DIY Coffered Ceiling – How to DIY a Professional Looking Coffered Ceiling for Less than $500!

When Dean and I toured model homes before buying our house, we fell in love with the timeless elegance of coffered ceilings. The details added so much character to those spaces! So when we moved into our current house and saw the tray ceiling in the dining room, it seemed to be begging for the same treatment. After a lot of planning (and some trial and error), we created a gorgeous coffered ceiling ourselves—for less than $500!

If you’re planning to tackle your own ceiling upgrade, you might also enjoy my guides for How to DIY Shiplap or How to DIY Board and Batten, which feature similar step-by-step instructions to transform your home.

DIY Coffered Ceiling Tutorial

Transforming our tray ceiling into a coffered masterpiece was a medium-skill-level project. With the right tools, materials, and this tutorial, you can do it too!

Supplies

Quantities may vary based on the size of your room.

• Paper and pencil
• 2″ and 1 1/2″ nails for the brad nailer
• 2 1/2″ flat head screws
• Alex Plus paintable caulking
• 3M Patch Plus Primer
• 1″ x 16″ x 8′ pine shelving
• 1″ x 4″ x 8′ pine
• 1″ x 6″ x 8′ pine
• 1″ x 3 1/2″ primed MDF
• 150′ x 5 1/4″ MDF baseboard
• 450′ x 1 1/4″ primed pine door stop (or similar for crown molding replacement)
• White paint, brush, and roller

Tools

Assuming you already own these tools, they are not included in the project cost.

• Sliding compound miter saw
• Brad nailer
• Level
• Stud finder
• Drill
• Caulking gun
• Tape measure
• Square

Instructions

Step 1: Build the Base

1. Use a stud finder to locate ceiling joists and mark them with a pencil. These will secure your brackets later.
2. Sketch your desired coffered ceiling layout on paper. I opted for a basic grid pattern but modify as needed for your space.
3. Measure your ceiling and draw it to scale. Adjust your grid for features like tray ceilings.
4. Draw the grid layout on your ceiling using a pencil and level.

Large Cross-Support Brackets

5. Construct large cross-support brackets (15 1/4″ x 15 1/4″ x 4 9/16″):
   • Cut 1″ x 16″ pine into two pieces, 3 7/8″ x 15 1/4″, and four pieces, 3 7/8″ x 5 7/8″.
   • Cut 1″ x 3 1/2″ pine into one piece, 15 1/4″, and two pieces, 5 7/8″.
   • Assemble with a Brad nailer and reinforce with twenty 2 1/2″ flat head screws.
6. Repeat step 5 to create as many large brackets as needed (Dean made four).

Small Support Brackets

7. Construct small support brackets (6″ x 6″):
   • Cut 1″ x 16″ pine into two pieces, 3 7/8″ x 6″.
   • Cut 1″ x 3 1/2″ pine into one piece, 6″ long.
   • Assemble with a Brad nailer and reinforce with four 2 1/2″ flat head screws.
8. Repeat step 7 for the remaining sections (we needed twenty).

Install the Brackets

9. Tack the brackets onto the ceiling along your grid layout using 2″ nails. Use a level to keep everything straight.
10. Secure each bracket into previously marked ceiling joists with 2 1/2″ flat head screws.

Step 2: Create the Grid

11. Attach 1″ x 3 1/2″ MDF to the bottom of the brackets to form the grid structure. Align edges flush with the brackets.
12. Measure, cut, and install baseboards for each grid section, ensuring the boards are upside-down. Miter corners for clean joints and leave a 1/8″ gap at the top for visual interest.

Step 3: Trim It Out

We didn’t use any crown moulding on our coffered ceiling. This was actually due to both budget and to the spacing of the existing pot lights (which we freshened up with newer bulbs that are flush with the ceiling instead of the old school inset look).

13. Add door stop trim as spacers along the top edge of the baseboards, tight to the ceiling.
14. Cut and install additional layers of door stop trim below and above the spacers to create a layered look

Step 4: Finish and Paint

15. Fill all nail holes with 3M Patch Plus Primer. Sand smooth and wipe off dust.
16. Caulk all gaps and joints with Alex Plus caulking for a seamless finish.
17. Paint the ceiling and trim using a roller and brush for a polished look.

What is a Coffered Ceiling?

A coffered ceiling is a series of recessed panels, typically in a grid or geometric pattern, framed by beams or trim. It adds depth, dimension, and architectural interest to a room, often found in dining rooms, offices, or living spaces.

Benefits of a DIY Coffered Ceiling

• Cost Savings: Professional installations can cost thousands, but this project is achievable for under $500.
• Customizable: Adapt the design to suit your room and style preferences.
• Impactful: A coffered ceiling elevates any space, adding sophistication and charm.

FAQs

Installing a DIY coffered ceiling is an advanced but rewarding project that adds elegance and character to your home. By following this guide, you can transform your ceiling into a stunning feature for less than $500. Ready to try it yourself? I’d love to hear about your plans in the comments!