Here's a way to install a tongue-and-groove ceiling without damaging the wood. Set a board in place. Then with a scrap piece of tongue-and-groove stock as a block, give the board a firm tap. This ...

Make a hammering block from a one-foot piece of scrap lumber. Place the groove over the tongue edge of stubborn pieces and hammer on this block. This avoids damaging the actual piece of ceiling wood.

You could try a wood or composite tongue-and-groove ceiling. The composite will move less, so you can paint it. Wood material can have a clear coat of finish or light stain.

After the stained planks are dry, locate the ceiling joists with a stud finder and mark their locations. You can add tape along the joists to guide you as you place your boards.

This southern beauty, nestled between mature live oaks in gated Plantation Oaks Subdivision, has a custom backyard, 18-foot vaulted pine tongue and groove ceilings and 5,006 square feet. The home ...