DIY Network

Elegant Tin Ceiling Installation From "Home Transformations" episode DHTR-112

	This brand new -- but bland -- front room will be transformed ...
	... into an elegant and cozy reading retreat.

Michael Ray Wisely and crew pay a visit to Peter and Gina Danford -- California newlyweds merging their lives into a new home. Their love of books brought them together, and now they find themselves with an empty front room that could be perfectly transformed into a library/reading room. With a little help from Michael Ray, the couple will install new carpet, a rich shade of paint, an elegant tin ceiling and a chandelier in part one of a two-part transformation.

Installing the Tin Ceiling

Materials:

Stud finder
Carpenter square
Pencil
Chalk line
Cordless drill
Screwdriver
1/8" x 6" pilot drill bit
Scaffolding (rental)
Panel lift (rental)
4' x 8' x 1/2" plywood
Measuring tape
2-1/2" drywall screws
Ladder (measuring at least 8')
Jigsaw with fine wood blade
5/16" spade bit
Saws - Circular, miter, table
Spiral cut saw (Rotozip)
2-1/2" drywall screws
T-square
Laser line
Ceiling box (round)
Jab saw
Needle nose pliers
Aviation snips
Tin panels
Hammer
Construction adhesive
Caulking gun
Nail set
Safety gear - ear and eye protection, gloves
Paint brush and rollers
Plastic bag
Paint and painter's tape
Sandpaper
Wirenuts
Lineman's pliers

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Prep Work and Plywood Installation

1. In this example, the ceiling height is over 10' -- if it's the same for your project, use scaffolding instead of a ladder to install the new ceiling tins. The scaffolding comes with instructions and is easy to assemble. (Rental per day is approximately $50.)

2. While wearing safety glasses, remove any trim around access doors located in the ceiling. Also, removed any vent covers and smoke alarms.

3. Using a stud finder, locate the studs in the wall and mark the position. Drill pilot holes with a hand drill to find the center point of each stud. Use a laser guide to transfer the lines to the opposite side of the room.

4. Next, use a panel lifter to attach plywood panels to the ceiling. The plywood will give the ceiling tins something to grab onto. A panel dolly (figure A) has a spinning arm that allows you to control the height lift.

5. Use a screw gun to joint the sheets of plywood into the studs following the lines laid out earlier.

6. Layout the plywood sheets in a staggered pattern (figure B). The staggered pattern will create a stronger base for the ceiling tins.

7. Cut areas for the sprinkler head, smoke detector and vent into the plywood piece that will cover. Carefully take measurements to cut around. Using a jigsaw cut the pieces of plywood to fit.

8. With the plywood installation complete, transfer the center point of the studs up the wall using a laser level. Use a chalk line to connect the dots and find the center of the room (figure C). The marking will also help the electrician install the chandelier in the center of the room.

To get the shade desired, a few layers of paint will be needed.

Painting Walls

Because the room was newly painted, the couple could skip a primer coat. However, they had to lightly sand the walls, mask off baseboards and trim and paint before the tins were installed. The color was rolled on in several even coats to get the richness desired. The sprinkler, vent and smoke detector was painting the same color as the tins (which were also painted).

	Figure D
	Figure E

Ceiling Tin Installation

Once the wall paint had dried and the masking tape was removed, Michael Ray and the Danfords move on to the ceiling tin installation.

1. Chalk lines onto the plywood to create a grid for the ceiling panels. Apply construction adhesive to the panel backs (figure D) to adhere to plywood panels, then hammer decorative nails into each panel to create a strong bond. To avoid marring of the tins, use a nail set when hammering the nails.

2. To cut circles in panels, use a high-speed rotary cutter with circle cutter attachment (figure E). To cut shapes from sprinkler head and vents, use tin snips.

3. After the ornate panels are in place, install the border panels. Tuck border panels under field panels and secure with nails.

4. Next, install the crown molding, which is made from the same stock as the ceiling panels. Cut mitered corners with a compound miter saw. Use a saw blade made to cut metal, follow manufacturer's instructions and avoid bending the stock. Use a 360-degree laser level to determine if crown molding is even. Trace a line with the laser around the entire room, 6" down from the ceiling. Secure molding in place in the same manner as for ceiling tins.

This wrought-iron chandelier is the perfect complement to the rich red walls and the decorative ceiling tins.

Chandelier Installation Tips

• Install the chandelier in the center of room. Be sure the junction box is secure and can support the weight of the fixture.

• If you are uncomfortable with wiring the chandelier -- or any electrical procedure -- contact a licensed electrician.

RESOURCES :

Tin Ceiling
Style: Leather Coated Aluminum
M-Boss, Inc.
Phone: 866-886-2677
Web site: www.mbossinc.com

Sherwin Williams
Website: Sherwin-Williams.com

Iron Chandelier with Scalloped Shades
Lamps Plus
Phone: 800-782-1967
Web site: LampsPlus.com