Here is a joist under my bathtub that needs to be strengthened: [IMG]http://camoo.freeshell.org/bathtb.jpg[/IMG] I'm straightening out the sag with a jack, then I plan to reinforce it on the back with a 2x10, on the front with a steel plate. The plumber said he can rearrange the drain plumbing so there's only a single hole for a pipe going through the steel plate. So there wouldn't be the huge cutout in the picture. So what thickness should the steel plate be? It would rest on the sill plate, and go about 15" past the cut part. thanks

i want to remodel my kitchen, and the house is about 100 yrs old with double plank walls.my kitchen is 16 x16. ceiling height is 8 1/2 ft high. i want to drop it to 8 ft. the ceiling has ceiling tiles and i don't know whats underneath the tiles yet.i hung up a pot holder rack and used 3 1/2 screws to the ceiling. anyway, would a drop ceiling be to tacky for a kitchen?.now if i went with dry wall ceiling, could go over the tiles or do they need to come down.how would you tie it to the joists. would 2x4 hangers work, lay one flat and other vertical and screw into new joists.what would you reccomend for joists 2x4's or 2x3. frame the outside and then put up joists and tie in the hangers?. if i go with low hanging ceiling and want to put up recess lighting, do i need to put a frame to attach light to it. i want to use lighting under sink and counters.than drop ceiling light fixtures with rest of kitchen. any suggestions