoff]

OK - not to sound like a complete idiot, but what is ladder blocking? Thanks.

[mjpliv]

Lengths of 2x? installed 90 degrees (hence the term ladder) to the rafters/trusses/collar ties/ceiling joists at 24" OC in the bays that will carry your tray ceiling assembly.

[mjpliv]

And there are no idiots here!

Welcome to the forum! :-)

[Tom R]

Another method may be to 'rip' 3/4" plywood into 17 1/2" wide panels, then 'pre-attach' a 2 x 'whatever' to the 'underside' of the panels (recessed back 1 1/2"), then attach your panels to the ceiling by screwing into your existing 'corner nailer' and your existing 'first ceiling joist'. Once they're attached you can nail your 2 X 2 framing to the 'recessed' 2 X 'whatever'.

[Tom R]

Better yet, rip the panels 16" wide, and install the 2 X 'whatever' flush with the 'front' of the panel (now when you nail your 2 X 2's to the face you'll still have your 17 1/2", and your drywall makes 18") This 'method' will get you 3 panels per sheet of Plywood.