I recently did my kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom and office in a wood plank ceiling like shown! Since I'm going for a more industrial/loft style I actually used reclaimed flooring I found on craigslist for $130 and am going to paint most of the ceilings.

If you want it to look like the picture, I would suggest using NEW wood flooring, and it looks to me like it is a mix of walnut, and possibly stained maple or other species. By mixing up the stain colors (I'd keep it down to around 3 kinds) it gives the "streaky" appearance. You might be able to find some close-outs or remnant boxes since you'll be able to mix-n-match unlike someone who is installing a new floor of all one color.

If you determine where the ceiling joists are (stud finder or screws) you can snap lines on the ceiling. I don't know if you know this or not but wood flooring is tongue and groove not only on the sides but also on the ends. Because of this, you can end the joints wherever you want. Just make sure that each row is nailed to the joists wherever it crosses one. (Obviously you have to run the wood across your trusses/joists not parallel.

If you are serious about doing this to your ceilings and have more questions, you are welcome to email me directly at salvageartisan1@gmail.com.

Have a great day!

This ceiling is 1x4 tongue and groove Western Red Cedar with a single clear oil finish. It is simply blind nailed to the ceiling joists above. If you have a gypsum board ceiling you can glue or nail this product directly over that surface. You can see the same ceiling material in other rooms in this house via a search for 'Ryan Group Architects' in Houzz.

Re Sal's comment: you would want to use paneling or wainscoting on your ceiling. Flooring is thicker and more expensive than necessary when using new product.