By following just a few simple steps, the installation of panel molding can be accomplished as a do-it-yourself project with ease. Once completed, it will make any room more beautiful.

Planning – This is the first step in any home improvement project. The good news is that you do not have be an architect and draw a set of blue prints. Get creative, sketch ideas on a piece of graph paper. Look at ceilings in some of the older buildings near you for inspiration. There are no rules or limits on what you can do with the panel molding, so choose the design that best fits what you want the room to project.

Ordering – Once you have chosen a pattern to create using the panel molding, it will be necessary to take some careful measurements to determine how much is needed. Remember to always allow for waste when making cuts and order extra in case a piece gets cut wrong. Panel molding is very light in weight, so you may want to order very long pieces to eliminate joints where possible. Don't forget to order the adhesives, caulk, paint, and other items needed to finish the job.

Prefinishing – The odds are you will not want the ceiling and molding to end up the same color. You should consider painting the molding while it is on the floor and putting it in place finished. Touching up can be done later if needed.

Assemble Materials – Get all of the molding, tools, and supplies that will be needed together in one location near wear the molding is to be installed. If you note something missing or in short supply, correct the problem at once. Waiting until something is needed is a bad practice. You will usually find that you need it while in the middle of something that can not be turned loose of to go it.

Layout – Now it is time to take your drawing on paper and transfer it to the ceiling. Be careful to keep everything in scale and draw the outline of the pattern lightly with a pencil. Be sure to use the same reference point for measuring on the ceiling as you did for making the drawing. If distances are measured from center on paper, they will need to be on the ceiling as well.

Install – Panel molding is very lightweight. Nails and screws will not be needed to install it. Simply use some temporary fasteners that can be removed later and a bead of glue or other adhesive to hold the molding in place. Any holes left by removal of the temporary fasteners can be touched up after the adhesive has had to set up.

Finish – Remove the temporary fasteners or ensure they do not show above the surface of the molding. Caulk any joints. Touch up the areas that need it following the installation. Enjoy the beauty of your accomplishment.