boxing basement beam

[mark80wamh]

I would like to know if anybody has boxed in a steel beam in the basement? I'll have a drop ceiling in the rest of this room but want to box the beam out first and eventally finish in cedar. Any tips appreciated.

[majakdragon]

mark80wamh, Welcome to the DIY Forums.

You could use adhesive to put whatever material you want to use on the bottom of the beam and then use angle clips at the top of the side pieces and nail into the bottom part.(you said you were doing drop ceiling so angle clips would not show). Good luck with your project.

[caleyg]

I'd build a 2x2 "wall" the height of the beam plus 1/4" on each side of the beam. Then link them together with thin steel straps to prevent warping. Then wrap the whole thing with your finish material. This keeps it as high as possible--although 3" wider than if you went without the framing.