How We Kissed Our 1988 Stamped Ceiling Goodbye with Armstrong Ceilings WoodHaven Planks
If you’ve ever lived with an old, stamped plaster (or popcorn) ceiling from the 80s, then you know the struggle is real. Ours was dragging down the whole vibe of our living room for way too long (and those pointy peaks kept collecting cobwebs!) We needed a solution that was both beautiful and DIY friendly, which is why we partnered with Armstrong Ceilings to give our space a serious glow-up using their Painted White WoodHaven Planks and plank clips system. Here’s how we transformed our sad, dated ceiling into a stunning feature and why we’re so glad we chose Armstrong to tackle the task.
This post is sponsored by Armstrong Ceilings. While I have received compensation for this post, all opinions and recommendations are 100% my own. I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will add value to my home and yours.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Our Ceiling Transformation
Updating our ceiling wasn’t just a quick slap-on-a-coat-of-paint kind of project, but it wasn’t overly complicated either. Here’s how we did it step by step, with a few extra tips to make it easier if you’re tackling a similar project.
1. Attach Furring Strips (Because your ceiling is probably not level)
We attached furring strips horizontally to the ceiling joists, starting at the bottom wall and working our way up every 4 feet. Because we had just installed our cedar beam at the peak of our ceiling (still loving that decision so much!), we were able to mount the final furring strip flush with the box of the beam.
Furring strips are key because they give the ceiling a structure to attach the planks to and ensure they stay nice and even. If your ceiling isn’t perfectly flat (and let’s be honest, whose ceiling is?), shim the strips to create a smooth and level surface.
2. Shim Those Furring Strips
If the joists were uneven, we used shims to level out the furring strips. This step might sound boring, but trust me, it makes a huge difference in how the planks lie across the ceiling. You don’t want a wavy ceiling—it’s a lot more noticeable than you’d think.
Tip: Use a long level to check your work as you go. A little extra effort here will save you from headaches later.
3. Add a Second Layer of Furring
With the first layer of furring done, we added a second layer perpendicular to the first every 16 inches on center (they can be between 16 and 24 inches on center). If your ceiling slope is less than 10 degrees, you hit the jackpot and can use the Easy Up tracks instead of more furring strips. Our ceiling slope is around 12 degrees, so we were required to use the WoodHaven Plank Clips and Screws System. The tracks are a dream for installation because they make clipping the planks on a breeze. The Plank Clips and Screws system is a bit more involved but when Tim and I got into the groove of things, we were knocking the install out much faster than we thought.
Why two layers for larger slopes? The extra support keeps everything stable and secure - you’re essentially adding dedicated joists just for the planks to ensure that everything stays level and even for years and years to come.
4. Create a Starter Strip
We cut a starter strip to fit against the wall, angling it to align with the slope of the ceiling. The bottom edge was flush with the finished face of the ceiling, which helped keep everything lined up as we worked our way up.
Tip: This little strip is the key to keeping the planks in line. Take the time to get it right, and it will save you so much frustration later.
5. Measure Twice, Cut Once
We measured from the bottom to the top of the ceiling and calculated the width of the border planks so that both the bottom and top rows were the same size. It helps keep things looking balanced. Use the amazing calculator provided in The WoodHaven™ Ceiling Plank Installation Instructions for this measurement - you’ll be glad you did later!
We ran a string from wall to wall and used a laser level as a guide, which made cutting the first row to the right width a lot easier. Don’t worry if you have to adjust a bit—DIY isn’t always perfect, and that’s okay!
6. Start Installing Planks (AKA the Moment We've All Been Waiting For!)
We began installing from the bottom to let gravity do it’s thing while we screwed in the clips for the next row. We used a sing brad nail to secure the cut edge of the first plank against the starter strip. This allowed us to easily screw in the clips on each of the perpendicular furring strips. From there, we were off to the races!
Tip: Be sure to leave room for movement (we learned this the hard way on the first flooring job we ever did)! This 3/8” gap (for shorter runs of less than seven feet) and 3/4” gap (for runs longer than seven feet) are critical for normal expansion and contraction.
Reminder: Running the planks horizontally helps keep everything in line and reduces the chance of gaps. Gaps can be more noticeable and planks can separate more easily if run vertically when your home expands and contracts with temperature swings and changes in relative humidity.
7. Finish at the Peak (hallelujah - it’s almost done)
If you don’t have an existing partition at the peak (like a beam), you’ll need to be sure to leave space for a divider piece at the peak. The divider accounts for any slight shifts in the house and keeps the planks from coming apart. Follow the instructions provided here for more clarity and details.
8. Cover the Gaps with Trim Molding
To complete the look, we added thin PVC lattice trim molding around the edges to clean everything up. Honestly, finishing trim is the key to taking a project from DIY to professional-looking! Don’t nail it’s the planks - nail into the furring strip. Gotta leave those planks room to expand if they want.
The Transformation: Goodbye 1988 Ceiling, Hello Beautiful!
I cannot overstate how dramatic the transformation was. The old, stamped plaster ceiling is finally history, and the fresh, painted white WoodHaven planks instantly brightened up the entire room. Our once-dated living space now feels modern and airy, and the ceiling has become a stunning focal point instead of an eyesore. It's amazing how much of a difference updating the ceiling made—it’s like we’ve given the entire living room a face-lift!
Up next… replacing our sectional. But I can’t decide: another sectional or just a couch?? And we need some wall art. This living room is never done!
Why We’re So Glad We Chose Armstrong Ceilings
I knew we needed something special to get rid of our dated 80s ceiling, and Armstrong Ceilings really delivered. The materials are top-notch, and their DIY-friendly system made the whole process go smoother than I expected. We transformed our old, stamped plaster ceiling into a gorgeous focal point, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.
If you’ve got an outdated ceiling begging for a refresh, don’t just cover it up—give it a real upgrade. Armstrong Ceilings can help you take your ceiling from outdated to outstanding!
Who else is ready to say goodbye to their old ceilings and hello to something beautiful?
