Hanging Flower Baskets From Vinyl Porch Ceiling

by Michelle
(Holt, Michigan)

QUESTION about Hanging Flower Baskets from a Vinyl Porch Ceiling: Hi! I am trying to hang flower baskets from my vinyl front porch ceiling. I am not sure how to attach the hooks to the vinyl ceiling. Do you know how to do this?

ANSWER: Michelle, thanks for contacting us about your vinyl porch ceiling. No, you shouldn't hang flower baskets from the vinyl panels - the panels are just not strong enough to support the weight. A hanging flower basket is heavier than you may think - especially after watering the plant.

What you need to do is locate the ceiling rafters (or joists) above the vinyl and attach fasteners to them. Be sure to use fasteners strong enough for your baskets.

You can sometimes find the rafters using a stud finder or pulling some of the vinyl apart so you can see above it. Once you locate a rafter they should be 16 inches on center so you can measure over to a rafter closest to where you want to hang your flower basket.

You can also usually find the vinyl panel joints. The joint, in most cases, will be over a joist. As you investigate your porch ceiling, remember that the panels are attached to joists - look for nails in the vinyl panels.

Another method, is to use a very small bit (1/16th) and drill small holes in inconspicuous places in the ceiling to locate a rafter. It's best to start from a corner as there should be a joist 16 inches from the inside corner edge.

Often times, the beam is covered in vinyl. You can fasten hangars directly to the beam also. Again, don't attach them to the vinyl; find solid wood. It's there, you just have to find it!

One of our readers, Shelly from Connecticut, shared with us how she hung a vinyl beadboard ceiling on her front porch. Her pictures may give you a good idea of what your ceiling looks like behind the vinyl panels.

You will also enjoy our page on hanging baskets. Thanks very much for writing to us and visiting our website. We hope our answer gives you some suggestions to hang your flower baskets from your vinyl porch ceiling.

Thanks,
Dave

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