Basement ceiling question

aggst1 · 11-02-2009, 12:25 PM

I am finishing an unfinished room in my basement putting up drywall and it is time to cover the ceiling. Since it is a basement I have decided to install drop ceiling. I have decided on the ceiling height, however I do have a question. Can someone tell me what the two 2x4's coming down from the ceiling are? They are attached to the joists with small metal strips. For the life of me I can't figure out what their purpose is. The only thing I can come up with is that they may have something to do with the fact that on the exact same spot upstairs is the landing area from the steps. Can anyone shed some light? Is it ok to cut 5" off of the bottom of these?
Here is a photo.

Thanks in advance

Ari

12penny · 11-02-2009, 12:40 PM

aggst1....An answer requires a photo of the offending 2x4's.

A correct answer requires you finish your profile.

**Gary in WA** · 11-02-2009, 12:40 PM

Probably the ends of the framing for the newel post, brought through the floor to give stability and strength.
http://www.rd.com/57548/article57548.html
Be safe, Gary

aggst1 · 11-02-2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12penny

aggst1....An answer requires a photo of the offending 2x4's.

A correct answer requires you finish your profile.

My apologies for the delay. I have now posted a photo. I will be finishing my profile in a couple of minutes. Thanks for the quick responses

aggst1 · 11-02-2009, 12:53 PM

Just to clarify, the posts do not appear to extend through the subfloor of the upstairs.

12penny · 11-02-2009, 12:56 PM

aggst1...I have no idea.

aggst1 · 11-02-2009, 04:19 PM

Anyone have an idea?

Here is another photo from a different angle

**Gary in WA** · 11-02-2009, 06:31 PM

If they don't go through the floor, they are from the electrician holding up his wire spool for ease of pulling wire rotating on a pipe. Newer ones have a swivel and just hang from a joist.
Cut them off.
Be safe, Gary

Lazy_Jake · 11-02-2009, 07:39 PM

Yeah! Get rid of that stuff. Drop that ceiling!

Shawn Bellanca · 05-07-2013, 04:23 PM

You will be safe to cut 5" off of those 2x4's. Be sure to cut them as clean and smooth to avoid lots of shaking.

11-02-2009, 12:25 PM	#1
aggst1 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 9	Basement ceiling question I am finishing an unfinished room in my basement putting up drywall and it is time to cover the ceiling. Since it is a basement I have decided to install drop ceiling. I have decided on the ceiling height, however I do have a question. Can someone tell me what the two 2x4's coming down from the ceiling are? They are attached to the joists with small metal strips. For the life of me I can't figure out what their purpose is. The only thing I can come up with is that they may have something to do with the fact that on the exact same spot upstairs is the landing area from the steps. Can anyone shed some light? Is it ok to cut 5" off of the bottom of these? Here is a photo. Thanks in advance Ari Last edited by aggst1; 11-02-2009 at 12:46 PM. Reason: Added link

11-02-2009, 12:40 PM	#2
12penny Not so new Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, Pa. Posts: 853	Basement ceiling question aggst1....An answer requires a photo of the offending 2x4's. A correct answer requires you finish your profile.

11-02-2009, 12:40 PM	#3
Gary in WA Moderator Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 8,843	Basement ceiling question Probably the ends of the framing for the newel post, brought through the floor to give stability and strength. http://www.rd.com/57548/article57548.html Be safe, Gary __________________ Clothes taking longer to dry? Clean the dryer screen in HOT water if using fabric softener sheets. They leave a residue that impedes air-flow, costing you money. Clean the ducting in the last six months? 17,000 dryer fires annually!

11-02-2009, 12:53 PM	#5
aggst1 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 9	Basement ceiling question Just to clarify, the posts do not appear to extend through the subfloor of the upstairs.

11-02-2009, 12:56 PM	#6
12penny Not so new Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, Pa. Posts: 853	Basement ceiling question aggst1...I have no idea.

Basement ceiling question