Easy How to Build and Attach Ceiling Beams

CEILING BEAMS

Last month, I published a post all about how to make a tray ceiling a focal point. My technique for achieving this look was two very easy DIY’s. A couple weeks ago, I gave you a simple step-by-step on how to plank a ceiling. And today I want to focus on the other element that makes this ceiling amazing! Today is all about how to build and attach ceiling beams.

EASY HOW TO BUILD AND ATTACH CEILING BEAMS

First, you have a few decisions to make…

***Which way do you want your beams to run? I feel like perpendicular with the carsiding looks the best, but really nothing says you have to do it that way.

***How wide do you want your beams? I chose 8″ wide.

One more thing, if your tray ceiling is like mine, then you have trim all the way around where the rope lighting is. You can either get rid of this and put up new trim or keep it. I chose to get rid of mine and add trim that would match the new trim better. If you choose to get rid of the old trim, now is the time to do that.

Now you’re ready to attach your beams. First, you’re going to want to determine where you want your beams to go and mark that spot. Knowing the width of your beam, mark the center of where your beam will go. For example, my beams were 8 inches wide, so I marked on the wall where I wanted the center of the beam to line up. Now I know that the middle of my first board will be centered with that marking.

Let’s attach our first board. I used a 1x8x10, cut it to the length I needed, and attached it to the ceiling using my nail gun. To ensure that it will stay in place, I drove a nail every 6 inches along both edges of the board. Remember to line it up as instructed in the paragraph above. Then go ahead and attach your first board for your 2nd (and 3rd, if applicable) beam….

Next, we’re going to head outside and build our beams. Cut three 1×8 boards the same length you cut your board already attached above. Do this for each beam and then sand, if you’re planning on staining your beams. Sanding gets rid of the yellow pine naturally has, ensuring that your stain goes on the right color….

Now you’re ready to build two more sides of your beam. We’re not going to add the last board until we get the beam in place and attached on the ceiling. Using your nail gun, attach your two boards together like this….