The cost to install a tongue and groove ceiling is between $600 and $3,400 depending on the size of the ceiling, but the average homeowner spends $2,000.
With its rustic charm, tongue and groove ceilings can update the ceilings in modern farmhouses, cottages, and coastal homes. If you’re looking to upgrade your space, the cost to install a tongue and groove ceiling can range from $400 to $8,250 depending on size. The average project costs $2,000, and most homeowners spend $4 to $15 per square foot.
This style features planks that slide together along their edges for an easy DIY project or a quick professional job. Learn more about budgeting for a new tongue and groove ceiling in this guide.
Larger ceilings require more materials and labor. In other words, you’ll probably spend more installing a ceiling in a living room than in a half bathroom. Though the cost to install tongue and groove ceilings falls between $4 and $10 per square foot, some projects could exceed $15 per square foot due to the quality of the wood and local labor costs.
| Location in Home | Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 132 | $528–$1,980 |
| Kitchen | 161 | $644–$2,415 |
| Primary bedroom | 184 | $736–$2,760 |
| Small living room | 216 | $864–$3,240 |
| Dining room | 224 | $896–$3,360 |
| Large living room | 320 | $1,280–$4,800 |
| Patio or porch | 550 | $2,200–$8,250 |
Most ceiling contractors charge between $50 and $100 per hour for their labor. Some contractors quote by square footage, in which case the labor costs are between $2 and $5 per square foot. However, if you have a complicated build in an area with a high cost of living, labor can increase to $10 per square foot.
Installing a tongue and groove ceiling can be difficult for the average DIYer—it’s a process with a lot of room for error and high-cost mistakes, especially if you have high ceilings. Remember: gravity is working against you. For this reason, most people hire a local ceiling contractor who can produce a polished and professional look.
The wood planks used for tongue and groove ceilings cost between $1 and $8, but you could spend more than $11 on high-quality hardwood planks. Softwoods like pine and cedar are the most popular because they’re the most affordable and readily available options. You’ll spend more on hardwoods like walnut, oak, and cherry, but they’re more durable.
| Wood Type | Average Cost Per Sq. Ft. (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Pine | $1–$8 |
| Cypress | $1–$9 |
| Poplar | $2–$5 |
| MDF | $4–$6 |
| Oak | $3–$8 |
| Cedar | $2–$10 |
| Cherry | $4–$10 |
| Walnut | $4–$11 |
| Mahogany | $4–$11 |
If you live in an area with a higher cost of living, you’ll pay a premium to install a tongue and groove ceiling due to labor costs, which can rise to $10 per square foot—or double the price in areas with a lower cost of living.
Your location can also impact the cost of materials. In certain areas, it can be challenging to source specialized types of wood. Redwood, cherry, and walnut have more limited options. This could impact your delivery costs and the cost of the wood itself.
You may run into some added costs when installing a tongue and groove ceiling. Many homeowners choose wood with higher-end finishes or paint their planks for added durability. You can also opt for extras like lighting and ceiling fans. Here are some costs to consider.
If you have a vaulted or raised ceiling, installation costs will rise. The higher your ceiling, the less accessible it is, which translates to higher labor costs.
Alternatively, if you have a standard height ceiling, you may be able to raise it for a vaulted look. This is a dramatic upgrade, but it’s also one of the most expensive. Most homeowners spend around $9,000 to raise a ceiling. Budget anywhere between $50 and $75 per square foot in addition to the cost of tongue and groove planks.
Most of the time, tongue and groove planks are installed over an existing drywall ceiling. If you need to remove your ceiling because it’s in poor condition, budget around $1 per square foot for the demolition.
If your ceiling needs some TLC before the installing tongue and groove planks, most ceiling repairs cost between $450 and $1,700 depending on the damage. If you plan to remove drywall, you won’t need to repair holes or cracks, but you may need to fix water damage or certain structural elements. Here are some common ceiling repairs and their associated costs.
| Ceiling Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Water damage | $45–$55 per sq. ft. |
| Sagging | $250–$1,000 |
| Ceiling joists | $150–$750 |
| Main home support beam | $1,500–$10,000 |
| Holes | $180–$370 |
| Cracks | $400–$1,350 |
The cost to paint or stain a ceiling is between $150 and $400. Tongue and groove planks can come unfinished, which costs less than finished planks—but you’ll have to paint or stain them (ideally before installation). Whites and airy grays are trendy for modern farmhouses, though dark ceilings can make a big statement.
If you want the natural wood grain to shine through, seal or coat your tongue and groove ceiling. You’ll spend about $25 to $80 per gallon on the product and around $40 per hour on the labor.
Sealing your ceiling helps protect against moisture, mold, and dirt. It’s essential if your ceiling is outside, like over a porch or patio. If you’re going DIY, use a coating suitable for the outdoors.
You might choose some add-ons while you’re installing your ceiling. Features like ceiling fans and lighting can make your space more livable. Crown molding and other types of trim can add an element of sophistication:
Crown molding installation costs: $615–$2,125
Ceiling fan installation costs: $150–$375
Light fixture installation cost: $160–1,025
Recessed lighting cost: $100–$300
An experienced DIYer can install a tongue and groove ceiling over their existing drywall or plaster ceiling. You’ll save anywhere from $4 to $10 per square foot on labor costs. Keep in mind though, this can be a complicated DIY, especially if you aren’t used to working on a ladder or measuring and cutting wood planks.
To avoid costly mistakes or dangerous mishaps, it’s best to hire a pro—especially if you need to make repairs because your existing ceiling has problems.
Getting up on a ladder to work on your ceiling is dangerous. Unless you have experience and a buddy nearby to help you, call a pro to complete the job.
| Tongue and Groove | Shiplap | Drywall |
|---|---|---|
| Protruding and indented pieces interlock | Boards overlap with L-shaped notch called a rabbet | Gypsum plaster pressed between two sheets of paper |
| Planked look | Planked look | Smooth finish |
| Highest cost | Moderate cost | Low cost |
| Easy to replace | Easy to replace | More difficult repairs |
| Limited sound insulation | Limited sound insulation | Excellent sound insulation |
| Easier to DIY | Easier to DIY | Tougher to DIY |
When you think of the standard ceiling, you’re probably thinking of drywall. Drywall, used in most standard construction in the U.S., has a smooth and seamless look. It’s composed of gypsum sandwiched between two pieces of thick paper, creating a large board (4 feet wide by 8 feet long).
Tongue and groove planks, on the other hand, are a drywall alternative. The planked look is similar to the ever-popular shiplap. They both have a rustic vibe, but the construction is the main difference between shiplap and tongue and groove. Shiplap has ends that overlap, while tongue and groove panels interlock. The interlocking construction makes them more durable but slightly more expensive.
The cost of tongue and groove ceilings can vary dramatically with the specific build. In other words, there are some surefire ways you can tighten your budget if necessary. It’s all about choosing your materials wisely and carefully planning the job. Here are some tips:
Choose less expensive planks: Avoid high-end hardwoods like walnut and cherry. Instead, reach for a common softwood like pine.
Go for lower-quality wood: If you want a rustic look, you don’t need to use perfect wood for your tongue and groove ceiling. You can opt for planks with knots and holes instead of pristine wood grain.
Paint the boards yourself: While you might not be able to DIY the entire installation, you can opt for wallet-friendly unfinished boards and paint or stain them yourself. This is a relatively easy way to save on labor costs—just make sure you finish painting or staining before the installation.
Search for a deal: Different hardware stores will have their own deals on wood. Compare prices among brands and search for seasonal sales. Always ask your installer if they can get a discount because they can get better prices than what’s available at your average big box store.
This remodel probably won’t hurt your home’s value, but it won’t necessarily add to it. It’s a hyper-specific look that lends itself to certain design styles (think: modern farmhouse or coastal design). It won’t appeal to the majority of buyers, even if you enjoy sipping your tea under a breezy tongue and groove porch ceiling.
That said, there’s no reason not to switch up your ceiling if you’re bored of regular old drywall. To make the most out of your remodel, ensure the ceiling matches your home's style. Tongue and groove ceilings work great in traditional homes, farmhouses, and mid-century modern homes. However, they could stick out like a sore thumb in an Art Deco or brutalist apartment.
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Installing a tongue and groove ceiling shouldn’t take more than a full day, though your project time may increase in large rooms or non-rectangular spaces. Budget extra time if you need to remove your existing ceiling. However, if you have a popcorn ceiling, it may contain asbestos and you’ll need to hire a pro.
Many homeowners choose to install tongue and groove over drywall. The great thing about this type of ceiling is that it hides imperfections. If your drywall is a little bit wonky or has some minor damage, the tongue and groove planks should cover it and give it an even appearance. Installation is simplest if you install battens over the existing framing before installing your tongue and groove planks.
Yes, you can install tongue-and-groove planks in a tray or inverted ceiling. Some homeowners choose to cover the entire ceiling or use tongue-and-groove planks as an accent within or around the tray area. Keep in mind that this installation can be a bit trickier, especially if your tray ceiling has odd angles, so call a pro who can help you get it done.
