Hardwood Headliner

  • September 08, 2014 7:47 AM
    Message # 3094826
    Deleted user

    I want to replace the vinyl headliner with a tongue and groove 3/8"x3" hardwood strips and paint it white. What do you suggest and where can I get the wood strips? Houston Hardwoods will custom mill them but what type of wood is best for marine installations?

  • September 08, 2014 4:25 PM
    Reply # 3095202 on 3094826
    Deleted user

    TOM............... I replaced the headliner in TAMZIN, well what was left of it, about eight years ago with a plastic or pvc material I found at Homedepot.  The material I used was about an eighth of an inch thick and has sort of a bubbly or bumpy texture to it.  It came in 4x8 sheets and I glued it directly to the plywood overhead with teak strips to cover the joints.  The stuff is wonderful, was relatively easy to install and is a snap to maintain.  You've probably seen it in just about every gas station bathroom you've ever been in used as a wall covering.  I mention it because I recently noticed that they've come out with a board-and-bead finish that I wish I'd seen way back when  that might be a workable alternative for you.   

  • September 08, 2014 6:47 PM
    Reply # 3095267 on 3094826
    Deleted user

    Hey Tom, Here's what I did and it turned out great...

    http://dominamari.blogspot.com/2014/07/headliner.html

    Last modified: September 08, 2014 6:47 PM | Deleted user
  • September 12, 2014 4:21 PM
    Reply # 3098485 on 3094826
    Deleted user

    Thanks guys, I think I'll head over to Home Depot and check this material out. I like the idea of a pre-finished vinyl for all the reason you mentioned. I need to keep the thickness down to less than 3/8ths of an inch because my teak ceiling arches are 1/2" thick. The 1/4" thick Plastpro with 3" bead centers would work well. I'll keep you informed.

  • September 13, 2014 5:50 PM
    Reply # 3098951 on 3094826
    Deleted user

    Tom, I did my headliner about five years ago.  I laid in 1/2" foam insulation between the coachroof beams which were already mounted to 1/2" plywood that is wide enough to give me two inches of plywood on each side of the beam - that gave me a firm surface to anchor the headliner to.  I bought 3/8" thick MDF sheets (they are resin impregnated and come paper coated to hide the grain) which I then cut to the correct size to lay in between the beams.  I marked out the centerline and using a homemade jig for my hand router I proceeded to cut V-grooves to give it the tongue and groove look I wanted.  It was a bit tedious and a two person job, but with a few coats of Benjamin Moore Satin Impervo (rolled and tipped) in a light blue I got the look I wanted.  The panels are then screwed to the plywood base with SS #8 screws.  To finish off the panels I installed 3/4" wide teak strips along all the edges with SS screw and finishing washers.  That way I have complete access to the overhead wiring, etc.  You can see it all on my blog at westsailinabarn.blogspot.com.   Just an inexpensive option.   Tom Koehl

  • September 14, 2014 11:42 AM
    Reply # 3099228 on 3094826

    Anyone have any brand names for the vinyl/PVC panels people are discussing?  I'm not finding them on Home Depot.

  • September 14, 2014 1:03 PM
    Reply # 3099246 on 3094826
    Deleted user

    Mike, 

    I used Wainscot Vinyl Reversible Panel Molding with reflective double bubble insulation. 

    The Wainscot panels are reversible; a two board look on one side and a three board look on the reverse side. I used the two board look for the house paneling and the three board look for the headliner.

    Here's link to Home Depot's product... they also have 8 ft. long pieces.

    http://www.homedepot.com/p/Plastpro-Veranda-3-ft-x-7-1-4-in-x-1-4-in-Vinyl-Reversible-Panel-Wainscot-Moulding-6-Pieces-0101/202033618

  • September 20, 2014 6:59 AM
    Reply # 3103597 on 3094826

    Hello, i have installed it many times. You want to look for FRP. fiberglass resin panels. Or fiberglass reinforced panels. many accessories for it too. "H"channel to join two panels."J"channel or "cap".  And inside corner channel. I have installed it in walk-in showers with great results. The trick is to use  a bead of  silicone sealant or similar sealant under all trim pieces and in the slot on the trim piece if you want it to be water tight. you can also use the plastic rivets for large areas.  Hope this helps