LOCATION: Lewis Center, Ohio (off Old State and Orange Road)
PROJECT TYPE: Custom-built coffered ceiling with poplar beams, shiplap insets, crown molding, new recessed lighting, and a catalyzed polyurethane finish. Built to match the client’s inspiration photo.
TRADES: Finish Carpentry | Trim Carpentry | Interior Painting | Drywall Repair | Electrical
Drywall Prep, Electrical, Custom Beam Layout & Catalyzed Finish
- Leveled, patched, and repaired the existing drywall ceiling to create a flat, stable surface for the coffered beam layout.
- Wired and installed four new recessed can lights, reworking the electrical layout to fit the new coffered design before any framing began.
- Built the coffered ceiling framework from scratch using finger-joint poplar 1x6s, 1x8s, and 5-1/4″ crown molding, setting the long beams first and then constructing the perpendicular boxes for clean, even spacing.
- Installed all crown molding details inside each coffered panel for depth and dimension that matched the client’s inspiration photo.
- Caulked every seam, filled all nail holes, sanded, and primed the full ceiling assembly for a seamless, paint-ready surface.
- Applied Benjamin Moore Advance as the base coat and finished with Centurion 2800 Series 2K Polyurethane for a smooth, hard-wearing topcoat with excellent durability.
Why Coffered Ceilings Require Precision From Start to Finish
- The homeowner provided an inspiration photo and wanted it matched exactly. Every beam dimension, spacing interval, and crown detail was built to replicate the reference design.
- The existing ceiling was not level, which required extensive prep work before any beams could be installed. Coffered beams amplify any imperfection in the ceiling plane, so getting it flat was critical before building anything.
- The old lighting layout did not work with the new coffered design. New can lights were wired in and positioned to complement the beam pattern and provide even illumination across each panel.
- Centurion 2K Polyurethane was used as the topcoat for its hardness and resistance to yellowing over time. Standard latex paint on a ceiling feature like this would show wear and discoloration faster than a catalyzed finish.
Inspiration Photo Matched With Clean Joints and a Catalyzed Finish
PaintWerks delivered a custom coffered ceiling that matched the client’s inspiration photo and completely changed the feel of the room. Every beam, panel, and crown detail was built from scratch with clean joints, even spacing, and a smooth, durable painted finish. The new recessed lighting complements the design, and the Centurion 2K topcoat ensures the ceiling will hold its appearance for years. This project showcases PaintWerks’ ability to combine finish carpentry and interior painting into a single, premium result.
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Coffered Ceiling & Finish Carpentry Questions
How much does a coffered ceiling cost in Columbus?
Coffered ceiling costs vary based on room size, beam material, crown molding complexity, and finish type. A basic coffered ceiling with MDF beams and paint runs less per square foot than a custom build with poplar, shiplap insets, and a catalyzed polyurethane finish like this Lewis Center project. Electrical work for new lighting adds to the scope. PaintWerks provides written estimates that break down carpentry, materials, and finishing so you know exactly what you are paying for. Call 614-582-4227 for a free estimate.
Can you match a coffered ceiling from a photo or design reference?
Yes. That is exactly how this project was built. The homeowner provided an inspiration photo and PaintWerks matched every detail, including beam dimensions, spacing, crown profile, and finish. We measure your room, map the beam layout to the proportions in the reference image, and build each component on-site for a precise fit. If the design requires specific molding profiles or materials, we source them before the build starts. See our full finish carpentry and trim carpentry services.
What is the best paint for a coffered ceiling?
For a feature ceiling that you want to look clean for years, a catalyzed finish like Centurion 2K Polyurethane is the best option. It cures harder than standard latex, resists yellowing, and holds up under daily lighting without showing wear or sheen changes. Benjamin Moore Advance works well as a base coat for its self-leveling properties and smooth finish. Standard ceiling paint is fine for flat, white ceilings, but a coffered ceiling with trim detail deserves a premium interior paint system that holds up to the attention it gets.
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