Posts and beams in the case of a gable roof over an enclosed building the lower ends of the rafters rest on the exterior walls of the building.
Open rafter porch roof.
An open ceiling is another option where the rafters that support the roof are left exposed.
Hip roof vaulted porch ceiling with exposed rafters.
This custom hip porch roof and ceiling includes an open rafter design which is painted rather than stained.
If you have a gable end on your house place.
You will also notice in the foreground of this photo there is a flat painted beadboard ceiling.
In this video you will learn about figuring the angle for a top cut on porch rafters that are going over another roof surface and also about a useful jig to.
Use caution on the ladder.
This is a more rustic choice and you can use contrasting planks with the exposed rafters to add dimension and visual interest to your porch.
In an open porch however the rafters rest on.
The no ladder option.
Find a safe place to position a ladder next to your roof.