How do I put metal lath on a
ceiling?




Ask the pros-February 2007
By Reggie Bullard


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  How do I put metal lath on a ceiling? 
Every time we try there are bubbles and wrinkles in the lath.
 
bend lath over Nail from center out, one row
Lath is allowed to flop over. Curve in lath forms a rib like shape to hold the lath straight. The first row of nails is started about 6 inches from the edge. There are 5
rows in all. The first nail is started in the center. The row is nailed from the center out, holding the sheet straight, as shown by the arrows.
The first row of nails is finished, nailing to the ends of the sheet of lath.
nail next row nail next row
Second row is started in the middle, holding the lath in a curve still to keep it straight. The first nail is started in the center, like before. The nailing sequence is from the center to the edges to keep a straight line. The from third row nailed 3/4 of the the way over from the edge. There is no need to nail the edges yet. The edge can be nailed when the next sheet is put up and overlapped. 
no need to nail edge tie laps
No need to nail the edge against the wood trim because it gets a plaster stop so it
can be nailed at the same time.
The edge of the overlapping sheet can be
nailed at the same time. Note a good 3 inch overlap. Wire ties are made crossways
pulling the lath tight. Each "lap" is tied, or
the overlapping area between the joists.

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