How to Install a Tongue and Groove Ceiling Part 3

In Part 3 of installing a tongue and groove ceiling, you will finish attaching the final boards of the ceiling, reattach the ceiling fixtures which were removed, and replace crown molding and trim. (To return to Part 2, click here.)

Step 1: Attach the Final Tongue and Groove Boards

The final tongue and groove boards section should end up being 1/4 inch from the inside edge of your ceiling, just as it began 1/4 inch from the exterior wall. If the final few boards are too wide, use the miter saw to cut them down to the correct width. Affix them to the furring strips and to the outer perimeter strip on the inner ceiling edge. Hammer in the nails or staples at an angle of 45 degrees, so they are not visible at the surface.

Step 2: Reattach Crown Molding and Trim

Dust and wash crown molding and trim before reinstalling. Carefully realign crown molding with its original location and you will be sure to cover just the thinnest edge of the tongue and groove ceiling, concealing its raw edges. Use new finishing nails to reattach the molding and trim, and countersink these nails so they are not visible from below the ceiling.

Step 3: Replace Lighting Fixtures, Ceiling Fans and Other Attachments

With the correct-sized screws and your screwdriver, replace the light fixtures and other ceiling attachments you removed to put up the ceiling. Test all fixtures to see that they work correctly upon being reinstalled.

Step 4: Adjust Room Lighting

After you install your tongue and groove ceiling, you may find that your ceiling fixtures now supply inadequate light to the room. This is because they are reflecting light off a darker ceiling than before. You can modify the output of these fixtures by installing a dimmer switch, allowing you to reduce or increase the ambient light level. Among several ways to adjust the light level in the room are replacing your room-darkening shades with sheer curtains, to let in more daylight and reflected late afternoon light. Add modern floor lamps that literally send light up into the room from the floor. Set pole lamps on the floor near chairs where people like to read or do crafts such as knitting and crochet, which demand a high light level. Add small tables and table lamps to provide task lighting. You can also move the furniture to locate favorite chairs or a desk nearer windows, a natural light source.

Step 5: Refinish the Ceiling in a Lighter Color

If even after making all the lighting adjustments that you can, you still find the room is unpleasantly dark, select a light paint color and paint the ceiling. The unique texture of the tongue and groove ceiling panels will be preserved, but the lighter color will reflect light in much the same way your old white ceiling did before. For a traditional or country style dining room or living room, this lighter-colored ceiling would be most suitable.