101 Ways to Use Soffits

[the dude]

OK, here it is, post your unusual ways to use soffits! (there is no 101 max)

Here are two of mine:

#1 - Half or Partial Wall instead of using a solid railing

dude

[crisw]

I posted this in the Show and Tell thread, but it fits here too. This double-sided fireplace is in my current home which I am modeling. Everything except the firebox (which is the two-sided fireplace from the library) and the mantel is done with soffits- 12 of them!

[Katalyst777]

I was hoping someone would start this thread! Gleaned from others' threads, the Help Databse and personal experience.

So if Cris's is 2. To create a custom fireplace and chimney then . . .

3. A countertop for a breakfast bar (for those of us who don't have the Custom Countertop tool)
4. Window Sills
5. Ceiling Beams
6. Piers
7. To determine the height of the house from ground to ridge (where I think Kilgore originally brought up the idea for this thread!)
8. Wall Covering in lower versions that don't have the Wall Covering tool
9. Apply material for a rectangular rug
10. To create a counter top backsplash
11. For 3D HVAC ductwork
12. (In Pro) a sloped soffit can be used as a wheelchair ramp
13. As a vertical molding
14. To form a Bell Footing
15. As a frieze board
16. Shutter
17. Coffered Ceiling
18. For exposed framing like 2x4s in an unfinished garage (for those of us that don't have the advanced framing options in Pro)

To be continued . . .

[Allen42ACJ]

I use them to box in over wall cabinets..
Weird but it works

[dr0591]

Allen, I think that's actually what they're supposed to be used for!!!

If Allen's is #19, how about

#20 To build a marble or glass shower enclosure

#21 As a mantle over a fireplace

#22 As low half-walls or porch enclosures

#23 As chimneys and chimney chases, both inside and outside -- no, wait, that was already mentioned

I'm sure I'll think of more......

[the dude]

#24 - tricky to make stairs
#25 - odd looking cabinets
#26 - square pillars

[dr0591]

#27 You can use them as trim pieces if you don't have control over moldings or the moldings won't stick where you want them.

[fbrb32]

#28 -- Similar to #7 I suppose, but I find them to be very handy 2-D rulers in cross-section/elevation view.

[dr0591]

#30 - Use them to cover up platform edges that just won't take on the correct wall color!!

[dr0591]

#31 - Make them into a pedestal to hold a vase or a plant.

[crisw]

32. Beams or other wood elements in timberframe-style homes
33. Outside chimneys
34. Bench backs and table top for a breakfast nook (with the seats made from floor cabinets with the countertop material set to fabric!)

[dr0591]

#35: Use a soffit to make a small stage platform in the entertainment room for Allen to stand on when he tells his bad jokes!

[Kilgore Trout]

Already mentioned but one of my favorites, custom stairs.

[Kilgore Trout]

#36 - Arbors and trellises.

[crisw]

#37 - Here's the karaoke machine- made from a soffit, a plasma TV, and a cylinder with that same Hickory Hiill material that you use for screens