Plywood for Basement Ceiling

[mscher]

We're fixing up a basement on a budget.

It has a low ceiling, so a suspended ceiling is out, not just on cost.

We are considering 3/8" (4'X8') ship lap pine plywood, with the beads cut, pre-finished with polyurethane., directly against 16" OC joists.

Will this work, using 6d finish nails, from a nail gun? If so how far to space the nails?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Plywood for Basement Ceiling

i would want more than finish nails myself. Brass or stainless screws every 8" would not only allow you to remove a panel if you need to access wiring, it will also hold the panels.

I did 2 x 4' panels of 1/4" birch plywood and stained it and finished off with 1/4" maple strips in my basement bar. I did the 2 x 4' because I was working alone.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Plywood for Basement Ceiling

Wood ceilings are very common. In fact, once people got away from using tongue & groove, most went to 4 x 8 panels with layered trim work for the paneled look. Nails are a common way to hold it and since you are using only 3/8, finish nails would probably work, but I'd be leary about the weight unless you are planning on adding some trim around the butt joints and setting those with larger hardware. If you plan on just finish nails, you're looking at one approx every 4"-6". Personally, I'd go larger hardware and counter sink and fill.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Plywood for Basement Ceiling

You'll be good to go with the 3/8" and 6d nails 8"o.c., set them with a nail set and cover with colored filler that matches your finish and you'll never see them.

6d will give you 1 5/8" penetration into your ceiling/floor joists, plenty enough to hold the 3/8".

Use the 2" "T" head brads in your air nailer.

 

[generator12]

Re: Plywood for Basement Ceiling

Just be sure the plywood is rated for "below grade". I did one years ago and didn't pay attention to the rating. Looked good for about six weeks - then began to warp. But it held up.

6p finish nails as I recall.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Plywood for Basement Ceiling

Use some PL construction adhesive or liquid nails in a few places which will speed up the installation

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Plywood for Basement Ceiling

Vinyl soffit also works good and is only about 3/8" thick.

LK

 

[aspeck]

Re: Plywood for Basement Ceiling

Really depends on whether there is anything in the joists that you will ever have to access. If no, go with the finish nails and liquid nails. This will keep it secure, easily finished, and minimize warping. However, not good to take down later. If that is a possibility, go with a decorative stainless screw.

 

[colbyt]

Re: Plywood for Basement Ceiling

I think your 6-8" spacing will be enough if any ceiling fixtures are otherwise supported.

That is if you use real 15 gauge finish nails at least 1-1/2" long. Those cheap 18 gauge brads that fire from some of the lessor nail guns won't hold it.