Two-by-fours set on end were secured to the existing ceiling using five-inch lag screws, in the shape of the tray design. Inner boards were set at 16-inch centres to complete the tray formation.

A tray ceiling, also known as a recessed ceiling, is a ceiling that's structured like an upside down tray, with the center part of the design typically being several inches higher than the perimeter.

From a simple tray ceiling to more complicated vaults, barrels and groins, ceiling treatments are getting attention from homeowners, remodelers and builders right now.

Design: A tray ceiling features a recessed central section, often with stepped or layered edges. This creates an illusion of depth and adds architectural interest.

What Is a Coffered Ceiling? “A coffered ceiling is a classic detail, and almost resembles a recessed 3D grid,” says designer Sarah Sherman Samuel. These typically feature beams arranged into ...