Faux Ceiling Beams Create Rustic Feel

Before: The open ceiling was like a blank, boring canvas.

Steps:

1. Faux wood beams are a custom item, so you will need to measure your space and order the beams. Typically faux beams are made from polyurethane and laminated with either real wood or a composite that stains like wood.

2. This project used three beams space evenly on a 17-foot ceiling that sloped. When working this high it's much safer to rent scaffolding. Set up and secure your scaffolding, and then mark the ceiling.

3. Using the angle finder, measure the angle at the top and bottom of the ceiling slope and write down the figures.

4. Measure the spacing of the beams, and then snap a chalk line on the ceiling to mark locations for the mounting blocks. Measure the total length of the beam, from top to bottom of the ceiling, and mark the center of the beam on the ceiling.

5. Cut the mounting blocks, using the power miter saw, to fit the interior dimension and angle of the beam. Mount them every 24 to 36 inches along the chalk line you snapped earlier. If possible, mount the blocks to ceiling joists. If there are no joists, use 4-inch toggle bolts to install the blocks. Tip: After installing the block, put a strip of painter’s tape on the ceiling next to the block, so you can locate the blocks after the beam is up.

6. Cut the top beam to the angle you measured. Use a hand saw, or fine tooth jigsaw to make the cut. Measure the distance between the peak and the center mark you made earlier, and cut the beam off square. Do the same for the bottom half of the beam.

7. Drill holes in the beams that will accommodate the new lighting. Line up the new lighting with the old lighting to save.

8. Remove the old ceiling fixture and toss out. The new lighting will hook to these wires. If necessary, add a length of wire to the old wiring to reach the new. Make sure the connections are secure and wiring tucked inside the junction box. All electrical connections must be contained in a junction box with no wire nuts hanging out in a wall or ceiling.

9. Tuck wires into the ceiling box, and run the wire into the beam, being sure the beam will not pinch the wire against the mounting block when installed.

10. Slide the beam over the mounting blocks, and push up tight to the ceiling.

Screw the beams into the blocks using 2-inch drywall screws.

11. Use color-matched wood filler to fill screw holes.

12. Glue and tack the straps that hide the seams over the center on the beam.