How to Use Beams to Hide Ceiling Drywall Seams

Ceiling beams installed on top of drywall aren't always structural. Sometimes they are used to cover drywall seams, providing style as well as function. They can be painted to match the ceiling or stained to stand out against the existing ceiling paint. The beams must be screwed into a rough ceiling beam, and drywall seams are always positioned over a stud. The beams can be installed directly over a seam with no worries that the screws won't hold the lumber.

Measuring tape
2-by-2-inch or 4-by-4-inch lumber
4- or 6-inch drywall screws
Wireless drill
Screwdriver bit
Wood putty
Sawdust
Paint or stain

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the length of the ceiling across the seam.
- 2
  Purchase 2-by-2-inch or 4-by-4-inch pieces of lumber and a box of 4- or 6-inch drywall screws.
- 3
  Cut the lumber to size and place each piece against the seam.
- 4
  Hold the lumber up to the seam and secure it with several drywall screws.
- 5
  Place a dot of wood putty over the head of each screw. Dab a bit of sawdust onto the wet putty if the wood will be stained. The sawdust will allow the stain over the putty to absorb and match the surrounding lumber color.
- 6
  Place strips of painter's tape against the ceiling next to the beams. Paint or stain the beams and remove the tape.

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