Beadboard is an old style of wood covering for walls or ceilings that is reminiscent of the inside of old railcars or boats. It comes in long planks, with tongue-and-groove edges that fit tightly together. Attaching the boards to a ceiling is an effective way to add character to a room and can also hide ceilings that are cracked, scarred or otherwise unpresentable. Make sure the beadboard is prefinished, since you don't necessarily want to finish it on the ceiling.
Instructions
1. Locate each joist in the ceiling using your electronic studfinder. Mark across the whole ceiling at the position of each joist with a level and pencil.
2. Measure across the ceiling, from end to end, perpendicular to the joists, along the starting edge of the ceiling. Transfer the measurement to a beadboard ceiling plank. Subtract 1 inch from the measurement. Cut the board to that size on a miter saw.
3. Hold the beadboard plank up to the ceiling, with the grooved edge of the board toward the wall and positioned one-half inch out from it. There should be one-half inch of space at each end of the board as well.
4. Secure the board with two trim nails per joist, shooting them straight upward through the face of the board with your trim gun. The lines you drew on the ceiling will show you where each joist is located.
5. Cut the next board to size in the same manner. Press the grooved side of it against the tongue side of the previous board. Nail the new board in place by shooting one trim nail per joist into the side of the board, next to the tongue, so the nail heads will be hidden by the next board.
6. Repeat the process for each board, building across the ceiling board by board. Use a table saw to cut the last board along its length so it fits next to the ending wall with a one-half-inch space there. Ceiling trim will cover the spaces around the perimeter.
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