Ceiling Installation – Panel Joinery

How to join panels?

One of the challenges to putting up a multi-panel ceiling is our trailer is how to attach them to the 1-inch ribs forming the skeleton of the trailer. Originally, I was going to simply fasten them with sheet metal screws and finish washers. That solution created a problem where panels meet on a single rib (two ribs are doubled up, thereby avoiding the issue). Imprecise panel cuts would simply add to the problem.

Possible solution

One solution may be at hand; use aluminum carpet transition strips. They’re aluminum strips about 1 3/8″ wide, perfect for transitioning the gap between ceiling panels, and substantial enough to hold the panels up when screwed to a 1-inch rib.

We will finally be able to take all the ugly tape down!