Page 290 - 2018 National Home Improvement

2018 National Home Improvement Estimator, All Rights Reserved Page 236

Hardwood Paneling
Most hardwood paneling is 8” wide or less. Hardwood paneling needs several days to adapt to room
temperature and moisture conditions before being applied. Most paneling is applied with the long edges
running vertically. But rustic patterns may be applied horizontally or diagonally to achieve a special
effect.

Nail vertical paneling to horizontal furring strips or to nailing blocks set between studs. Use 1-1/2” to 2”
finishing or casing nails. Blind nail through the tongue on narrow strips. For 8” boards, face nail near
each edge.

Ceiling Tile
Tile attached to the ceiling is usually 12” x 12”. Suspended ceiling panels are usually 2’ x 2’ or 2’ x 4’.
Ceiling tile can be set with adhesive if the surface is smooth, level and firm. Dab a small spot of
adhesive at the center and at each corner of the tile. Edge-matched tile can be stapled if the backing is
wood.

You can set tile on furring strips to cover unsightly defects. But it’s usually faster, cheaper and results
in a better job if you tear off the existing cover and start over. If you want to try setting tile over the
existing ceiling, use 1” x 3” or 1” x 4” furring strips where ceiling joists are 16” or 24” on center. Fasten
the furring with two 7d or 8d nails at each joist. Where trusses or ceiling joists are spaced up to 48”
apart, fasten 2” x 2” or 2” x 3” furring strips with two 10d nails at each joist. The furring should be a
low-density wood, such as a soft pine, if tile is to be stapled to the furring.

Lay furring strips from the center of the room to the edges. Find the center by snapping chalk lines from
opposite corners. The ceiling center is where the diagonal lines cross. Place the first furring strip at the
room center and at a right angle to the joists. Run parallel furring strips each 12” to both edges of the
room. See Figure 10-11A. Edge courses on opposite walls should be equal in width. Plan spacing
perpendicular to joists the same way. End courses should also be equal in width. Install tile the same
way, working from the center to the edges. Set edge tile last so you get a close fit. Ceiling tile usually
has a tongue on two adjacent edges and grooves on the other edges. Keep the tongue edges on the
open side so they can be stapled to furring strips. Attach edge tile on the groove side with finishing nails
or adhesive. Use one staple at each furring strip on the leading edge and two staples along the side, as
in Figure 10-11B. Drive a small finishing nail or use adhesive to set edge tile against the wall.