soffit installation
Soffit Installation
A soffit is the under-surface area of a cornice or overhang. The kitchen soffit is the area above the top edge of wall cabinets to the ceiling. The materials used to enfold the underside of eaves and porch ceilings are also termed as soffits. Installation will determine the position of the inside and the outside corner posts of the kitchen cabinets. They are available in both solid and vented panels.
- Have a detailed look at that place where the soffit is going to be installed, to see if more blocking will be needed before you install the drywall. You will need to place a blocking if the joists and soffit run in the same direction. If they intersect each other, place the 2x4 blockings after every 16 inches. Don't worry about the size.
- Lay a Sheetrock on the ceiling and wall where you want to install the soffit. The Sheetrock will serve as a fire block. There is no need to apply plaster because the Sheetrock will be hidden by the soffit.
- Always level the ceiling. A variation of ¼ inch for every 4 feet is acceptable on the ceiling.
- From the 2x4s, build two L-shaped frames with the help of the saw horses and a circular saw. Cut four 2x4s to fit the overall soffit length. Also cut 6 vertical pieces of the desired height, and attach these pieces to the horizontal lengths to create a small wall with the help of framing nails.
- You will require end caps if the soffit doesn't adjoin against the side walls.
- Cover the soffits with drywall using an electric screwdriver with drywall screws. Make all the drywall edges smooth.
- Paint the walls and give enough time to dry, before installing.
- You will require help to hold the completed soffit in place. Attach it with nails and wall studs.