DIY: Porch Ceiling

Measure the porch ceiling in the direction the boards will go, which must be perpendicular to the ceiling joists. Take the measurement alongside the wall where you want to start the first course of ceiling planking.

Mark the measurement on a ceiling plank. Cut the plank to that size on a miter saw.

Lift the plank to the ceiling and hold it against the joists with the grooved side of the board facing the wall. Set it 1/2 inch from the wall, leaving a gap that will allow the wood of the ceiling to expand. Shoot two nails through the face of the board at each point where the board crosses a joist, using your finishing nail gun.

Measure and cut the next board. Press it against the side of the first board, connecting the tongue-and-groove milling of the boards. Shoot one nail through the side of the new board at an upward angle at each point where it crosses a joist.

Repeat the process for each board, working your way across the whole ceiling. For the final board, length-cut it with a table saw so it fits against the ending wall while leaving a 1/2-inch gap. Face-nail the last piece in the same manner as the first one.

Use your miter saw and nailer to cut and install wood trim around the border of the ceiling, covering up the gaps that you left there.