How to Box in a Steel Beam in a Basement

Learn the most effective techniques on how to Box in a Steel Beam in a Basement in this comprehensive guide.

1. Measure and record the length of the steel ceiling beam, from one end to the other. This is the length of the frame required. You may need to build more than one frame if the length is longer than your 2-by-4-inch boards.

2. Determine the depth of the steel ceiling beam, measuring from either the bottom of the ceiling joists or the finished ceiling surface. For instance, a steel beam that extends past the joists 8 inches is recorded as 8 inches in depth.

3. Find the width of the steel ceiling beam. Think of this as the diameter to avoid confusion. Record the measurement; creating a little rough sketch with the length, depth and width marked may help you envision the project.

4. Cut 4 boards the depth of the steel beam -- 2 boards for each end of the frame. Make 2 additional short boards that measure the width of the beam -- 1 board for either end of the box. Mark each board with either a "D" or a "W."

5. Lay two 2-by-4-inch boards, cut to the appropriate length, flat on your work surface. Set the "W" board on top. Align the board so it is flush with the ends, one on either side of the "W" board. Nail through the "W" board into the 2-by-4 with two 8d nails per side. Repeat on the opposite end.

6. Flip the frame over so the "W" board rests against the work surface, with the 2-by-4s spanning between and laying on each. This is your steel beam box frame bottom.

7. Hold a "D" board up to the frame, on end with the wide side of the board facing the side of the 2-by-4. Align it flush with the end of the 2-by-4 and "W" board. Secure with two 8d nails driven through the board into the side of the 2-by-4 and the end of the "W" board.

8. Repeat with each "D" board -- two on one end and two on the opposite. When complete, you have a frame that is open on one end (the top) and boxed in on the bottom and sides. Build additional frames, if needed, to span the entire length of the beam.

9. Lift the steel beam box frame into place, fitting the frame over the beam to encompass it. Secure the frame to the wall on either end with concrete screws, using a drill to drive the screw through the wood and into the wall. If the box is comprised of more than one frame, nail them together with nails before attaching to the walls.

10. Cover the bottom face and both sides of the steel beam frame with either drywall, plywood or paneling. Finish as preferred.