How to Make a Ceiling Beam from Foam Molding

You can use rigid foam molding to create a ceiling beam in your home. This beam can be used as a decorative element, when painted brown, to look like an exposed wooden beam. In order to make a ceiling beam, you need to cut a piece of foam and attach it to the ceiling. This article will discuss the process for creating a beam out of foam molding.

Measure the Ceiling

Position a ladder under the ceiling where you will hang the foam molding. Climb the ladder and use a measuring tape to measure the length of the ceiling. Or if you can access a copy of the building plans for your home, you can take the ceiling measurements from the plans.

Purchase Molding and Other Materials

You should be able to find foam molding at a home improvement center. It will come in sections that you will join with a spray foam after you attach the beam to the ceiling. You will place the spray in the breaks between the molding pieces in order to seal the foam and make it look uniform. With a sharp razor or utility knife, you can cut away the excess foam that oozes out.

Form the Ceiling Beam

Translate the measurements from the ceiling onto the foam molding. Cut the pieces with a miter saw.

Paint the Ceiling Molding

If the ceiling molding that you purchased is white, you will need to apply paint to the molding in order to make it look like wood. Lay out the molding piece and paint it with brown paint. Use a roller to apply the paint. Make sure that the paint dries completely before you attach the piece to the ceiling.

Attach the Molding to the Ceiling

Attach the foam molding to the ceiling with a stapler. Apply the staples to the edges of the molding in order to fasten it to the ceiling. Using staples on the edges should make them invisible and work well enough to keep the molding in place. If necessary, apply spray foam to seal any seams that have developed.