Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Tray ceiling

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Carpentry and Framing
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 21 Nov 2001
Time: 10:02 PM

Comments

Answering your questions one by one:

What is the typical cost of a tray ceiling?

The cost of a tray ceiling depends entirely on the size, complexity, shape, angles, curves, as well as local labor rates. If your ceiling has scissor trusses, a sloped tray ceiling can often be included at relatively little incremental cost. By adding horizontal ceiling joists several inches higher than the wall top plates, you effectively increase your ceiling height, which can make the room feel more spacious and grand.

Would there be a difference in price for a sloped tray vs. a stepped square-edge tray?

A sloped tray ceiling is probably slightly less expensive in certain situations. The framing can be simpler, requiring just a single plane, rather than a separate vertical and horizontal plane. If you have multiple steps, then this would definitely be more expensive than a sloped tray ceiling. The sheetrock finishing is less expensive with a sloped tray as there are no corner beads to install on outside edges.

My builder mistakenly installed a sloped tray instead of the octagon-shaped stepped tray I requested and claims that he cannot change it without cutting into the trusses. There is about an 8" distance between the center of the ceiling and the lower edge of the slope where it meets the wall. The ceiling is on the second floor (master bedroom) and the roof is a hip roof. The builder also claims that the tray he installed is not deeper because of the hip roof. Is his claim valid?

Generally speaking the slope of the tray ceiling cannot exceed the slope of the hip roof without cutting into the wall height. Typically the slope is even less than the roof, particularly if scissor trusses are used. Without seeing your site first-hand, it's hard to know whether cutting into the trusses would be a problem. It really depends on whether the tray ceiling is a dropped soffit, or whether you're actually cutting into the sloped roof area to gain additional ceiling height.

There is nothing wrong with a sloped tray as was built...and it can look very elegant. Of course, if this was different that what the plans specified, then you have a legitimate issue with your contractor. At this point, however, I would not change anything that could impact the structural integrity of the roof or ceiling structure. Unless you absolutely dislike the result, we suggest you negotiate with your contractor to provide some credit towards other "extras" that will invariably arise during your project.

Additional information on tray and coffered ceilings can be found at:

http://www.builderswebsource.com/_discBT/0000005b.htm

Please let us know if you have further questions.

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