A while back, I published a post all about how to make a tray ceiling a focal point. My technique for achieving this look was incorporating two very easy DIY’s: adding wood planks and ceiling beams. In this post we’re going to look at how easy it is to add DIY ceiling beams.
Do you have a tray ceiling that needs an upgrade? Or do you just want to add some character to a boring ceiling? Faux beams are a great way to add visual interest to any space. Living room, dining room, master bedroom, any room.
The best part? You can easily do this project on your own with a few tools and supplies.
How to Build & Attach DIY Ceiling Beams
Here are the easy steps for building and attaching DIY ceiling beams that will make a big impact in your home.
Materials Needed:
- 1×8 pine boards (from Home Depot or similar)
- Wood glue
- Wood filler
- Stain color of your choice (I chose Varathane Golden Oak)
- Pre-stain wood conditioner
- Trim (if replacing old trim)
- Nails
- Wood screws
- Sandpaper
Tools Needed:
- Nail gun
- Stud finder
- Miter saw (for miter cuts)
- Rubber mallet
- Tape measure
- Wood clamps
- Grit sandpaper
- Ladder
- Safety glasses
- Drill
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Step 1: Decide on Beam Placement and Width
Before starting, you’ll need to decide on the direction and width of your faux beams. Running them perpendicular to wood planks or ceiling joists can create a nice contrast, but there are different ways to position them based on the look you’re wanting to create.
For my project, I chose 8-inch pine boards from Home Depot to build the beams. You can customize the width to fit the scale of your room. This is your first step toward creating the look you want.
Pro Tip: If your ceiling has existing trim, now is the time to remove it, especially if it doesn’t match the new look of beams. I removed the old trim around my tray ceiling and replaced it to match the faux ceiling beams.
Step 2: Mark Beam Locations on the Ceiling and Attach
Knowing that my hanging light fixture was in the center of my tray ceiling, I was able to easily find the center. In the beginning, I planned on adding three beams. However, given the space I was working with, I quickly realized 3 beams would appear way too crowded.
Therefore, I pivoted and decided on 2 beams.
To find the placement for my beams, I found the middle from the light fixture to the right end of the tray ceiling. I then marked this spot and attached my first 1×8 board, using my nail gun.
I repeated this step to find the placement of my 2nd beam. Again, the breakdown is:
- Find the center between the light fixture and the left end of the tray ceiling.
- Attach the 1×8 pine board, using a nail gun.
PRO TIP: When attaching with the nail gun, drive nails every 6 inches along both sides of the 1×8 to ensure a sturdy hold.
Step 3: Build the Sides of the Beam
Now comes the fun part—building the actual sides of the beam. Head outside and cut three 1×8 boards for each beam. These boards will be cut the same length as the boards you just attached to the ceiling.
PRO TIP: It’s important to make sure your boards are straight and not warped. This will make the install go much smoother.
Sand them with 60-grit sandpaper to get rid of the yellow color that pine naturally has. Doing this will make sure your stain goes on the color it’s supposed to with no yellow undertone.
Before assembling the U-shaped beams, apply pre-stain wood conditioner to ensure an even wood stain application.
Once that’s done, use wood glue and a nail gun to attach two boards together at a 90-degree angle to form an L-shape. As shown in the picture below…
NOTE: We’re not going to add the last board until we get the beam in place and attached on the ceiling.
Both of my beams are now ready to go up and look like this…
Step 4: Attach the Beam to the Ceiling
Grab a helper, because this is a two-man job! Using a rubber mallet, position your partially assembled faux wood beams on the ceiling and secure them to the first board you attached. You’ll use a nail gun to attach them.
Step 5: Finish the Beam with the Final Piece
Once your beams are secured, attach the final piece to close off the open side of the beam. Use a nail gun to secure everything tightly.
Step 6: Fill Nail Holes and Finish the Beams
After your beams are installed, fill any nail holes with wood filler and sand them down for a smooth finish. This is a good thing to do before staining the beams. I chose Varathane Golden Oak stain for my beams, which contrasted beautifully against my black carsiding ceiling.
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Want to plank your ceiling like mine? Here’s my easy to follow tutorial.
Step 8: Add Trim and Finishing Touches
Once the beams are in place, it’s time to add trim around the ceiling. I replaced the old trim with matching pieces that fit the style of the faux ceiling beams. It’s these finishing touches that bring the whole room feel together.
Now that the beams are installed, I also swapped out my old light fixture. I like how this one is a light wood tone against the black. And it also adds texture to the space.
At this stage, I had not yet painted my carsiding. Staining the faux wood beams first made the finish work go much faster.
I then painted the wood planks (carsiding), using Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black.
Final Reveal: A Beautiful Transformation!
I’m so happy I went with black ceilings for this space. The Varathane Golden Oak beams really pop against the black. (Affiliate link included)
This room is a far cry from what it was before…
To what it is NOW….
Check out the full tutorial for the platform bed here.
Until next time,
Happy Building, Friend!!
Designer Tip: When It Might Be Time to Bring in Help
If you’re working on your home and things still don’t feel quite right, you’re not alone. Many of our clients start exactly where you are now. They’ve gathered ideas, saved inspiration photos, and maybe even purchased a few pieces, but the space still doesn’t feel cohesive. That’s often the moment when having a designer can make all the difference. We help homeowners create a clear plan so every decision works together. From layout and furniture placement to finishes and lighting, the goal is a space that feels thoughtful, comfortable, and complete.
If you’d like a little guidance with your space, you can learn more about our interior design services below.
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Planning a kitchen, living room, or full home project? Start with a quick discovery call to see if we’re a good fit.
Let’s go beyond the design to build something beautiful together!
More Easy DIY Tutorials:
How to Build a Modern Nightstand
How to Build a Modern Platform Bed
How to Make a Tray Ceiling a Beautiful Focal Point
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