Popcorn ceilings became a popular way to finish drywall in homes starting in the 1930s. It was an easy way for many contractors to hide imperfections in the drywall and was more affordable than smoothing and finishing the ceiling. Since so many contractors planted these cheap-looking kernels decades ago, these unsightly popcorn ceilings are still found in homes today. And as you’re all too aware, this dated look doesn’t add any value to your home.
The good news? You can easily conceal your popcorn or textured ceiling with beautiful Tongue and Groove Wood Paneling that instantly adds warmth, charm, and modern appeal. Thanks to thermally treated Pine Wood Planks and Poplar Wood Planks, you can elevate your ceiling—and your entire room—in just a weekend project.
Installing Tongue and Groove Wood Planks Over Popcorn Ceilings
Thermal Pine Tongue and Groove Wood Paneling with V-Groove Joints | Dark Walnut Hand Hewn Faux Wood Beams
Simply put, a popcorn ceiling is meant to hide poor finishes in your drywall. Scraping it off is a time-consuming, messy process. Plus, if you hire a contractor to remove it, it can also be expensive.
Covering your popcorn ceiling with real wood paneling is a smarter, cleaner, and more value-driven approach that adds natural texture and architectural interest to any space.
Below, we’ll walk through just how approachable and rewarding it is to upgrade your popcorn or textured ceiling with thermally modified wood planks.
Where Can Tongue and Groove Wood Paneling Be Installed?
Thermal Poplar Tongue and Groove Wood Paneling with Shiplap Joints
Covering a popcorn ceiling with Tongue and Groove Wood Planks is a transformative upgrade—and it works beautifully in nearly every room of the home. Whether you’re refreshing a dated space or finishing off a renovation, these planks bring warmth, structure, and style to formerly bumpy ceilings.
Home Offices That Inspire
Replacing a popcorn ceiling with wood planks creates a more polished and productive home office environment. The clean lines and natural tones help your workspace feel grounded and visually calming.
Living Rooms That Wow
A living room with a popcorn ceiling can instantly feel outdated. Installing Poplar Wood Ceiling Planks overhead adds elegance, warmth, and an architectural focal point that enhances the entire space.
Bedrooms That Soothe
Trade in your popcorn ceiling for a wood-planked one, and your bedroom becomes a cozy, curated retreat. The soft grain and thermally treated finish create a restful atmosphere in both master and guest rooms.
Kitchens That Connect
Popcorn ceilings in the kitchen tend to trap grease and shadows. Swapping in Pine Wood Ceiling Planks brightens the room and makes it feel cohesive with your cabinetry, flooring, and décor.
Hallways That Make a Statement
Even narrow or overlooked hallways benefit from a popcorn ceiling cover-up. Tongue and groove wood planks create continuity between rooms and turn a pass-through into a standout feature.
Need help deciding between pine and poplar, or between V-groove and nickel-gap? Start with a Pine Wood Paneling Sample or Poplar Wood Paneling Sample to explore your options up close.
Do You Have to Remove Your Popcorn Ceiling First?
It's up to you whether or not you remove the popcorn on your ceiling before installing your wood planks. It’s recommended to remove the popcorn to ensure a tighter seal between the drywall and the panel, but it's not required. Another benefit to removing the popcorn first is that you’ll have the opportunity to assess any damage that may exist on your ceiling.
If you choose to not remove the popcorn before installation, you will need to fasten the planks to the ceiling with nails or screws into the joists. To locate your joists, use a stud finder and mark the joists with a pencil or chalk line.
Simple Installation Using Basic Tools and Materials
Installing solid wood tongue and groove paneling over a popcorn ceiling is a manageable DIY project with the right tools and materials. Here's what you'll need:
- The Paneling: Your Thermal Pine or Poplar wood planks. Always get a bit extra, about 10-15%, for cuts and mistakes.
- Nailing System: A finish nailer (15 or 16-gauge) and a box of finish nails for strong, secure fastening.
- Extra Secure Fasteners: Some wood screws (around 2.5 to 3 inches long) for added hold, especially into ceiling joists.
- Measuring & Marking Tools: A tape measure, pencil, chalk line, and a long level (4-foot or 6-foot) to ensure everything is straight and true.
- Joist Finder: A stud finder to locate those hidden ceiling joists.
- Miter saw: for precise cuts to length and angles.
- Installation Aids: A rubber mallet to gently tap planks into place, and a nail set to recess nail heads.
- Cleanup & Finishing: Clean cloths & tack cloths for dust and adhesive, and wood filler to hide nail holes.
- Safety Gear: Safety glasses, a dust mask, and work gloves to protect yourself.
- A Sturdy Ladder for working on ceilings or high walls.
You Might Also Need (For Special Cuts):
- Jigsaw or Circular Saw:
- Use a Jigsaw for cutting around tricky shapes like outlets, vents, or light fixtures.
- Use a Circular Saw if you need to cut planks lengthwise (rip them) to fit a narrow space.
Save Money By Installing Tongue and Groove Wood Planks Yourself
Our solid wood planks are thermally treated for increased strength, rich color consistency, and long-term performance. Each plank is handcrafted in the USA to ensure the highest quality and authenticity. With the help of one or two other people, you can easily install these in a few hours—no contractor needed.
When you're done, you’ll love the cozy, natural beauty these thermal wood planks bring to your space.
Ceiling Planks and Accents to Complete Your Look
Real wood paneling offers unmatched authenticity, bringing natural warmth and texture overhead. Choose from V-groove or nickel-gap shiplap joint styles to match your ceiling profile and aesthetic vision.
Wood Beams & Faux Wood Beams: The Perfect Wood Paneling Pairing
Looking to finish the space with a bold architectural element? You can’t go wrong with beautiful ceiling beams—and Barron Designs offers both real and faux wood beams to complement your project.
- Wood beams are handcrafted in America from real wood planks and pair beautifully with wood paneling for a seamless, natural look. These box beams are lightweight, easy to install, and showcase timeless character with wood grain you can see and feel.
- Faux wood beams are also handcrafted in America from real wood molds. They offer a wider range of hyper-realistic styles, textures, and finishes—from rustic to contemporary. Made from durable, lightweight polyurethane and artisanally hand-finished, they look just like the real thing and are ideal for fast, DIY-friendly installs.
Beams can even simplify your ceiling installation by cleverly concealing plank seams or transitions. Installing beams along ceiling perimeters can also eliminate the need for edge cuts, which is especially helpful when working over uneven popcorn texture.
Transform Your Old Popcorn Ceiling Effortlessly and Affordably
There’s no reason to settle for an outdated ceiling. By putting Tongue and Groove Wood Planks over popcorn texture, you’re giving your home a fresh, inspired look with enduring quality and appeal.
Barron Designs’ real wood paneling, beams, and accessories are handcrafted in the USA with a focus on beauty, durability, and ease of installation.
Ready to turn that bumpy ceiling into a showstopper, but want to preview the style first? Order a Pine Wood Paneling Sample or Poplar Wood Paneling Sample today and start your transformation with confidence.
Still considering faux options instead? You can also browse our Faux Wood Panels for other attractive ceiling solutions.
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