Installing T&G with crown on ceiling

You should be nailing through the tongue to keep it tight. If you are having a problem with getting the joints tight, I usually drive a chisel or shark grip into the joist to and then bend it into place. Sometimes having an extra pair of hands makes all the difference with the stubborn pieces.

How do install 1x8 T&G with a crown?

I have installed T&G in several rooms without too much hassle, but in my latest project much of the 1x8 T&G has a crown on the groove which makes it very difficult and time consuming to install. So how do you hold one end in strong enough to force the other end in and is there a special tool to do that?? I am face nailing using a gun with 2 1/2 " 16 gauge nails. Thanks for any ideas!

Can you explain "crown"? Are you trying to put crown molding up on top of the T&G?

You are in luck. I just got finished with the same project and had the same trouble. I always say I get really good at it about the time I get done with it. The answer is clamps. They make long ones that are adjustable and will hold several pieces of t/g at once. You have to pull the crown tight against the last board or you can push it tight against the last board. They make a set of clamps that do both at large home improvement stores for about $20.00. They have rubber protectors on them to protect the wood. After I found these I can't remember how I did without them. Also are great for straightening rafter tails in exposed porches etc. Get the kind that will push or pull. Good luck.

Reply to Davinci

I am installing 1x8 tongue and groove on a ceiling. The T&G has an upward arch (crown) on the groove side. The lumber is arched along it's entire length so trimming ends does not help. After nailing in one end, even with 3 nails, it pops out as you work your way down the board, and on many I couldn't figure out how to get enough pressure to wedge in far end even using a pry bar. Using a hammer and board, the T&G would just pop right back out.

Thanks Joan

Thank you, next time I'm at the hardware store I'll look into that.

2 Threads on the same subject have been merged into this thread
Thanks - Dave

I think these are called ratcheting bar clamps/spreader. You may have to tack a block of wood on rafters to get leverage. Mine are very long 2 or 3 feet. Good luck.

Rionewberry said:

I am installing 1x8 tongue and groove on a ceiling. The T&G has an upward arch (crown) on the groove side. The lumber is arched along it's entire length so trimming ends does not help. After nailing in one end, even with 3 nails, it pops out as you work your way down the board, and on many I couldn't figure out how to get enough pressure to wedge in far end even using a pry bar. Using a hammer and board, the T&G would just pop right back out.

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You are doing this the hard way. Load it up and take it back and get some straighter material!

framer53 said:

You are doing this the hard way. Load it up and take it back and get some straighter material!

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Best advise so far.