Replies

1. 
   DG_Williams | Aug 06, 2001 04:40pm | #1

   *
   The message should have read as follows:
   I have a ranch style house with 8' ceilings and would like to change the master bedroom ceiling into a tray ceiling. The manufactured trusses are
   2 x 4 with nailing plates at the joints.
   Can I add a collar beam at the appropriate height with 2 x 4's and additional supports to form the tray shape and remove the ceiling joists or do I have to go the long route and use 2 x 6's joined to the 2 x 4 common rafters adding a ridge board and collar beams and then form the tray?

1. 
   JohnD_ | Aug 07, 2001 12:09am | #2

   *Are you b really planning on cutting the manufactured trusses?

1. 
   Johnnie_Browne | Aug 07, 2001 12:16am | #3

   *stupid question: What is a tray ceiling?

1. 
   Ed_Hilton | Aug 07, 2001 12:24am | #4

   *Johnnie, they're aparently using a regional term. I have always heard them referred to as a raised ceiling or a coffered ceiling, but I think coffered refers to some additional detailing. Anyway, the center part of the ceiling is 6-8" higher than the perimeter. Sometimes there are more than two steps. It's kind of like you built a soffit all the way around the room.

1. 
   Don_Hamel | Aug 07, 2001 12:40am | #5

   *Ditto JohnD's question. You are going to do this with a permit, aren't you? With an engineered drawing?

2. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Aug 07, 2001 02:17am | #6

   *Dg, you can cut trussess. But, if you still want the trusses to perform properly, you have to rebuild them properly. No one here can properly tell you what to do. That has to be done by an engineer. Contact your local lumber yard and ask them for the number of their truss supplier. Truss suppliers have an engineer that they use to determine details like yours. blue

3. 
   Kevin_McKenna | Aug 07, 2001 05:01am | #7

   *Indeed, you need a permit. Your only other option, depending on the size of each room is to review a low tray ceiling and LEAVE the trusses in place and as built and fastened. If you minimize lateral movement and build the new tray framing BETWEEN the trusses you can pad out and cover the actual truss chords and webs. I have used this technique successfully on other projects. It may not work in your application but it's an option to consider. Whatever you do, do not cut the trusses without an engineering design to back you up. KMA

4. 
   Kevin_AtHome | Aug 07, 2001 05:11am | #8

   *Johnnie, no stupid questions here ! a tray ceiling is one that resembles an upside down brownie pan. The ceiling starts to slope up as it leaves the walls, then flattens out for the majority of the room. Sort of like a cathedral ceiling that quit early.

2. 
   DG_Williams | Aug 07, 2001 05:11am | #9

   *
   I have a ranch style house with 8' ceilings and would like to change the master bedroom ceiling into a tray ceiling. The manufactured trusses are
   2 I 4 with nailing plates at the joints.
   Can I add a collar beam at the appropriate height with 2 I 4's and additional supports to form the tray shape and remove the ceiling joists or do I have to go the long route and use 2 I 6's joined to the 2 I 4 common rafters adding a ridge board and collar beams and then form the tray?