How to build up the tray for custom vent installationUpdated 4 months ago

The tray is the centerpiece of your vent, designed to accommodate a piece of material that completes the custom look of your vent. Below, you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to properly build up the tray, choose the right adhesive, and apply grout for a seamless finish.

Building Up the Tray

The depth of the tray is 7/8” (or 3/4” for the Framed Floor Vent [Lite]), which allows you to customize the vent with various material thicknesses. However, in most cases, your surface material will not be exactly 7/8” thick. To ensure the material sits flush inside the tray, you will need to build it up with a filler piece.

Tips for Choosing a Filler Piece:

The filler piece can be made from various materials such as plywood, leftover tiles, hardwood, vinyl, cement board, or other hard materials.

The most important aspect is that the filler piece must sit completely flat inside the tray.

Selecting the Right Adhesive

For adhering the material to the tray, use an adhesive that is specifically designed for the type of material you're working with. 

Grouting the Tray

When installing tiles inside the tray, grouting may be necessary:

Grout the Center Seams: Always grout any center seams between tiles inside the tray to ensure a seamless finish.

Perimeter Grouting: It's not required to grout around the perimeter of the tile unless there are visible gaps. Use your discretion based on the appearance.

By following these guidelines, you can easily build up the tray, adhere your custom material, and apply grout for a professional-looking vent installation.