How to Rough Frame a Tray Ceiling

Measure from the ceiling down to where you want the tray ceiling framing and make a mark. Do this in each corner of the room, marking on all four walls. Using a chalk line, have a helper hold the end of the chalk line in the corner on the mark, while you hold the other end of the chalk line in the opposite corner on the mark. Pull the chalk line tight, lift the line and release to snap a line of chalk across the wall. Do this to all four walls, creating an even line around the room. Using a stud finder, mark each stud on all four walls with a pencil just below the chalk line.

Measure the distance from wall to wall, starting with one wall and cut two 2-inch by 4-inch studs at the measurement. Lay the two boards parallel to each other. Measure and mark every 16 inches. The framing between the studs is fastened to the center of each line.

Decide how far you want the tray ceiling to stick out, and subtract 3 inches from the measurement to determine the length of the stud for the framing between the two boards. For example, if the tray ceiling sticks out 16 inches, subtract 3 inches and cut the 2-inch by 4-inch studs 13 inches long; cut one for each end of the framing as well. Nail the 13-inch studs to the two wall length studs. The framing will look similar to a ladder.

Lift the framing into place. Using the lines of chalk as a guide, position the underneath edge of framing above the line of chalk. Nail the framing to the wall studs using the stud finding marks on the wall as a reference. Nail the framing on each end to the other walls.

Measure from one end of the tray ceiling framing to the opposite wall. Cut two 2-inch by 4-inch studs to the measure. Measure and mark both studs every 16 inches like the first framing. Cut the studs 13 inches, the same length as the first tray ceiling framing to go between the two stud. Nail the 13-inch studs to the two longer studs forming a ladder, like the first framing.

Lift the framing in place, using the line of chalk as a guide. This framing should line up with the first framing, and the line of chalk on the opposite wall. Nail the framing to the studs, and nail the end of the framing to the first framing. Nail the other end of the framing to the opposite wall of first framing.

Continue these steps going around the whole room until tray ceiling is complete. Drill a hole through framing in each corner where the separate ladder like framing meets. Install a bolt with a washer on each end through the hole and tighten a nut onto the bolt. This will make a secure connection and strengthen the tray ceiling framing.