Expert Advice on Home Improvement TV Host of Emmy®-Nominated Today's Homeowner® and home expert for The Weather ChannelAttics and Basements, Design and Decor, Interior, Today's Homeowner Published 02/27/2008 by Danny Lipford
From vaulted to tray to coffered, it seems like the sky’s the limit for ceilings these days. Specialty ceilings can add a distinctive design element to a room and make it feel larger than it really is. And when it’s time to sell your home, custom ceilings might be just the thing to make your house stand out from the crowd.
The cathedral ceiling in this home features tongue and groove boards framed with rough sawn beams. A layer of drywall was put up first to maximize energy efficiency and reduce noise. This was then followed by 1”x 6” pine boards and cedar trim. Track lights will be mounted in the slots on the ceiling, allowing the lighting to be adjusted to illuminate specific areas.
Wood trim can be used to dress up a bland ceiling and give the room a more formal feel. This coffered ceiling consists of crisscrossed wooden beams applied over drywall with each square accented by a border of crown molding. A contrasting paint color was used on the recessed part of the ceiling to highlight the intricate trim work.
Ceilings can also be used to mirror the shape of other architectural features found in the room. This wooden barrel shaped ceiling follows the curve of the arched doorways found at each end of the room.
Another interesting ceiling design is this circular dropped ceiling. It includes stenciling around the rim with a center medallion and hanging chandelier acting as the focal point.
Recessed ceilings—also known as pocket, tray (or trey), and bumped up ceilings—have become a common feature of new houses today. Typically these types of ceilings start with a lower border around the outer edge of the room and are then raised a foot or more in the middle. They may also include sloped or tiered designs accented by crown and other moldings.
Often when an attic is converted into living space, the ceiling follows the slope of the roof to allow for additional floor space while providing enough ceiling height. It’s a good idea to flatten the ceiling out a few feet below the peak, however, to leave space for lighting, electrical wires, and ductwork.
While most specialty ceilings are incorporated into the plans when the house is built, ceilings in existing homes can be modified as well. Remodeling a ceiling requires careful consideration of the structural load carried by the ceiling joists before they can be removed. Once the existing ceiling has been taken out and the joists cut, work on the new ceiling can begin.
Any wiring, plumbing, or ductwork located above the room has to be taken into account and rerouted above the new ceiling. This can present a daunting task for the electrician and HVAC contractor.
This renovation project included turning a typical flat ceiling into a multifaceted turtleback ceiling over the expanded kitchen and den area. After the framing was complete, the beams were covered with painted 1”x 6” V-groove pine boards.
When installing solid wood, be sure to stagger the joints. A grooved block, made from a piece of scrap material, is used to protect the tongue when hammering the boards in place.
Tongue and groove boards can be blind nailed through the tongue so nail heads are not visible, or face nailed. Wooden ceilings may be painted or stained and provide an attractive alternative to drywall, though both the labor and materials cost much more.
Simulated wood ceilings made from laminate materials, such as Armstrong’s WoodHaven, are a do-it-yourself friendly substitute for natural wood. While the material costs are about the same as well real wood, the installation of laminate ceilings is much less expensive, since they come prefinished.
Decorative stamped metal can make a striking ceiling with a unique character all their own. Products like Armstrong’s Metallaire™ ceiling panels are available in dozens of patterns and finishes from steel and copper to chrome and brass.
Drilling holes in a drywall or plaster ceiling can create quite a lot of dust. To reduce cleanup time, drill a hole in the bottom of a paper or foam cup and hold it against the ceiling while drilling the hole. The dust collects in the cup where it can easily be disposed.
These ceiling fans from Hampton Bay employ Aero-Breeze® technology to increase air movement up to 40% over standard fans. This allows you to achieve the same level of comfort at a lower speed while saving energy. They are wobble-free and ultra quiet, with a number of styles to choose from. Hampton Bay fans are available at The Home Depot.
What’s so important about having ventilation in my attic when it’s not a living space? -Woody from Encinitas
Venting your attic prevents the buildup of moisture during the winter as well as heat in the summer. Without proper ventilation, condensation can occur when the warm air in your home comes in contact with cold air in the attic. This excessive moisture can lead to the formation of mold and mildew. Without adequate ventilation during the summer, an attic becomes an oven. Not only does this increase your cooling bills, it can cause asphalt shingles to become brittle and cut the life of your roof in half.
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March 1st, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I am from Canada. This week, CBS broadcast a basketball game during your usual broadcast time. When I entered the postal code 48037 (which is CH 7 Detroit)into your section “View local listings for the show in your area:” the responce was “invalid postal code”.
How do I find out which station in Detroit MI and broadcats time will carry your pgm this week?
Thank-you
Allen Says:March 13th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Keith,
48037 is actually a code reserved for P.O. Boxes. We should be on the local CBS station (WWJ) Saturday afternoons (12:30) but may be pre-empted due to the basketball games on tap.