When you are doing a remodel or renovation, you might notice parts of your ceiling that are lower than the other. This can be common in the kitchen and the bathroom. These sections of ceiling are known as a bulkhead. This is a section of ceiling that has been dropped (lowered) and boxed-in or enclosed. There are a number of reasons that your ceiling might have a bulkhead. Some of the reasons have to do with the room that they are located in.
Bathroom or Kitchen
For the most part, bulkheads are used to conceal something. If there are electrical wires, plumbing pipes, or ductwork in the ceiling, then they could be hidden by the bulkhead. Additionally, there could be exhaust fans and related ductwork that is also enclosed. Another reason that bulkheads could exist is just to lower the ceiling so there is less space at the top of the cabinets. The use of the bulkhead could be based on more than one need at a time as well.
Remove Bulkhead
A question that people have is whether a bulkhead can be removed. If there is nothing within the bulkhead, then removing it should not be a problem. If the sole purpose was to just reduce the amount of space at the top of a cabinet, then it should be fine. If there is ductwork or wiring, then careful consideration will need to be given to determine if these items can be re-routed or if there is space for them within the ceiling if the bulkhead is just removed. Then reviewing the remaining ceiling, walls, etc. should be done to determine what needs to be repaired or patched to have the area functional again.
Adding Bulkhead
Just as you can determine whether you want to get rid of one, you can also determine if your new look could use one. Then you can find out if you want to conceal something up there, or if it would look better for cosmetic reasons. Adding a bulkhead can offer more surface space to showcase your décor skills. You can paint the extra space or add another material to display your decorative flair.
Having the bulkhead take up the extra space between the ceiling and the cabinet can create a built-in look which can also create the illusion of a larger space. This can work for the kitchen or the bathroom.
