How to Hide Ducts in a Basement
- Paint Your Duct Work. The fastest and least expensive way to cover your duct work is to paint it the same color as your...
- Use Soffits or Tray Ceilings. One of the most creative ways to hide vertical duct work is by using soffits or tray...
- Create a Drop Ceiling. If your ceiling is high enough, you can add a drop ceiling that covers the...
- The fastest and least expensive way to cover your duct work is to paint it the same color as your ceiling. ...
- If your ceiling is high enough, you can add a drop ceiling that covers the duct work, pipes, electrical wires and floor joists above.
How do you hide ductwork around a window?
Soffits, also called bulkheads, are a frame you build around the duct work to hide it from view. Ultimate Home Ideas suggests nailing vertical 2-by-4 supports down from the joists surrounding the duct and add long pieces of lumber along the bottom of the supports to create a frame around the duct.
How do you cover ductwork on a basement ceiling?
The fastest and least expensive way to cover your duct work is to paint it the same color as your ceiling. This will work if there's no additional insulation around the ducts. While this doesn't hide your ducts, it helps them blend in with the ceiling and makes them less noticeable.
How do you fix low air ducts in a house?
If the ductwork is in the way, you have three options. You can reroute it or split it into more but smaller ducts. But the least disruptive and easiest way is to replace the low ducts with new ducts that are flatter but wider. In most cases, you can gain several inches of headroom. Measure the existing ducts that are too low.
How do you support a ductwork on a floor?
Ultimate Home Ideas suggests nailing vertical 2-by-4 supports down from the joists surrounding the duct and add long pieces of lumber along the bottom of the supports to create a frame around the duct. The frame should be as close as possible to the duct without touching it.
How do you disguise ductwork?
How to Hide That Awful Ductwork!Create a tray ceiling. ... Drop the ceiling in one area to create intimacy. ... Create faux rafters. ... Use unique soffits when framing out ductwork. ... Incorporate ceiling framing with wall framing. ... When you can't beat 'em – embrace them!
How do you cover ductwork in a basement ceiling?
1:134:16Framing drops around ductwork ( easy way ) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart by kneeling the two by two to the ceiling after you get your straight line and then I'll ripMoreStart by kneeling the two by two to the ceiling after you get your straight line and then I'll rip plywood to the right length. And depth.
How do you make exposed ductwork look good?
If you don't want to go through the hassle of covering up your exposed pipes and ducts, but you also don't want them to draw too much attention, simply paint them the same color as the ceiling or walls that surround them. Painted in a unifying hue, they will blend in and become part of a cohesive background palette.
How do you fill gaps around ductwork?
0:073:31Home Air Ducts - How to repair holes & gaps - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst I'll apply a layer of sealing. And then a patch of cloth. And more sealant on top. That's theMoreFirst I'll apply a layer of sealing. And then a patch of cloth. And more sealant on top. That's the whole repair. And you don't have to do much more than this it dries really.
How do you disguise a bulkhead?
Paint your bulkhead the same color as your ceiling to help it blend in, if it hangs away from your cabinets. This helps raise the look of your bulkhead and open the room especially if your ceiling is white. Paint your bulkhead to match the walls if it sits above your cabinets to create the look of a seamless wall.
Can you move ductwork in basement?
Ductwork can be a major eyesore, but moving it will cause unnecessary stress — and add more time and money to your basement project. Solution: Before you try to relocate it, consider how you can frame around it and use it as a design element, perhaps creating a soffit or a tray ceiling.
Can you drywall over ductwork?
Drywall shouldn't touch ductwork. You'll need to leave a six-inch (15.24 cm) gap between the ductwork and the wall or encase the ductwork in insulation. If your drywall does touch the ductwork, this could make your walls warm.
Can I paint exposed ductwork?
It's best to use latex paint, and because ducts are located in out-of-the-way places, you can usually get away with using a paintbrush. If the ducts are prominent, though, you may want to spray paint them.
Can you paint ductwork in basement?
Surface Preparation Galvanized duct work, particularly in a basement, needs to be cleaned thoroughly before it is painted. Use a regular household cleaner and a rag to remove all dirt, dust and other debris from the ducts. If the debris is really caked on the ducts, then you may use a more powerful cleaner.
How do you seal gap between wall and duct?
use HVAC tape (aluminum) to seal from the inside of the vent over onto the drywall, I've never used this HVAC tape. Does the tape usually hold pretty firm for years, or should I expect to re-tape the vents regularly? It should last a good long time the silver foil duct tape is used to seal joints in duct work.
Can you use spray foam around heating ducts?
2:466:18Spray Foam Insulation to Duct Work - Yah but what do the Rules Say?YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you can't if the ductwork is hanging down way low either gonna have to get it changed we're gonnaMoreIf you can't if the ductwork is hanging down way low either gonna have to get it changed we're gonna work very slowly meticulously to wrap in the ducts. This becomes an issue with half pound foam.
What can I do with old ductwork?
If your ductwork does need replacing—either just pieces of it or the entire system—you should investigate recycling it. Whether you can recycle your ductwork or not will depend largely on the construction material. Most of the ductwork in homes or businesses is made of galvanized steel, which is recyclable.
Can you put acoustic ceiling tiles in a suspended ceiling?
Place acoustic ceiling tiles in the suspended frame to finish the ceiling. This has the added benefit of allowing you access to your ducts, plumbing or electrical items by simply removing a tile when necessary.
Can you compress ducts?
Opt for Flattened Ducts. Duct are often large and bulky, and you can't compress them without hurting the airflow in your house, says Family Handyman. However, you can replace them with ducts that are shaped differently but still allow the same amount of airflow.
Does insulation around ducts hide ducts?
This will work if there's no additional insulation around the ducts. While this doesn't hide your ducts, it helps them blend in with the ceiling and makes them less noticeable. It can add an industrial element to your interior design, giving you a place to start when planning your decor.
Can you put a drop ceiling on a ceiling?
If your ceiling is high enough, you can add a drop ceiling that covers the duct work, pipes, electrical wires and floor joists above. Drop ceilings typically use a thin metal frame, which you screw into the joists. Place acoustic ceiling tiles in the suspended frame to finish the ceiling.
3 Ways to hide duct work: what are your options?
Oh…hiding duct work is not always an easy task! In doing some research for this blog, I wanted to first clarify what I mean by ductwork vs a soffit.
3 Ways to Hide Duct Work
While HVAC, plumbing, etc. are all important and needed (duh – of course they are), it can be a real pain in the you-know-what to design around. Typically, when I look at working around them, I think of as many ways as possible to not draw the eye to it. Here are a few options to do this.
My last thoughts on hiding duct work
In the end, if your space has to have ductwork or soffits, there are ways to make them become part of your space and blend in well. I believe it’s always a good idea to look at your options, in conjunction with your budget, and make the best decision for your space and budget.
What is the purpose of building out walls?
This creates a cohesive, intentional-looking appearance and as an added bonus, building out walls creates a great space for closets, built-ins, or feature items such as recessed wine refrigerators.
When to use soffits?
Use unique soffits when framing out ductwork. Rather than building an unexciting soffit (or “bulkhead”) by framing only around the duct, try using unique soffits that appear as well-thought-out architectural details and add character to the space.
Can you finish off a basement with ductwork?
When ceilings are low and ductwork is even lower, it can be tricky to finish off a basement with a unified look while keeping the overall design from looking haphazard. Putting a little thought into the ductwork issue ahead of time is the key.
Can soffits be used to hide ductwork?
In addition to hiding ductwork, soffits are great for defining space. Dropping a ceiling in a certain area – such as over a bar, dining area, or craft space – can be a less-imposing alternative to putting up a wall, in terms of visually breaking up space.
Should Ductwork Be Wrapped?
Long story short, the ductwork should be wrapped. Not only have insulated ducts been the standard for decades – thus, any home inspector won’t let you get away with ductwork that isn’t wrapped – but there are several reasons why you want to insulate vent pipes even if insulation is ugly.
How To Cover Exposed Ductwork In The Kitchen (9 Creative Ways)
We established that ductwork – especially the insulated kind – has no aesthetic value. There are ways to conceal it, though. Check them out below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about concealing or painting ductwork? Find out the answers below.
Final Thoughts
Hiding ductwork in the kitchen can be done in a number of ways. Whether you decide to conceal the pipes completely or turn them into a focal point, we hope the ideas above can inspire you.
The easiest way to gain valuable headroom
Install wider, flatter heating and cooling ducts (you can have them custom made) to increase headroom in your basement, especially when finishing the ceiling.
Replace a low-hanging duct
Unbend the folded portion of each joint’s “drive coupler.” Pull each one off with pliers. Support the duct with two spring clamps and chain and then remove the duct hangers.
Required Tools for this Project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
Required Materials for this Project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
