Hi All,

I'm putting up a ceiling in my basement. I need to build down about 5-6 inches (varies a bit due to sag) from the existing 2x8 joists to clear some plumbing. I'll be putting up 1x6 T&G for the ceiling.

I thought I would sister in new 2x8s; in that case they would overlap the existing joists 1.5 to 2.5 inches for nailing. Does this seem like a good approach or are there better ways?

Thanks,
Roy

I would not think that you would need to sister another joist to the existing joist.
Why not install a drop ceiling? They make them very attractive now.

Sounds like a bit of over kill and hard to get perfectly flat. I would shoot a horizontal line with a laser level, buy or borrow it. Then drop verticle scraps until you hit the line and nail 2x2 to the scraps. Your 2x2 will be the nailing surface for your T&G so make them perpendicular to the final ceiling material.

My dad and I had the same problem. We treated the drop just like the framing of a deck. We scribed a line with a laser level 6 inches below the existing ceiling. Next we screwed in 2x6s all the way around the perimeter of the room above the scribed line. Then we screwed metal deck hangers into the 2x6s to run the new 2x6 ceiling joists. Attach the sheetrock and you're in business.

I've never been a fan of a drop ceiling that uses tiles. I've always liked the look of sheetrock instead. It makes a basement feel less like a basement. However, the tiles are very useful if you are worried about accessing plumbing down the road. Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Wooden tiles, tin tiles... many type to choose from. If you are determined to use a drop ceiling, look around for something you will be happy with. Accessiblity is great, but don't turn the space into a commercial looking area.