The Heart of Our Home: Cypress Beams, Shiplap Ceiling, and Vinyl Flooring

When we started this phase of our home renovation inspiration, we knew we wanted something special for the ceiling. The focal point? A stunning, exposed wood beam running down the center of the room. But let me tell you, getting this massive cypress beam into place was no small feat!

Getting the Deliveries

Large projects like this require plenty of materials, which means we rely on deliveries to keep things moving. One of our biggest deliveries came straight from Home Depot, arriving right on time with everything we needed. Seeing the truck pull up was a relief, knowing we were fully stocked and ready to tackle the next phase of our renovation!

Bringing in the Big Beam

Our center beam is a showstopper—it’s 20 feet long and measures 8 x 12 inches. We ordered it from our local lumber yard, and they sourced it from a mill in Louisiana. Fun fact: the mill keeps these custom wood beams submerged in water until they’re ready to be used, preserving their integrity and beauty.

Along with this massive centerpiece, we also ordered six 14-foot-long leg beams (6 x 8 inches each) to complement the design. Once they arrived, we let them acclimate for nine months before installing them. Wood naturally expands and contracts, so this waiting period helped prevent major shifting later on.

 

Installing the Center Beam

This wasn’t a one-person job—it took two full crews just to carry this beast inside! They brought it in at an angle through the front door, carefully maneuvering it before placing it on two Genie lifts. (This is where I held my breath!)

Once secured on the Genie lift, the beam was hoisted up to the ceiling, where it rested on special support ledges on either end. To ensure it wouldn’t budge, we secured it in place with long structural screws. Watching it finally settle into position was a huge relief—and a major milestone in our DIY home remodeling journey.

Adding the Leg Beams & Drywall

With the main beam in place, it was time to install the leg beams—three on each side, creating a beautiful, rustic home design. As soon as these were up, we moved on to sheetrocking the walls, bringing the whole space one step closer to feeling like home.

 

Choosing the Right Flooring

Next up: flooring! We wanted something durable and low-maintenance, especially since we live in the country with dogs running in and out all day. We landed on vinyl flooring from Home Depot, which is perfect for high-traffic areas. The exact type we picked is discontinued but here is a similar one.  It has the look of distressed wood but holds up much better against scratches and dirt, making it one of the best flooring options for country homes.

I got to admire my beautiful floors for about one day before they were covered up to protect them during the rest of the construction process!

The Ceiling Debate: Beadboard vs. Shiplap

Now, let’s talk about the ceiling. My husband originally wanted a finished wood beadboard ceiling, but I felt like it would be too much wood with the exposed cypress beams already in place. So, we compromised on shiplap—a wood product that gives a similar look but can be painted white. This way, we got the warmth of wood with a lighter, airier feel, making it one of the best farmhouse ceiling ideas.

Once installed, we made sure to leave spaces for our A/C vents and speaker covers, which blend seamlessly into the design. It was the perfect way to finish off this space!

 

Essential Tools for the Job

One tool that made this project much easier was our DeWalt Portable Miter Box. This saw was perfect for making precise cuts on the beams and trim, ensuring everything fit together beautifully.

What’s Next?

This project has been a labor of love, and we’re far from finished. Stay tuned as we continue turning our fixer-upper into the home of our dreams! If you’re thinking about adding a ceiling beam design, new flooring, or a shiplap ceiling to your own home, I hope our journey gives you some inspiration! Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to see our next project.