Thanks for all the great tips and suggestions.

Another couple of questions. First, what size and type of nails are
best and do holes have to be pre-drilled?

Also, has anyone worked with pvc T&G boards or lumber? I'd been
thinking of using cedar, but given that the carport/porch ceilings
have been areas affected by termites more than once in the past, maybe
the pvc would be a practical (though possibly non-traditional?)
alternative. This reminds me of a carpenter I spoke to once about
replacing an entry door who had to struggle to maintain self-control
when I asked about fiberglass doors. He said, somewhat emphatically,
he would only work with wood. So I hope I'm not committing the same
heresy here asking about PVC lumber...

And thanks again for the input.