You are used to a range hood above your cooktop in your kitchen, but now you are moving to a house without a range hood, and you want to install one. But the kitchen has a sloped ceiling, and you’re not sure whether a range hood can be installed in a room with a sloped ceiling.
Yes, a range hood can be installed in a room with sloped ceilings. It is possible if you have a custom-made hood chimney that accommodates the ceiling’s angle. A less expensive option is to “create” a level section above the hood. This is needed because a normal hood chimney has to be attached to a level surface to fit correctly into the rest of the hood.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to three of the possible ways you can follow to install a range hood on a sloped ceiling and then I’ll discuss one of the ways in more detail for DIY enthusiasts. For the other two options, you’ll either have to contact the manufacturer or contact a skilled carpenter.
Table of Contents
Installing a range hood in a room with a sloped ceiling – the main problem
Terminology
Before I begin to discuss “range hoods” please note that when I refer to “range hood” in this article, I’m talking about vented range hoods. In other words, range hoods that take the greasy particles from the food you are preparing on the cooktop and all the bad odors completely out of the kitchen through a vent.
If you want to install a range hood without a vent – a so-called recirculating range hood – you normally will not encounter problems with a slanted or sloped ceiling in your kitchen, because the hood doesn’t go through the ceiling.
What is the main problem with a sloped ceiling?
Usually, a vented range hood is relatively easy to fit yourself, whether it is above your cooktop against your kitchen wall, or above a kitchen island with your cooktop on the island. But if you have a sloped ceiling, it can become tricky to fit the range hood in such a way that it works efficiently and also looks professionally installed.
The basic problem with a sloped ceiling is that the chimney of a range hood is designed to be attached to a level ceiling. When the ceiling is sloped and you attach the standard hood chimney to it, the chimney will hang at an angle.
Dealers provide only standard models
And remember, your dealer can only provide standard hoods and chimneys. Dealers don’t stock hoods and chimneys with different angles to fit sloped ceilings.
Fortunately, there are at least three ways you can compensate for a sloped ceiling to make it possible to install your range hood in a kitchen with such a ceiling.
The first way to solve the problem – customize the hood
The easiest solution to solve the problem would be if the range hood chimney could be shaped in such a way that it accommodates the sloping angle and the installer just attaches the chimney “as normal” to the sloped ceiling. Some building contractors and home renovators contact range hood manufacturers when they need to fit a hood on a sloped ceiling. Most manufacturers can comply with a request to provide a chimney with specific measurements and angles if they have all the needed information.
Or you can DIY it as follows;
The downside: Rather expensive
This is normally a rather expensive way of solving the problem and many homeowners just don’t have the extra money to order a customized range hood. For this reason, I’m not going to discuss this option further – as long as you remember that if you can afford it, your best option is to contact the manufacturer to find out what measurements they need to provide you with a customized hood chimney.
A customized range hood chimney will fit one hundred percent correctly and will always look professionally installed.
The second way to solve the problem – create a level surface above the sloped ceiling
The second way to install your range hood on a sloped ceiling provides a method you can do yourself and it is much cheaper than ordering a customized hood. Because most DIY enthusiasts will be able to do this modification themselves, I provide the detailed steps you have to follow.
Before you start, get all your tools ready
You need a few tools to successfully attach your hood chimney to the ceiling. Especially if you are working alone, ensure that you have everything you need near you. Apart from
- a steady ladder enabling you to comfortably reach the ceiling, you need
- a measuring tape,
- chalk to mark,
- pen and paper,
- a small level,
- a piece of wood that you can cut to size between joists in the ceiling
- some screws,
- a utility knife, and
- a power drill.
Tip: To prevent scratching or denting on the range hood, ensure that it is covered in plastic before you start to work on the chimney. If it is a new range hood that you are installing, leave the plastic covering on it. If there is no plastic wrapping still on the hood, cover it with clinging plastic as protection.
First steps – make a hole in the ceiling
If the range hood is not already fitted above the cooking area, decide where you want the hood, and position it. Then run the chimney up to the ceiling. Mark the ceiling with chalk where the chimney touches it and then also mark with the chalk around the chimney.
Measure the diameter of the range hood chimney (and write it down) and then check and measure the markings on the ceiling again. When you’re satisfied the measurements are one hundred percent correct, cut the hole for the chimney in the ceiling with your utility knife. The hole must be slightly bigger than the chimney, so cut on the outside of your marks on the ceiling. Remove the drywall (ceiling material) from the hole.
Next steps – create a level surface above the sloped ceiling
You now have to create a level surface above the sloped ceiling where you can attach the top side of the chimney. Use the wood block and cut it to fit between the joists in the ceiling in such a way that it creates a level surface. By using your drill and some screws, secure it.
If you can get a small level into the hole, use it to ensure that you screw the block in a level position. If you can’t use a level, measure the distance to the floor on each side of the block and adjust the block and screws until the distances on both sides are the same. If the distances are the same you’ll know that the block is level.
Final steps – attach the chimney to the level wood block
Ensure that your range hood is in the correct place and then run its chimney up and attach the top bracket to the wood block you’ve just inserted. To finish it off professionally, run a bead of caulk around the edges of the ceiling. You can now also remove the protective plastic on the range hood to get it ready to be used.
When your range hood chimney is attached to the level block, you can continue to attach everything else according to the normal manufacturer’s instructions.
The third way to solve the problem – Install a Soffit Box
A soffit box is a simple structure (box) extending downward from the ceiling for a few inches. Usually, its purpose is to lower the ceiling height in a portion of a room. But it can also be used to create a level area on a sloped ceiling to enable the range hood installer to attach the range hood chimney to a level surface. The soffit box can be larger than needed and can even be fitted with extra lights to provide a well-lit cooktop.
This option will be more expensive than the DIY option discussed above because you’ll have to get a skilled carpenter to do it professionally, but it will still be less expensive than a customized range hood and chimney.
FAQ
Can I install a range hood myself?
Usually, homeowners who are good with hands-on work should be able to install a range hood by themselves.
Can you put a range hood in a room with a vaulted ceiling?
Yes, just as with sloped ceilings, it is possible to install a range hood in a room with a vaulted ceiling, but you normally need a Soffit box.
Can you vent a range hood sideways?
Yes, a range hood can be vented sideways, but it depends on the extractor hood.
Conclusion
It usually takes more time to install a ranch hood when the room has a sloped ceiling than when it has a “normal” ceiling, but fortunately, it is possible, and it can be done in a way that the end result looks good in the kitchen.
