At the beginning of the year I let a HGTV crew come over to film a YouTube episode for HGTV Handmade series where they toured my home. It was so exciting and I could not wait to see it all put together! The only thing was that I didn’t love how white everything seemed! Especially in the kitchen. You can view the episode here.
I had created a white focal point in our family room just before they came over with a quick an easy DIY Board & Batten wall. So now I am adding back some richness in color to this space. Armstrong Ceilings Woodhaven ceiling planks were a fantastic choice. They bring the warmth and beauty of wood back to this room. Plus, installing these planks was a surprisingly simple DIY project! In this blog post, I will walk you through the steps I took to install these.
Why Choose Woodhaven Ceiling Planks?
Armstrong Ceilings Woodhaven planks offer numerous benefits:
- Aesthetic Appeal: The rich textures and colors of wood create an inviting atmosphere.
- Easy Installation: Designed for simple DIY projects, they fit together easily with minimal tools
- Durability: Made from high-quality materials, these planks are built to last.
- Low Maintenance: They are easy to clean and maintain, perfect for busy households.
Tools and Materials You'll Need:
- Woodhaven Planks (Rustic Pine used here)
- Clips and screws (included with planks)
- Driver with Philips head
- Stud finder
- Chalk line
- Tape measure
- Brad Nailer
- Miter saw
- Jigsaw
- LED lights of choice (6” used here)
- Trim pieces
- Stain
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Disclaimer: Depending on your ceiling, installation may be different. If you have more than a 12 degree slope you need to create a 1×2 grid. Roof pitch calculator. On the contrary if you have a flat ceiling they also have EasyUp tracks and clips to install. Check with Armstrong to know which would be best for your specific space! I was working with a 10 degree slope and spoke with Armstrong’s TechLine to ensure I was doing the correct installation for my room. Such an amazing resource that was very easy to get ahold of.
Once done, measure the square footage of your ceiling and add approximately 10% extra for cuts. Make that order!
Find & Mark the Studs
First you need to find the studs in your ceiling (joists). Typically found every 16″. I marked them at the lowest and highest point on the ceiling. Strung a chalk line between the markings and snapped it. This marked them across the entire ceiling, which prevented me from having to continually search for them with each plank.
Secure the First Row
Start at the lower part of the ceiling, working your way up to the peak. Since these planks are tongue & groove, I ripped down the “tongue” from the first row of planks. This allowed me to have a solid square start. Ensure this is level and brad nail in at the base closest to the wall at each stud mark.
Next, you will add your first row of clips on the groove side of these first planks. Insert a clip into the groove at each stud along the board and secure with the provided 1.5″ screw. Ensure the planks are snugly fitted together by sliding the tongue of one plank into the groove of the previous one. Continue this process until you reach the end of the row. My room only needed less than 2 planks across. I started with one full plank and cut down the next to fill the remaining gap. Note, you do need to make sure you leave at least a 1/4″ on either side of the end planks to allow for fluctuations. This is the same concept as when you install flooring.
Create a Staggered Pattern
The other thing you need to decide is how you want to stagger the seams. This is the same concept when laying flooring. For a more natural wood look, stagger the seams of the planks in subsequent rows. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides added structural integrity. We chose to offset the planks a third of the way down the first plank and alternated the rows from there.
Cut the Planks for Lighting or Vents
If necessary, cut your planks to fit around light fixtures or corners. Ensure your cuts are straight for a professional finish. A jigsaw or multitool worked best for me. I only had 6″ round LED lights I was replacing, no vents. I took a 6″ hole saw and used it to outline the cut needed when I got to a light fixture after holding the plank in place. Next I started each cut with the multitool so a guide was there for my jigsaw to make the cut. I did this because jigsaws can sometimes jump until the cut is started so this prevented that from happening.
Repeat - Install Remaining Rows
Continue installing the planks row by row, checking periodically with a level to ensure everything remains straight. Make sure to secure each plank properly using the provided clips and screws at each joist the plank covers.
Cut the Last Planks to Fit
The last row on either side of your ceiling before the peak will more in likely not be a perfect fit. I wanted to get the seam as close to perfect as I could. I ripped down the first side to fit up to the peak and secured with brad nails since the clips would not be able to attach to anything (I cut the groove side off).
The last row on the adjacent side of the peak needed to be measured more precisely. I made a mark every 12″ down across the gap. I took a measurement at each marking, which ranged from 3″ wide to 3.75″ wide because no house is built perfect! I then made those markings on the planks and used my jigsaw to cut the custom plank.
Finish the Edges
Once all the planks are installed, add a trim piece to the edges for a clean finish. I picked up the smallest trim I could find and stained it with Minwax wood stain in the color Gunstock which was a perfect match! Once dry, I measured the pieces needed and cut them down. Install the trim pieces around the perimeter to hide the 1/4″ gaps that allow for fluctuation with a pin nailer so that they are not viable. When shooting the nail in, angle towards the wall not the plank.
Reinstall Fixtures & Enjoy Your New Ceiling!
Finally, reinstall any light fixtures or ceiling fans, taking care to follow proper electrical safety guidelines.
Once everything is installed, step back and admire your work! The transformation can be dramatic, turning a plain ceiling into a stunning focal point. The warmth of the Woodhaven ceiling planks added so much character to this space and makes it feel inviting and cozy. I absolutely cannot wait to get my Christmas tree up, it is going to look so magical!
If you are more of a visual person check out my quick install video on my Instagram click here!
Before & Afters
Budget Breakdown
Depending on your space this amount may differ. My family room ceiling was 333 sqft so these calculations are based on a space this size.
- Woodhaven Planks in Rustic Pine (12 boxes total) $1,508.16
- Trim Pieces (40ft) $30
- Minwax Gunstock Satin $7.48
Total: $1,545.64
I am very thankful that I was able to partner with Armstrong Ceilings on this project so the Woodhaven planks were provided to me in order to complete the project. If you want to check them out you can visit their website here and see a retailer near you that sells them.
