How to Hang a Plywood Ceiling

Locate the ceiling joists in the room with a stud finder. The plywood sheets will be nailed to these studs. Mark the location with a pencil.

Measure the length and width of the ceiling to determine how many panels of plywood are needed. Write down your measurements.

Cut the plywood panels to fit with a circular saw. Feed the wood through the saw slowly to avoid creating jagged edges.

Sand the surface of the plywood smooth with a medium-grit sanding block. Depending on the grade and type of plywood you get, the top surface may be rough. In addition, plywood has very visible whorls that can show through primer and paint. Sanding them down will help hide these spots.

Prime and paint the plywood with oil-based primer and paint. Roll on an oil-based primer and let it dry for four hours. If necessary, add a second coat. Roll on oil-based latex paint in the color of your choice. Let this dry for another four hours and apply a second coat. If you are texturing the plywood, spray on the texture once the last coat of paint has dried.

Hang the first panel of plywood in the corner of the room. Have a friend hold the panel in place while you nail the plywood into the ceiling joists. Use one nail for every foot vertically.

Hang the remaining panels. Match your seams up perfectly. You will not be taping the seams to hide them.