Don't know if this is the right category for the topic but couldn't find anything more suitable...
I've been thinking for a long time about installing purely decorative beams, like the ones available at hardware stores.
However, I have no desire to pay astronomical sums for a bit of styrofoam.
And as always, it's more fun to make than to buy...
Which of the following 3 methods do you think is best? Or do you have other suggestions..?
1. Starting with regular planks in a suitable width and building a U-beam is something I've seen some people do... But in my opinion, it's both too heavy and too demanding to "deform" the planks into a "beam-look-alike."
2. Maybe you could use plasterboards instead of planks? With some reinforcement inside the L joints, of course. Much easier to carve into... with a steel brush and a small planer... or something...
3. My latest idea is to mimic the styrofoam versions as much as possible by using PU foam. Start as in example 1 with 3 planks to make the U shape, which I then foam, etc...
My choice is of course number 3. Do you have any opinions on that? If not, what type of paint should be used for painting over PU foam?
Grateful for some insights or suggestions...
I've been thinking for a long time about installing purely decorative beams, like the ones available at hardware stores.
However, I have no desire to pay astronomical sums for a bit of styrofoam.
And as always, it's more fun to make than to buy...
Which of the following 3 methods do you think is best? Or do you have other suggestions..?
1. Starting with regular planks in a suitable width and building a U-beam is something I've seen some people do... But in my opinion, it's both too heavy and too demanding to "deform" the planks into a "beam-look-alike."
2. Maybe you could use plasterboards instead of planks? With some reinforcement inside the L joints, of course. Much easier to carve into... with a steel brush and a small planer... or something...
3. My latest idea is to mimic the styrofoam versions as much as possible by using PU foam. Start as in example 1 with 3 planks to make the U shape, which I then foam, etc...
My choice is of course number 3. Do you have any opinions on that? If not, what type of paint should be used for painting over PU foam?
Grateful for some insights or suggestions...
I had the same idea, but a much more difficult and expensive one... There are quite hefty beams available for purchase, I found some at Qvesarum byggnadsvård for 150kr/m (I believe it was). Then it's "just" a matter of cutting to the width of the ceiling joists and then chiseling out a groove! Stain it and it'll be great. Done in an afternoon 
A few years ago, I made an even tougher version.... Cut down some trees, had the local village sawmill cut some hefty beams. Then I used the chainsaw to carve out a groove for the roof rule. Mistreated the beam with a hammer, knife, and plane. Turned out really well. Also embedded spotlights on the top side of the beams for a nice "uplight" effect.
Reviving this thread again as I am thinking about making my own "beams" in styrofoam
I have some leftover foam board, quite a few that are 2400x1200x100 where I thought of making them 2400x10x10 to get about 10 pieces, which then become three longitudinal "beams"
The length of each will be about 3.10
Sure, there are ready-made ones but they cost about 500:- for 2 meters which would mean about 5000:- for the ready-made ones.
I've estimated that paint including primer will cost around 480:-
The trickiest part is cutting them, where I did a test yesterday using the circular saw to cut on each side and then break off = it went really well.
(There are special cutting blades/knives to buy, but they aren't cheap either). The idea is to save on costs.
But my question is;
My idea with these beams is to hide the ceiling's drywall joints
Is 10x10 cm enough in thickness?
Do these styrofoam pieces need further shaping?
Has anyone here done this themselves and can show pictures?
Grateful for all advice
I have some leftover foam board, quite a few that are 2400x1200x100 where I thought of making them 2400x10x10 to get about 10 pieces, which then become three longitudinal "beams"
The length of each will be about 3.10
Sure, there are ready-made ones but they cost about 500:- for 2 meters which would mean about 5000:- for the ready-made ones.
I've estimated that paint including primer will cost around 480:-
The trickiest part is cutting them, where I did a test yesterday using the circular saw to cut on each side and then break off = it went really well.
(There are special cutting blades/knives to buy, but they aren't cheap either). The idea is to save on costs.
But my question is;
My idea with these beams is to hide the ceiling's drywall joints
Is 10x10 cm enough in thickness?
Do these styrofoam pieces need further shaping?
Has anyone here done this themselves and can show pictures?
Grateful for all advice