Outdoor Finished Ceilings

PHOTO BY CUTRER MEDIA

FINISHES THAT HAVE EVERYONE LOOKING UP

Ever in search of extra touches that make custom homes stand apart, builders have discovered yet another detail that “everyone must have”: finished ceilings over outdoor living spaces.

This popular request can be traced back to the recent years’ growth in the outdoor living segment of homebuilding–a multi-million dollar industry that’s also an indicator of high-end homes. Builders and remodelers alike report high demand for added amenities like porches, verandas, pool houses, outdoor kitchens, pergolas and lanais. Decks and open patios are nice, but homeowners really want a space that connects them to the outside while sheltering them from the weather. Ideally, this space is perfect for entertaining and can be enjoyed all year long. Basically, it’s a second living room.

When homeowners put in the extra investment for these structures often filling them with added touches like fireplaces, quality furnishings and light fixtures, it’s only natural to look up at plain vanilla ceilings and wonder, “Is that it?” In response to these homeowner musings, builders have come up with solutions: high-end ceiling materials that truly do make home feel special.

NATURAL WOOD

PROS: Natural wood is making a huge comeback in homes across America, and it can be stained or painted to fit any home’s style. There is also a large variety of wood options available, so you can get creative or stick to traditional.

CONS: Wood can often seem cheaper, but in coastal areas you can make up the difference in long term repairs. Humidity and salt require outdoor wood surfaces to be re-sealed every few years.

WHITE PVC

PROS: PVC comes in longer lengths, which translates to fewer seams, but this, and its flexibility also make it tricky to install. PVC requires no staining or maintenance, it can be painted, and it is very durable. CONS: PVC collects dust and soot easily. It also can appear wavy on large ceiling expanses.

FACTORY-LAMINATED WOOD GRAIN

PROS: Factory-laminated Wood Grain provides the wow factor with zero maintenance. It looks just like real wood offering the warmth, grain and curb appeal that homeowners desire. It’s also fairly easy to install. CONS: It costs more than white PVC, and there are limited colors available, but getting the look of wood without future maintenance still makes this option a winner.