Hyderabadghar/carpentry & repairs/Installing a False Beam

Simulated beams can dramatically change the appearance of a room. A grid of beams crossing at right angles, for example, will lend elegance to a high ceiling. And unattractive structural beams can be enclosed by stylish simulated beams.

Wood false beams also can be creatively shaped and finished for different visual effects. For instance, beams may be distressed and stained for a rough-hewn appearance; sanded and painted for a clean, modern look; or sanded and stained to resemble timeworn lumber.

The steps below will show you how to build simulated beams from wood. In fact, anyone comfortable with a hammer and saw can fashion these false beams which look like real structural members.

PROJECT BASICS

Project: Moderate
Estimated Project Time: A weekend or more, depending on the number of beams
Start Tips: Before installing wood false beams, you need to locate the ceiling joists; probe for joists by tapping an 8d nail with a hammer, or use a stud finder
Safety Tips: Have a helper assist with raising the beams and fastening them to the ceiling
Recommendation: Do-it-Yourself

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Stud finder	Safety goggles
Chalk line	1x pine boards
Table saw	Scrap wood
Measuring tape	Wood putty
Nails	Stain
Hammer	1x2 or 1x3 nailer
Router	2x4 or 2x6 cleats
Paintbrush	Power drill/driver
Nailset	Wood putty

INSTRUCTIONS
Simulated beams of wood generally are attached to 2x4 or 2x6 cleats nailed through the ceiling surface and into the joists. Mark the joists at both ends, and snap chalk lines to reveal joist locations on the ceiling.

Fig. 1

1) Cut the beam lumber
You can make an elegant false beam from three pine boards. Start by cutting 45-degree miters on the board edges. (Fig. 1)

Fig. 2

2) Assemble the beam
Use scrap wood as a spacer, and clamp the sides of the beam in place. Then add glue and nail on the bottom edge. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 3

3) Finish the edges, if desired
You can leave the beam edges as plain miter cuts, or use a router to create a decorative bead along the exposed edges. (Fig. 3)

Fig. 4

4) Paint or stain the beam
Finish your false beam to suit the room's decor. After filling nail holes and sanding, you can apply stain or paint. (Fig. 4)

Fig. 5

5) To camouflage copper pipes ...
For an easy way to install a false beam around copper pipes, install a nailer on the ceiling. (Fig. 5)

Fig. 6

6) Install the beam
Set the prefinished false beam around the ceiling nailer and attach it with finishing nails. If you like, set the nails with a nailset, fill the depressions with wood putty, sand these when dry, and stain or paint the beam. (Fig. 6)