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Re: Exterior Porch Ceiling Recommendation

From: mnealuf@yahoo.com
Category: Other/Misc
Remote Name: 67.8.105.172
Date: 22 Jan 2006
Time: 09:25 AM

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Question:  I currently have an exterior porch with 3-ft high walls on concrete block and then the final 6 feet are screen. I want to remove all the walls and support the flat asphalt roof with support poles because we are adding a pool and screened enclosure. My question is what material should we use to finish the ceiling of the porch? I have seen MDO, but am not in love with that look. Surely there are vinyl or aluminum panels much like soffit panels, but I have not been able to locate anything like that. Speaking of the support poles, I was planning on supporting the roof using 4x4's and then box them in and stucco them to match the rest of the house. (the porch is 14 ft x 12 ft). Thoughts?

Answer From: spectrumct@hotmail.com: Certainteed and Alcoa as well as others make products. They are beaded vinyl soffit/porch ceiling panels. They look like wainscot and are 6"x12'6" or 8"x12'6". They are available at any siding wholesaler. The Alcoa 6" panel looks the best. Good Luck.

Builders Websource® Answer: Thanks to "SpectrumCT" for the above recommendation. The Alcoa product is available in over a dozen styles and nine pastel colors (including white). Panels can be interlocked to make up wider sections as needed. Visit Alcoa Home Exteriors at: http://www.alcoa.com/alcoahomes/ and search for vinyl soffit. However, unless your existing home already has some vinyl siding (you say it's stucco), you might consider using natural wood to finish your soffit -- such as stained 1x6 tongue and groove redwood. This goes nicely with a stucco exterior and gives a richer look to your porch. Consider vaulting your porch to follow the roofline. If you plan to paint it the ceiling, you can still use redwood which has a natural decay resistance (use a stain-locking sealer/primer), or you can use less expensive finger jointed pine.

As to your columns, your idea of using stucco over 4x4 posts works....or you might consider using stone or masonry such as brick. It really depends on the style of home you have and what kinds of materials you prefer. In our experience, sticking with natural materials such as masonry, stone, wood, etc. will give you a more timeless look so long as you pay attention to proper waterproofing and protection from the elements.

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