fixtures at cathedral ceiling peak
jeffrey410
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Hello Breaktime members,
I’m having difficulties figuring out how to finish the drywall around a light outlet box which is located right in the peak of a cathedral ceiling. I’m wondering if there’s a specific framing technique builders typically use in such a location for a hanging fixture (i.e. light or fan). Any ideas on techniques or accessories that are used in such a situation would be appreciated.
cheers,
Doctor J,
Merrickville, Ontario CANADA
Replies
I usually install a level block on the bottom of the ridge ( a piece of 3/4 ply the size of the box works fine) to attach the box to (use a metal box and use deck screws to attach it, because you want the attachment to be solid enough for a heavy fixture or fan) and then install blocking between the rafters or trusses for the drywall up to the box to flush it out.
It's easier to do than explain...I just did one last week....if my feeble mind is working I'll try to get a photo tomorrow.
If your ridge is 1 1/2", there is a fixture box that is pretty sturdy and made for chandeliers that has a slot allowing it to be slid up onto the ridge and screwed in solidly. Those work well, too.
Edited 1/27/2005 9:39 pm ET by Notchman
thanks for your input, Notchman. I think I can picture what you mean. The blocking runs level along the bottom of the ridge. What would do to finish the ends of the blocking? Or maybe the blocking you do runs the entire length of ridge? If you do find a photo of what you've done, I'd be interested to see it.cheers,
Doctor J.
Doc, I like to run four 2x4's across the underside of the ridge, like collar ties. Usually two on each side of a pair of rafters. This gives you somewhere near a 7 1/2" square base for a light fixture, depending on roof pitch. A shallow pan box is usually ok for ceiling fans.
Mike
thanks, Mike. what would you do in the case of a cathedral ceiling built with 4" x 6" timber rafters spaced aprox. 38" apart ? this is my next dilemna. Also, we have chosen to expose the pine ceiling planks which sit on top of the rafters. I've pre-fed my wire through a hole in the center of the peak. Now I have to figure out how to finish the carpentry so that hanging a fixture (fan) won't look awkward. I'm guessing just a wooden wedge type of block with a level bottom to attach a shallow outlet "pan".regards,
Doc J.
You might........Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
Just me.. SORRY in advance.. Why did you run boards 45 to the roof?? I'd go with the flow of the roof.. If I was the HO I'd ask alot!
Hi Will, We built this addition from the ground up.Last thing to do was hang the fan. Built what you see, HOs (both of them) walked in, said "Looks great, I like it." And so......we mounted the fan. We worked on their house for six years, nearly non-stop. 85% of the time we could be found there. Evidently, they like what we do. And we always give them the last call on what they want aesthetically and what they don't. That's the way it should be, eh?Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
In that case I'd do exactly what Goldhiller posted.
In December I was asked to change a ceiling fan. No problem, I said. It was at the apex of a cathedral ceiling. The original builders just mudded it in. I had to carve out the existing fan. It took a little head scratching, but I really wish it would have been installed right in the first place so I wouldn't have had to do this. I'm sure I violated codes, but I'm not a professional.
It took a little effort to cut out the disc, but my main hobby is making speakers, so I had the jig. The hardest part was mudding it to the ceiling.
Sorry I don't have a finished picture. It looked really good in the end.
Doctor J,
A friend of mine asked me to install a ceiling fan on cathedral ceiling a few months back and I used a fax box specifically designed for that purpose. It worked like a champ.
You can order it from http://www.aifittings.com/n_4.htm
Ryan