If you have a large room, then installing a coffered ceiling is the best choice. Such ceilings are pleasing to the eye and make a room appear airy and elegant. When making them, coffered ceilings need to be at a certain depth for them to give you a good result.
Even then, just how deep should a coffered ceiling be?
The height of the ceiling will determine just how deep it would go. Your taste and personal preference are also heavy influencing factors. For instance, if you want a ceiling with a depth measuring 5 inches, you will have 1*6 vertices and 1*4 for the center panel.
The depth and weight of such ceilings are also determined by how strong the structure is and the integrity of the coffers.
Good, adequate support is essential for broader and deeper coffered ceilings. In addition to this, having a coffered ceiling in your home adds value to it, creates a classy aura, and helps to absorb sound and noise.
Here is everything you need to know about coffered ceilings. Coffered ceilings are unique home additions, and you will be surprised to know that not every home has the privilege of having such ceilings.
How to Properly Size Coffered Ceilings
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Up until recently, coffered ceilings were made of wood. Nowadays, these ceilings are made of various materials ranging from concrete, metal, and even plastic.
You can also upgrade your plain coffered ceiling using special engineered resources.
If your ceiling is about 6 inches high and 8 feet deep, a deeply coffered ceiling with a 5-inch crown is best suited. If your ceiling is less than 8 feet, then a medium coffered ceiling with a crown of just about 3 inches will do.
Nonetheless, when constructing your home, go for a coffered ceiling if your ceiling space is more than 9 feet in height.
The material you use to make your ceiling will also determine just how deep they go. For instance, when using wood or metal, always leave an allowance for contraction and expansion. You will need about 8 inches of space (vertically) from the ceiling for your coffered structure.
If you want your coffered ceiling to be deeper than average, then you will have to leave more allowance. A traditional square grid coffered ceiling is easy to use since most require standard measurements. You are likely to use wooden beams that are 3 to 4 inches wide.
Apart from wood, you can use acrylics or tin on your coffered ceilings. For a more personalized pattern, you can include vent panels and custom tiles with art and paintings.
If you are scarce on space and flat panels are your only option, your coffered ceiling can only go an inch deep.
Another crucial factor you need to consider when making coffered ceilings is the size of your room. If your room has a low hanging ceiling, a coffered design will make it look congested and stuffy. Coffered ceilings go well with large rooms with big windows.
How to Construct Coffered Ceilings
The most important things to remember when constructing coffered ceilings are the width, depth, and design. This will help you come up with a unique and durable ceiling. In addition to this, understand that coffered ceilings have different designs at the intersection points.
These points can be circle, square, diamond, or cross-shaped. These shapes are also present at the ceiling’s center.
You will also deal with inner T-sections, beams, and inner corners. Familiarize yourself with terms such as T-sections, inner corners, outside corners, and perimeters. Coffered ceilings don’t come in one size.
Depending on the design intended and the size of the room, the depth of these ceilings can range from an inch to 8 inches. They also vary in length, with some being as long as 5 inches.
During installation, these sizes are measured and fitted according to your ceiling’s dimensions and the style you chose. The materials used also determine how cutting and fixing are done.
Some materials such as metals have to be given allowances for contraction and expansion.
Be careful when taking measurements for your ceiling. Deep coffered ceilings require more skill compared to flat ones.
When taking measurements, your room’s dimensions should guide you on how deep the ceiling should be. Proper depth is crucial so as not to make your room feel cramped and disproportionate.
Always go for quality materials when constructing coffered ceilings. If you choose natural hardwood such as walnut and mahogany, ensure you pick those in flawless condition.
Faulty pieces will result in shoddy work and may be expensive to rectify.
Factors to Consider When Constructing Coffered Ceilings
There are several factors to consider when installing coffered ceilings. Here are a few of them:
Beams
You will need to determine whether you are using faux or functional beams. Most residential homes may not require load-bearing beams. This means that you can install a fairly deep coffered ceiling to camouflage or hide overhead support beams.
Note that most coffered ceilings have no support function and are purely for decorative purposes, and are made from faux beams.
However, if you want deeper than average coffered ceilings, you may need to install additional ceiling reinforcement and support. Beams, whether functional or faux, will also depend on the existing joint structures.
You do not want your deep coffered ceiling sinking in the middle because of poor and inadequate support.
Height of the ceiling
Coffered ceilings have beams that extend down into the room. This means that they take up some overhead space. For this reason, such ceilings work best in large rooms with high ceilings, preferably 10 feet tall or more.
It may not be a great idea to have a deep coffered ceiling if your room has a low ceiling, as it may feel claustrophobic.
Also, remember that the deeper the coffer, the higher the ceiling should be for a better result. Other than that, the protruding beams will interfere with the room’s headspace.
Cost of coffered ceiling installation
Your budget will determine the kind of coffered ceiling you get. In itself, a coffered ceiling is a labor-intensive venture that requires expert skills. You will need to find skilled carpenters and contractors. Such professionalism does not come cheap.
In addition to this, factor in the cost of materials and tools to be used. You will also spend more if you want personalized artwork and paintwork on the ceiling.
Does Having A Deep Coffered Ceiling Increase The Resale Value?
A house with unique features such as well-structured coffered ceilings will definitely have a higher resale value than one without. Coffered ceilings improve the aesthetics of a house and make it appear better and classier.
Additionally, installing such ceilings is a costly project and is considered an investment. For instance, some contractors charge about $25 per square foot.
These cost does not include expenses such as labor, raw materials, accessories, and artwork. The kind of materials used also determines their value. The result of this is a high-value property.
Houses with coffered ceilings may have different values depending on the kind of materials used. For instance, a house with mahogany and walnut ceilings is likely to be valued and priced higher than one with plywood or fiberboard ceilings.
Plus, these prices vary and change with the market trends.
