My family room in my tri-level has a cold air return duct that extents about 3 feet along the ceiling on one wall and sticks out into the room about 14 inches. Paint doesn't stick and it is just plain ugly.

I have decided to build what I would call an overhang and put recessed lighting around the entire room in it. I want to build a drop down square around the edge of the room that would drop down about 6 to 8 inches and come out from the walls about 16 to 18 inches. (Still on the drawing board) I have look thru lots of web sites but can not find what I would have to build it with.

I think I need to build ladders on the ground and then install them. I would use a 2 X 4 for the sides and then I think either 1 X 1s or 2 X 2s then screw one at a right angle to the ceiling and on parallel to the ceiling to build the box. The before finishing with drywall put the recessed lighting in and all wiring.

I need to know what sizes of lumber I should build the ladders out of? I am not sure that all my terminology is correct for what I am trying to do but I have worked with wood before and think I can handle this. Please any advise would be appreciated.

 

Just got finished building the soffits around my heating & cooling runs in my basement. Built them out of 2x2's,and built the vertical drop down sections on the ground, and yes they look similar to a ladder. However instead of using nails or screws through the top of the "T" (i.e. from the horizontal runs on the top and bottom to the vertical spacers) a contractor friend suggested using a 3" or so wide strip of 3/8" plywood. Line it up on the inside of your vertical 2x2 and use small 1" or so nails. At first it seemed a little flimsy, but once it was all connected with the horizontal cross members it became very solid. However if you are just going down 6 - 8", you might want to buy 1x boards (1x8 or 1x10) sister a 2x2 on the top & bottom to allow you to screw it into the ceiling joists. Move your bottom sistered 2x2 up enough to allow room for your bottom cross members. I had to go down 12" to get around my vents, thus could not go this last route.

Good luck. Mike