How to Repair a Shiplap Ceiling

Replace rotted boards with these step-by-step instructions.

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Filed under: Ceiling, Repair, Wood, How To

If you have a rotting ceiling hanging over you, don’t put off repairing it. This project shows you how to stop the rot before it takes over.

Material and Tools:

ladder
workbench
circular saw
router
cat’s-paw pry bar
back saw
clamps
carpenter’s square
hammer
pencil
tape measure
hacksaw blade
work gloves
dust mask
safety glasses
recycled shiplap or replacement lumber
ring-shank galvanized nails

Steps:

1. Wearing safety glasses, a dust mask and work gloves, pry out rotting pieces of wood with the cat’s paw and hammer.

2. Using a back saw, cut away the rotted areas. Be sure to stop at a joist to ensure that you have a place to attach the ends of the replacement pieces.

3. If using new boards rather than salvaged ones, cut them to the proper width, and then use a router to cut out a lap on each side. Use the groove in an existing piece of shiplap to set your router-bit depth.

4. Cut the pieces to match the size of the openings. Wedge all the pieces into place.

5. Either pre-drill pilot holes for the nails or blunt the tips of the nails with a hammer to prevent the wood from cracking. Nail the pieces into place.

6. Cover the nail holes with wood putty.

7. Prime and paint the ceiling.