Create an open-concept closet or add farmhouse charm by learning how to install wood barn beams on a ceiling with this DIY tutorial!

In our French Country cottage fixer-upper, I decided to try my hand at incorporating old barn beams into the design. One of the places I used barn beams was our master bedroom.

I wanted to open up the standard double closet with bi-fold doors into the rest of the bedroom and create an open concept closet design by framing out the space with barn beams.

Here was the end result!

Let’s talk about how to install barn beams on a ceiling! In this case, we used the same technique to install the barn beams on the walls as well.

How To Install Wood Barn Beams On A Ceiling

Tools You Will Need:

Circular saw
Chain saw
2×4 lumber
Hammer
Chisel
Drill
Star bit wood screws
Ladder

How To Install Wood Barn Beams On A Ceiling

#1: Cut the beam to length.

The first step is to cut the beam to the length and thickness that you want. The less cuts you need to make with the circular saw the better!

How To Install Wood Barn Beams On A Ceiling

#2: Cut the underside of the beams.

Run your circular saw lengthwise down the center of the beam in 1/2 inch to 1 inch strips. Leave approximately 1-2 inches uncut on either side.

Make sure the opening will be wide enough to recess a 2×4 or whatever lumber you are anchoring your beam to!

It will ultimately form a U when you are finished with step #3.

How To Install Wood Barn Beams On A Ceiling

#3: Chisel out the center of the beam.

Here is where you want a sharp chisel, your hammer, good working gloves, and a healthy dose of patience.

Just think the last time these beams were installed they didn’t even have electric tools!

Remember the U shape needs to be big enough to recess a 2 x 4 or whatever lumber you will be anchoring it to the ceiling with.

How To Install Wood Barn Beams On A Ceiling

#4: Anchor 2×4’s to the ceiling.

Unfortunately in our closet project somehow I missed taking a picture of this step, so I am borrowing a picture from Jenna Sue Design to show you what I am talking about.

In this kitchen they are showing you how to create a faux barn beam which is also a great option and much easier to customize to your preferred size, stain etc.

The concept, however, is the same. See the 1×4 they have running across the ceiling? That is what we did with the 2×4 across the top of our closet ceiling.

Anchor the 2×4 with star bit wood screws and make sure to hit studs! The 2×4 then recesses into the U of the beam that was notched out.

How To Install Wood Barn Beams On A Ceiling

#5: Secure the barn beam to the 2×4’s.

This is a close-up of the star-bit wood screws. We used these on the ceiling beam and the wall beams.

You screw them directly into the barn beam and then drive it into the 2×4’s you have anchored to the ceiling.

You can certainly add other beams as you want.

We added a vertical beam to in the center of the closet, but this was only decorative so as to visually split the closet in half for a “his and hers” side.