Add interest to your ceiling with DIY faux wood beams. These manufactured wood beams are easy to handle and come in lengths you can easily cut to fit your ceiling space. Modeled from real wood beams, manufactured wood beams made from polyurethane are easy to care for and add value to your home. They work equally well with a flat ceiling or with cathedral ceilings to give your room a new look.
Order samples
You can find many styles of faux wood beams on the market today. Many companies that sell manufactured wood beams are more than happy to send you samples of their product so you can look at it and get a feel for what it would look like installed in your home. Some wood beams have a smooth texture, and others have a rough-hewn, antique look about them.
As you look at samples consider the lighting in your room. (See References 1) Wood beams can affect the way light reflects in your room. Also a lighter colored wood beam can make a ceiling appear higher, while a darker one can make a room appear smaller.
Measure your room
Determine how many sections of wood beams you need to complete the room. Since you can cut wood beams easily with a circular or hand saw, it's easy to get the right size. You can also piece together if you need a longer beam than the standard length.
Gather your tools
To facilitate the installation of your faux wood beams, gather all your necessary equipment. Set up your electrical saws so you can make cuts yet still continue to work efficiently. In addition to basic carpentry tools and ladders, you should have a stud finder, a caulk gun and a chalk line or painter's tape.
Install the faux wood beams
Bring the wood beams indoors for at least 24 hours before you begin the project to allow them to acclimate.
Cut wood blocks out of two-by-four lumber slightly smaller than the inside of the faux wood beam. These are necessary to attach the beam to the ceiling.
Measure and mark where you wish to hang the faux wood beams. Use chalk line or painter's tape to mark where both sides of the beam are going to set.
To make sure the beams are square with the room, use a chalk line or painter's tape to mark where to install them.
Use the stud finder to locate a ceiling joist within the marked lines and within two feet of the side walls. Mark the spot. Secure a block of wood to the ceiling using anchor bolts if necessary. Continue attaching wooden blocks every three to six feet.
Hold the wood beam in place to make sure it fits properly. Trim if necessary. Run construction adhesive along the side of the beam that mounts on the ceiling. Set the beam in place over the blocks of wood. Make sure the beam is flush with the ceiling. Secure the beam with screws in the sides of the wood blocks.
Repeat this process until you finish hanging all the beams. Wipe up any excess adhesive. Caulk uneven ceiling areas and the sides if you wish. Cover screws with wood filler.
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