How Much Does a Coffered Ceiling Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $3,000 - $4,500
The average coffered ceiling installation costs $3,750, but it can range between $2,200 and $6,720, depending on the ceiling size and the material used.
A coffered ceiling costs $3,750 on average, or $20 to $30 per square foot. Homeowners can expect to pay between $2,200 to $6,720, depending on the size of the ceiling and the material they choose. Sometimes called a sunken ceiling, the finished product has an upscale appearance with recessed panels attached to beams in a grid pattern.
- Average
- $3,750
- Low end
- $2,200
- high end
- $6,720
Coffered Ceiling Cost Factors
Several factors contribute to the overall cost of a coffered ceiling installation. Consider the following as you plan your budget.
Size
As with many renovation projects, the larger the room, the more you can expect to pay for labor and materials for a coffered ceiling. A basic coffered ceiling installation without decorative add-ons costs $20 to $30 per square foot.
| Room Type | Average Size (Square Feet) | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Home office | 110 | $2,200–$3,300 |
| Bedroom | 132 | $2,640–$3,960 |
| Living room | 216 | $4,320–$6,480 |
| Dining room | 224 | $4,480–$6,720 |
Materials
When you install a coffered ceiling, you'll pay $2 to $30 per square foot for materials alone. You can build these ceilings from various materials, and traditional wood options tend to cost the most. If you're on a tighter budget, you can still create a beautiful coffered ceiling using more cost-effective contemporary materials such as drywall and plywood.
| Coffered Ceiling Material | Average Cost (per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Drywall | $2–$3 |
| Plywood | $3–$4 |
| Oak | $4–$8 |
| Cherry | $7–$10 |
| Fiberboard | $6–$15 |
| Walnut | $10–$30 |
| PVC | $15–$20 |
| Mahogany | $17–$30 |
Labor
Ceiling installers quote a total project rate that includes labor and materials for an average of $20 to $30 per square foot. You likely won't see the cost of labor listed individually. However, larger jobs and more complex designs will come with higher labor costs, as will more experienced installers.
Ceiling Repairs
In some cases, ceiling repairs will be necessary before you can have a coffered ceiling installed. If not repaired, water damage, mold, cracks, and structural issues can lead to further deterioration or ceiling collapse. Below are some common ceiling repair costs you might experience.
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Water damage | $45–$55 per square foot |
| Sagging ceiling | $75 per hour |
| Ceiling holes | $180–$370 |
| Ceiling cracks | $400–$1,350 |
| Ceiling joists | $150–$750 |
| Main home support beam | $1,500–$10,000 |
DIY Coffered Ceiling Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
A coffered ceiling has a complex design, so installing one yourself can be difficult. Mistakes can create unnecessary repair and material costs. All types of ceiling installation involve working on a ladder or lift, which gets more difficult and dangerous the taller the ceiling is. Finally, coffered ceiling installation requires buying or renting a power drill, miter saw, and nail gun.
Hire a professional carpenter or ceiling company near you for a safe and efficient coffered ceiling installation. Look for a pro with experience laying out and installing coffered ceiling designs to maximize your time and budget. In all, most homeowners spend between $3,000 and $4,500 to get lasting professional results.
Cost of Common Coffered Ceiling Add-Ons
Coffered ceilings are an elegant, high-end upgrade that can benefit from extra design touches. Below are some common add-ons with which homeowners embellish their coffered ceilings.
Ceiling soffits: These serve as substitutes for beams and cost $1 to $3 per linear foot.
Tin tile: Two-by-two-foot tin ceiling tiles cost $1 to $10 each and create a classic look.
Medallions: These $10 to $690 accents decorate mounting points for large light fixtures.
Trim and molding: The cost of trim to dress up the sides of beams is $1 to $15 per foot.
Paint: The cost to paint your ceiling any color you like is $1 to $2.50 per square foot.
Recessed lighting: The cost of recessed lights in panels and along beams is $360 per fixture.
Finials: These decorative pieces cost $15 to $110 each, depending on the material used.
How to Save Money on a Coffered Ceiling Installation
A coffered ceiling has luxury appeal and often comes at a luxury cost. Thankfully, there are several ways to save on the cost of coffered ceiling installation and make it a more accessible project for those on tighter budgets.
Compare quotes: Get quotes from multiple contractors to compare rates, services, and reviews and get the best value.
Pick low-cost materials: Traditional woods are the most costly, so opt for tiles or other contemporary materials.
Keep it simple: A more straightforward design with fewer add-ons will help you save on materials and labor.
DIY some tasks: Once installed, you can paint the ceiling yourself to save on labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, coffered ceilings add value to a home. They’re a timeless addition that creates an instant focal point in a room and makes it feel luxurious no matter the style. This can catch the eye of potential homebuyers and get them excited about the home, providing you with a return on your investment.
The disadvantages of a coffered ceiling include the cost and height requirements. At more than $20 per square foot, a coffered ceiling can add thousands to your renovation budget for a primarily decorative element. Installation should only be done in a room with high ceilings and works best in rooms at least 9 feet tall.
Coffered ceilings can make a room look bigger, but they also run the risk of doing the opposite. Installation may require lowering the ceiling and creating a shorter ceiling height, while smaller panels and larger beams can create a busier textured look that creates the illusion of a smaller space. On the other hand, installing larger ceiling panels can create the illusion of more space.
You can install coffer ceilings in any room where the existing ceiling structure can support the additional weight and provide enough clearance. However, you’ll most often see them in living rooms, dens, kitchens, bedrooms, home offices, libraries, dining rooms, and home theaters. Install a coffered ceiling wherever you want an elegant look.
The minimum room height for a coffered ceiling is 9 feet tall. Only install a coffered ceiling in rooms with proper clearance. If additional clearance is needed, talk to your contractor about ways to raise a ceiling to assess whether it's possible in the room in question and if it would be cost-effective.