How to Build Interior Beams

Measure the ceiling of the room where you wish to install beams. Divide the length of the ceiling rectangle into even amounts, allowing 8 inches for the width of each beam. Mark the ceiling and wall where they join on both sides of the room. Snap a chalk line across the ceiling to indicate the center line of each beam.

Position a ladder beneath each line and locate your ceiling joists by moving a stud finder along the chalk lines. If the joists are running the same direction as your beams you may not locate any joists in your attachment locations. This means you will need to use toggle bolt anchors to support the beams. When possible, try to position beams over joists, studs or other solid framing and use long wood screws for the attachments.

Position 2 by 6 boards centered on each beam line. Drill through the board and drywall. Insert a toggle bolt and tighten. Off set two toggle bolts every 2 to 3 feet along the board. Repeat for all of the boards.

Measure the length of the faux beam (distance from one wall to the other) and subtract 1/4-inch. Cut three 1 by 8-inch boards to this length. Miter cut (45-degrees) one long side of two of the boards. Miter cut (45-degrees) one board along both long sides.

Glue the mitered edges together and secure with finish nails every 24-inches. Clean up any excess glue and allow the glue to dry. Paint or stain the faux beam before installing it as it is difficult to paint overhead.

Lift the painted or stained faux beam over the 2 by 6-inch board. Position the beam so that it is snug against the ceiling with 1/8-inch gap on each end. Nail through the top of the upright 1 by 8-inch boards along the sides to attach the boards to the 2 by 6-inch underlying structure.

Add finish trim along the walls if necessary. Usually the 1/8-inch gap is virtually invisible.