how deep is the porch?

Mine run lengthways.

@new-beginning, the porch is 14 ft deep.

@Mark Bischak, Architect, so for a porch that long, do you think it's wisest to run perpendicular (shortways)? I'm wondering if he's worried about buttjoints as well since we live near a river and have a lot of fog/moisture, especially in summer.

If it was my porch, I would do as suggested (agree with Mark)

In our old house they ran perpendicular and we‘re doing the same with the new one. I think it looks better for the style we’re going for.

This is not the hill you want to die on.

Don't stress over this.

Mine runs lengthwise for 25'. Porch is 12' deep. They have been straight as an arrow for 14 years. However, after reading the recommendation from "experts", I believe I would run perpendicular for the next house.

I think mainly because of the direction we enter the porches. Current porch is entered from the side. So looking ahead, we see the long lengths and the porch looks longer.

With the new build, we will enter from doors flanking a fireplace on the long side. New porch will be approximately the same width, and about 5' longer than our current porch. By running the ceiling perpendicular, we will look out and up to see the boards pointing towards the back yard. Will make the porch look wider. Hope this makes sense. I've even confused myself while writing this. :)

@Virgil Carter Fine Art, I love your choice of words because I used that exact expression earlier to DH when we were discussing it. We both agreed that this is definitely not the hill to die on. I need to save any goodwill I have banked for future issues :)