Your Guide to Building a Soffit for Kitchen Cabinets

A soffit is a helpful architectural feature that lies between the top of cabinets and the ceiling. Learn how to build one with our step-by-step instructions.

Caitlin Sole

Updated on February 2, 2023

Total Time: 4 hours
Skill Level: Intermediate

A soffit (also called a bulkhead) is an architectural element that's often utilized to fill the space between the top of wall-mounted cabinets and the ceiling. Although the space it encloses is mostly empty, it's a great place to run wiring, heat ducts, and other utilities. Over sinks, a soffit often houses a canister light.

Although it's possible to build a soffit with a depth that matches the cabinets, that design route multiplies the degree of difficulty for the cabinet installer. Making the soffit 1-1/2 inches deeper than the cabinets disguises minor cabinet alignment discrepancies and also permits the installation of a small molding strip.

When designing a soffit, allow for an overhang at the exposed ends of soffit runs. Also be sure to allow for the thickness of the drywall on the front and bottom. You don't need to over-engineer the soffit because it's not a structural feature. Make sure to build the soffit level and square; it will help simplify installation of the cabinets.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Measuring tape
Drill
Chalk line
Level

Materials

Screws
Woodworker's glue or construction adhesive
Drywall
Corner bead

Instructions

Make Cuts

Cut your wood to the below dimensions.

Cuts

Piece Dimensions Quantity

1x4 boards 0

2x2 runners 0
Attach Runners

Fasten 1x4s to the back of upper and lower 2x2 runners with nails or screws, creating a ladder-like construction. Place a vertical support at each end and about 16 inches on center throughout. Make sure you keep the assembly straight, square, and flat.
Snap a Chalk Line

Snap a chalk line parallel to the wall onto the bottom of the joists. To run a soffit parallel to the joists, you'll probably have to add nailers between the joists. If you're framing an L- or U-shape soffit, install the first part parallel to the longest wall, then square the other soffit legs to it.
Attach Assembly to Joists

Tack-nail the runner assembly to only two joists. Check for level along the length of the lower runner. Add tapered shims, if necessary, between the upper runner and joist to level the assembly and to eliminate any gaps. If possible, drive your fastener through the shim to make sure the shim stays in place. Otherwise, smear a touch of woodworker's glue or construction adhesive on both sides of the shim near its tip to secure it to the framing. Let the glue dry before you trim the shim.
Transfer to Wall Studs

Use a level to transfer the position of the bottom runner onto the wall studs. You need to mark only the ends, and then join the marks with a chalk line. Screw or nail the 2x2 wall runner to the studs.

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Add Supports

Screw 1x4 horizontal supports to the top edge of the wall runner and the lower runner. You can space these about 48 inches on center. Make sure the soffit stays square. Cover the face and bottom of the soffit with drywall. Install corner bead on outside corners and tape the inside corners.