Box-beam ceilings have faux beams built as three-sided boxes and attached over a cleat. Typically, the box-beam ceiling is installed to add rustic character to a family room. A box-beam ceiling is stained to bring a strong contrast to adjacent walls and ceilings. In some cases, the wood is distressed, or old wood is used to add to the character and charm of the installation. Usually a box-beam is significantly lighter than a solid wood beam would be spanning the same distance. This style of beam is also easier to install and much less expensive.
Instructions
1. Locate the ceiling joists in the room by using a tape measure and stud finder. Mark the location and direction of the joists with a pencil. If your joists are running in the same direction as your beams, lay out your beams to mount over joists. If your joists run perpendicular with your beams, you can lay out your beams in any arrangement you want.
2. Move a along the ceiling and mark the location of joists using a pencil. Mark all of the joists. Use painter's tape at your joist marks if your beams and joists are parallel. This will help you see the beam spacing and determine the layout. Snap chalk lines across the ceiling at the centerline of each parallel joist. For perpendicular layouts, snap your chalk lines for the location of your beams and then move your stud finder along the chalk line to mark the joist locations.
3. Measure the width of the ceiling. Cut 2-inch-by-4-inch boards to the length using a table saw. You may need more than one board for wider ceilings. Center the board on the chalk line. Screw through the board into the ceiling joist using long wood screws. Use two screws for every four feet of board. Continue across the full width of the ceiling.
4. Cut 1-inch-by-3-inch and 1-inch-by-6-inch boards the width of the ceiling. Position the smaller board flat on the worktable. Apply a bead of glue along the side of the board. Place the larger board on end aligning the length of the board. Nail through the side of the larger board, through the glue and into the edge of the smaller board. Nail every eight to 12 inches. Repeat for the second side of the smaller board.
5. Lift the three-sided wood box up to the ceiling over the cleat. Hold the wood box against the ceiling and cleat and screw through the box into the cleat 3/4-inch from the ceiling. It is sometimes helpful to use finish nails to hold the box in place before you screw. Repeat for each beam.
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