| |
|
How
to Efficiently Install Ceiling Medallions
By Patricia
Tomaskovic
|
|
Adding a ceiling medallion is the easiest thing you can do to change the look
and feel of any room in your home. Installing small ceiling medallions, up to
approximately 24 inches or so, is a simple job for the average home handyman.
As long as you are comfortable with changing a light fixture you should have
no problem. If you are uncomfortable with removing your fixture take a look at
installing a 2-piece ceiling medallion.
|
Safety is so important we would like to address it briefly. Always follow
approved safety practices. Use hearing and eye protection. When you need to
use a dust mask or respirator, be sure to use the right one for the job. Last,
but not least, when working in electrical boxes, always make sure the power is
turned off.
Plan the Installation-Before You Order
This is probably the most neglected step in any installation, but the most
important. It is what makes the difference between a quick and efficient
installation or massive frustration and numerous interruptions to run to the
hardware store. The first step is to select the ceiling medallion you want to
use. If you are using it in conjunction with a light fixture or a ceiling fan,
you should note whether the ceiling medallion's center hole matches the
fixture's trim.
|
|
If they don't match you will also need to order a
ceiling medallion center or a new fixture trim ring.
Now is also a good time to see if the lighting
fixture hardware is going to be long enough. Check
the building code to make sure that there are no
conflicts with your installation plans. In case of
conflict, always follow local building codes. NOTE:
Most building codes require you to leave access to
the electrical box. Using a ceiling medallion with a
3.5-4 inch center hole provides this.
|
Permanently mount the
ceiling medallion to the ceiling and use either the fixture's trim ring or a
removable ceiling medallion center to cover the electrical box. Also, make
sure that the existing electrical, plumbing and framing will not interfere
with your installation.
|
Find a Qualified Drywall Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with Drywall Contractors! |
Order Materials
Now that you have planned your installation, its time to order your materials.
When you order your ceiling medallion, don't forget to order the ceiling
medallion center, if you are going to be using one. Order construction
adhesive, caulk, fasteners and extra length light fixture hardware. Order your
hardware with your ceiling medallion and save yourself a trip to the store.
Assemble Materials
Before you start, assemble all the materials near where you are going to
install the ceiling medallion. Double check to see that you have everything
you need before you start. Now is the time to prefinish the ceiling medallion
if you want to. If you plan on doing anything more than just painting it flat
white, prefinishing is recommended.
Remove Existing Fixture
TURN OFF POWER !!! Turn off electrical power at the breaker box and mark the
circuit breaker so someone doesn't accidentally turn it on while you are
working. Now you can safely remove the existing fixture.
Layout
We recommend having the product on hand to ensure exact measurements. Layout
the area on the ceiling where you want to mount your ceiling medallion. For a
small ceiling medallion, you should be able to hold it up with one hand while
tracing around it with a pencil. Larger ceiling medallions may require an
assistant. If you need to orient a round ceiling medallion use a single
register mark at the junction of the ceiling/medallion. Mark both pieces. For
oval and diamond shaped ceiling medallions, start by drawing centerlines
parallel to the walls and 90 degrees apart on the ceiling. Then make register
marks 90 degrees apart on the perimeter of the ceiling medallion. Locate and
mark ceiling joists on the ceiling and on the medallion if you are using
screws to mount (required on all plaster ceiling medallions and also on
polyurethane ceiling medallions over 20 inches). Mark and/or protect wiring
and plumbing if necessary to avoid fasteners penetrating them during
installation.
Drill
Drill and countersink (1/8 inch deep max.) screw holes for mounting screws.
Also, drill the center hole or ceiling medallion's center hole if necessary.
If you don't have a hole saw of the proper size, polyurethane is easily cut
with a razor knife.
Apply Adhesive
Apply adhesive according to the adhesive manufacturer's directions. Small
ceiling medallions may be installed using only adhesive. Temporary clamps or
fasteners may still be necessary until the adhesive sets.
Fasten
Fasten the ceiling medallion to the ceiling using coated screws in the
predrilled countersunk holes. If you are unable to screw directly into the
ceiling joists, the use of toggle bolts is permitted. Ceiling medallions over
20 inches in diameter and all plaster ceiling medallions require mechanical
fastening.
Finish up
After the adhesive has dried, usually 24 hours, caulk the perimeter ( if
needed ). Use no-shrink spackle, joint compound or plaster to patch screw
holes. Feather edge or sand repairs and touch up paint. Hang up your fixture
and you are done. One final step: sit back and enjoy the simple beauty you
have created.
About the Author: Patricia
Tomaskovic is the owner of
http://www.goceilingmedallion.com/.
Copyright2005. Visit us soon and register for the monthly drawing. We look
forward to serving you. We are an on-line store offering home decorating
products, specializing in ceiling medallions and crown molding, as well as
numerous other decorative ceiling items, including tools and supplies for
creating your own custom ceilings.
See HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Drywall Calculator
For more help on new home construction,
see HomeAdditionPlus.com’s
Home Construction Contractor Bid Sheets.
Home
Construction Contractor Bid Sheets
will
help ensure that you find and hire the right home building contractor
for your next home improvement, remodeling, or building project. In addition,
they will help to ensure that your home improvement project is completed on time and on budget.
Additional Drywall Resources from Amazon.com
Drywall Tools From Amazon.com
Building the kitchen of your dreams
doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process. We can help you get started today.
In just seconds, we’ll search our pre-screened network to find a
well-established kitchen remodeling company with the right combination of
service and products you’re looking for. [Learn
More]
|
|
|
