13 Cheap Wood Ceiling Ideas For Design on A Budget

Every time I look up at a boring white ceiling I cannot help but wonder why we settle for drywall. It is just so bland. I have spent years renovating homes and flipping spaces, and one thing I have learned is that the ceiling is the fifth wall. Ignoring it is a huge missed opportunity in design.

If you are on a tight budget you might think wood ceilings are out of reach. That is absolutely not true. You do not need expensive hardwoods or a professional carpenter to transform your space. I have pulled off some incredible looks with basic lumber yard finds and a little creativity.

13 Cheap Wood Ceiling Ideas

I am going to walk you through 13 cheap wood ceiling ideas that look like a million bucks. I will share exactly how I approach these projects, the materials I use, and the tricks I have learned to keep costs low. Let us get those creative juices flowing.

1. Plywood Planks

Plywood is my secret weapon for almost everything. Seriously, I use it for floors, walls, and yes, ceilings.

When you rip plywood sheets into six or eight inch strips they look just like expensive wide planks. The trick is choosing a decent grade of plywood.

I usually grab sanding grade pine plywood because it has a nice grain pattern.

Installation

• Installation is a breeze. I use construction adhesive and a finish nailer to secure the strips right over the drywall.

• I make sure to leave a tiny gap between boards, usually the thickness of a nickel, to allow for expansion.

• Once it is painted or stained nobody can tell it started as a four by eight sheet. It is insanely cheap and looks high end.

2. Beadboard Paneling

Beadboard brings that classic cottage vibe that feels instantly cozy. I love using four by eight sheets of beadboard paneling because they cover a massive amount of space very quickly.

You do not have to mess with individual tongue and groove boards unless you really want to.

Installation

• The sheets are lightweight which makes overhead work much easier on your arms. I find that painting them a crisp white brightens up a room immediately.

• If you want to hide the seams between sheets I recommend using a thin strip of lattice molding. It looks intentional and adds a nice architectural detail.

• IMO this is the fastest way to cover up a popcorn ceiling without scraping.

3. Pallet Wood

Okay, I know pallet wood projects had a huge moment a few years ago but hear me out. If you source clean and safe pallets this material is free. That is the ultimate budget hack.

I have done an accent ceiling in a mudroom using dismantled pallets and the texture was incredible.

Installation

• The key here is prep work. You have to pull the nails, sand down the rough spots, and make sure the wood is dry.

• I usually run them through a planer to get a consistent thickness but you do not have to.

• The variations in color and wear give the ceiling a rustic farmhouse look that you literally cannot buy in stores. Just make sure the pallets were heat treated and not chemically treated.

4. Furring Strips

Furring strips are those rough and cheap strips of wood you find in the lumber aisle.

Most people use them for shimming walls but I use them as finished ceiling planks. They are incredibly inexpensive. I am talking just a few dollars for a bundle.

How to Use

• Because they are rough you will need to do some sanding. I personally like the rough sawn look so I do not go crazy with the sander.

• I just knock off the splinters. Once they are stained a dark walnut color they look like reclaimed barn wood.

• I install them with gaps to let the black painted drywall show through which creates a cool shadow effect. It is edgy and industrial.

5. Shiplap Faux Planks

Authentic shiplap can get pricey but you can fake the look for pennies. I buy thin underlayment plywood which is about five millimeters thick.

It costs very little per sheet. I rip it into six inch strips and install them with a nickel sized gap between rows.

Installation

• This material is very light so you can often get away with using liquid nails and a few brad nails.

• I prime and paint the edges of the planks before putting them up so I do not have to struggle painting the gaps later.

• The result is a clean and modern farmhouse ceiling that costs a fraction of the real deal. It is one of my favorite go to moves for flipping houses.

6. Tongue and Groove Pine

If you want the real wood feel without breaking the bank, knotty pine tongue and groove is the way to go.

It is widely available at big box stores. The boards lock together which hides nails and makes the surface super smooth and flat.

Installation

• I usually buy the lower grade bundles because I think the knots add character.

• You do have to let the wood acclimate in the room for a week or two before installing.

• If you do not it will shrink and leave gaps. I learned that the hard way.

• A simple clear coat on pine warms up a space instantly. It smells great too which is a nice bonus.

7. Cedar Fence Pickets

Using fence pickets inside might sound crazy but trust me on this one. Cedar fence pickets are cheap, rough textured, and naturally rot resistant.

They are perfect for bathrooms or covered porches. I sand them down to remove the fuzz and then stain them.

Why it Works?

• They are usually five and a half inches wide which is a great size for ceilings. Because they are meant for fencing they can be a bit warped so you have to be picky when buying them.

• I sort through the stack to find the straightest ones.

• Once installed they give a rich and warm look that feels very custom. It is a brilliant way to get cedar on a budget.

8. Laminate Flooring

Who says flooring has to stay on the ground. Laminate flooring is durable, comes in a million finishes, and clicks together easily.

I have seen it used on ceilings and it looks sleek. You can often find discontinued batches on clearance for next to nothing.

Installation

• The installation is a bit different because gravity is working against you. You absolutely must hit the joists or use strong adhesive.

• I usually use a brad nailer through the tongue to hold it in place.

• The best part is that it is prefinished so there is no painting or staining overhead. My neck thanks me every time I choose this option.

9. Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

This is definitely a bold choice but it works in the right space. OSB is that flakeboard material used for sheathing houses.

It has a very interesting texture when you paint it. I have seen it painted black in a garage or workshop and it looked surprisingly cool.

Why it Works?

• It is dirt cheap and covers large areas fast. If you sand it lightly and seal it with a high gloss polyurethane it almost looks like a mosaic.

• It is not for a formal dining room but for a man cave or studio it adds a ton of visual interest.

• Plus it is extremely durable. Just make sure you seal it well so flakes do not fall over time.

10. Lattice Strips

Lattice molding is thin and narrow and very affordable. I use it to create geometric patterns on a plain ceiling.

You can do a grid, a diamond pattern, or just parallel lines. It adds depth and shadow without overwhelming the room.

Installation

• I paint the lattice the same color as the ceiling for a subtle monochromatic texture.

• Or sometimes I stain the wood for a high contrast look against white drywall.

• It is very lightweight so you can install it with construction adhesive and just a few pin nails. It is a fantastic way to dress up a rental because it is easy to remove later if needed.

11. Stained Plywood Squares

Instead of planks consider cutting plywood into large squares. I typically do two by two foot squares.

I stain them in alternating directions to create a checkerboard or parquet effect. It looks very mid century modern and expensive.

How to make it work

• I use a higher grade birch plywood for this so the grain is smooth.

• You can highlight the seams with trim or butt them tight together.

• I think adding a small chamfer to the edges makes the individual squares pop. It takes a bit more precision with cutting but the payoff is huge. It turns the ceiling into a piece of art.

12. Reclaimed Barn Wood

Okay so true reclaimed barn wood is pricey. But I find “barn wood” all the time for free or cheap.

I check local online marketplaces for people tearing down old sheds or fences. That weathered gray wood is gold.

Installation

• I clean it thoroughly with a wire brush and seal it with a matte clear coat. It is perfect for a feature area like above a kitchen island or in an entryway.

• The history in the wood adds instant soul to a home. Just be careful of lead paint if the wood is painted.

• I always test it before bringing it inside. Safety first.

13. Bamboo Fencing

Rolls of bamboo fencing are inexpensive and cover a lot of ground.

I have stapled bamboo rolls to a ceiling in a sunroom and it completely transformed the vibe. It feels tropical and relaxed.

Installation

• It is super easy to work with because you just unroll it and staple it up.

• You can frame the edges with bamboo poles or simple wood trim to hide the staples.

• It adds a ton of texture and warmth. Plus it is a sustainable material which makes me feel good about using it. FYI it is also great for covering up ugly acoustic tiles.

FAQs

A Fresh Perspective on Cheap Wood Ceiling

Upgrading your ceiling does not have to drain your bank account. With materials like plywood, fence pickets, and even OSB you can add serious style for very little cash. I hope these thirteen ideas have inspired you to look up and see the potential in your own home.

Start small if you are nervous. Maybe try a small bathroom or a hallway first. Once you see how much character a wood ceiling adds you will want to do every room in the house. I promise it is addictive. Grab some wood and some glue and get to work.