Here’s How to Build Simple Ceiling Box Beams

Love the look of an industrial loft, rustic cottage or farmhouse with exposed ceiling beams? We do too, and the good news is that even if you don’t have a century-old home, you can achieve the same authentic, showstopping effect with a bit of lumber and a few hours of DIY project time. Whatever aesthetic you’re after, you can build these simple faux beams and then paint or stain them. They’re guaranteed to add personality and flair to any room.

What You’ll Need* :

Supplies

(2) 1" x 4" Pine (14-foot lengths) for each beam
(2) 1" x 6" Pine (14-foot lengths) for each beam
Minwax Wood Finish Penetrating Stain
3" Screws
1 1/8" Gauge Broad Nails

Tools

* Our full assortment of building supplies is available at Home Building Centre and Home Hardware Building Centre locations. To unlock our catalogue of building supplies online, please select your local Building Centre.

Here’s How

For this project, we’re creating faux ceiling box beams and staining them to look like vintage wood beams. You can paint the beams a matching or contrasting paint colour to create the custom finish you’re after.

Steps:

1. Assemble all the materials and tools for your project.

2. Measure your ceiling and determine how many beams you will need and their length.

3. Measure, mark and cut the lumber. Each box beam requires two 1" x 6" (14-foot lengths) and two 1" x 4" (14-foot lengths).

We cut the following pieces:

1 piece of 1" x 4" x 14' lumber to 1" x 4" x 12' (this will form the bottom of the beam)
1 piece of 1" x 4" x 14' lumber to 1" x 4" x 11 1/2' (this will form the top cleat of the beam)
2 pieces of 1" x 6" x 14' lumber to 1" x 6" x 12' (these will form the sides of the beam)
From the remaining lumber, cut six 3" wide blocks. These will support the beam, keeping it tight and square

Using the above as a guide, measure, mark and cut additional lumber to accommodate the number of beams required for your own project.

4. Assemble the beams. For each beam, take two 1" x 6" x 12', one 1" x 4" x 12' and six 3" blocks. Use a 1/4" spacer to inset and nail together one 1" x 6" x 12' with one 1" x 4" x 12.

5. Take the 3" blocks and position them approximately every 24" along the length of the beam. Nail them into place. These will keep the beam tight and square.

6. Using the 1/4" spacer again, attach the remaining 1" x 6" x 12'. This will create the U-shaped beam.

7. Fill any holes with wood filler.

8. Sand and wipe clean.

9. Stain your wood. Use a cloth to achieve the desired depth of stain colour. Not all sides will be visible once installed, so stain the outside of the U-shaped beam only. Set aside to dry.

10. Using a stud finder, locate your ceiling studs.

11. Using a tape measure and laser level, mark your ceiling where the beams will go.

12. Position and screw the 1" x 4" x 11 1/2' cleat into the ceiling.

13. With help, position and nail the U-shaped beam into place on the cleat approximately every 16".

NOTE: This step is a two-person job, requiring one person to safely hold the beam while the second individual nails it securely in place along its entire length.