Natural wood ceiling beams
Exposed ceiling beams that are beautifully finished can lend dramatic charm to any room. You can accomplish this design by installing faux wood ceiling beams if you have plumbing or wires that must be covered by drywall and can't be removed. For those who are able to use their finished, original beams to achieve this style, the ceiling planks above beams can be hidden using drywall with a bit of work. You will need at least one helper.
Instructions
1. Ask a friend to help when installing ceiling drywall.
Climb a ladder and measure the ceiling between each beam with a measuring tape, carefully writing down the measurements. You may have to enlist the aid of a friend for this step.
2. Lay one drywall sheet flat on the floor and measure it for the first panel, marking a small notch with a carpenter pencil to indicate where to cut. Align the top of the T-square flush against the drywall edge, making sure the perpendicular portion is aligned with the marked notch. Using a utility knife, score the drywall along the T-square, cutting only the outer wrapping. Place the drywall on a table with the scored line falling at its edge, and push the overhanging portion down until it snaps. With the utility knife, cut the outer wrapping on the opposite side of the drywall.
3. Apply construction adhesive to the ceiling where the first panel will be placed, and using the drywall hanger and your helper, place the drywall the ceiling. Operation of the drywall hanger is moderately easy. Place the drywall on the prongs and adjust the lift so that the drywall is elevated until it is flush against the ceiling. When the drywall is in place, you will have approximately 10 minutes to screw it in properly before the construction adhesive's bond is compromised.
4. Screw the drywall into the ceiling planks using a drill with a 5/8-inch screw bit, placing the screws 3/8 inch from the edges and approximately 7 inches apart around the drywall's perimeter and down its center. The screws should dimple the drywall but not break all the way through.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for the remaining portions of the ceiling.
6. Cover the edges where the drywall meets the drywall tape. If the edges that border the beams aren't flush, they may require taping as well. Use a spackle knife to apply joint compound smoothly over the tape and drywall screws. Once the joint compound is completely dry, it may require another coat to perfect the finish. Sand the dried compound lightly with a sanding block before applying the second coat.
7. Sand the areas with joint compound lightly using a sanding block once the final coat is completely dry. Your ceiling is now ready for priming and painting.
Tags: ceiling beams, flush against, joint compound, against ceiling, ceiling planks, compound lightly