BOX BEAM SYSTEMS - CUSTOM FIT
The following is a list of questions we get asked the most about our Box Beam Coffered Ceiling Systems. If you can't find the answer to your questions in this section just give us a call at (800) 396-6410 or use our Contact Form or send us an Email and we will be happy to provide you with the information you need.
What Are The Standard Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System Sizes?
There are no standard or stock sizes for our Box Beam Coffered Ceiling Systems. Each system is custom manufactured to fit your specific ceiling dimensions and layout.
The coffer sizes, beam spacing, and overall configuration are designed based on the intended ceiling area and the desired design aesthetic. This allows the system to fit proportionally within the room rather than forcing the layout to match preset dimensions.
Because every Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System is built to order, the final sizing is tailored to your project to ensure a precise fit and balanced appearance.
Can Tilton Install My Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System For Me?
No, Tilton Coffered Ceilings, Inc. does not provide installation services for Box Beam Coffered Ceiling Systems.
Our focus is on manufacturing high-quality ceiling products and delivering them ready for installation. While we do not offer installation directly, our systems are engineered with ease of installation in mind and can be installed by experienced DIY homeowners or professional contractors.
Each system is designed to fit your specific layout, helping simplify the installation process once it arrives on site.
Are There Any Pre-Finishing Options for Box Beam Coffered Ceiling Systems?
No. We do not currently offer standard pre-finishing options for box beam coffered ceiling systems.
At this time, systems are available pre-primed only, allowing you to apply your preferred paint or finish after installation.
Can Accent Lighting Be Used with the Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System?
Yes. Accent lighting, including rope lighting and LED strip lighting, can be used with the Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System using one of the following options:
- Floating Crown Molding – Crown molding is installed with a gap at the top edge to allow LED rope or strip lighting to be inserted, creating backlighting behind the molding.
- Light Rail Molding – A light rail molding is installed below the crown molding with a dado on the top edge to hold LED strip lighting that illuminates the face of the crown molding.
Accent lighting fixtures are installed in the field prior to attaching the Beam Bottom Boards. Wiring and transformers can be routed through the hollow beam cavities before the bottom boards are installed.
Can I Get A Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System Sample Before Ordering?
Yes. We offer faux wood beam sample kit options so you can review the finish and texture before placing your full order, including our faux wood beam and truss sample kit. The cost of the sample kit will be credited toward your faux wood beam order.
Can a Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System Be Installed on an 8-Foot Ceiling?
Yes. Box beam coffered ceiling systems can be installed on 8-foot ceilings and have been successfully used in many customer projects.
For these applications, we typically recommend our shallowest beam sizes, such as the 4-1/4" depth, to maintain balanced proportions. However, some customers have also completed projects on 8-foot ceilings using the 6-1/4" beam depth with excellent results.
Can I Order a Non-Standard Beam Size with the Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System?
Yes. We can customize beam sizes in both depth and width for our Box Beam Coffered Ceiling Systems.
Our standard sizes are based on industry-standard S4S board widths available in lengths up to 16' (1x4, 1x6, 1x8, 1x10, and 1x12). Standard depth and width options can be mixed and matched, offering up to 90 different size combinations.
Can the Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System Be Installed as a Suspended Application?
The Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System is designed as a permanent application secured directly to ceiling framing (joists or trusses) using lag screws. It can also be installed over concrete ceilings using masonry anchors.
Suspended-type installations are possible; however, we do not provide specific instructions or hardware for suspended applications.
Can a Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System Be Installed on Vaulted, Cathedral, or Angled Ceilings?
Yes. Box beam coffered ceiling systems can be installed on vaulted, cathedral, and angled ceiling applications.
Each system is custom designed to accommodate ceiling pitch and room geometry, allowing flexibility for non-flat ceiling conditions.
Can The Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System Be Made Fire-Rated?
Yes. The Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System is available with a Class-A fire-rated option to help meet your project’s fire code requirements. This option provides added protection while maintaining the appearance and design of the coffered cei
Can Tilton Provide Technical Help For The Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System?
Yes. Tilton provides installation videos, a written installation manual, and additional technical resources for the Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System. If you cannot find the information you need, their team is available to assist you directly by phone or email.
You can view the installation video, read the installation manual, or explore other technical resources. For direct support, call (800) 396-6410 or email [email protected].
Can You Create a Custom Design for a Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System?
Yes. Every box beam coffered ceiling system we manufacture is custom designed to fit your ceiling layout and room dimensions.
Our team can work from your design ideas, or we can create a custom ceiling layout based on your space. Contact us to discuss your project and design options.
Do I Need Drywall on the Ceiling Prior to Installing a Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System?
Yes. Drywall should be installed on the ceiling surface prior to installing our Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System.
If you select the No Ceiling Panel option, the underlying ceiling surface will be visible within the center of each coffer.
Even though our integrated Ceiling Panel Styles provide full coverage, local fire codes typically require a layer of drywall as a fire barrier between floors, along with a scratch coat of joint compound.
Drywall also provides a clean, continuous surface for marking layout lines and snapping guide lines during installation.
Is the Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System Available in Geometric Patterns?
Yes. We can manufacture box beam coffer modules in virtually any shape, including circles and designs with radiuses or curves.
You can view examples of various geometric patterns, shapes, and sizes in our Image Galleries.
Is The Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System Easy To Install?
Yes. The Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System is designed with a proprietary modular process that makes it easy to handle and install. Both experienced DIY homeowners and professional contractors can install the system using standard tools and recommended best practices.
For step-by-step guidance, visit our Installation Resources, which include detailed instructions, tool recommendations, and installation tips.
How Are Hanging Light Fixtures Installed with the Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System?
Hanging light fixtures, such as chandeliers or surface-mounted fixtures, are installed to the electrical box using a hollow threaded rod and/or machine screws, just as they would be in a standard ceiling application.
The electrical box should be installed normally. Depending on ceiling deflection and any adjustments made to the Box Beam Coffer Modules, a longer threaded rod or machine screws may be required to accommodate the added depth.
How Are Recessed Light Fixtures Installed with the Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System?
Recessed lighting fixtures (hi-hats, pot lights, or can lights) should be roughed in before installing the Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System. Run the wiring in advance without mounting the fixtures, leaving enough slack to properly center each light within the coffer.
The 3/4" thick integrated Ceiling Panel in each Coffer Module is then drilled using a hole saw sized for the fixture. "Renovation" or "old work" fixtures are wired and secured to the Ceiling Panel the same way they would be installed in standard drywall.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System?
Most box beam coffered ceiling system installations can be completed in 1–2 days for an average-sized room with standard ceiling heights.
As a general guideline, installation time averages approximately 30 minutes per coffer. A crew of three installers can use this estimate to plan the overall project timeline, especially for a first-time installation.
What Materials Are Box Beam Coffered Ceiling Systems Made Of?
The Tilton Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System can be manufactured in a variety of materials. Standard options include MDF, Poplar, Pine, Red Oak, Maple, Cherry, Mahogany, and Walnut.
What If My Ceiling Is Not Perfectly Square?
No problem. Ceilings and walls are rarely perfectly square or straight, and our box beam coffered ceiling systems are designed to accommodate these common conditions.
The perimeter beam boards can be scribed and tapered to fit surrounding walls, helping compensate for room imperfections.
In addition, our proprietary design allows space between the outermost coffer modules and surrounding walls, providing flexibility for adjustment during installation.
What Is the Price per Square Foot for a Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System?
Due to the many design variables involved, pricing for Shallow Beam Coffered Ceiling Kits cannot be calculated on a per-square-foot basis.
Each box beam coffered ceiling system is custom designed, and final pricing depends on layout, beam spacing, material selection, and finish options.
To obtain accurate pricing, start by exploring our box beam coffered ceiling systems and selecting the configuration that best fits your space.
What Is the Lead Time for a Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System?
Box beam coffered ceiling systems are made to order.
Manufacturing lead time depends on material selection and design complexity.
Paint-grade systems: Typically 4–6 weeks from the date of order.
Stain-grade systems: Usually 6–8 weeks due to additional finishing processes.
Geometric layouts and bespoke coffered ceiling designs may require additional production time depending on overall project size and detailing requirements.
What If My Room or Ceiling Is an Odd Shape?
Because every Tilton Box Beam Coffered Ceiling System is custom manufactured to order, we can design and build coffers to accommodate virtually any room layout or ceiling shape. Whether your space includes angled walls, curves, offsets, or other architectural challenges, the system can be tailored to fit.
At this time, our online Design & Quote software is not able to configure layouts for irregular or odd-shaped ceilings. For these projects, a custom quote is required. Simply contact our team with your room dimensions and any relevant drawings or photos, and we will guide you through the design and quoting process step by step.

