Ceiling Stud Frame

[Jag-1978]

Hi All - I'm about to embank on a DIY project. My current dining room has 2 different height ceilings, so my plan is to lower the higher side to even things out. I'll be building a timber frame using 2 x 3 fixing to the brickwork all round. Then lines of 2 x 3 to create the battens in the middle, to give me the complete frame structure. Spacing approx. 400mm between each batten. Now my question is the room is approx. 3m square. Would I need to support the frame from the centre via joists to stop any warping or would would noggins between the battens suffice to make the frame more rigid. The weight on the frame would just be standard plasterboard and central light fitting not to heavy. The current ceiling is covered so I'm not seeing the way the joists are running unless I start cutting holes and using a stud detector to find the joists then to add supports to hold the frame up. If needs must then will do that but just want to gauge what people things is the best approach.

Help much appreciated

Jag

 

[foxhole]

Centre light fitting ? It will be beside a central joist . You can build the frame and drop a couple timber from old ceiling to secure centre which will help prevent any warping in new frame .