Thursday, September 30, 2010

Options For A Porch Ceiling

Porch ceilings can be decorative elements.


Porch ceilings offer a great way to add a decorative feel to the exterior of any home. It may seem like a small touch, but it can actually make a big difference to the exterior look. They come in different styles, ranging from tin tiles to actual wood paneling. Some can be stained or painted to add a bit more design and warmth. Others have more of a Victorian architectural style.


Tin Ceiling Tiles


Tin ceiling tiles have made a comeback in modern architecture and design. They were very popular in the late 1800s, in the Victorian Era. They are made of metal and tare resistant to problems such as water damage, mold and mildew. They can be used in place of traditional ceilings, and are affordable and easy to install. The patterns on them can have a classical, antique look. Often they are made to fit over the existing ceiling, and some are designed to fit onto a metal or plastic grid.


Plywood Paneling


The most typical kind of ceiling for porches is plywood paneling. It is easily decorated with different sizes of plywood and colors because it can be painted. Plywood is susceptible to moisture. Over time, it can separate if wet. Use only quality exterior-grade plywood. Priming it is a great way to keep out moisture.


Tongue and Groove








To give a more rustic decorative appearance, go for a tongue-and-groove ceiling. It comes in a variety of woods, although pine tongue and groove is the most common because it is the cheapest and easiest to obtain. The wood pieces have an interlocking style and are normally stained. It is easy to install. It comes in boards and simply requires the boards to be nailed to the joist in several places.


Beadboard


Beadboard ceiling is a type of tongue-and-groove paneling that traces back to the 1800s. It easily creates an attractive and cozy feeling. It is inexpensive and easier to install than plywood. To add a more stylish look and warmth to the porch, the panels can be stained or painted. Panels can be applied over exposed joists if they run parallel to the home.


Vinyl (PVC)


The most common type of vinyl ceiling is PVC. They are rather popular since they are the least expensive. PVC is a solid-core, cellular vinyl that is effective and strong enough for severe weather conditions. Often vinyl ceilings are found on a beach porch or coastal area because it is not attractive to insects and won't crack or decay. It comes in different colors and requires an occasional cleaning with soap and water. It is fairly simple to install with the right tools and limited skills.

Tags: easy install, most common, Porch ceilings, stained painted