Building a tray ceiling is not as difficult as it might look. The bottom panel, called the soffit, and the edge pieces, called flanges, are the major components. The key to a successful tray ceiling installation is measuring the boards accurately and attaching them securely. The fun part is adding the molding and seeing the come to life with decorative touches. Make sure you have a helper with this project. It is not possible to install a tray ceiling single-handedly.
Instructions
1. Determine the dimensions for your tray ceiling. Standard widths for the soffit panel (which is the lower flat component) are 6 and 8 inches. You can make the soffit wider if you have a large room. However, you should avoid installing an extra-wide soffit in a small room because it will make the space look even smaller.
2. Stand on a ladder and measure from the edge of the ceiling to the width you selected. Start at a corner and draw a chalk mark every 3 feet with a yardstick. Then connect the marks to create a line to represent the edge. While you are on the ladder, use a stud finder and mark the locations of the studs on the ceiling with an "X."
3. Measure the final length of each chalk line. Cut 2-by-4 wood boards according to your measurements. The boards will be used to form the flanges for the tray ceiling structure.
4. Apply a bead of contact cement down the center of the 2-by-4 boards to adhere the boards to the ceiling so they do not fall. Use 4-inch wood nails to tack the boards to the stud points every 14 inches.
5. Measure from the bottom edge of the 2-by-4 boards to the top of the ceiling. Cut OSB panels for each side of the tray according to your measurements. You will probably have to cut multiple panels to fit the longer sides of the ceiling. Attach the OSB panels to the 2-by-4 boards with 3-inch wood screws.
6. Remove any existing molding, such as crown molding along the perimeter of the ceiling. Measure the lengths of each edge and cut 2-by-4 pieces accordingly. Use your stud finder to locate and mark stud locations on all walls. Nail the 2-by-4 boards to each wall.
7. Measure the width from the edge of the frame to the wall. Cut OSB panels according to the width and the total length along each wall. Attach the OSB panels to the bottom edges of the frame boards.
8. Measure and cut half-inch drywall and attach it on top of the OSB using 3-inch wood screws. Tape seams and spackle imperfections. Prime and paint the drywall.
9. Use your length and width measurements to cut molding strips (if you desire) to add a formal and decorative treatment to the tray frame. Use 2-inch nails to attach the molding to the frame. Otherwise, attach drywall tape to create a finished edge along each side of the frame and to cover seams between OSB panels.
Tags: tray ceiling, , 3-inch wood, , according your