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We are ready to start renovating the outdoor area and want to start with the patio ceiling and potentially clad the brick walls.
A clean modern Hamptons look is what we after so ideally a broad cladding that we can then paint white.
We have no idea where to start with the project. Do you have to pull the old ceiling down or can you clad over the top?
Is this a DIY friendly project? We are not totally hopeless but far from expert.
Any advice is welcome….
Some pics of the area & also a couple of inspiration pics but would rather have a flat broader cladding on the bricks.
Hi @Lynne69,
It’s great to hear you’re keen to take on the challenge! Before deciding on a product, the most important thing is ensuring your ceiling has the right structure to support it. Many cladding materials require fixings into timber every 450mm, but if your existing roof structure is spaced at 600mm (which is common), you’d need to add extra timber framing before installation. This step is essential to prevent sagging or failure over time. It’s not just a matter of removing the old ceiling and installing new cladding—it’s likely that structural modifications will be needed first.
If you can check and confirm the existing timber spacing, I can help guide you on whether modifications are required and which product might be best for your situation. This might require removing a sheet of lining to inspect and measure, or you might be able to pinpoint the width between roof timbers by the sheeting fixings.
Mitchell
Using straight lines as an alternative! You just gave me an idea @Dave-1 that would be much simpler if it works?
My main issue is the ugly joins that builders use to be cost effective.
So, could I use flat strips of wood to cover the joins? I’m guessing where the joins are visible is where the support beams would be?
Something like what this person is doing.
Then paint the whole thing.
Afternoon @Lynne69
Bingo! That is exactly what I wasmeaning 
Pine Mouldings will show you a whole range. Pleas enote that these are internal mouldings tho being under the eaves and painted before you install would work as well. Iam showing the internal mouldins more then external ones External Mouldings as they are chunkier and not what we are after.
Cant wait to see it done! Remember that the existing joins and nails will help you show where the studs/timber is in the roof. You mayneed to adjust some spacing or rely on liquidnails and put a tall piece of timbe to wedge it in place until it dries.
Dave
Afternoon @Lynne69
Pretty much
I would gently use a combo of a claw hammer Craftright 8oz/ 226g Steel Claw Hammer the thinner the "claws" ends the better as you will gently lever up the strips (most likely nailed in with small bullet head nails.) And also use a large Flat blade screwdriver and gently tap the blad underneath the timber strips and then lever the strip. Think of how you open a paint can, you work away along the length and then go back and work away some more.
Try to lever in line with the strips so you dont crack the sheeting that is there.
Dave
Hello @Lynne69
Just to add to @Dave-1's excellent suggestions, I also recommend looking at the Craftright 380mm Wrecking Bar to help you lift the timber strips.
Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves and goggles while working on your project.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
hahahahah @Lynne69
You give me to much credit... Better question would be "how does he know that?" And the answer is "yes" I have cracked panels before even tho I "knew" what I was supposedly doing Caution and patience wins every time
Dave
