How to Cover a Wooden House Beam in an Attic Room

Measure the depth, width and length of the beam with a tape measure. Write down the measurements for reference.

Lay the drywall on a work surface. Measure and mark the drywall for the parts to cover the sides and top face of the beam using a tape measure and T-square.

Score the drywall with a utility knife to cut the sections of drywall out. Lay the side sections in one pile and the top face sections in another pile.

Align and fasten the side pieces in place along both sides of the beam. Drive drywall screws through the drywall into the beam using a screw gun. Space the screws evenly every six to eight inches.

Cover the top face of the beam with the top face sections of drywall. Drive drywall screws through the drywall into the beam using a screw gun. Space the screws evenly every six to eight inches. These sections of drywall will cover the ends of the side sections.

Apply drywall tape to the seams where the drywall forms a joint. Spread joint compound over the tape smoothly with a putty knife. Allow the joint compound to dry and sand with mesh sandpaper. Reapply joint compound and sand as needed until the surface is completely smooth.

Fill in the screw holes with joint compound. Allow the joint compound to dry and sand it smooth with mesh sandpaper.

Paint or apply another finish to the covered beam. Allow the finish to dry.