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5 Ways Wood Ceilings Will Warm Your Home

Wood is a popular surface material for floors and walls. But it can make a big statement if you use it on the ceiling.

2 min read
Published on August 13, 2016

Wood is a popular surface material for floors and walls. But it can make a big statement if you use it on the ceiling. Here are five types for consideration.

NEW THIS WEEK: 3 MODERN KITCHENS THAT ROCK WARM WOOD CABINETS

Image
Image of beach house with wood on ceiling
LEANARCH Inc., original photo on Houzz 

 

1. Reclaimed and Distressed
Reclaimed and distressed wood planks have been popular in interiors for years now. True recycled wood has a one-of-a-kind charm to it, especially if you know the story behind all of those scrapes, dings and dents. Prized for its warm and rustic character, it works well as a ceiling cladding in a variety of interiors, from contemporary to traditional.

Material cost: Prices vary widely, depending on species and provenance, but expect to spend anywhere from $5 to $20 and up per square foot. (Labor and installation will add to the cost of all materials mentioned in this article.)

2. Plywood
If your budget is tight and your tastes run contemporary, go for a finished plywood ceiling. It can really warm up an otherwise sleek and minimalist space. A glossy finish can also help bounce light around a room.

BRIGHTEN WARM WOOD TONES WITH NEW CEILING LIGHTING 

Urban loft combines contemporary with a natural feel with gorgeous wood ceiling
RDLP Arquitectos, original photo on Houzz

 

Plywood, as well as veneered particleboard and MDF, are available in a variety of grades and finishes, many of which can be successfully stained to achieve your desired look. A veneer with a simple grain pattern adds subtle texture to this contemporary dining room.

Material cost: From $1 to $2.50 per square foot.

3. Tongue and Groove
These tongue-and-groove wood planks have a smooth surface and a nice linear quality, which can help elongate a room.

Bright bedroom is airy and natural with this wood ceiling
Lischkoff Design Planning, original photo on Houzz

 

For a charming cottage-y feel, install tongue-and-groove boards with the beveled edge facing out. Here the boards on the wall are painted white, which helps the ceiling planks to really stand out.

Material cost: Typically around $3 to $7 per square foot.

4. Logs and Beams
Another way to showcase wood on the ceiling is to expose your ceiling joists. Just be aware that there are often lots of unattractive wires, conduit, pipes and so on nestled up there, so you’ll need a strategy for hiding those.

Rustic beams are majestic in this small dining room
Colectivo Verbena, original photo on Houzz

 

Early wood-frame construction often used entire logs. I’d definitely expose these beauties if I had them in my house. I like the mix of modern and rustic in this beautiful dining room.

Combination of many wood textures including natural stumps on ceiling
Highline Partners, Ltd, original photo on Houzz

 

Of course you can always add logs as a decorative element. These end-cut logs are a unique and eye-catching addition to this bathroom.

Material cost: Prices range from free (if you are exposing existing joists or installing scavenged logs) to $10 to $20 per linear foot for decorative wood beams.

5. Porches
Wood ceilings need not be limited to indoor spaces. A wood-clad porch ceiling has a wonderfully cozy and inviting feel. Just be sure to use a material that can withstand exterior temperature and humidity levels, such as cedar or cypress.

STAY BREEZY ON THE PORCH WITH A CEILING FAN
Material cost:
From about $5 to $15 per square foot, depending on material and region.
One last tip, if you opt for a variety of woods in a space — wood floors, furniture and ceiling: Think about whether you want the woods to match exactly, or make them very different from one another. If they are somewhat similar but not an exact match, it can look like you tried and failed to make a match.