Expert: Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group) - 8/3/2007

Question
I am going to place crown moulding around a room with a vaulted ceiling. I am placing the crown determined by the one 8 ft wall and follow that height around the room.  On one wall, I am building a headboard between 2 windows 6 ft apart. I would like to build a bulkhead above this to (1) hold four recessed par20 50watt lamps for reading, and (2) use the top for a shelf, to hold lightweight objects.  I am also thinking of using four corbels on either side of the windows for support and to hold curtain rods.  What is the best way to frame in such a bulkhead and can I use something other than drywall for the job.  Thank you.

Answer
Marty,

I think I can picture what you are trying to do.  If you want to avoid drywall, I have found that using a high grade of 1/2 inch birch plywood works very well in these sorts of applications.  If you have the equipment to make clean precise cuts, the material can be easily butt-joined using wood glue, glue blocks, and gun finish nails.  Sand the joints well, prime with a good primer-sealer, caulk the assembly into place as needed, and paint.

I hope this addresses your question.  Please let me know if you have additional questions.

--Steve Major