How to Build a Header Around Basement Ducts

Ductwork in a basement ceiling often protrudes beneath the ceiling joists’ bottom. If you're planning to finish the basement, headers -- frames that extend below the joists’ levels -- must be built enclosing the vents. The headers are nonload bearing and are built from 2-by-4-inch boards and basic carpentry tools.

Tape measure
2-by-4-inch boards
Circular saw
8d nails
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the amount that the ductwork extends below the ceiling joists’ lowest points on either side of the duct. Measure the distance between the joists’ inside edges on either side of the duct. Measure the duct’s length. Dividing the duct’s length by 12 determines the number of headers needed.
- 2
  Cut two 2-by-4-inch boards to the length the duct extends below the joists plus 4 inches. Cut a 2-by-4-inch board matching the width between the joists minus 4 inches.
- 3
  Place the third board flat on the floor, broad side down. Place the first two boards on either end extending upwards like the upper parts of a "U." Nail the boards together with two 8d nails at each junction. Cut boards and build more headers, so that you have one for each 12 inches of duct length.
- 4
  Place the headers between the joists extending downwards with the ends of the boards overlapping the joists by 2 inches. Nail the headers to the joists, spacing them one every 12 inches.

How to Construct Tray Ceilings

How to Cut Holes in Sloped Ceilings for Recessed Lighting

Ceilings