Porch Ceiling - How to fix timber cladding

[dk1uk]

Hi - I have a porch ceiling that I've decided to replace with tongue and groove timber cladding and then paint.

There are joists for me to attached the cladding to.

However, can anyone suggest the best type of nails to achieve the best finish? I need to be careful of not just banging in any old nails as I want the finish to be as smooth as possible.

Or perhaps another method that doesn't involve nails?

Many thanks.

 

[Harbourwoodwork]

Just nail two nails in every joist through the face ,punch nails in and fill and paint