I’m back from the beach, but before I left, finally, the weather is cooperating and we got more than one day of sunshine to continue working on the porch. Dad and I got out there on a recent Saturday and made some huge progress on the screened porch, so I can actually see the end of this one and we should be sipping a cold drink out there by June. It might take me that long to get it all painted. We’ll see.
In the meantime, here’s how we did the ceiling. I had always envisioned beadboard out there from the very beginning, so that’s what I bought. It comes in 4 x 8’ sheets and we needed 6 to complete the ceiling. All of this came from Lowes, my fave home improvement store. Two of them were ripped down to fit in properly.
First things first, we added some insulation up in the rafters to help block some of the summer heat, so hopefully this will make the porch cooler.
It was a little tricky getting this in place, but Dad came up with a solution, using wire and nails. He tapped nails in the sides of the 2 x 4’s and then we cut wire and strung it from one side to the other, holding the insulation in place. It’s so lightweight that putting the beadboard on top will not be a problem and it will all squish into place.
We both worked on this and I helped nail the nails up and added the wires and row by row we got it all done.
Insulation in place and ready for the beadboard. Happy day!
We had to wait a few days for another sunny day, but it finally came and I rented this wonderful piece of equipment to help us out. There is NO way we could have completed this job without this drywall jack. I got a 9’ drywall jack from a local tool rental company for $26 a day and that was money well spent. We were able to finish in a day.
That top piece goes in place and that’s where the sheets of beadboard will sit and then the machine cranks up so that you can place the plywood or drywall all the way to the ceiling. Talk about a lifesaver! I used my nailgun and then nailed everything in place into the 2 x 4’s.
Dad working.
We set up the sawhorses and he had to make a few cuts to get around some of the 2 x 4’s that were up there. It wasn’t too bad, but there were a few cuts to make. I did go ahead and prime the beadboard too (with Zinsser oil-based primer) before we put it up, that will at least help some in the painting process.
He had to notch out a couple of spots to fit in there just right.
Then we put the first piece of beadboard up on the jack and got it into place. Once in the right spot. I began nailing with the nailgun until it was all secured.
First piece done!
We worked til lunch and got 3 pieces up, then took a lunch break.
Then we got back to it, finishing the job in one day, about 6 hours total. What a big job it was and I’m happy this one is behind us too. The rest of the trim out won’t be so bad.
That jack was the best thing ever!
We got all of it up and then had to rip down 2 pieces to go against the house, using my dad’s table saw.
All finished and ready for trimming out. There will be one trim piece down the middle of the beadboard sheets and everything else will get caulked and painted out. I’m definitely going to do a light blue ceiling out here and the rest of the trim will be white. Can’t wait to get to that part too!
Dad and I were very happy to get this one finished on such a beautiful Spring day. We’ll get the rest of the trim work finished and then I’ll be painting it all out as quickly as I can, getting it ready for the furniture. I already have all the furniture and accessories I need for this space and it will be so much fun to finally get it all in place again.
My dreams of having a screened porch are finally coming true. It doesn’t take that much to make this girl happy and I’m so glad the Lord blessed me with a porch!
The Lord Blessed you with a wonderful father. You are a very Lucky girl to have someone so handy available to you! Looks wonderful
Rhoda, You and your dad are making so much headway on your new home. This must have been a job~ I hate craning my neck upwards! LOL – I always end up with a crick in it. Your blue painted ceiling will be so “southern.” Great job.
Maybe I’ll run into you at High Point this weekend. We should be there Sat. nite, as well. 🙂 Sue
Rhoda – I just love seeing pics of your dad working around the house. It sure makes me miss my dad . . . who could do anything! What a blessing he is. Can’t wait to see your completed porch. Blessings, [email protected]
Wow! You and your dad are a great pair! You both work so hard and do a fantastic job. I love your porch already and know you will decorate it beautifully as you have done your house. Enjoy it!
This will be a fantastic place when finished! And your dad, well, he is the best, and behind every great man is a great woman, so a shout out to your mom too! 🙂 Can’t wait to see the final result!
Rhoda…all I have to say is God Bless your father! What a help he is to you and what wonderful memories to have!
I so loved meeting your dad and mom at your open house….They are the kindest, warmest people!…Your dad is the greatest…you are certainly blessed with such wonderful parents…Looking forward to the porch progress!
I simply love your blog! Your dad is amazing ! Wish I had half is energy. Excited to see pics of you and your dad sipping that cold drink, enjoying the fruits of your labor…..you truly deserve it xx
Rhoda, You and your sweet Daddy are such troopers. You get right in there and get busy and get so much done. I marvel at your Get-up and go!! It is going to be wonderful!!
Love seeing picts of your Daddy!
xo Kathysue
Rhoda,
Your Dad ( and your mother) are quite amazing ! If we all had parents like yours wouldn’t this be a wonderful world. You are God blessed!
Shhh..don’t tell mama, but your dad should be included in People Magazine’s Sexiest Men! He’s just the best!
I’m sure that this comment is on some list of “things you shouldn’t say after 50 but….”your Dad rocks!”
Yes the porch is great But your Daddy is the gift here…you are lucky to have him ….the drywall lift was brilliant!
Looks great Can’t wait to see it finished.
What an amazing days work done by you and your dad! It is looking brilliant! I cannot wait to see it with all the furniture – and see your Daddy sitting in the sun with a cool drink!
I just love that your Dad is helping you with your renovations! It’s funny, it doesn’t matter how old you get, Daddy always comes to the rescue of his ‘little’ girl! Absolutely adorable x
Rhoda – I am so excited for you. The porch is looking great. Can’t wait to see it finished!
Ahhh we were neighbors! I’m not sure the dates you were there but I literally just got home (TN) from Pinnacle Port a few minutes ago! 🙂 We had been there since fri in one of the smaller buildings, not the main tower. It was amazing! So peaceful! Did you hit up any of the antique shops? We hit a few but I didn’t do as much shopping as I’d have liked since I was with my 2 girls under 3 yrs old, the hubs and his parents!
Hi, Stacey, we must have passed each other. We were there from last Tues. to Sat., came home Sat. So you got in on Friday and we left Sat. a.m. How fun! We didn’t do any antiquing this time, just hit Seaside and the outlet mall. It was a fun time!
Ha, I obviously commented on the wrong post and meant to comment on the one about your beach trip! Not sure how I switched pages without noticing! 😉
This is going to be an amazing transformation! I can already see it! I never would have thought to put insulation up there. You two sue got alot done in a short amount of time 🙂
Your Dad is something! I am amazed at the things he can do. You have a wonderful teacher and father. Lucky, lucky, you.
The porch is looking lovely.