Replies

1. 
   photonut | Oct 22, 2009 05:47pm | #1

   I have had similar thoughts on ceilings myself. There are a few options depending on the look you're going for. The hidden deck board fasteners might be an option. Another option that might adapt is a track mounted ceiling. My parents put it up in their place. It installs easily and is available at home centers. It doesn't take away much ceiling height like drop ceilings. You could just use the hardware and make your own veneered paneling.

2. 
   YesMaam27577 | Oct 22, 2009 08:23pm | #2

   I think it would be gorgeous, and I think its a great idea.

   But you should check with the local building inspector if yo have one, or your fire-insurance carrier....

   You might be required to put a fireproof layer (like drywall) up before you put up the plywood.

   Not trying to rain on the parade -- like I said, it'll be beautiful. But it will be nice to know that you're still covered should there be a problem.

   I won't be laughing at the lies when I'm gone,
   And I can't question how or when or why when I'm gone;
   I can't live proud enough to die when I'm gone,
   So I guess I'll have to do it while I'm here. (Phil Ochs)

3. 
   James_Buxton | Oct 23, 2009 07:13am | #3

   Why use baltic birch?   And why do your own veneering?   That is, why not just use commercial hardwood-veneer plywood?   It'd be less expensive and faster.

1. 
   SeaMonkey | Oct 23, 2009 04:08pm | #4

   Good points.  I was thinking i might be able to nail the plywood driectly to the rafters, then veneer over it, so the fasteners would be invisible.  Also, the ceiliing is probably only 13 x 10...so it wouldnt be too much work.  But if you have ideas on invisible fasterers, i would be interested.

   thanks very much for everyone's thoughts.

    

1. 
   James_Buxton | Oct 23, 2009 06:02pm | #5

   If you can figure out how to veneer something which is over your head (a big challenge), perhaps you can use the same technique to fasten the plywood to the ceiling. 

   For instance, you could stick the plywood to the rafters with construction adhesive.   To hold the plywood in the air while the glue dries, wedge 2x4s under it which are just longer than the floor-to-ceiling distance.  Me, I'd also put some nails in it.   Or you could screw the plywood to the ceiling, then plug the screw holes.  A plug cutter can make plugs that are face grain, like the plywood, so they're nearly invisible.

2. 
   islanddog | Oct 23, 2009 06:52pm | #6

   Personally, I thing a veneered ceiling will look ghastly, but maybe you have a different vision.Nevertheless, you could try:
   1. Simply use paperbacked veneer and apply it with wallpaper paste. The backed veneer comes in large sheets, is stable, and relatively light weight. It can be trimmed with a utility knife.2. Apply your veneer to thin ply... 1/8 or 3/16 will do. Then fasten it up using a bit of panel adhesive and some headless pin nails. You won't see the nail holes unless you look real close and you could always fill them. A wood coffered ceiling has some merit.

3. 
   Sawdust4real | Oct 25, 2009 07:19pm | #10

   Drop by a marine store ...they  have clips that is used to secure ceiling panels in boats , they work great , will require some accuracy in installation , or if your panels are not too heavy , you can used heavy duty velcro . just place  3" pcs about 24" apart.....used two suction cup for installation and removal ..

    

   gook luck.

4. 
   boilerbay | Oct 23, 2009 07:49pm | #7

   Your almost talking about a coffered ceiling.
   Scroll down the page at some of these. (substitute veneer for painted ones.)

   http://harmonyandhome.blogspot.com/2008/11/coffered-ceilings.html

   Boiler

1. 
   SeaMonkey | Oct 23, 2009 07:55pm | #8

   Thanks for the thoughts.  I do like coffered ceilings, but this room is more contemporary.  as far as the look, you see it pretty often in restaurant, hotel, offices, etc....here it is on a wall...

    

   http://www.jacaranda.com/project/Bethesda-Hospital

    

    

1. 
   DonStephan | Oct 25, 2009 07:07pm | #9

   There's a world of difference between installing and keeping sheet goods on a wall or on a ceiling.

   Try out some of your thoughts on part of a ceiling, on stepladders.  Check on max weight of installed material for ceiling track systems.   Try getting 1/2" plywood safely on the ceiling with no scratches, dents, et cetera.  Drywall often gets damaged during installation, and repaired with tape and mud.  No such option with veneered plywood.  Try keeping it there.  As far as applying paper backed veneer to a ceiling, I haven't heard of wallpapered ceilings, but that doesn't mean it's not done.  Even "high end" ceiling drywall installations aren't all that flat, which is one reason ceiling paint is usually flat.  Besides the already raised  excellent concern about fire risk and insurance, I'd want to research very carefully whether the ceiling framing system could carry the added weight of plywood over drywall or plaster.

   It's an interesting concept, but the best approach would seem to be nailing or screwing previously veneered 1/2" plywood  to naked ceiling joints.  Battens could cover the seams.  If the ceiling joists are 16" on center, or you install strapping every 16" you might get away with 3/8" plywood without excessive sagging.

   Just my two cents.

5. 
   [email protected] | Oct 25, 2009 08:28pm | #11

   Go over to Fine Homebuilding, and search coffered ceiling.

   Try not to reinvent the wheel.