Beadboard ceilings are affordable compared to many other materials. Beadboard is a type of paneling made out of wood and distinguished by grooved, vertical lines. They’re also a good solution for someone who wants to bypass professional installation feels and embark on a DIY project. That isn’t to say, however, that beadboard is your cheapest option. Beadboard still costs around $10 to $20 per square foot- more, on average, than something like shiplap. Your average project will run around $1,500 to complete.