How to Frame Cabinet Soffits

Mark the locations of the ceiling joists above the cabinets and wall studs behind the cabinets, using an electronic stud finder.

Cut a 1-by-3 cleat long enough to overhang each side of the cabinet by 1½ inches. This can serve as the bottom plate for the soffit, laying right on top of the cabinet. Lay the bottom plate on the cabinet so it also overhangs the cabinet’s front by 1½ inches. Screw the cleat in place on top of the cabinet with 1 1/4-inch wood screws.

Cut another 1-by-3 cleat the same length to serve as a top plate. Screw it into each of the ceiling joists you previously marked so it's aligned directly above the bottom plate.

Measure for a pair of C-shaped supports to support drywall at each end of the soffit. First, measure the distance from the top of the cabinet to the ceiling along the wall behind the cabinet. Cut a 1-by-3 to this measurement with a chop saw and screw it into the wall, either with wood screws directly into a stud or with wall anchors into drywall.

Measure between the 1-by-3s screwed into the wall and the top and bottom plates, and cut four additional 1-by-3s with a chop saw to fit your measurements. Screw a 1-by-3 into the top of the cabinet -- at the spot that you measured -- and the other into the ceiling, either directly into a ceiling joist or with wall anchors into drywall. Repeat this process at the other end of the soffit.

Cut 3/8-inch drywall with a utility knife to fit the ends of the soffit. Cut additional drywall to cover the front of the soffit and the underside of the soffit overhang on the front and sides. Fasten the drywall to the cleats with drywall screws. Screw corner bead onto the outside corners with additional drywall screws and cover the corner bead with joint compound. Paint the drywall after the joint compound dries.