How to Build Box Beams
Box beams on your ceiling might seem old fashioned but they still look elegant even these days. Adding exposed beams to your home can be made to look like expensive lumber and increasing the beauty of your ceiling. Box beams are simple to install and they can be matched with any decor. The simple process involves connecting the attachment board to the ceiling and covered up with box beams. You can build box beams at home but this might need assistance from someone else as well.
Instructions
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1
You need to measure the actual area of the ceiling you desire to be installed with box beam. Try to be as precise as you can while making the measurements, for any mistake in the dimensions can waste your entire labour afterwards.
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2
Mark the measurement you took to a 2-by-4 board and use an electric saw to cut it to the right dimensions.
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3
You have to make adjustments for ceiling joists at the points where they will cross the path of the box beam. Use a stud finder to mark those points and then measure the distance between each set of joists. Mark this measurement on the board as well.
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4
At each marking you made, drill a hole at the centre of it and then hold the board to the ceiling. Ask your assistant to hold the board while you can make marks on the ceiling through those holes. Bring the board down after you have marked every hole on the ceiling.
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5
Use the drill machine to make holes in the ceiling at those marked points. Drill until you hit the studs.
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6
Place the board back to the ceiling and affix it by using 5-inch wood screws in each hole you drilled. Tighten up the screws and make sure the board is firmly attached to the ceiling.
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7
Now you need three 1-by-6 boards to form the beam. Transfer the measurement of the 2-by-4 board to these boards and cut them out with an electric saw.
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8
Make a ‘U’ shape from the three boards, holding the two of them parallel to each other and placing the third on top of them. Use finishing nails through the top board to fix them firmly.
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9
Lift the box frame to the attachment board and hammer 2-inch framing nails to affix it.
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10
Now you need to add drywall to the ceiling. Measure out the sides of the box frame and cut pieces of drywall according to it.
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11
Screw the drywall pieces to the frame of the beam and cover its edges with drywall tape. Apply drywall mud to the tape and let it dry overnight.
