INSTALLATION

You can install BHK Laminate Ceiling Planks right to existing joists. (joists must be no more than 16" on center.) Or, you can install over drywall or plaster ceilings using furring strips. Your plank ceiling will only be as flat as the substrate that you attach it to. Furring strips give you the opportunity to shim the existing substrate to make it flat. Furring strips also let you change direction of the planks. Be sure to use two layers of criss-crossed furring strips in high humidity areas, such as bathrooms, to allow for air circulation above the planks.

You will need:

• Handsaw
• Pencil
• Circular Saw (optional)
• Measuring Tape
• Saber Saw (optional)
• Chalk Line
• Screwdriver (cordless or hand)

(Always refer to power tool manufacturer's instructions prior to use.)

Step by Step Instructions

1. Open and unpack the planks in the room they will be installed and allow 24 hours for the planks to acclimatize to room temperature.
2. Decide the direction you plan to install the planks. Remember that planks will run opposite the direction of the joists or furring strips.
3. Prepare for any fixtures in the room. Electrical boxes must be mounted 3/8" lower than the surface of the plank to which it will be attached. Light fixtures used must not raise the temperature more than 230° Farenheit to prevent plank discoloration.
4. If "can" lights are to be installed, use a saber saw or keyhole saw to make circular cuts in the plank.
5. If furring strips are used:
   • Nail or screw the furring strips perpendicular to joists every 16" using two nails at least 2" long or 2 screws that penetrate the joists at least 1"at each joist.
   • Furring strips must be attached against the side walls at both sides and shimmed for a flat surface.
   
   

   The FIRST ROW

6. Determine your width for a balanced ceiling. Measure the size of the room perpendicular to the direction of the planks. Now change the room measurement to inches. Planks are 7" wide. Divide the room size by 7". The dimension will not divide evenly in most cases. Take the remainder and add 7". Divide that amount in half and this will determine the width of the first row of planks.
   
   

   For example: If the room measurement is 15', that translates to 180" wide. Divide 180" by 7" plank width to get 26 planks. Note: If an uneven amount remains, i.e.; 3" - add the 3" to the 7" width and divide that number by 2. This measurement will be the width of your first and last rows to give your ceiling a balanced look.

   
   
7. Establish the calculated border width from the end of the wall at each side of the room and make a mark. Snap a chalk line from mark to mark.
8. Determine the exact width for the first piece of plank by measuring several planks outward from the left wall. Remember to subtract 1/2" from each of these measurements to allow for expansion.
9. Using a circular saw, saber saw or hand saw to ensure a straight line, cut the plank to width.
10. Align the grooved edge of the plank with the chalk line with the tongue end 1/2" from the side wall.
11. Slide clips on the flange and screw clips to the underside of each joist or furring strip.
12. Use nail or screw to fasten the plank to the joists or furring strips along the cut edge close to the end wall so molding will hide the nails or screws.*
13. To prevent upward movement of the plank ends after molding is in place, installing pieces of wood between the joists is recommended.
14. Install the remainder of the planks for this row in the same manner, making sure the last piece is cut so it is 1/2" short of the side wall when installed.
    

    The SECOND ROW

15. Start the second row of planks with the leftover piece from the first row in order to achieve a staggered appearance.
16. Insert the tongue into the groove of the plank from the first row.
17. Position the cut end of the plank 1/2" from the side wall and attach to the ceiling using clips or screws.
18. Install the remainder of the planks for this row in the same manner, making sure the last piece is cut so it is 1/2" short of the side wall when installed.
19. Repeat this process for remaining rows except for the last row.
    

    The LAST ROW

20. Cut planks 1/2" shorter than the measurement between the next to last row and the end wall.
21. Facing the nail or screw to joists or furring strips along the cut edge, insert the plank into the previous row.
22. Use nails or screws to fasten the plank to the joists or furring strip along the cut edge close to the end wall so molding will hide the nails or screws.*

*Install BHK decorative molding to cover nails or screws.

BHK Laminate Ceiling Planks are easy to maintain. Simply wipe with a damp cloth.