How to Frame Around Heat Ducts for Drywall

When remodeling a basement, duct work and plumbing can be major eyesores if they're not covered by wall face material such as drywall. You'll need to add backing, or framing, around the outside of the duct work so that you can screw the drywall into place. To frame around heat ducts, screw two-by-fours together. The screws will prevent the lumber from pulling apart due to weight and vibration. The framed walls, also known as "short walls," hang directly from the basement ceiling.

2-by-4 lumber
Tape measure
Circular saw
3-inch wood screws
Screw gun
Chalk box
Carpenter’s level
Hammer
2- by 2-inch lumber
Safety glasses

Instructions

- 1
  Lay two matching rows of two-by-fours on edge across the length of the duct work that you are framing around. Cut the two-by-fours down with a circular saw to form the top and bottom plates.
- 2
  Hook the tape measure to the ends of the top and bottom plates and place matching marks every 24 inches down the entire length to represent each stud.
- 3
  Measure from the bottom edge of the ceiling joist to the lowest point on the duct work with a tape measure. Transfer this measurement to the two-by-four lumber and cut enough studs for the ends and each layout line on the top and bottom plates.
- 4
  Spread the top and bottom plates apart and place cut studs flush to the ends and each layout line. Fasten the plates to the tops and bottoms of the studs using a pair of 3-inch wood screws and a screw gun.
- 5
  Repeat Steps 1 to 4 to create a matching short wall on the opposite side of the duct work.
- 6
  Measure 4 inches out from the outside edge of the duct work at opposite ends. Snap a line between the marks with a chalk box.
- 7
  Hold the short wall up to the ceiling joist and align the outside edge with the snapped line on the joist. Fasten the short wall to the ceiling using a pair of 3-inch wood screws per joist and a screw gun. Attach the second wall in the same manner on the opposite side of the duct work.
- 8
  Hold strips of 2- by 2-inch lumber to the short wall's bottom face. Flush the edge of the 2-by-2 lumber to the short wall's outside face, with the edge facing away from the duct work. Fasten the 2-by-2 lumber to the short wall using 3-inch wood screws and a screw gun, spacing the fasteners every 12 to 16 inches apart. Repeat the process on the opposite wall.
- 9
  Verify that the short walls are plum using a level. Adjust the short walls if necessary by tapping their outside edges with a hammer.
- 10
  Measure the space between the 2-by-2 lumber with a tape measure. Cut a two-by-four cross member and pair it up with each set of wall studs. Fasten the cross member to the short walls using 3-inch wood screws and a screw gun.

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