How to Install PVC Porch Ceilings / Beadboards?

A well-crafted porch ceiling will undoubtedly add a whole other level of charm to your porch area. But installing a porch ceiling can be quite a process for a homeowner, from selecting the porch ceiling panels to actually getting it up on the roof could be a long and cumbersome process. 
The resources available online are very limited too for a layman to get this “DIY” project done without screwing the wrong nails, quite literally.

Hence, we have put together this step-by-step guide for installing your PVC porch ceiling panels in the most efficient way. Just follow these steps and we assure you that you can easily install your Porch ceiling panels with minimal hassle. 

 

Step by Step Guide to Install PVC Porch Ceiling

Let us also do a quick run-through of the PVC porch ceiling installation process!

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Materials needed:   

• • • Nail Guns/ pneumatic guns
    • Compressor
    • Fasteners
    • Beadboards (Pre Primed, if possible)
    • Paint
    • 2 Inch Nails
    • Hammer or nail gun
    • Woodblock
    • Jigsaw
    • Miter Saw

 

Step 1: THE PREP PHASE

 

A. Let’s begin with Prepping

First, measure the porch from front to back until the end of the ceiling where your headboards will be installed. Subtract 1/2″ from this measurement to leave 1/4″ on the perimeter of the roof to allow the board to expand, as all PVC expands and contracts with temperature changes.

The PVC beadboard gradually expands and contracts so be mindful about it to avoid problems in the future. After completing all necessary steps, start trimming the panel with a miter saw.

 

B. Get your calculations right before installing the boards

Calculate the number of PVC porch ceiling panels needed to cover the roof, measure the width of the sheets and average the widths of these sheets to obtain the actual width of the board after shrinkage. Divide the width of the porch ceiling by the width of the panels. Using this measurement, you can determine the number of beadboards needed to cover the roof. Be sure to account for the tongue and groove, so use the exposed face of the beadboard when measuring.

If the last slab is less than 2 inches, then trim the first and previous slabs so that the roof appears to be evenly spaced. Now add the width of the last board equal to the width of the entire board and subtract 1/2 inch to calculate the expansion of the PVC sheath by dividing by 2.

You now have the width of each board. Use a jigsaw to cut your first board to this width, making sure to cut the groove on the board so that the edge of the tongue is reserved for nails.

 

Step 2: INSTALLATION PHASE

 

C. Let’s start nailing the PVC beadboards

Place the first PVC beadboard against the ceiling with the groove facing the wall and place it 1/4 inch from the wall. Use an air gun to drive in a 2-inch nail and nail the edged board to every 12-16 inches of the plywood underlayment. You can nail your beads sheet 16″ centered on the width and 12″ around the circumference.

>Drive the nail in 1/2 to 3/4 inches from the outer edge of the PVC beadboard. Estimating the size of the porch ceiling, insert as many nails as needed. Ideally, three nails are enough to hold the board, two on the edges and one in the middle. However, if the ceiling is wider, you can add some extra nails to increase safety.

 

D. Time to wrap the ceiling with all the PVC beadboards

Now you can nail all the boards through the tongue every 12-16 inches for safe assembly. Place the air gun on the back edge of the beadboard’s tongue and tilt it away from the tongue. This will ensure that your nails will not be pulled out. This will also block the tongue when you fit the groove of the next board on top. 

Measure and cut your PVC beadboard, and slide its groove onto the tongue of your previous board. Fit it tightly with a hammer and a woodblock to hold it firmly in place. Continue to pass it through the tongue and install all the PVC beadboards as described above.

 

Step 3: THINGS TO DO ONCE YOU INSTALL ALL PVC BEADBOARDS

 

If needed, cut the final board from the tongue side. You can also install one or more mouldings on the perimeter of the ceiling so they cover the expansion gap. Be sure to leave 1/8 inch of space for expansion and contraction, especially at temperatures below 40°F.  In addition, ensure that the space above the ceiling is well ventilated to avoid heat buildup.

If you would like to see a visual demonstration of the same, check out this insightful video

We hope you found this blog helpful and that now you feel ready to install the PVC porch ceiling on your own! Do share with anyone who could benefit from this information and comment below and let us know if you have any pro tips on Porch Ceiling installation!

Do not forget to check out Echon’s wide range of PVC porch ceilings with a fantastic finish and laminate options that can instantly turn your porch into a countryside fiesta or a modern minimalistic bliss.

Always consult a professional for more detailed and accurate installation methods specific to your needs and job.

Related Article: 8 Exterior Design Ideas For a Stunning Facade

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on our team’s knowledge and experience. The results from instructions provided in the blog may vary from case to case basis. We strictly advise our readers to verify all the information provided here through their sources. Echon, its employees, partners, distributors, or directors are not responsible for any consequences, good or bad, that may arise from following the instructions on this blog for an individual or a company from the USA or abroad. The information is being provided to help our readers and our community and is by no means official. We are not legally or morally liable for any damage, financial or non-financial, that may be caused by following the suggestions or information provided in our blogs.