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Beadboard ceiling-nails or screws?

JJV | Posted in Construction Techniques on June 3, 2004 03:51am

So I visit with a potential client last night. He has a screened in porch that he wants to “pretty up”, and what he wants done most and first is to put 3/8 beadbord paneling up for the ceiling. Sounds good. But it got me thinking: because this is the ceiling, and it’s outside, would it be better to nail or screw the panels to the rafters? He wanted finish nails, but I waffled. Maybe I’m over-cautious but I would hate to see that come down someday on someone’s head.

I got to thinking about this because the 4×4 posts that the deck is supported by are not anchored in any way to the concrete footings, and in fact aren’t even centered on the footings, so that would have to be fixed soon. With all the jostling the deck would be subject to, I didn’t want the ceiling to crash.

So nails or screws? If nails, finish or common?

Thanks as usual.

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  1. rez | Jun 03, 2004 04:03pm | #1

    He wants finish nails.

    IMHO for 3/8ths that's plenty.

    And he's happy.

  2. csnow | Jun 03, 2004 04:26pm | #2

    Not much weight involved.  If you really have doubts, you could mix in a few of those squaredrive finish screws on each panel.



    Edited 6/3/2004 11:01 am ET by csnow

  3. maverick | Jun 03, 2004 04:31pm | #3

    finish nails. use a little const. adhesive if you're unsure

  4. mike4244 | Jun 03, 2004 09:41pm | #4

    Nail it with adhesive. One word of caution, make sure the bead board is wood not mdf. Most of the bead board I see is mdf. Not suitable for outside even if it does not get wet.Real wood bead board is available though.

     mike

    1. FastEddie1 | Jun 03, 2004 11:39pm | #5

      A bead of adhesive and narrow crown staples.

      Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

  5. Shep | Jun 04, 2004 12:11am | #6

      I second Ed's recommendation.

     I've done several ceilings with staples and those little suckers really hold.

      Plus you can buy a new tool if you don't already have a narrow crown stapler.

  6. User avater
    NickNukeEm | Jun 04, 2004 02:22am | #7

    Adhesive and ring-shank siding nails.  Smaller head, extra holding power.  Hardly noticable.  Gonna paint it, or...? 

    Ditto on the wood, MDF will swell over time from the outdoors humidity.  And if you're gonna paint, use whatever nail suits you, cause the heads will be relatively hidden anywho.

    I never met a tool I didn't like!

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