Ceiling Height Design Problems

Change a Sharp A-Frame

• You will face challenges with sharply sloped ceilings. This problem occurs when you build in the attic space of an A-frame house, for example. The ceiling height can be extremely tall in the center, making it difficult to install drywall or paint. Consider lowering a ceiling that poses this kind of problem. Build a flat ceiling that covers the steep part of the A-shape.

Plan Tray Ceilings

• Build tray ceilings over a one-story section of the house. These ceilings are possible if the typical 8-foot ceiling can be raised approximately 4 feet upward. Attic rafters must be changed to build a tray shape over a room, however. Ceiling rafters must be secured higher on attic framework, and old, lower rafters must be removed entirely.

Accommodate Basement Issues

• Basement rooms may have low ceilings. In order to run ductwork for heating and air, you might need to build a basement ceiling only 7 feet tall to hide the ducts. To eliminate this problem, consider running ductwork vertically through closet space, for example. Construct a framework to house the ducts, but keep the box confined to one side of each basement room. This will allow most of the ceiling space to reach 8 feet.

Lift the Roof

• Enclosing porches can cause ceiling problems. For example, a low roof on a porch you enclose will cut off the possibility of having an 8-foot ceiling. Raise part of the roof, cutting out a section to lift for holding windows. This area will be a wedge shape that opens the roof. Install windows across the raised section to provide lots of natural light. Install a skylight in this type of roof, too, at one end of the room. The light coming in from a skylight will expand the space visually.

Work With a Dip

• Multiple roof lines can cut off ceiling space. Constructing rooms in an attic area under a roof with various slopes can present a challenge. The ceiling can literally dip into the overhead space you need for ceiling height. To prevent this, create a room that ends where the dip occurs. Use this dipped-down ceiling area for bookcases or a media cabinet installation. This way, the ceiling dip adds architectural flair to the room.