The HGTV DIY That's Trendy, But Never Worth Trying

Exposed beams, whether a structural necessity or a design statement, have been on trend for a couple of years. The rough-hewn wooden beams stretching across the ceiling of a historic home are a testament to its age. Geometric beams slanting upward on a vaulted ceiling add dimension to an otherwise flat surface. There's no doubt a stunning statement ceiling can give your space a new look. Foam board, a material you probably used as a backer for your high school science fair project, or as a blank slate to make yard sale signs from, has gained popularity as a DIY lightweight and budget-friendly alternative for faux wooden beams. It may be a trendy HGTV DIY, but it's not worth trying for one simple reason. Foam board is flammable.

DIYers use extruded polystyrene foam board, not the thinner product used for signs and school projects, to create faux wood beams. It's the stiffer, thicker foam you see in the insulation department of your big box store. It is flammable, though there are variations like graphite polystyrene that are treated with a fire retardant that slows down the spread of flames, but even when treated it will burn and emit noxious smoke. Foam board is also an environmentally-unfriendly choice. It's made from non-renewable, petroleum-based chemicals that produce carbon emissions in the manufacturing process. They don't biodegrade and are almost impossible to recycle.

If you're contemplating using foam board for DIY beams because it's lighter and cheaper than wood, keep in mind that the process is not as simple as cutting the foam, gluing the pieces into the shape of a beam, and sticking it to the ceiling. You need to measure, make precise cuts, make a three-sided form retain its shape while you're waiting for the glue to dry, hide the seams, texture it to look like wood, paint it, and then figure out how you're going to make it stick to the ceiling and not fall down in a few days. Using real wood is a better process since you don't have to design fake wood grains and there are no safety concerns.

There are simple ways to DIY faux beams to update your ceiling that don't create a fire hazard in your home. Prebuilt hollow, faux beams in a variety of woods and finishes are for sale at the lumberyard, and the only do-it-yourself aspect is attaching them to the ceiling. This isn't a budget-friendly replacement for foam board if you have a large ceiling, but there are tons of places to look for inexpensive or even free wood. Check scrap yards, wood flooring companies, lumber mills, construction dumpsters, or yard sales. Just remember to ask before you take anything. The person you ask may also be able to point you to more sources. Further, if you want to style and elevate the look of ceiling beams, use luan, a thin plywood, to encase them rather than foam board and paint it to fit your decor.