How to Frame Basement Ductwork

Measure the length, width and height of the ductwork around which you are constructing the framing. You will need to build a U-shaped box to fit around the ductwork, on which drywall can be applied to hide the ductwork.

Cut four pieces of 2-by-3 lumber to the length measurement that you took in step 1. Divide the length by 16 and add 1 to determine the number of crosspieces that you need. For example, if the length of the ductwork is 160 inches, you will need 11 crosspieces, each of which is made of one bottom piece of wood and two side pieces.

Cut 11 pieces of 1-by-3 so that their length is equal to the width measurement that you took in step 1, and 22 pieces of 1-by-3 so that their length is equal to the height measurement that you took in step 1.

Nail the 11 pieces of wood in between two of the long pieces of wood to create a ladder shape with the rungs separated by 16 inches.

Nail the 22 pieces of wood so that they extend at a right angle from the pieces you nailed in step 4, creating a U shape. Nail the last two long pieces of wood onto the tops of the U shapes to create a three sided channel.

Hold the assembly up against the ceiling so that it surrounds the ductwork. Screw it to the ceiling by driving 2 1/2-inch-long screws up through the top pieces and into the underside of the ceiling joists.