How To Build A Soffit Box With Recessed Lighting

Time

Multiple Days

Complexity

Intermediate

Cost

$101–250

Introduction

If you're bored by a plain boxy room, take heart. You don't have to rip apart walls and ceilings to make the space more inviting, better lit and more dramatic. Instead of all that, you can build your own soffits.

A soffit is a dropped section of ceiling that's usually positioned along the walls. It creates a multi-height ceiling, which in itself adds a visual feature. But even better, it offers a perfect home for lighting—general lighting for the room as a whole and recessed lights for practical uses like illuminating closets and reading, as well as for highlighting artwork and display shelves.

In this article, we'll show you how to dramatically improve any room with a soffit and lights.

Before the Remodel:

This was a dull, drab bedroom before the new lights and soffits. We’ll walk you through a simple soffit building method that leaves the existing ceilings and walls intact, so there’s no messy drywall repair work. And we’ll show you how to install electrical fixtures and run wires inside the new soffit lighting so you won’t have to open up walls for the new electrical work.

If you’ve successfully tackled any simple carpentry project, such as building a deck or installing utility shelves, you’re more than qualified to handle this soffit box project. It’s mostly just a matter of cutting 2x4s and plywood to length and screwing them into place. Start to finish, you can complete this project in two easy weekends.

What you’ll need for this soffit box framing project:

You’ll only need everyday carpentry tools, including a four-foot level, circular saw, screw gun, a jigsaw and a miter saw for accurate cuts on the trim.

You’ll also need basic electrical skills to complete the wiring (see “Planning the Wiring” below). We won’t show in this article how to set new electrical boxes, run new wires or install the fixtures. If you’re unsure about these details, hire an electrician. Apply for an electrical permit before you start. In the meantime, check out 13 things your electrician wants you to know.

Tools Required

• A trim gun will speed up the woodwork
• Chalk line
• Circular saw
• Clamps
• Drill bit set
• Drill/driver - cordless
• Drywall sander
• Drywall saw
• Framing square
• Jigsaw
• Level
• Lineman's pliers
• Miter saw
• Non-contact voltage tester
• Paint roller
• Paint tray
• Stapler
• Stepladder
• Stud finder
• Tape measure
• Utility knife

Materials Required

• 1/2-in. drywall
• 1/2-in. plywood
• 2x2s
• 2x4s
• Electrical remodeling boxes
• Hardwood trim
• Non-metallic cable
• Recessed lighting fixtures
• Rope light
• Tear-away edging