Install Armstrong WoodHaven
A wood ceiling is classic variation on plaster and is easier to install today than it used to be. Armstrong makes a line of ceiling planking called WoodHaven that goes together practically like puzzle pieces with just a few standard tools. It's easiest to do this project during new construction or remodeling, when the ceiling joists are exposed, because the ceiling has to mount to the joists.
Instructions
1. Screw perpendicular to the ceiling joists, putting one board every 2 feet and running from end to end across the ceiling.
2. Measure the width of the ceiling, perpendicular to the 1-by-2 boards, and subtract 1 inch from that measurement to allow for 1/2-inch gaps at either end of the ceiling. Divide the measurement by the width of the ceiling planks (5 inches) to figure out how much extra space will be at the end. Add that number to five and divide by two to get the proper width of the starting and ending rows (i.e., if there's 2 inches of space leftover, two plus five is seven divided by two is 3 1/2).
3. Run the planks of the first row through a table saw to rip them to the appropriate width, cutting off the grooved side of the boards.
4. Set the planks of the first row in place with the cut sides of the boards facing the wall, sitting 1/2-inch out from it, to give the wood room to expand. Secure them on the wall side with screws through the face of the boards and on the other side with the brackets and screws that came with the kit. (The brackets hook to the sides of the planks and are screwed to the 1-by-2 boards at each point where the planks cross them.)
5. Hang the next row of planks by connecting the tongue and groove edges together with the first row then installing brackets on the outer side as before. Cut the boards at the ends on a miter saw as needed to fit against the sidewalls. Continue across the ceiling row by row, making sure to stagger the ends of the boards between rows.
6. Cut the last row of boards on the table saw to the same width that you cut the first course. Install it with the same 1/2-inch gap at the wall as before. Install ceiling trim to cover the gaps by the walls.
Tags: 1-by-2 boards, across ceiling, ceiling joists, Ceiling Plank, Install Armstrong