How to Build a Window Soffit Bulkhead

Accenting the window

A soffit bulkhead is primarily an enclosed and decorated box above a window, in which you can create lighting ambiance by installing lights in it---or you can cover it with your favorite wallpaper border. The fact that they reach the ceiling in most cases makes it easy to transition between the ceiling and the soffit. The one in this article is above a 36-inch window.

Things You'll Need

• Stepladder
• Carpenter's level
• 4 2-by-2-by-36-inch lumber
• 8 2-by-2-by-14-inch lumber
• 8 2-by-2-by-8-inch lumber
• Variable speed drill
• Countersink drill bit
• Phillips head screw tip
• 2½-inch drywall screws
• 3½-inch drywall screws
• Paneling brads
• 1 18¼-by-36½-by-¼-inch plywood
• 1 12-by-36-by-¼-inch plywood
• 2 12-by-18¼-by-¼-inch plywood

Instructions

1. Place the stepladder in front of the window, measure above the window down from the ceiling to where the soffit will be installed on the wall and make a mark. Place the carpenter's level on that mark and draw a horizontal line to indicate the bottom of the bulkhead. Take note of where the studs are in the wall and the joists in the ceiling.

2. Place the 36-inch lumber on a worktable. Measure from one end and make marks equal to the measurement revealing the studs and joists. For example, if the studs are closer than 16 inches, mark the 36-inch pieces so that the "studs" of the soffit line up with the studs in the wall as well as the joists in the ceiling.

3. Drill countersink holes where needed according to the measurements taken in Step 2. Apply glue to the ends of the 14-inch pieces that will be placed on the studs in the walls. Secure them to the 36-inch pieces with the 2½-inch drywall screws.

4. Measure the tops of the 36-inch pieces and make marks for every ceiling joist that will be used in the installation of the soffit (bulkhead). Mark the bottom 36-inch pieces the same. Apply glue to the ends of the 8-inch pieces and secure them to the tops and bottoms between the two frames built in Step 2.

5. Drill countersink holes in the studs and joists of the soffit. Secure the soffit to the wall and ceiling with the 3½-inch drywall screws. If you are going to install light(s), run the wiring anytime before the next step.

6. Secure the 12-by-36-by-¼-inch plywood to the bottom side of the soffit bulkhead with the brads. Next, secure the 12-by-18¼-by-¼-inch plywood to the sides and, finally, secure the 18¼-by-36½-by-¼-inch plywood to the front of the bulkhead. Sand the edges of the plywood with 100-grit sandpaper. Cover the soffit (bulkhead) as you desire.

Tips & Warnings

• If the soffit is too heavy to lift and hold for installation, prop some 2-by-4s under it to hold it while installing. Cover the plywood soffit with paint, wallpaper or paintable wallpaper. You can also substitute premium wood for the ¼-inch plywood and trim it with decorative molding.

• Do not leave stepladder unattended in the presence of children. Do not paint or stain the soffit without proper ventilation.

References

• Soffits (bulkheads) Contain Pipies, Electrical Wiring...

Resources

• Remodeling Kitchens: Drywall and Soffits