Coffered Ceiling DIY Demo | Finish Carpentry

In this finish carpentry video I'll be doing a coffered ceiling demo to show how you can transform your ceiling by DIY. The best part, is you can DIY to save LOTS of money! This was one of my favorite projects because of how much it transforms a room.

I'll walk you through the coffered ceiling framing, then installed the coffered ceiling boards and even the crown molding. You will also be shown how to caulk for perfect joints.

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Supplies

-Kreg Crown Molding Jig https://amzn.to/3v9Ncvi

Step 1: Design

Carefully design your layout. Measure out your room and determine how deep and how wide you want the coffers to be. My ceiling is 9ft high, but they can be wider on taller ceilings. This step will also help you plan out how much material you need. If you have access to 3D software, it's very helpful. Otherwise make a sketch.

Step 2: Mark Out Layout on Ceiling

Carefully mark out your layout on the ceiling following your design you made in the previous step. I used a laser level for perfect perpendicular references and then marked with a pencil. Observe the close up in my demo.

Step 3: Cut and Install the Frame

Using straight wood the same width you chose for you bottom pieces, (in my case 2X4), install all frame pieces perpendicular to the ceiling joists. Ideally, this should span the entire room. Then install the frame pieces in the other direction. These will be shorter. Whenever possible, always screw directly to ceiling joists. If absolutely necessary, you can use some heavy drywall anchors. Use them sparingly and only as a last resort. During this process, continue to check the two sets of frame pieces for square.

Step 4: Install Vertical Trim Pieces

For my verticals I used 1x6 primed pine boards. Cut and install all of them in one direction, then cut and install perpendicular pieces. These pieces all need to fit nice and snug. They should be brad nailed to the frame pieces and brad nailed to each other on the ends. You can also glue them at the ends in addition to nailing.

Step 5: Cut and Install the Bottom Pieces

Cut and install all of the bottom pieces in one direction. I like to install mine 1/4" recessed for a shadow line, but this is just personal preference. My bottom pieces where 1x4 primed pine. Ideally, the first direction should span the entire room. Then cut and install the shorter perpendicular pieces. These pieces should fit snug and be flush with the other bottom pieces and should be installed using brad nails.