Should I cover cracked ceiling plaster with bead board or remove it entirely, considering the ease of installation versus potential regrets down the line?
Asked by Albertine Hintze 
5 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
So, there’s this cracked ceiling plaster situation in one of my bedrooms. It’s not a big deal, just a cosmetic issue. I’m debating whether to rip down all the plaster or just cover it up with bead board. What do you think about the pros and cons of bead boarding over it? On one hand, it would definitely be easier and less messy to deal with, but I also don’t want to regret not fully addressing the issue.
Is the plaster shifting slightly? Is it separating from the lath beneath it? I recommend attaching the plaster to the lath. There is a pricier glue made just for this, but regular construction adhesive will do the trick too.
After that, just patch up the crack.
https://youtu.be/P4D0sESi5So?si=mp-qK6s9ERMlaPzQ
If you bend over it, it will simply happen again.
If the crack is not structural, it should be easy to fix. If you still want to enhance the look of the ceiling, consider putting up beadboard or using glue-up ceiling tiles.
Oh no, I wouldn’t sleep there with the ceiling looking like it’s about to collapse! Make sure to fix it right away and avoid adding any extra weight to it. Remove all loose parts and properly drywall it.
I would recommend covering it with something that is screwed into the ceiling joists, such as thin sheet rock, bead board, or luan, to prevent non-structural cracks from reappearing. I’ve learned from past mistakes of not covering cracks before.
I totally agree. I bet there’s lead paint in there. Honestly, it’s risky trying to remove or contain it properly during demolition. It’s safer to just leave it be. You could always screw 1/2″ cdx plywood onto the ceiling joists and then cover it with whatever you like.