Suspended Beam Installation

Step 1

Lay Out the Installation

Tools:

1. Square/T-bevel
2. Pencil
3. Stud-Finder

Establish where to install the beam and determine if there are studs in the location.

If the ceiling is vaulted, determine the angle of the ceiling using a square or T-bevel.

Step 2

Determine Installation Span

Tools:

1. Tape Measure
2. Ladder

Measure the length of the ceiling at the point where the beam is being installed.

Step 3

Create Support Beam

Tools:

1. Mending/Joining Plates
2. 2 x 4 Lumber
3. Screw Gun/Drill Driver
4. Wood Saw
5. Deck Screws
6. Square/T-bevel

Create the support beam by either cutting lumber down or joining equal lengths of lumber with mending/ joining plates to create a single beam that spans the installation.

Step 4

Determine Number of Mounting Blocks

Tools:

1. Tape Measure

Mounting blocks will need to be added in pairs along either side of the support beam. Determine the number of blocks:

1. A pair of blocks at each end of the beam A
2. A pair at least every three feet along the beam. B
3. If using more than (1) decorative beam in a run, 2 pairs of mounting blocks must be used at the joint where the decorative beams meet. C

Step 5

Measure the Mounting Blocks

Tools:

1. Tape Measure

1. Measure the inside width of the decorative beam.
2. Measure the width of the support beam; add 1⁄8”
3. Subtract the support beam measurement from the beam inside width.
4. Divide that number in half to determine the thickness of the mounting blocks.

Step 6

Cut Blocks and Create Support Structure

Tools:

1. Lumber
2. Wood Saw
3. Tape Measure
4. Screw Gun/Drill Driver
5. Deck Screws

1. Based on the calculation of E in Step 5, cut the appropriate number of mounting blocks determined in Step 4.
2. Drill (2) pilot holes in each block.
3. Screw the mounting blocks to the support beam. Attach a pair of blocks at each end (leaving only enough room to attach the joist hangers).
4. Attach pairs of mounting blocks every three feet along the beam to create the support structure.
5. If joining more than (1) beam ensure that there are 2 pairs of mounting blocks at the point where the beams will meet and that the blocks project 2 to 3 inches on both sides of the joint.

Step 7

Fit the Support Structure to the Decorative Beam

Tools:

1. Joist Hangers
2. Screw Gun
3. Level/Laser
4. Toggle Bolts
5. Deck Screws

Lift support structure to the mounting position to ensure fit. Make adjustments, if necessary. Mark the locations for the joist hangers. Mount the joist hangers.

Step 8

Make Adjustments to the Support Structure

Tools:

1. Painters
2. Utility Knife

1. Set the support structure inside the decorative beam. Ideally you want about 1⁄8” clearance on each side between the support structure and the inside of the beam. Make any necessary adjustments.
2. With the support structure inside the decorative beam, mark the sides of the beam with painters tape to indicate the location of the mounting blocks.

Step 9

Trim the Decorative

Tools:

1. Tape Measure
2. Utility Knife
3. Wood Saw
4. Square/T-bevel
5. Painters Tape

1. If the walls are straight, trim the decorative beam to length based on the measurement from Step 2. It is best to cut the beam slightly long (about 1⁄8”) to ensure a tight fit. (Figure A)
2. If the ceiling is vaulted, use a square/T-bevel to transfer the angle of the ceiling onto the beam, then score and cut the beam. (Figure B)
3. Raise the beam onto the support structure. Check that both ends are flush with the wall/ceiling. Adjust as needed.
4. Wipe the support structure and the inside of the beam with the tack cloth to remove debris.

Step 10

Mount the Support Structure

Tools:

1. Screw Gun
2. Screws

Place the support structure in the joist hangers and secure with screws.

Step 11

Dry Fit the Beam

1. Raise the beam onto the support structure. Check that both ends are flush with the wall/ceiling. Adjust as needed.
2. Wipe the support structure and the inside of the beam with the tack cloth to remove debris.

Step 12

Apply Adhesive

Tools:

1. Caulk Gun
2. Adhesive

Apply adhesive to the sides and bottom of the mounting blocks.

Step 13

Install the Beam

Tools:

1. Screw Gun
2. Driver Bits
3. Deck Screws

1. Slide beam in place over the support structure.
2. Slightly countersink (4) screws, (2) per side, through the beam at each mounting block.
3. If your beam is in more than 1 section be sure to secure each section with at least (4) screws, (2) per side. If it has a lap or scarf joint, be sure to install the top section first.
4. Remove painters tape.

Step 14

Install 4th Side (Optional)

If you purchased a 4-sided beam, add the 4th side to the installation by covering the exposed support structure with the 4th side plank. Secure it with adhesive or finish nails.

Step 15

Touch-Up

Tools:

1. Caulk
2. Caulk Gun
3. Touch-Up Kit
4. Small Paint Brush
5. Painters Tape
6. Clean Cloth

1. Apply color complimenting textured caulk to fill screw holes. Blend caulk into adjacent surfaces while it is still wet.
2. Where necessary, apply caulk to joints and gaps.
3. Use paint from the touch-up kit to paint over the caulk.