How to add a ceiling to patio?

[Mestry1]

I’m hoping to add a ceiling to my existing patio, however, I have no idea where to start.

The plan is to replace the fans, add downlights (instead of the fluros) and insulate with earthwool (open to other suggestions).

I’ve been looking at James Hardie boards and vj easy craft ceiling panels but not sure if they are acceptable for outdoor use. 

Finally, I assume I have to add extra batons as the spaces are between beams is quite wide. Do I just use blue 4x2 pine or something else.

Thanks in advance. 

 

 

 

[EricL]

Hello @Mestry1 

Thanks for sharing your question about adding a ceiling to your existing patio. It will be necessary to build a timber frame where the Earthwool will be installed. The ceiling cover for example, James Hardie 2400 x 1200 x 4.5mm 2.88m² HardieFlex™ Cladding or similar can then be placed over the frame. The other choice is to use Ametalin 1350mm x 60m SilverSark xR HD Extra R-Value Reflective Roof And Wall Insulation. 

However, I suggest engaging the services of a builder or draftsperson as they will be able to determine if your current patio framework will be able to accommodate the extra weight of the ceiling frame and ceiling panels. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @Mestry1 

Your ceiling will look pretty flash when you have covered it in

Some things to consider when planning for the additions.

- The added weight just by itself, You have the awning attached directly to the house anbd the posts. Wool and hardiplank does add up to a resonable amount as @EricL has said.

- The one that plays on my mind more so is weight but sideways force more so, So I am imagining the weight as stands is pretty much straight down from above (the existing attachment points are satisfactory) But with the additions you are thinking of it will be weight with a angle to it wanting to push out towards the posts.. Some stays (horizontal ones from the posts to the house should cover that) 

I would suggest to head towards a builder/carpenter to make sure it is done to code. (you could do it yourself but I dont class the project as a first project is all.)

Dave

[Nailbag · Accepted solution]

Hi @Mestry1 

as someone who has done several similar projects, I can testify it will be challenging especially being overhead. You will need to batten the frame out squarely 600mm x 1200mm to accommodate the sheets, but first check the sheet of choice dimensions. 

Don't under-estimate the weight of the sheets. You will need two helpers, work platforms or platform ladders to support sheets and fasten with a brad-nailer. I struggled with my last one with just the one helper.

Aligning boards to click into place and align end to end is extremely challenging to say the least. Personally I would go just with parking as anything like adding earth wool on an open area ceiling is not going to be effective.

Nailbag

[Mestry1]

Hey Nailbag, 

Thanks for your message. I fully understand the difficulty with the weight and it being overhead. I've got a few helpers who will assist with lifting and securing the vj panels in place.

I was planning on adding extra battens between the original frame work, however, as I tend to over engineer everything, I wasn't sure how many I need to add.

Also with your project, did you get the sparky to run the cables through first? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Mestry1,

Please allow me to tag @Nailbag so he is notified of your reply.

I am sure he will be back in touch shortly.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @Mestry1 

It's best in this case not to over-engineer. Don't under-estimate the weight not only of the additional battens, but the sheets themselves which are very heavy all hanging of an original ceiling not engineered to carry the extra weight. Just a centre batten and a shared 45mm one on the ends.

One tip which stuffed me up when installing the battens is that mine started to fall short despite triple checking the measurement of each spacing. What I wasn't aware of is that the sheets my mate bought weren't 2400mm. They were 1205mm. This meant having to double up on way too many battens to have something to fix to.

And yes the sparky needs to rough in once the battens are in.

Nailbag