Cut the 2x4 lengths with a circular saw and install them between the joists flush with the bottom of the joist.
Installing wooden beams on ceiling.
Hold plank up to ceiling outlet and mark width and depth with a pencil image 1.
If you re installing more than three lvls you ll have to nail and bolt them together.
Stretch a chalk line across the ceiling and snap it to keep lines even and to mark the necessary grids.
Install nailers on the ceiling to make installing the faux beams easier.
The screws hold the beams in place while the glue dries.
Install the beam one lvl at a time.
Hold plank up to outlet to make sure cut is in proper place.
Minimum of two screws per side.
Countersink the screws slightly.
Use screws through the beam and into the blocks of wood on both sides of the beam and on all of the blocks of wood.
Install blocks every two feet and nail or screw them in place.
Cut out marked area with a jig saw image 2.
Nailers are thin strips of wood that the beam will fit over snugly.
Measure and mark the ceiling where you intend to install the beams.
Continue installing planks until entire ceiling is covered image 3.
Nail the first lvl to the joists then nail the second to the first and so on.
Existing ceiling joists can definitely be used but if you have removed the ceiling to install a new one this is a good opportunity to add blocking between the beams.