Woodshop Ceiling

[tealetm]

Hi all-

I've posted before about the woodshop I'm building but figured I'd ask opinions here on ceiling finishes. Its a 20x36 space, 10' sidewalls with scissor trusses making the ceiling just over 15' in the center. I'm figuring on wood for the interior walls (probably tongue and groove pine depending on what i can scrounge up for cheap).

What is your opinion on ceiling materials? I'm leaning towards drywall for the ceiling, simply painted white to get the most light reflection from the surface mounted 8' LED fixtures. The space will be well insulated and heated to keep it just above freezing during the winter months.

I was going to do wood on the ceiling as well, but thought that might be too much wood and the contrast could be nice. I don't want to do a metal ceiling due to acoustics.

Thoughts or photos of similar schemes?

 

[maxpower_hd]

If you can get a good deal on the tongue and groove you could whitewash the ceiling pieces and still have the light reflection and contrast you're looking for. It might be easier to install by yourself too. But white drywall would probably be a bit brighter...

 

[Jakemedic]

First off, that will be a beautiful wood shop when done. I wanted tongue and groove on my walls and ceiling in my 24x32x10 when I built it. The problem was cost. Even from the sawmill it was not cost prohibitive. I opted for cabinet grade plywood to the 8’ mark, tin above the 8’ mark and tin on the ceiling. Now I will tell you it is loud in there, but with my LED lighting, it is just fine. Honestly, if you can get tongue and groove at a good price, I’d do the entire thing. You could prepaint the ceiling a bright white semi gloss and clear the walls. It would be stunning. Post pics of what you decide!

 

[Ran58]

First off, that will be a beautiful wood shop when done. I wanted tongue and groove on my walls and ceiling in my 24x32x10 when I built it. The problem was cost. Even from the sawmill it was not cost prohibitive. I opted for cabinet grade plywood to the 8’ mark, tin above the 8’ mark and tin on the ceiling. Now I will tell you it is loud in there, but with my LED lighting, it is just fine. Honestly, if you can get tongue and groove at a good price, I’d do the entire thing. You could prepaint the ceiling a bright white semi gloss and clear the walls. It would be stunning. Post pics of what you decide!

Is it loud because of the metal ceiling! I’m thinking about doing my12 ft ceiling similar to yours. Bottom 8 ft in plywood and top 4 ft and ceiling in metal liner panel but I was wondering if it loud or has a lot of echo’s.

 

[Jackfre]

My daughter recently did a small (is there really such a thing) remodel in her home. She used a ship lap product on the walls and ceiling. Basically mdf with a white finish. It went up easily and looks terrific. From a design standpoint it may be worth a look, but the 5/8” rock will bring you in much more cheaply.

 

[Hank11]

I'd dry wall the whole thing if cost is a concern - probably would anyway as I like the way it just disappears. Wood would look mighty nice though. A drywall ceiling painted white will give nice light.

 

[u2slow]

I originally was planning for 1/2" plywood like my walls, but not anymore. Price, weight and finishing are too much for 20' up. I want to do what @Jakemedic did with the liner panels.

 

[MegaVan]

I like pine ceilings. The weight makes it really nice if you're working alone.

I second the white wash if you're concerned about too much wood appearance.

I did this at my old shop, on my own, with a ladder.




Bottom line is that you should do whatever is necessary to be done with it and get to using the shop without interruption.

 

[The Cobbler]

I did pine T&G , stained & urethaned on my ceiling. but I got the T&G very inexpensive

 

[PoorUB]

I don't want to do a metal ceiling due to acoustics.

Solid wood, tongue and groove, bead board, what ever will also be terrible for acoustics. The hard surfaces reflect noise like crazy.
If you have no problems with sheet rock I would go that way.

 

[Jakemedic]

Regardless of noise (I wear hearing protection anyhow), the metal is hard to beat. The only problem I had was putting it on the ceiling. I was working alone and had a drywall lift to assist me. If I would have had a way to transport the larger pieces, I would have opt for 18’ pieces and it would have limited the seams. As I did it, I used 9’ pieces and overlapped the seams. Won’t look back. The metal I used at the top limited the number of plywood seams. Plus per sq ft it was much cheaper.

 

[Ran58]

Regardless of noise (I wear hearing protection anyhow), the metal is hard to beat. The only problem I had was putting it on the ceiling. I was working alone and had a drywall lift to assist me. If I would have had a way to transport the larger pieces, I would have opt for 18’ pieces and it would have limited the seams. As I did it, I used 9’ pieces and overlapped the seams. Won’t look back. The metal I used at the top limited the number of plywood seams. Plus per sq ft it was much cheaper.

Jake

What type plywood is that? Looks very nice