On the Porch: Installing a Beadboard Ceiling

Hard to do much to a ceiling if you can reach it. Our solution is simple and safe. We use one step-ladder and one rolling scaffold. Both are excellent and versatile DIY tools. I could go on, but will contain myself here. Bottom line is that they enable us to move across the width of the porch at ceiling level either holding, installing or nailing boards, which is pretty much impossible if have to climb up and down ladders.

Another option is using two step-ladders with a 2x10 running between them. We do not go past the third step with our plank, however, and we make sure the 2-by is pretty level. Also a cautionary DIY note: no step-stools.While convenient and usually within reach, these are for getting corn flakes out of the pantry and hanging pictures, not remodeling. They're too wobbly. Stepladders only, please.

On the Porch: Installing a Beadboard Ceiling

There are always things to consider in any project. On a porch, for example -- especially in an old house where you'll find knob-and-tube wiring--the existing electrical device may need to be re-wired. Before installing the ceiling is the best time. To use a job site phrase, "wire is cheap when the walls are open." You'll save time and money.

On the Porch: Installing a Beadboard Ceiling

Porches are prime locations for the aptly named porch swing. Again, while the ceiling is open, install blocking between framing members to make installation easier and more secure later on. We even hung the porch swing, tested out the location, then removed it. Of course, before taking it down we measured and marked the location on the existing trim before covering it up. Time saved.

On the Porch: Installing a Beadboard Ceiling

The reason for this is that you want your first piece and last piece to be parallel -- or as parallel as possible--to the porch structure. If the porch is an inch or more out of square, you'll end up with pie-shaped pieces on the last board. The problem here is that if the bead runs under whatever trim boards you use (we'll use crown) it'll look silly.

The only time to figure this out and get the starter board running as parallel as possible to the front and back is to measure and adjust now. Don't just trust the back wall or framing in front is parallel to anything. If anything, trust that it's not!

On the Porch: Installing a Beadboard Ceiling

Use a square and mark your parallel measurements on the bottom of the outside joists. Make the mark one board-width (where your first tongue will eventually be) out from your control point. In our case this was 5 1/4 inches from the back wall.

On the Porch: Installing a Beadboard Ceiling

Measure for length -- within 1/2 inch as these edges are covered by molding. In our case, we are going to hang crown molding.

On the Porch: Installing a Beadboard Ceiling

Face nail first board near the perimeter, then through tongue. Install the second board. You'll likely have to wiggle and tap it to get it to "seat" properly against the first board. Once seated, nail through the tongue on an angle. This helps drive the second board snug. And the subsequent board's groove should cover the hole. In this particular application we like to use our narrow crown stapler. The staple holds securely for sure and, more importantly, doesn't blow through the work like nails sometimes can.

On the Porch: Installing a Beadboard Ceiling

Because the porch's ceiling joists may not be totally in-plane-i.e. they may sag or crown-its easiest to have someone help work the grooves snugly over the tongues. If using a hammer to tap the board in place, tap gently. Hitting too hard deforms the tongue, making the next board harder to install. If you really need to unload to get the boards together cut a scrap, place the groove over the tongue and hit the scrap piece--not the finished board. If the joists span more than 16 inches, adding a little construction adhesive is extra insurance to prevent sags later on.

On the Porch: Installing a Beadboard Ceiling

Use a jigsaw to cut around electrical penetrations.

On the Porch: Installing a Beadboard Ceiling

Sometimes this board needs to be ripped to width on the table saw. More likely, however, is that the back half of the groove will need to be trimmed off such that is lays over the tongue (this is how you install the last piece on a flooring project too by the way).

On the Porch: Installing a Beadboard Ceiling