I’m in the process of turning our home office into a moody sophisticated space for my husband! I’ve already refurbished our old French doors – you can find that project tutorial here. Now I’m installing a coffered ceiling! We have standard 8’ ceilings so I didn’t want to do anything too big and bulky. I opted for more of a low-profile faux coffered ceiling look.
Check out the description below for all the tools and materials that I used.
TOOLS/MATERIALS
| TOOL | LINK |
| 1″x4″x8′ Select Pine Boards | https://bit.ly/49CHa9L |
| Decorative 8′ Base Cap | https://bit.ly/49uNS1E |
| Orbital Hand Sander | https://bit.ly/3ljgcuS |
| Detail Sanding Kit | https://bit.ly/49Y0qhG |
| Miter Saw | https://bit.ly/3QQ1hZJ |
| Brad Nailer | https://bit.ly/3mkyC44 |
| Scaffolding | https://bit.ly/3wAENWy |
| Gel Stain (Dark Walnut) Varathane | https://bit.ly/49WJ0lz |
| Loctite Crystal Clear Adhesive | https://bit.ly/49jb6Yt |
Lumber
For this project I’m using 8’ select pine 1×4’s as well as 8’ detail trim. Both of these are linked above. The detail trim will go on either side of the 1×4’s.
Sand Moulding
Before installing anything I prepped the lumber first. I sanded the detail trim with 220 grit sandpaper. I used a small detail sanding kit to get in all the small grooves.
Stain Moulding
Next, I stained the trim with gel stain in the color dark walnut by Varathane. I’m staining these trim pieces before hanging them which will be much easier than trying to stain them on the ceiling. I will just need to touch them up after cutting them and nailing them to the ceiling.
Sand 1×4’s
Now I’m prepping the 1×4’s. I sanded these down with 220 grit sandpaper as well. I didn’t stain these yet because after I install them I will need to fill nail holes and seams with wood filler and do one final sanding before staining.
Measure | Chalk Line | Mark Out Studs
I am making a hashtag design on the ceiling so I took measurements of the room and then divided it into 9 equal sections. Once I had the measurements down, I transferred the measurements to the ceiling and then snapped chalk lines where the outside of my 1×4’s will be placed.
Two of the lines run perpendicular to the ceiling joists and I will secure the 1×4’s on these rows right into studs so I marked out the studs.
Install 1×4’s
To secure the 1×4’s I’m using a clear adhesive and 2” brad nails.
I started with a full 8’ 1×4, square cut the end that will be going against the crown moulding and then mitered the other end of the trim so that the next piece meets up nicely and creates a clean seam.
I staggered two full 1×4’s and then measured and cut the remaining 1×4” to finish the row.
After the two full length rows were finished I filled in the rest of the 1×4’s. Since these 1×4’s cannot be secured into studs I am just using glue and brad nails, but making sure to stagger the brad nails at an angle so that they grab into the drywall.
Fill Nail Holes and Sand 1×4’s
Now that all of the 1×4’s are secured I am going back and filling all the nail holes and seams with wood filler.
After the wood filler dried I sanded it down with 220 grit sandpaper. I hooked up my orbital hand sander to the shop vac to minimize dust.
Stain 1×4’s
Now that the boards are completely sanded and smooth, I stained them with the same dark walnut gel stain. I got a little bit of the edges of the 1×4’s as well in case any of the sides show through the detail trim.
Cut & Install Moulding
Next, I measured and cut all the detail trim to fit inside each of the boxes. I mitered each of the corners of the detail trim at 45 degrees so the corners fit together perfectly. Where the trim butt up to the crown moulding I just straight cut it.
Stain / Touch Up
The moulding is installed and now I’m just going through and filling all the nail holes and corners with stain using a small paint brush. I didn’t bother filling the holes and corners with wood filler because the stain concealed them perfectly.
There we have a beautiful faux coffered ceiling!! This is a great DIY project if you’re looking for something more beginner friendly. It’s a simple detail that you can add to your space that makes a huge impact!!
Check out more DIY tutorials HERE!
