Floating a Beam

Beams can be made of either concrete or plasterboard and they should be floated to increase the fire rating and it also improves the straight lines of the beams. A floating beam is very similar to a floating ceiling. Angle beads are fixed to both sides of the beam. The beads are squared in by holding the square flat on the ceiling and marking it where it touches the bead. If the ceiling is flat then the square can be held along the length of the beam, then do the same on the other side.

The straightness of the beads can be checked by using a straight edge and holding it on the underneath of the bead.
Once it has been floated and the material has set, you can skim it as usual.

You can only straighten the beam a little bit if the ceiling has only had a finishing coat.