Do you need to renovate a room? Does your favorite space feel a bit stale? Don't ignore an often overlooked room transformation, the ceiling. A custom ceiling treatment can totally transform the look of a space. A variety of prefab ceiling treatments are available today, from faux tin panels to prefinished wood planks. With a little DIY savvy and some creative reuse of materials, you can completely change the look of a room in just one day.
Mona Sadler
When selecting a material for this project, keep in mind that it must be non-toxic, free of insect infestation, and stable enough to be installed on the ceiling. In this case, an old dock served as the source for the lining. Once the dock was dismantled and the materials sorted, the best and straightest boards were pulled from the pile.
Existing ceiling fixtures must be removed by a licensed electrician before beginning and reinstalled upon completion. Be sure to consult an electrician about items such as recessed lighting and fans that may require relocation or subsequent mounting. Also ask the electrician to relocate unprotected attic wiring that could be hit by an overloaded fastener. Running the wiring on top of your existing ceiling joists instead of on the side will help keep you out of harm's way.
Mona Sadler
Use a stud finder to locate the existing roof frame. With a helper, chalk each joist across the room. It may be necessary to scratch a thick ceiling texture to create a flat surface. Install 1/2” plywood over existing drywall or plaster, making sure to screw through the plywood and into the top frame. Use chalk lines as a guide and install screws 12” on center. As an alternative to screws, a pneumatic framing gun can be used. Since the plywood will support the weight of the new treatment, it must be properly secured.
Mona Sadler
If the reclaimed material does not overlap or will leave small gaps when installed, paint the plywood with flat black paint to create a perfect finish. Be sure to mask the room and cover any non-removable furniture before you start painting.
Adrian henson
Once the roof substrate is ready, chalk a center reference line and work out from that line. If the material is square, add a perpendicular reference line through the other axis of the room. This will guarantee equal and even reveals on every wall. In this case, the length of the material dictated that the room be divided into thirds.
Adrian henson
Trim the material to the same length and install one row at a time, fastening each piece properly. In this case, construction adhesive was applied to the top of each dock board and two 2" framing nails were used at each end (since the end joints were to be covered).
Mona Sadler
It may be necessary to cut the last piece to fit the space closest to the wall. If the siding is a natural material, such as wood, be sure to leave a 1/4" gap for expansion and contraction.
Mona Sadler
In this case, reclaimed beams were used to cover the seams and create the look of the original pier framing and supports. To prepare the material, first cut the joists to the required depth. Apply a bead of construction adhesive to the top of each band.
Mona Sadler
Attach joists to ceiling with 15 ga. finish nails. If the roof treatment is not thick enough to serve as an anchor, select a fastener long enough to penetrate the previously installed layer of plywood.
Jason Kisner
If necessary, treat the ceiling with stain, paint or clear coat. Have an electrician reinstall ceiling fixtures. Enjoy this unique reclaimed wood wall treatment!
