Hello,

I am wondering what would be the best way to frame around the ductwork and beam that I have in my basement. The first picture is a photo showing the ductwork and beam. In the middle of the two, there are copper lines, conduits, and a 4" main house sewer drain. Photo two shows a few sketches, the first sketch is calling everything out with dimensions, sketch two is showing approximately what I would like to do, sketch 3 is left blank in case you wanted to make your own sketch of what I should/could do. Edge of beam to edge of duct is about 3'-7".

Is using ripped 2x4's with 1/2" plywood ok, or should I got with a mini 2x4 wall everywhere? I know its non structural, it only has to support the weight of the drywall. I used the 2x4 wall on the side of the duct to help give it rigidity, since it will be spanning a farther distance.

With the way I show it now, the drywall has to span 2+ feet, I am worried the drywall would sag in that area. Can I use steel studs, are there products out there to help with this scenario, to help keep head room loss to a minimum?

I am trying to keep the most headroom I can. Right now, from floor to bottom of beam is 6'-7". If I put the drywall right underneath the beam, that would lose me about another 1/2". But that means the drywall would be right underneath the ductwork too then. The ductwork is only 1/2" higher up then the bottom of beam. Notice as the ductwork gets further down the line, it gets smaller, that part will be easy to frame around, because I can run horizontal 2x4's to help support the drywall. If I want to do this by the bigger trunk, I lose even more headroom.

Any info or advice would be great.

Thanks,
Steve

Attach 2x4 to I beam

Option #1
Drill 1/8" hole thru I beam every 4'
Attach 2x4 by screwing thru I beam into 2x4.
This will not weaken I beam any measurable amount. I use this method to attach 2x8 to I beam so I could run electric cables along it rather than go thru joist.

Option #2
Put two generous beads of construction adhesive on flat side of 2x4. Put 2x4 in place and clamp with C clamps. Let dry for a day or two. Construction adhesive will hold.

Attach a 2x3 to the side of I joist. Nail to top and bottom of I joist. Nail with palm nailer, great tool for something like this. If you can get your hand up there you can nail it with ease. Attach 2x3 to bottom of vertical 2x3. Here you will have to use screws.

Attach vertical drywall to wood. Attach horizontal drywall to 2x3's with screws and adhesive and to I beam with adhesive.

The span between 2x3 and I beam should not be a problem. Usual spacing for ceiling joist of a top floor (attic above) is 24".

Attach corner bead with adhesive. See link below. Nail into wood.

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