Installation Of A Faux Wood Beam

Wood beams can make a perfect room accent.

Exposed wood timbers add interest, character, and beauty to the living spaces of a home. However, real timbers are always a part of the structure of a building and if the home does not have heavy timber construction, installing real heavy timbers is not an option. One way to obtain the look of heavy timbers, without the requirement for a certain structural system, is to install faux wood beams on the ceiling of a room. These beams are nonstructural, cosmetic additions that are easy to install and are a cost effective way to change the appearance of a space.

Instructions

1. Measure the length of the ceiling. Order your faux wood beams according to these measurements. Mark the locations where you want the beams to be installed.

2. Find the ceiling structure using the stud finder. You will need to attach blocking to something that will provide structural support, so finding the wood ceiling joists or roof trusses on the other side of the ceiling is very important. These are the wooden members, hidden by the ceiling material, that provide the support of the ceiling. The stud finder works by signaling when the finder is moved across the surface of the ceiling and it senses the presence of the wooden member. Once you find these, mark them for easy identification.

3. Measure the interior spacing of the hollow part of the faux wood beam. Cut 2x4 wood blocking to fit snugly within this space. You will need one or two blocks at each blocking location, depending on the depth of the faux beam you chose.

4. Mark locations for blocking at 6-foot intervals along the line where the faux beam will go. Using the electric drill, screw the wood blocking to the ceiling structure at these locations.

5. Cut the faux wood beams to length, based on the ceiling measurements. Lift the beam into place and attach to the wood blocking using finish nails and a hammer, being careful not to damage the ceiling finishes adjacent to the new beam.

Tags: faux wood, faux wood beams, wood beams, wood blocking, ceiling structure