Maybe that piece of wood was added as an artistic "improvement" by the former owner. Or maybe it is covering up some ceiling damage. If it's just decorative, the fixture can be disconnected and the wood can be removed and then the new fixture can be attached. You might have a rectangular shape of a different color on the ceiling to deal with, though. However, if you don't know how to safely disconnect this fixture, then you need a knowledgeable friend or an electrician to help. I'm happy to give advice on DIY projects, except when it comes electrical stuff. It's one of those areas where you don't know what you don't know, and that can have dangerous ramifications. Besides not knowing your level of electrical experience, we don't know if the previous owner did the wiring and grounding correctly in the first place. For starters, if that is indeed wood, it likely violates code because it's a combustible material exposed to wiring. Putting up a new fixture is pretty straightforward, but it might not be as simple as copying what you find in the ceiling electrical box.

"Why is there a weird piece of wood installed on the ceiling?"

Loosen the nut holding the canopy to the ceiling which is -- it appears -- holding the two pieces of wood in place. Pull out the pieces of wood. Now you know.

wdccruise-

Good catch. I didn't notice the wood was in two pieces. Hopefully, it's not glued to the ceiling. ;-)

But the OP wants to put up a new fixture, so the existing chandelier will have to be disconnected anyway.

Probably there to move electrical over to center the fixture. If you aren’t up for fixing it properly, I would just paint it to match the ceiling until a full renovation is done.

Thank you all! If we remove it (and we need to because I don't trust this situation), patch it, etc. does that mean that the entire kitchen and great room ceiling will have to be painted? Do you paint a textured ceiling or do they have to "texture" the entire two rooms again? This house is 20 years old and nothing has been maintained.

I did like cat_ky idea of maybe putting a ceiling medallion. I wonder if they make square ones - I will look that up.

She has to have an electrician come and check everything. The owner has weird electrical wiring ALL over this house especially the basement. None of the outlets in the basement work. He sheetrocked in the WATER SHUT OFF VALVE when he finished the basement himself... Oh my....

Yes, you can paint the textured ceilings. There is a big roller that you use for that. Its not a terrible job to paint. I painted all of them at our last house. Very similar texturing to what you have. I doubt you would be able to match the paint to do a touch up.

I can have these made in any size - so we may just try this! We will see.

Thank you and that is a wonderful idea. I will try and find your website.

Our website

STOP! instead of guessing, either turn off that breaker and rip down the wood, or hire an electrician, my guess is there was a fluorescent fixture there before and i was running to just stranded wire, so when they removed it they knew they would have to redo the whole ceiling to correct it so they just covered it with wood. Otherwise, there was nothing there, and no studs to nail a junction box too so they nailed wood to hold up the fixture.

Oh Lord I believe it! They are hiring an electrician because this owner did all kinds of wonky things with this house. Thank you. We will have to make sure it is right!!