Framing my basement: duct framing question


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Old 04-16-17, 06:23 AM
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Framing my basement: duct framing question

Hi everyone,

I am new to this thread so I hope this is in the right spot. I am finishing my basement, but have run into a snag. I have built soffits around all of my ductwork, but have run into problems with a cold air return. It is above the door at the bottom of the stairs. it runs perpendicular to the floor joists, and is 4" x 20"w x 119" long. The clearance from the top of the door to the duct is about 1". Does anyone have any ideas on how to frame this? I will eventually have a drop ceiling put in. I hopefully have attached a pic of this. Thanks everyone in advance.
 
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Old 04-16-17, 07:32 AM
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Welcome to the forums!

Boy, they didn't give you much to work with did they?

How much space is between the duct and the wall with the door?

Short of cutting the door down and reframing the opening, I suggest you build ladder frames along each side and then bridge the duct with 1/2" plywood or osb, then cover the plywood with 1/4" sheetrock glued to the plywood.

If there isn't enough room between the duct and the wall for ladder framing you will have to put nailers right on the wall and run the plywood or OSB to them.

You obviously won't be able to have dropped ceiling under the duct.

I'd run whatever you decide past your building inspector to make sure it will be acceptable.

Good luck with your project!
 
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Old 04-16-17, 11:48 AM
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I suggest you build ladder frames along each side and then bridge the duct with 1/2" plywood or osb, then cover the plywood with 1/4" sheetrock
if you get the ladder section front and back you could just go with drywall and save 1/4".

I've never looked, where do you get 1/4" drywall?
 
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Old 04-16-17, 01:40 PM
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One other option is to install your drop ceiling and butt it up against the duct, leaving the duct out of the equation and painting the duct flat black. Not the best solution, but neither is cutting 3" of of a door and its frame.
 
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Old 04-16-17, 03:45 PM
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I've never looked, where do you get 1/4" drywall?
I buy it from the local interior supply place, but in my area menards stocks it, although not HD and Lowes.

But it is very flimsy which is why I suggested backing it with plywood. Otherwise, the first whack with anything will bust it.
 
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Old 04-16-17, 06:54 PM
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Could you move the duct away from the door so that you can frame around it?
 
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Old 04-17-17, 04:09 AM
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It is doubtful the duct can be moved since it is servicing a vent upstairs. See left of photo. He's sort of stuck with it.
 
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Old 04-17-17, 08:55 AM
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If that is standard size door that basement must have around 7' of head room. My Mom has a basement like that, at 6'-2" I walk with my head down as if feels like I'm going to hit something!
 
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Old 04-17-17, 09:16 AM
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I would just frame the door about 24" this way.
 
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Old 05-04-17, 01:56 PM
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Cold air return - can you not just screw the drywall right to the duct, so long as moisture is not an issue.
 
 

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