How Much Does a Coffered Ceiling Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

A coffered ceiling, sometimes called a sunken ceiling, costs $3,750 on average, or $20 to $30 per square foot. Prices can range anywhere between $2,200 and $6,720, depending on materials, room size, and design complexity. Coffered ceilings add depth and elegance to any room with recessed panels framed by beams. You can also incorporate decorative accents like tin tiles, crown molding, and medallions, which add to the project cost. Hiring a professional ceiling installer ensures a high-quality installation and a seamless finish.

Coffered Ceiling Cost by Material

Materials for coffered ceilings range from $2 to $30 per square foot. Traditional wood options like walnut are higher, costing up to $30 per square foot, while more affordable materials like drywall cost around $2 to $3 per square foot. If you're on a tighter budget, materials like plywood, fiberboard, or PVC offer a cost-effective way to achieve a beautiful coffered ceiling without compromising style.

Drywall

Drywall costs $2 to $3 per square foot, making it an affordable option for homeowners on a budget. It's easy to paint and creates a clean, simple look. However, it's best suited for shallow ceilings, so consider other materials if you have higher ceilings or want a more dramatic effect.

Plywood

Plywood is also less expensive, costing $3 to $4 per square foot. While easy to find and relatively straightforward to work with, plywood isn't the most high-quality material and can often warp or break while trying to install it.

Fiberboard

Fiberboard is an engineered wood product made from compressing bits of wood and other plant fibers into a board. It costs $6 to $15 per square foot and can be expensive for its quality and durability.

Oak

Oak costs $4 to $8 per square foot, making it one of the less expensive woods to work with. It's a sturdy option that can withstand wear and has a long lifespan.

While solid wood is heavy and can be hard to work with, it offers several advantages over lower-cost materials, including lasting durability, sustainability, and enhanced aesthetics.

Cherry

Cherry wood costs around $7 to $10 per square foot, putting it in the middle range for woods. Cherry is beloved for its rich, beautiful color and grain that absorbs stains well. Like other woods, it's durable and long-lasting but can be challenging to install, so it is best left to a ceiling professional.

Walnut

Walnut is a dark wood with costs on the higher end, at $10 to $30 per square foot. While beautiful, there are some downsides to using genuine wood like walnut. For example, in addition to its increased cost, you may have waste when you work with solid wood. Damaged pieces with warped edges or knots don't work on coffered ceilings. Your installer must check each piece carefully and toss out any defects. If you get a bad batch, this can add to your project cost.

PVC

PVC costs $15 to $20 per square foot and is a lighter, easier material to work with than wood. However, it takes special care to install PVC panels, so do your research when choosing a professional ceiling installer for the job.

Mahogany

Like walnut, mahogany is rich dark wood that looks great when stained. However, it's one of the most expensive materials for coffered ceilings, at around $17 to $30 per square foot.

Cost of Coffered Ceiling Add-Ons

Adding custom features like soffits, medallions, finials, lights, tin tiles, and trim to your coffered ceiling impacts the total project cost.

Soffits

Soffits cost $1 to $3 per linear foot, on average. These are used instead of beams to give the coffered ceiling a checker-patterned look and don’t increase prices outside the normal range.

Tin Tiles

Using tin tiles as panels costs around $1 to $10 each. You may use up to 40 for a 150-square-foot ceiling, causing your total expenses to increase significantly.

Medallions

Ceiling medallions cost $10 to $690 per piece, depending on their materials and design. These accents dress up the mounting point for your chandelier or other light fixture and give your coffered ceiling a luxurious look.

Trim and Molding

The cost of adding trim to the sides of beams ranges from $1 to $15 per linear foot. You can attach these elements to the sides and base of each beam to create a unique aesthetic or match other trim in the room for a cohesive look.

Paint and Stain

The cost to paint or stain your ceiling falls between $0.50 to $5 per square foot. The total cost varies depending on the type, quality, and product brand you choose.

Recessed Lights

Expect to pay $360 per fixture for materials and labor to cover the cost of recessed lights. These fixtures go in the panels and along the beams to flood the space with light and make the coffers seem more purposeful.

Finials

Small finials are decorative elements you can add to a coffered ceiling, costing around $15 to $110 per piece plus labor, depending on their material. Metal or plastic finials are on the lower end of the cost spectrum, while wood finials cost more. You can have them installed at the intersection of each set of cross beams to add dimension and visual interest.

Coffered Ceiling Installation Cost

When hiring a ceiling installation expert near you, expect the price to include labor and materials, costing $20 to $30 per square foot. Your installer will likely quote a project rate and then break it down by the square foot or per item. If you want to incorporate custom finishes or add-ons, your labor costs will increase due to the additional time required for installation.

Design Ideas for Coffered Ceilings

Coffered ceilings add character and depth to your home. When planning your design, consider these traditional patterns:

• Straight: Boxes that run parallel to the wall edges

• Diagonal: Coffers turned 90 degrees to create a diamond effect

• Octagonal: A large central octagon with beams radiating outward

For a modern look, explore alternative shapes and patterns. You can enhance visual interest by using three colors–one for the ceiling panels, another for the beams, and a third for the molding. Adding recessed lighting in each coffer can create a striking effect. If your room has features like a fireplace or built-in bookcases, incorporate them into your ceiling design. Work with your ceiling contractor to ensure the beams complement your home's style.

DIY vs. Hiring a Coffered Ceiling Pro

Installing a coffered ceiling is a complex project requiring specialized tools and experience. Working on tall ceilings can be hazardous due to the need for ladders or lifts, and mistakes can be costly and time-consuming to fix. Hiring a ceiling professional ensures a safe, efficient installation with quality results. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to complete the job correctly, allowing you to enjoy your new coffered ceiling without stress.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.