How to Reinforce a Ceiling to Hang a Ceiling Fan

Place the ceiling fan electrical box against the ceiling and trace around it. Use a keyhole saw to remove the drywall from the ceiling along the trace lines. Verify that the box fits through the hole, trimming additional drywall from the opening if necessary.

Access the attic above the location you choose for you ceiling fan. Measure the distance between the ceiling joists above where you want to hang the fan. Use a saw to cut a length of 2- by 4-inch white wood board equal to the distance measurements.

Measure the exterior depth of your ceiling fan electrical box. Measure the thickness of your drywall. Subtract the thickness of the drywall from the depth of the ceiling fan. Mark this measurement on the inside of the ceiling joists above the hole you cut in the drywall. This measurement ensures that the electrical box will sit flush with the ceiling once the board and box are installed.

Position the length of white wood board between the joists with the bottom of the board at the measurement marks. Drive one 3 1/2-inch wood screw through the joists and into the white wood board at both ends. Do not drive the screws all the way into the board yet; just tack the board in place.

Check the board with a level and make any adjustments necessary to bring the board level, and then finish driving the wood screws through the joists and into the board. Finish installing the board between the joists by driving one or two additional screws through the joists and into the board.

Hang the ceiling fan electrical box to the board from inside the room where you will install the fan. Secure the box to the board with 1-inch wood screws.