I am building a new layout and trying to do it right by erecting backdrop & painting, then installing fluorescent lights, then building benchwork, and am now ready to hang valences from ceiling (sheetrocked, rafters on 2’ centers.)
Layout is around-the-walls with a center peninsula, and valences will follow contuor of layout to shield fluorescent lights. I envision valences to be made of 1/8" masonite (am also considering luan plywood), but would consider other / better alternatives. I’m concerned about having sufficient support for valence to prevent flexing, bending, falling (!)
What is best way to hang valences? And what is best material to use? Layout has “curvy” edges, so valences must curve also. Your thoughts appreciated.
I have an idea for securing your valance. I have to say that I do not have a valance over my layout but if/when the time comes, I would use this method.
Draw a line on the ceiling where the valance is to go. Suspending a plumb bob so that it touches the edge of your layout (or as far in or out as you want to go) will enable you to follow the curves of the layout. 1) Screw small blocks of wood through the drywall into the joists. With your joists on 2’ centers I would put a block on every joist. Screw the top edge of the valance into these blocks. I would do this only if the valance isn’t very high. 2) Go to a hardware store and buy L-brackets. They come in various sizes from large reinforced ones designed to support heavy shelves to small stamped metal brackets designed to reinforce corners. They have holes in them for the mounting hardware. Pick a size depending on the height of your valance. Screw the brackets into the joists through the drywall. Because the valance will not be thick enough at 1/8" to secure it with screws, you could fasten the valance to them with nuts and bolts. Or you could glue and screw pieces of wood to the back of the valance and fasten the brackets from behind with screws. I would use a piece of 1 X 2 the full height of the valance to fasten the brackets to as this will help stiffen the valance.
Since I haven’t actually done either of these methods, you should wait for others who have installed valances to tell you how they did theirs–and maybe tell me what’s wrong with my ideas.
Sir,
Several years ago there was an article in MRR mag about a fellow who built a curving layout using steel 2 x 4 studs; I recall it was placed in the middle of a basement, suspended from the joists using steel studs and anchored to the floor into a single special steel stud that was bendable and could be made to curve. Thus, the floor plate in builder’s terminology curved and the vertical studs anchored into that plate. You could try and find such a bendable steel stud to attach to your ceiling joists and hang your valance. Such a system could be an anchor point for lighting too. Steel studs are light weight and surprisingly easy to work with.
Cheers,
FJK