Highlights
A tongue and groove pine ceiling costs $1,350–$1,800
Professional installation ranges from $4–$8 per square foot
A tongue and groove pine ceiling is a very DIY-friendly project
You can save money by painting over less expensive lumber
You can add a mid-century modern aesthetic or update a conventional ceiling design with tongue and groove pine wood paneling. This style features planks that slide together along their edges for an easy DIY project or a quick professional job. A tongue and groove pine ceiling in a 150-square-foot room typically costs $1,350 to $1,800.
| National Average Cost | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $1,350 | $600 | $2,250 |
Cost of a Tongue and Groove Pine Ceiling Near You
While material costs are relatively similar from region to region, the cost of labor to install a tongue and groove pine wood ceiling will vary depending on where you live. Below are the average total installation costs in cities across the U.S.:
| City | Cost |
|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN | $1,070 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $1,090 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $1,100 |
| Scranton, PA | $1,120 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $1,210 |
| Chicago, IL | $1,260 |
| Boston, MA | $1,270 |
| San Francisco, CA | $1,340 |
| Juneau, AK | $1,410 |
| Honolulu, HI | $1,470 |
How Much Does a Pine Tongue and Groove Ceiling Cost per Square Foot?
The average cost to professionally install tongue and groove pine ceiling planks, including material and labor fees, ranges from $4 to $8 per square foot. If you plan to install your ceiling as a DIY project, expect to pay $3 to $4 per square foot on average.
Tongue and Groove Pine Ceiling Cost Breakdown
The total cost of your ceiling installation will be influenced by where you live, the size of your room, and whether you plan to do the job yourself. The two biggest factors, however, are the cost of materials and labor fees.
Materials
Pine tongue and groove plank designs range from $3 to $4 per square foot. If you decide to go for an unfinished look and aren’t satisfied with the look of pine, you can usually find tongue and groove designs made from other wood species from $2 to $9 per square foot. You’ll find relatively similar prices at home improvement or lumber stores across the U.S.
Labor
If you’re pressed for time or don’t want to take on the project yourself, you can call in a pro. Labor fees alone typically range from $1 to $4 per square foot.
Cost to Install a Tongue and Groove Pine Ceiling Yourself
Because they simply slide together along their edges, tongue and groove planks are very DIY-friendly. While you'll need to pay material costs of $3 to $8 per square foot, you’ll save anywhere from $1 to $4 per square foot on labor costs if you choose to install a tongue and groove pine ceiling yourself.
If you are a frequent home DIYer, you may already have some of the other equipment you’ll need for the job. Some of the materials and equipment required include the following:
| Material / Equipment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stud finder | $20 |
| Tape measure | $10 |
| Miter saw | $100 |
| Adhesive | $5 per container |
| Nails | $10 per box |
| Jigsaw | $200 purchase or $20 per day rental |
| Ladder | $150 purchase or $35 per day rental |
| Nail gun | $300 purchase or $30 per day rental |
If you lack time to take on the project or you aren't sure you're ready for a DIY ceiling installation, you can opt to hire a local ceiling contractor to do the job for you. Expect to pay $4 to $12 per square foot for your professional tongue and groove pine ceiling installation.
How You Can Save Money When Installing a Tongue and Groove Pine Ceiling
Tongue and groove pine planks finish options, including staining or painting. Alternatively, they can be left unfinished to allow the character of the natural wood grain to show. For the latter, you may want to spend more on higher-end wood. On the other hand, you’ll be able to save money by installing less expensive pine planks and simply painting over them.
Another way to save is to measure out your project before purchasing your materials. Many home improvement stores will cut the lumber you purchase from them free of charge. Having all your pine planks pre-cut eliminates the need to buy or rent a miter saw. Keep in mind that you may need very specific custom cuts for angled corners.
Tongue and Groove Pine Questions and Answers
How long does it take to install a tongue and groove pine ceiling?
It shouldn’t take more than a full day to install tongue and groove pine, though your project time may increase in large rooms or non-rectangular spaces.
Can you install tongue and groove pine in a tray ceiling?
Yes, you can install tongue and groove pine in a tray ceiling. These recessed ceilings, which resemble an upside-down tray, can be updated with a stylish, modern feel with tongue and groove pine in the recessed area. Tongue and groove pine can be used as part of a variety of different types of ceilings.
What other projects should I do at the same time as my tongue and groove pine ceiling?
Tongue and groove planks are a versatile design material that can be used not just for ceilings, but walls, floors, and other decorative accents. Whether you're doing your ceiling as a DIY or hiring a team of pros, you can maximize your time and money by completing other projects with the pine planks you've chosen, including:
