If you are going over an existing ceiling, you may install the tongue and groove directly over the drywall, ensuring you use nails long enough to reach the joist (e.g., 2 1/2-inch nails).

The installation steps vary from one manufacturer to the next, but not significantly. We chose an Armstrong Tegular Ceiling (Armstrong World Industries Inc., P.O. Box 173058, Denver, CO 90217).

Many fans now also have an optional remote-control wall switch that will control both the fan and light if the fan is replacing a ceiling light. The first step is to install a new metal electrical ...