Installation & Coordination
How to spec and coordinate concealment, the right way
The box is installed during construction, before the finish. Coordinate the rough-in early and the result is seamless. Here is the sequence and what the other trades need to know.
The sequence
Four steps to a clean concealment
- 1
Specify the enclosure during design
Decide on concealment while the ceiling and window details are still on paper. The enclosure type depends on the shade or track, the opening, and the ceiling assembly, so pull it into the drawing set early. Request the relevant CAD and DWG files for your construction documents.
- 2
Coordinate the rough-in at framing
The enclosure is a recessed element, so it has to be accounted for before the ceiling is closed. Confirm the pocket location, depth, and blocking with the framer and the GC during the framing phase. This is the single most important step for a clean finished result.
- 3
Set the enclosure before drywall and finish
The box goes in before the drywall and finish so the ceiling can be finished tight to it, leaving only a hairline slot. Coordinate with the drywall and finish trades so the reveal is consistent.
- 4
Install the shade or track later
The shade, blind, or drapery track is installed after the finish is complete, typically by the shade or AV trade. Because the enclosure was set during construction, the shade drops in cleanly with nothing left to see.
Why timing matters
Concealment is a framing decision, not a finish decision
The difference between a seamless slot and visible hardware is whether the pocket was coordinated before the ceiling closed. Plan it with the GC, framer, drywall, and shade or AV trades up front and every trade knows exactly what to expect. We can provide the right drawings, CAD, and guidance to make that coordination straightforward.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When in the build does the concealment get installed?
The enclosure is installed during construction, before drywall and finish, and is best coordinated at the framing phase. The shade or track is installed later, after the finish is complete.
Who installs the enclosure versus the shade?
The recessed enclosure is set by the construction trades during the build. The shade, blind, or drapery track is installed later by the shade or AV trade. We supply the enclosure and the drawings; you bring the shade.
What is the most common mistake?
Treating concealment as an afterthought. If the pocket is not coordinated before the ceiling is closed, you are left retrofitting around finished work or accepting visible hardware. Specify and rough it in early.
How do I confirm the right enclosure for a brand of track or shade?
Request the spec sheet and CAD for the system, or contact us with the shade, blind, or drapery track you are using. For TrackTrim, we can route drawings and CAD by track brand.
Get spec support
Tell us what you are working on. We reply to trade inquiries within one business day.