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Need advice for ceiling

328 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by carmbruster, Jun 4, 2004

sunspot

Discussion Starter · Jun 4, 2004

The room that I will be converting for my HT currently is in the basement and has a dropped ceiling. On the left half of the room, the height is at 7'.

The right half of the room is lower at 6'6" due to ductwork. I would like to have a uniform ceiling height across the room. I figure I have 3 different options:

1) Lower the left half of the room to 6'6". Replace all existing tile.

2) Remove and re-run existing ductwork. Utilize dropped ceiling at 7'

all existing tile would be replaced.

3) Remove and re-run existing ductwork. Install drywall ceiling. Joists are at 7'5".

I'm afraid that 6'6" might be a little low for the ceiling so am leaning toward options 2 or 3.

The existing ductwork has 2 runs entering the middle of the room moving transversely under the joists with runs off these running parallel to the joists. I figure I could move the transverse runs to the front of the room and build a soffit that will be hidden behind the proscenium and stage. Then run the rest of the ducting between the joists. It adds a little more length to some runs and a little less to others. I don't really see it adding any additional turns either. Does this sound reasonable? I can post pictures later too if that would help.

I'm not sure whether I want to install tile or drywall. I'm not concerned with sound isolation. It would be nice, but not a requirement.

I think drywall would probably look a lot nicer, but it is easier to make changes with tile. Any recommendations?

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MikeA

· #2 · Jun 4, 2004

I'm in a similar position to you.

I say go for the height! I'm going to run the ductwork down the side and hid it in a soffit. The other side has dropped plumbing suppling hot water for heating - I'll hid it in the soffit on the other side.

You don't mention the dimensions of your room. Mine's long enough for a second row and I want them on a platform so I need every inch of height I can get.

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ScoHo

· #3 · Jun 4, 2004

I would go with option 3. Definitely not option 1...6' 6" is too short for an entire ceiling (probably wouldn't meet code either). I would keep it the way it is before doing that. How much work do you think it will be to move the ductwork?

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carmbruster

· #4 · Jun 4, 2004

I think some pictures would help. 6'6" is way to low IMO. I like option #3 the best if it doesn't screw up your HVAC.

There is a dropped ceiling system (I believe it's called Ceilingmax) that surface mounts to the joists -- you only give up 1" -- so you may consider that product for #2. I used it in my last theater and it was easier to put up then a typical dropped ceiling. Uses standard 2X2 ceiling tiles. Loved how much vertical height it saved.

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sunspot

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 4, 2004

Mike, my room is not square. It is 15'3" at widest point and 11' at narrowest point. Seating will be at the 11' wide point. I plan on having 2 rows with the second row on a 6" riser. The room is 27' long, but I plan on putting a wall up at about 18'. Exact location has not been determined yet.

I've never done ductwork before, but I don't think it will be too terribly hard to reroute what is currently there.

carmbruster, I will try to get some pictures posted later. I am leaning toward option 3 as well. The only other minor issue is that there is a gas supply line for our fireplace that runs across just below the joists. I would either need to move the gas line if I attached directly to the joists or drop the ceiling a little bit further. It shouldn't be too big of a problem either way I would imagine.

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chinch

· #6 · Jun 4, 2004

#3 is a no brainer.

To cut the height to 6'6" is criminal (and will cost you resale value).

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carmbruster

· #7 · Jun 4, 2004

Gas Line (since it's not your main) should be pretty simple to re-route. I had to move a bunch of plumbing, including a pressure tank and a water heater, but it was worth it -- when guests are in my theater, I don't like them to be reminded that their in the basement.

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