How to Cover a Popcorn-Textured Ceiling

How to Cover a Popcorn Ceiling With Drywall

This method involves attaching a new layer of 1/4-, 3/8-, or 1/2-inch-thick drywall to the ceiling joists over the popcorn texture. While 1/4-inch-thick drywall is the lightest, these thin panels can be brittle and hard to work with, and they are flexible enough to reveal most ceiling imperfections once screwed to the ceiling. A better choice is usually 3/8- or 1/2-inch-thick drywall, which is more rigid, though heavier.

1. Find and Mark the Ceiling Joists

   Use a stud finder to locate each ceiling joist. Mark the center of each joist at opposing sides of the room. Mark the ceiling first, then transfer the marks onto the adjacent wall, a few inches down from the ceiling. This ensures the marks will be visible after the insulation is installed.

2. Plan the Panel Layout

   Measure the width of the room, measuring parallel to the joist direction. Divide the measurement by 48 inches (the width of an insulation panel) to determine how many full panel rows there will be. If the remainder is less than about 6 inches, plan to trim at least 6 inches from the first row of panels, so you'll have full-width (or nearly full-width) panels in the last row.

3. Adapt the Light Fixture Boxes

   If the ceiling has a light fixture, adapt the ceiling box to accommodate the extra thickness of the insulation panels and the drywall panels. This will require you to shut off the power, disconnect and temporarily remove the light fixture, then install an extension ring or new, deeper electrical box so that the face of the ceiling box will be flush with the surface of the new ceiling panels.

   This may call for the help of an electrician if you are not skilled in DIY electrical repairs.
   

4. Install the First Insulation Panel

   Trim the first panel to width, if necessary, using a drywall saw or sharp utility knife. Apply a wavy bead of insulation board adhesive to the backside of the panel and press the panel onto the ceiling at the beginning of the first row. Tack the panel in place with a few drywall screws driven into the ceiling joists, using a screwgun.

5. Install the Remaining Panels

   Repeat the same process to install the remaining panels. Push the panels tightly together and snugly against the walls on all sides.

   For obstacles such as ceiling electrical boxes, use a wallboard saw or utility knife to cut openings or notches to fit the insulation panel.

6. Tape the Panel Seams

   Cover the joints between panels with a panel insulation tape recommended by the manufacturer. This is to block airflow between the panels, not to create a vapor barrier.

7. Snap Chalk Lines

   Snap chalk lines across the installed panels to mark the centers of the ceiling joists. You will use these as guides for driving screws when installing the new ceiling drywall. With a helper, stretch the chalk line between opposing marks on the side walls, then snap the line over the paneled surface to create continuous reference lines.

8. Install Drywall Panels

   
   Beginning along the longest wall, lift and attach drywall panels to the ceiing, using drywall screws driven into the ceiling joists. Space the screws every 8 inches along the edge of the panels, and every 12 inches through the field of the panel.

   Make sure to use drywall screws of sufficient length to penetrate through the insulation board and existing drywall ceiling and into the ceiling joists. If you are using 1-inch insulation panels, for example, use screws at least 3 inches long. Insulation panels that are 2-inch thick will call for drywall screws at least 4 inches long.

   Hoisting and attaching panels overhead can be hard work. At the very least, you'll need a helper. Better yet is a tool called a drywall lifter, available for lease at home improvement centers and tool rental outlets.

   At the end of the row, cut the last panel to size using a drywall square and utility knife. With subsequent rows, make sure to stagger joints so they don't line up from row to row.
   

9. Tape and Finish the Drywall

   Cover the seams of the installed ceiiing surface with drywall joint tape and finish the seams and screw heads with drywall joint compound.

How to Cover a Popcorn Ceiling with Grid-Plank System

Modern grid ceiling systems are similar to the older suspended drop ceilings that used large acoustic panels, but these newer systems use much more stylish prefinished fiberboard planks that can look very much like natural wood paneling. Once a series of parallel metal tracks are attached t the ceiling joists, the planks are very quickly installed with metal clips.

1. Locate and Mark Joists

   Using a stud finder locate and mark the center of each ceiling joist. Mark the center of each joist at opposing sides of the room, then transfer the marks onto the adjacent wall, a few inches down from the ceiling. This ensures the marks will be visible after the insulation is installed.
   

2. Install Insulation Panels (If Desired)

   If desired, you can insulate the ceiling with a layer of foam insulation panels installed against the ceiling surface (see steps 2 to 7, above). After installing the insulation, snap chalk lines across the panels to mark the centers of the ceiling joists.
   

3. Mark Track Locations

   Measure and mark the joist reference lines to indicate where the system's tracks will be installed. It is essential that the tracks be exactly parallel. Make sure not to run tracks directly over ceiling electrical boxes or other obstacles.
   

4. Attach Metal Tracks

   Attach the metal tracks to the ceiling joists at the spacing suggested by the grid-plank system's instructions, using drywall screws. With most systems, the tracks should have a gap of 2 inches to the wall. Make sure to use screws long enough to penetrate through the insulation panels and into the ceiling joists. It is essential that the tracks be exactly parallel and spaced properly. Where two or more track segments must be used, the ends can simply be overlapped; they do not need to be cut to size.

   Check the tracks with a long level to make sure they are flat and level. If necessary, the screws anchoring the tracks can be adjusted to level the installation.
   

5. Install the First Row of Planks

   Prepare the first row of planks as directed by the manufacturer. With most systems, this involves cutting off the tongue side of the planks.

   Install the first row of planks so it runs perpendicular to the metal tracks; the trimmed edge should face the wall. Screw one side of the planks to the metal tracks, then secure the tongue side with the metal clips provided by the manufacturer. The clips fit into the tracks, then slide into place to hold the groove edge of the planks.
   

6. Continue Installing Planks

   Work across the room to install the subsequent planks, cutting the planks to length as needed, using a circular saw or miter saw. Each plank's tongue edge fits into the groove of the previous row, then is held in place with additional clips attached to the tracks. Make sure to maintain a 3/4-inch gap between the ends of the planks and the wall (or whatever gap is recommended by the manufacturer.)

   End joints should be staggered so they don't ling up from row to row. End joints should be offset by at least 16 inches, preferably more.
   

7. Install the Final Row

   For the final row, trim off the grooved edge to create the correct plank width, then install the planks. Secure the wall edge of the planks with screws driven into the tracks. Make sure to maintain the recommended expansion gap between the last row of planks and the wall.
   

8. Add Moldings

   Cover the expansion gaps along the walls with crown molding or another trim molding, atttached to the walls with a brad nailer. Fill the nail holes with matching wood putty.
   

How to Cover a Popcorn Ceiling with Tongue-and-Groove Planks or Bead-Board Panels

Covering a ceiling with traditional tongue-and-groove planks or bead-board paneling is a traditional method. The result looks very similar to the grid-track system. This method is less expensive, but more labor-intensive.

1. Mark Ceiling Joists

   Use a stud finder to locate the ceiling joists. Make reference lines extending down the walls to indicate the joist locations.
   

2. Install Insulation Panels (If Desired)

   If you wish, insulate the ceiling with a layer of foam insulation panels installed against the ceiling surface (see steps 2 to 7, above).
   

3. Snap Chalk Lines

   After installing the insulation, snap chalk lines across the panels to mark the centers of the ceiling joists. Mark these lines at 18-inch intervals to show the location of furring strips.
   

4. Cut and Install Furring Strips

   Cut a series of 1x2 furring strips and attach them to the ceiling joists with drywall screws. Make sure to use screws long enough to penetrate the insulation panels and anchor into the joists.

   Check the furring strips in both directions with a carpenter's level to make sure they are flat and level. If necessary, you can adjust individual furring strips with shims placed beneath the anchoring screws.

   Take your time checking and adjusting the furring strips. Flat, level installation is essential to good results with the planks or panels.

5. Install Tongue-and-Groove Planks or Bead-board Panels

   Cut tongue-and-groove planks or beadboard panels to size and attach them to the furring strips, using a brad nailer. Make sure end joints are staggered from row to row. Maintain a slight gap around the walls to allow for expansion.
   

6. Add Trim Molding

   Cover the gaps around the planks or panels with crown molding or another trim molding, attaching the molding to the walls with a brad nailer.