What You Need
1×4 whitewood boards1×6 whitewood boards4-inch screwsDrillWood glueNailsNail gunWood fillerWood stainBeam straps, made from pliable metal strips found at home improvement storesSpray paint
Step 1: Lay the Groundwork
Before adding wood beams to the ceiling, you need to determine their placement. Examine your ceiling to identify joists, lights, and other obstructions you’ll need to work around. Once you’ve decided on the layout, screw 1×4 boards across the length of your ceiling. These will act as your guide. Attach the boards at the joists with 4-inch screws.
Step 2: Make Ceiling Beams
Construct a simple 3-sided box from one 1×4 and two 1×6 whitewood boards using wood glue and a nail gun. Fill in nail holes with wood filler, then distress and stain the box for a rustic look. Repeat until you have enough boxes to span the length of your ceiling. These boxes will be your ceiling beams. Slide the boxes around the 1×4 ceiling board, and secure in place by nailing through the beam into the board.
Step 3: Cover the Seams
Create beam straps out of pliable metal strips found at home improvement stores to cover the seams in between boards. Spray paint them before installing to create the look of oil-rubbed bronze. Slide the strap over the beam and screw into place.
