DIY Beadboard Porch Ceiling
One Room Challenge - Week 6
This DIY Beadboard Porch Ceiling was not part of the original plan – but let me tell you, I LOVE IT in the space!
After reading my DIY Beadboard Porch Ceiling post, be sure to check out the other ORC participants posts here!
Step 1: Paint Beadboard Panels
I know you’re probably thinking you should hang the panels & then paint, but trust me, your neck will thank you!
First, I laid the panels flat on the ground. I used a couple of boards to raise them off the grass. I then poured the paint right onto the panels! Using a XX I rolled the paint to cover. The paint didn’t fully cover a few grooves so I used a 2″ chip paint brush to cover those areas.
Step 2: Mark Ceiling Joists
I used a stud finder to locate the ceiling joists. Then, I used painter’s tape to mark them. I ensured the tape went down the wall a bit so we would know where the joists were after the board was propped in place!
Step 3: Build Support "T"
Next, we built two “T” supports. We used scrap 2x4s to do this! First, we cut a piece that was 3/4″ shorter than our ceiling height. Then we added a second, small piece to the top. These braces helped hold the boards up against the ceiling in Steps 5 & 6.
Step 4: Cut Holes for Lights / Fan
This part is a little tricky! Our porch ceiling had both recessed lights & a fan. So we had to cut out the exact location of where the holes should go.
We measured the existing holes to find exactly there we needed to cut. We measured to the center of the hole and marked it on our panels. Then, we used a compass to draw a perfect circle. Our lights were compatible with 5-6″ holes, so we drew the holes at 5″ to ensure we weren’t cutting too big.
TIP: After we cut our first hole, we used the circle cut out as a guide for all the subsequent holes.
With the holes drawn, we cut them! First, I used a drill and a XX drill bit to drill a hole along the line. Then we used a jigsaw to cut out the hole.
Step 5: Apply Liquid Nails
Next, I applied Liquid Nails all over the back of the panels using a caulk gun.
Step 6: Nail Panel into Place
Finally, we lifted the panels into place and use the “T”-Braces to hold the panels to the ceiling.
With the “T”-Braces in place, I grab my Brad Nailer and used 2″ nails to nail the panels into the ceiling.
Step 7: Fill Gaps & Nail Holes
I used white paintable caulk to fill any gaps and nail holes. The panels are tongue and groove but I still needed to caulk over the seams to make it blend!
NOTE: Caulk is water resistant and therefore a better option for outdoor use than DryDex spackling. However, if you are installing your ceiling indoors, I would use DryDex for a cleaner finish!
Step 8: Add Trim
I added 1 x 3’s to cover the breaks in the panels and the perimeter of the room. I used liquid nails and my Brad Nailer to attach them to the ceiling. Then, I used more white paintable caulk to caulk along the edges of the trim
Note: I had wanted to add crown molding under the 1x3s around the room, however I didn’t have enough space on the two screened walls – so essentially my crown molding would have hung over the screen! If you have the space, I recommend adding it!
Step 9: Touch Ups!
Finally, I used the exterior ceiling paint and white paintable caulk to touch up the gaps & nail holes to ensure the beadboard porch ceiling was fully covered.
Want to see what else I’m doing in my porch? Check out my other ORC post here!
Beadboard Porch Ceiling Products
DIY Beadboard Porch Ceiling
Equipment
- Tape Measure
- Circular Saw
- Jigsaw
- Brad Nailer
- Caulk Gun
- Stud Finder
- Paint Brush
- Paint Roller Extension Pole
materials
- Beadboard Panels
- 2" Nails
- 2x4s (for the "T" Brace)
- Liquid Nails
- Painters Tape
- 1x3 Trim Boards
- White Paintable Caulk
- Ceiling Paint (exterior)
Instructions
- Paint Beadboard Panels
- Mark Ceiling Joists
- Build Support "T"
- Cut Holes for Lights / Fan
- Apply Liquid Nails
- Nail Panel into Place
- Fill Gaps & Nail Holes
- Add Trim
- Touch Up
This ceiling turned out amazing!!! I would love to recreate this in our dining room. We are doing some kitchen cabinet painting next week, but this might just have to be our next home project. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful home!