Materials:Chalk line
Tape measure
Saw
Finish nailer
Finish nails
Miter box or miter saw
Pre-finished wood panels
Wood Plank Ceiling Installation
1. Unpack the planks 24 hours prior to installation so they will adapt to the temperature.
2. Determine which way you want the planks to run across the room. Keep in mind that planks will run opposite the direction of the joists (if attached directly to them), or opposite the direction of the furring strips.
3. Plan for any lighting or other fixtures that may be included in the room. Mount electrical boxes so they are 3/8 inches lower than the surface you will attach the plank to. Use light fixtures that will not raise the temperature of the planks above 230 degrees fahrenheit to prevent discoloration.
Hint: When ready to install can lights, circular cuts can be made in the plank with a saber saw or keyhole saw (figure A).
4. Measure the calculated border width out from the end wall at each side of the room and make a mark (figure B).
5. Snap a chalk line from mark to mark.
6. Starting from the left side of the room, measure out from the end wall several places to determine the exact width measurement for the first piece of plank. Subtract 1/2 inch from each of these measurements to allow for expansion.
7. Mark the first plank and cut to width. (A circular saw, saber saw or handsaw can be used for making straight cuts) (figure C).
8. Align the leading edge of the plank (groove edge) with the chalk line and have the tongue end 1/4 inch away from the side wall (the cut edge will be about 1/2 inch from the end wall).
9. Slide clips on the flange and screw the clips to the underside of each joist or furring strip.
10. Face nail or screw along the cut edge of the fastening plank to the joists or furring to hold up the cut edge until molding is installed later. Be sure to nail or screw close enough to the end wall so the molding will hide the nails or screws (figure D).
Note: You may have to install pieces of wood between the joists to prevent upward movement of the ends of the planks when the molding is installed.
11. Measure and cut the second plank and install in the same manner. When you get to the other side of the room, first measure the length for the last piece in the row and cut it so it is 1/2 inch short of the side wall when installed.
12. After you have cut the piece to the correct length, cut plank to the correct width and install.
13. Start the second row by inserting the tongue into the groove of the piece in the first row. Position the cut end of the plank 1/2 inch from the side wall and attach to ceiling with clips and screws. Continue along the second row with full length pieces until you have to cut a plank to reach the other side. Again, cut the length of this plank 1/2 inch short of the side wall and install.
14. When you get to the last row of planks, measure the opening between the next to last row and the end wall. Cut planks 1/2 inch short of this measurement. Insert plank into previous row and face nail or screw to joists or furring along the cut edge. Be sure to nail or screw close enough to the end wall so the molding will cover the nails or screws.
15. Install a decorative molding around the perimeter of the room to finish the new look and cover all perimeter nails or screws (figure E).
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