The finishing of the ceiling surface can be different; one of the options is tension structures. They are quickly installed, do not require special preparation of the base and at the same time have an attractive appearance. Installation of the system is quite simple; if you wish, you can do it yourself. We’ll figure out how to install a stretch ceiling with our own hands in order to do it efficiently and without errors.
No. 1. Stretch ceilings: advantages and disadvantages
The basis of a stretch ceiling is a thin and durable fabric, which can be made of fabric or polyvinyl chloride. A fragment of the required area and shape is cut out of the canvas and stretched onto a pre-installed frame. The finished surface is perfectly smooth and neat, and the entire installation process lasts a matter of hours. A tension structure can cover the entire ceiling or part of it, placing accents or creating zoning. A stretch ceiling can be multi-level, and the variety of colors and textures is too numerous to list. The design looks especially impressive in combination with spot and LED lighting.
Despite the wide variety, all suspended ceilings have the following common advantages:
- record-breaking fast installation . Usually the process lasts 2-3 hours, but installing multi-level structures can take 5-6 hours, which is also not long when compared, for example, with suspended ceilings or even regular painting;
- due to quick installation and the absence of wet processes, you can install a suspended ceiling not only during repairs, but also when you just want to update the interior;
- there is no need to carefully prepare the surface of the main ceiling - the main thing is that the plaster does not fall off it. A tensile structure is an ideal option for apartments where the ceiling has a lot of defects that will take a very long time to eliminate;
- between the ceiling and the tension structures there will be a small space that can be used to hide wires and other communications ;
- fire safety and health safety;
- high durability;
- ease of care.
Now for the cons . First of all, this is the price. This is not to say that such a design will be too expensive, but it is still more expensive than, for example, gluing wallpaper or installing polystyrene foam tiles. One more nuance - the design will steal a little height, about 5 cm. You won’t be able to carry out the installation yourself - you will need the help of specialists.
Probably, a stretch ceiling can be called the most universal finishing method, both in terms of diversity and the ratio of pros and cons. Now let's move on to the most interesting part - analyzing existing offers on the market in order to finally decide which stretch ceiling is best to choose.
Ceiling "starry sky"
How to make a “home planetarium” from the ceiling
Suspended ceilings allow you to create a stunningly beautiful “starry sky” effect in your apartment. Despite the high cost, this method of finishing has many supporters among lovers of progressive exclusive interiors.
Installation
To set up a home planetarium you will need:
- glossy or satin dark fabric;
- optical fiber;
- light generator (projector).
The fiber optic threads on which the “star” function is assigned have a diameter of 0.25 mm. By collecting them in bunches you can create “luminaries” of varying brightness. The threads can be brought out through the fabric pierced in the right places and cut flush with it, but it is better to fasten it from the back side. In the second case, you should choose a thin translucent material. The light intensity will be less, but the overall picture will become more realistic.
The optical fiber is connected to the light generator. The equipment operates autonomously and is not connected to the room lighting system. The most advanced projector models provide effects such as fading and flashing of “stars”, flickering and movement of “celestial bodies”.
Additional effects
Additionally, the ceiling can be decorated with photo printing, glowing Starpins, and LED lighting of individual zones. Swarovski crystals installed on the “stars” will create a unique light scattering.
The “starry sky” effect is performed either over the entire area of the ceiling, or in a separate area, combining it with light matte canvases.
No. 2. Material for making suspended ceilings
Stretch ceilings are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and fabric. Both options are good in their own way, but we immediately note that the fabric construction will cost more. Fiberglass ceilings are much less common.
PVC stretch ceilings
PVC ceilings are also called film . They are more popular than fabric ones, and there are a number of reasons for this. The main advantages of film stretch ceilings include:
- economy . A PVC ceiling will cost less than a fabric ceiling;
- waterproof. The film is not afraid of water, so it can be used in bathrooms and kitchens. Moreover, an elastic PVC sheet will save you if the neighbors above cause a flood and flood your apartment - the film will hold the water, and then the coating can be quickly restored, although you will have to turn to professionals;
- a wide variety of textures and colors . The film ceiling can be matte, glossy or satin, painted in any color, and the paint on the film will be more saturated and bright than on fabric;
- fire safety;
- environmental safety - high-quality film does not emit any toxic substances under normal operating conditions;
- maintainability. Over time, if the canvas stretches and sag, it can be easily returned to its original state. Under the action of a heat gun, the material is compressed.
Flaws:
- the presence of seams when finishing a large area ceiling. Most manufacturers produce film 1.5-3 m wide. As a rule, this does not become a problem, but if you need to cover a large ceiling with one sheet, then you cannot do without seams. The film pieces are firmly welded to each other, and the joint will not be very noticeable. By the way, on matte and satin ceilings the seam is even less noticeable than on glossy ones. Recently, some European companies began to produce film 5 m wide, eliminating the main disadvantage of the design. Another way out is to use two-level structures, because in this case the total area will be divided into two sections;
- The film is less durable than fabric and can be easily damaged by any sharp object. It is clear that no one will throw knives at the ceiling, but when washing you should be extremely careful;
- film ceiling is afraid of negative temperatures , so it is used only in heated rooms.
A PVC stretch ceiling is installed using a heat gun. Maintenance of the structure is minimal and consists of periodic wiping with a sponge. Do not use abrasive or alcohol-containing detergents.
Fabric stretch ceiling
The fabric ceiling is installed in a cold way - there is no need to heat the material with a heat gun.
Main advantages :
- fabric, unlike film, allows air to pass through , so it is a healthier and more environmentally friendly coating;
- The standard width of dense fabric is 5 m, but you can find a wider option, so there will be no problems with seams. It is easy to cut fabric into any shape; it can be used to decorate rooms with complex geometries and bring any design fantasy to life;
- the fabric is treated with polymer substances, which increase the already considerable strength of the material and also provide complete antistatic properties. It will be very difficult to pierce the fabric with something sharp, and less dust will collect on it;
- fabric stretch ceiling can be painted. It is enough to choose acrylic paint of the required shade and quickly change the interior;
- material not afraid of low temperatures.
Flaws:
- It is more difficult to clean a fabric ceiling than a film ceiling, so in the kitchen, where it is difficult to avoid grease, odors and dirt, it is better to use a PVC sheet;
- the fabric is not capable of holding water - if your neighbors flood you, it will not save you;
- the material may sag a little (no more than 1-2 cm), as it is quite heavy. This drawback manifests itself when the structure is large, but outwardly everything looks uncritical and almost imperceptible;
- the variety of colors and textures is not as rich as in the case of film. The fabric cannot be glossy, but it can have a specific fibrous pattern. Paints on fabric do not produce as bright a color as on film, but this is not a minus or a plus - rather, a matter of personal preference;
- a fabric ceiling will cost more, but it looks more luxurious.
Fiberglass stretch ceiling
To be precise, this is not exactly a suspended ceiling. Rather, it is something between a tension and a suspended structure . The material is obtained by bonding thin glass threads with resins.
pros:
- decent moisture resistance of fiberglass;
- resistance to fire and temperature changes;
- high strength;
- the ability to repaint the ceiling, thereby changing the interior of the room.
Minuses:
- the ceiling needs painting;
- short-term warranty for such a ceiling (5 years versus the standard 10 years for fabric and PVC ceilings).
Fiberglass stretch ceilings remain very rare. Not every company involved in the installation of suspended ceiling systems will be able to offer such a service.
What to choose?
There is no exact recommendation as to which material is best to use. Here you need to be guided by many factors: in which room you are going to install it, for what purpose, what kind of environment will be in this room and, of course, do not forget about your preferences.
Don't rush to settle on just one thing. Browse through the various options, the Internet is full of many ideas for your room. Fabric stretch ceilings will cost you a little more than the PVC option. However, the film will look much more attractive in some cases.
Advice. If you find it difficult to choose a ceiling, be sure to call us at +7 (495) 118-40-84 , we will help you with your choice.
Good repair. Your Nicomax!
No. 3. Stretch ceiling texture
According to their texture, stretch ceilings are divided into:
- glossy;
- matte;
- satin.
The matte surface can be called a classic option. Such a ceiling will not be conspicuous and distract attention; it will fit well into any interior style. No reflections are visible in the matte surface, and externally such a ceiling can be mistaken for perfectly painted or smoothly plastered. Fabric and film ceilings can be matte.
A glossy ceiling, like a mirror surface, perfectly reflects everything, so it can visually enlarge the room. However, you should be careful with the ability to reflect: firstly, not all family members may like it, secondly, it is not appropriate in every room, thirdly, with a glossy ceiling it is more important than ever to think through the lighting system so that there are no numerous glares . Typically, only part of the ceiling is covered with glossy film. A shiny varnish surface will be appropriate in interior styles such as hi-tech, minimalism and modern.
A satin ceiling is something between a glossy and matte surface. It gives unobtrusive and very blurry reflections, creating a cozy atmosphere in the room. This ceiling is appropriate in any interior.
Room
How to choose a suspended ceiling for the kitchen, living room, bathroom and children's room
Each room in the apartment performs certain functions. The choice of stretch ceiling for the living room, children's room, kitchen and bathroom should be made taking into account their operational characteristics.
Living room
The living room is the largest room in the apartment. All family members spend significant time here, so great attention is paid to the design of the hall. Any materials are suitable for decorating the ceiling, the main thing is that their color and texture fit harmoniously into the interior of the room. It is better to give preference to universal, calm tones that do not cause discomfort to any member of the household.
Children's
To decorate a children's room, it is advisable to choose bright fabrics. The matte surface is more durable and will eliminate the risk of damage to the ceiling by active children during games. A big plus is the presence of micropores in the fabric structure, providing natural air ventilation.
Kitchen
Cooking is accompanied by steam rising to the ceiling and grease stains settling on it. Here the best choice would be glossy PVC canvas. It has high water-repellent properties and is easy to clean.
Bathroom
The use of a bathroom is associated with temperature changes and high humidity. A glossy film ceiling is better suited for it. The canvas easily tolerates difficult conditions and can withstand a significant volume of water when flooded from above. After the accident has been eliminated, it can be installed in its original place. A glossy ceiling looks impressive in small rooms, visually enlarging the space.
No. 4. Color and design of stretch ceiling
Tensile structures provide perhaps the greatest scope for the flight of design ideas among all ceiling finishing materials. How to choose a suspended ceiling with a huge variety of different options? First of all, you need to focus on the chosen interior style. It is also important to decide whether the ceiling should become the highlight of the room or just be neat and not attract unnecessary attention.
By design, stretch ceilings can be:
- plain. The canvas can be painted in almost any shade, from snow-white to deep black. The choice depends on your own preferences, design features and the nature of the room. In the bedroom and nursery it is better to use pastel shades, and in the kitchen and living room brightly colored ceilings will look great;
- photo printing today it is possible on the surface of any texture; any design, ornament, and even photo can be applied to the canvas;
- suspended ceiling "starry sky" looks great in the dark. The effect is achieved through numerous small light sources. The most popular option is to use fiber optics;
- illuminated ceiling also looks very impressive, creating the impression that the sun is shining directly above the ceiling. In this case, a translucent canvas is used, above which the backlight is mounted;
- multi-level ceiling involves combining canvases with different textures or colors, and their location at different heights;
- 3D suspended ceiling can be considered a special case of a multi-level ceiling. Arches, arcs, waves, flowers and other three-dimensional objects are formed from the canvas.
Separately, it is worth noting the wealth of lighting options when using a stretch ceiling . In addition to the already mentioned “starry sky” and an ordinary chandelier, you can decorate the ceiling with spotlights located along the contour of the canvas or in the canvas itself. Another interesting option is achieved by installing the ceiling frame at a short distance from the walls, and the gap is used to install an LED strip. The result is the effect of a floating ceiling .
Just remember that with a film ceiling it is better to use energy-saving lamps that do not get very hot and are not capable of melting the film. If you really like incandescent lamps and halogen lamps, then it is better to install them at a distance of 10-15 cm from the ceiling, i.e. into the chandelier horns.
Prices
The cost depends on the country of production, type and texture. Material for suspended ceilings and installation are paid for. Installation of lamps is not included in the price.
For Russian companies, prices per square meter start from:
- 100 rubles for a matte canvas;
- 180 for satin;
- and 200 for glossy.
European ceilings are more expensive compared to domestic ones. The cost starts from 500 or even 850 rubles per meter. Canvases with a complex texture or premium class cost no less than 1,000 or even 1,500 rubles.
These prices apply to single-level ceilings. If two or more tiers are installed, you will have to pay more. The “Starry Sky” stretch ceiling is also more expensive in total than usual, since LEDs, a generator and other additional devices are paid for.
No. 5. Stretch ceiling and type of room
The choice of material, texture and some other characteristics of suspended ceilings depend on the characteristics of the room:
- In bathroom It is better to use a film ceiling, which better withstands moisture and can save you from the consequences of flooding by neighbors. All textures are equally appropriate here, but a glossy surface will look especially impressive in combination with shiny tiles;
- for kitchen It is also better to choose a PVC stretch ceiling, as it is easier to maintain and does not absorb odors and dirt. In the kitchen, where an abundance of communications is concentrated, suspended ceilings are especially appropriate, as they can disguise both wires and pipes. The question of choosing a texture remains open - glossy, matte and satin surfaces will be equally appropriate;
- in the living room, bedroom and nursery You can use either a film ceiling or a fabric ceiling - it all depends on what result you are planning to get and what kind of interior you want to create. In the bedroom and nursery, it is more appropriate to use a matte or, in extreme cases, a satin surface.
Cornice
Which cornice to choose. Installation Rules
When installing a suspended ceiling in a house, one should not forget about other interior details. An invariable design element is curtain rods. They are made from various materials. Structurally, cornices are divided into wall and ceiling. The latter look more presentable. The difficulty is that the thin fabric is not designed for hanging heavy structures. However, there are 2 ways to solve this problem. The cornice can be fixed in an open or hidden way
Outdoor installation
Before installing the canvas on the ceiling, a wooden beam is mounted at the same level with the guide profiles. It is better to choose hardwood. Before installation, the timber must be treated with an antiseptic. After stretching the ceiling, the cornice is attached to the beam through the film. Holes for self-tapping screws should be burned so that the molten edges prevent further tearing of the fabric.
Hidden installation
With hidden installation, the cornice is attached to the ceiling above the level of the suspended ceiling. A beam or corner is installed next to it for mounting the guide molding. The operation should be performed before taking measurements. The design with curtains falling from the ceiling looks impressive, harmoniously combined with both matte and glossy canvases.
No. 6. Stretch ceiling fastening system
Only professionals should install suspended ceilings – you can’t do it yourself. The customer does not need to know all the nuances of the technology, but it is still better to study the key points in order to monitor the work of the specialists.
The most important point is the type of fastening system used; the aesthetics, maintainability and price of the structure depend on it. The main options include:
- standard harpoon system. This is how film stretch ceilings are installed. The basis of the system is a harpoon, which has a hook-shaped shape. This is the edging of the canvas, with the help of which it is inserted into the groove of the baguette installed on the wall. The last structural element is a plastic insert that closes the gap between the wall and the profile. The advantages of the design include low price and the ability to dismantle the film and reinstall it (useful in case of flooding). The downside is that it’s difficult to use a plastic insert when it comes to curved structures. In addition, these elements are only available in two colors, white and black;
- The gapless harpoon system is characterized by the absence of a gap between the wall and the profile, therefore it allows you to achieve a more aesthetic result. The functionality is the same as in the previous version, but this design is more expensive;
- wedge system used for installation of fabric ceilings. The canvas is fixed due to the presence of special spacer wedges.
Fabric ceilings are also sometimes installed using the Clipso system. In this case, the profile has spacer cams, which are clamped due to the force of the stretched fabric. Installation of such a system is more expensive, but it allows you to maintain the height of the room as much as possible - there is only 8 mm between the canvas and the main ceiling
Types of profiles
To understand how suspended ceilings are attached, you need to find a reliable profile. Lathing for decorative fabrics is made from 2 types of raw materials. Materials have different performance characteristics and prices, and have strengths and weaknesses.
Aluminum
Durable structures are assembled from aluminum. Durable slats do not deform during operation. Metal models can withstand the weight of film with an area of up to 100 squares.
The aluminum profile has a wide installation pitch (up to 45 cm). The distance will help save money on fasteners and time during installation. Soft, pliable metal is used when assembling a frame with broken lines. In places of bends it is enough to make cuts.
Price is the main disadvantage of aluminum profiles. The planks are 3 times more expensive than their plastic counterparts. The weight of the parts is less than that of steel elements, but higher than that of polymers. If transported carelessly, there is a risk of deformation that cannot be corrected.
Metal strip Source 5692.com.ua
No. 7. Manufacturers of suspended ceilings
It's no secret that the quality of the product and the eminence of the manufacturer are directly dependent, and stretch ceilings in this case are no exception. To get a durable finish, it is better to buy material from reputable companies, even if it costs a little more.
While European companies hold the palm (which is not surprising), French-made ceilings are especially popular . These are high-quality expensive materials. To save money, you can consider buying Chinese and domestic materials, but here you will have to be more careful, picky and attentive.
The largest manufacturers of suspended ceilings include:
- Pongs is a German company that specializes in film production. The width of the canvas is up to 3.25 m, it has excellent performance qualities and tolerates temperature changes well. Descor brand . These are canvases up to 5 m wide, treated with special substances that allow you to clean the ceiling with ordinary detergents;
- Clipso - French fabric ceilings, characterized by high durability and beautiful weaving. You can apply any drawings on them using photo printing; acrylic painting is also possible;
- Normalu Barrisol is a French company that has been producing suspended ceilings since 1975. The manufacturer owns numerous innovations in the field. Here, for example, they made the first canvas with a metal surface and a lighting system with translucent canvases. Today, the manufacturer’s collections include canvases for every taste and budget, all products are covered by a guarantee;
- Extenzo is another French manufacturer of film stretch ceilings. It produces matte, glossy, satin, varnish and translucent films, as well as films that imitate the surface of leather, suede, and marble. The manufacturer also has perforated films and films with antibacterial properties (ideal for the bathroom);
- Lackfolie is a German company that, at the dawn of its formation, decided to transfer production facilities to the Czech Republic, so now there is confusion in determining the origin of products. The manufacturer produces film ceilings, most of them have a varnish surface. All products undergo strict quality control;
- Renolit is a group of companies with German roots. The manufacturer's factories produce PVC film for suspended ceilings, which is actively used by responsible companies involved in the installation of such systems;
- Alkor Draka is a manufacturer from the Netherlands, producing PVC film for various purposes (including suspended ceilings), operating since 1947;
- MSD is a striking and rare example of the fact that Chinese products can also be of high quality. The company produces film for ceilings, and the width of the sheets ranges from 1.5 m to a record 5 m, the quality is also high, all products are certified according to European standards, and at the same time are cheaper than their Western counterparts;
- HALEAD is another well-known Chinese manufacturer of PVC film. Its history dates back to 2001, at first it saved a lot on raw materials, which is why the film was of low quality. Recently, everything has changed - there is no shame in recommending products.
- Kazan Artificial Coatings Plantg is almost the only domestic manufacturer of PVC film for suspended ceilings. The width of the canvas does not exceed 1.42 m, the variety of colors is small, but you can’t complain about the price and quality.
on the market that are positioned as European , but in fact, production is carried out in China. Such manufacturers do not have official websites or quality certificates, and if you dig deeper, their owners are our compatriots. The registration of the factories is indeed European, but they are located in residential areas. Yes, yes, these are ordinary houses. Here is a simple scheme to play on our confidence that a ceiling with a European name is already 100% quality. A striking example is the manufacturer Cerutti (aka CeruttiST), which positioned itself as Italian, and then Swiss. This also applies to Polyplast ceilings, which are passed off as Belgian. In general, before choosing a stretch ceiling and buying it, find out more about the manufacturer.
Options for fastening the canvas
A stretch ceiling cannot be fixed with nails, screws or anything similar - the fabric or film will be damaged. A special frame is made from a profile to which the canvas is attached.
Aluminum or plastic is used to make fasteners. The first is required for large rooms (from 50 square meters), as it better withstands strong tension. Both options are suitable for medium and small rooms.
Several types of fastening of suspended ceilings have been developed, differing in shape and design:
- harpoon;
- wedge or glazing bead;
- clip-on
Harpoon
With such a fastening system, an accurate calculation of the area of the future ceiling and preliminary preparation of the canvas are required. A special plastic edge is welded to the edge of the PVC film - a harpoon, which is then inserted into the hole of the baguette.
This installation method allows you to remove the film and attach it back. This makes it easier to access the space behind the ceiling. There may be lighting fixtures, generators and converters, air ducts, etc. The film is also removed in order to drain water after a flood.
Beading
Wedge and glazing bead fastenings are similar to each other. The film is cut with a margin (about 7-13%). The edges are inserted into the profile holes and secured with a plug. The part is produced in the form of a wedge or bead. The name is determined depending on the type.
With this method, excess fabric remains at the edges, which is cut off or hidden behind a soft ceiling plinth. Installation is simplified, since no preliminary preparation is required, and the calculation may not be as accurate. But the removed film cannot be reattached.
Clip-on
For fabric ceilings, a clip fastening is used, which is also called “cam” or “Clipso”. The fixation acts like a clothespin into which the edge of the canvas is inserted.
Laying Armstrong slabs
Once the entire profile structure is ready, you can begin assembling the ceiling. We lift the slabs and, one by one, carefully, without additional physical effort, place them in the cells. If the slab does not fit into the cell well, do not put pressure on it from above, otherwise it will break. It is necessary to carefully correct it from below.
First, install the necessary equipment on the ceiling and connect the communications. Connect the wiring to the lamps, and only then lay the panels. We lay the last slab as follows: hold it face down on our palms, carefully place it into the opening and smoothly lower it. It happens that the slab lies askew, then in this case we correct the lower corner with our finger and that’s it - your Armstrong suspended ceiling is ready!
How to make lighting
When everything is assembled, decorated, and you already know how to properly make a suspended ceiling, you can begin installing the lighting. To do this, the wiring must be laid in advance, and holes for future lamps must be cut in the plasterboard. When installing suspended ceilings, questions often arise about which lighting is best to choose.
Typically, spotlights with a metal or glass body are built into such ceilings. Special coatings make them especially attractive. It is customary to install halogen lamps in lamps; they do not heat up, give beautiful light and do not burn out for a long time.
When installing spotlights with halogen lamps, the ceiling drops no more than six centimeters, so it is more profitable to use them in rooms with low ceilings. To protect the lamps from dust, you can install protective glass on the lampshade.
Replacing halogen light bulbs with protective glass
Typically, spotlights with halogen lamps are installed in suspended ceilings. How to change a halogen light bulb? They are a little more difficult to replace than regular bulbs. When replacing batteries, you should know how halogen lamps are attached. If they are threaded, then they are replaced as usual. There are lamps with two pins. They are fixed after a characteristic click. How to unscrew a light bulb without damaging the panel? When replacing it, you should not use force or unscrew it, just press the lamp just before the ceiling to unlock it, turn it slightly and remove it.
It is better not to touch the glass surface of the lamp with bare hands; greasy stains may remain on it, so handle the lamp using a clean and dry cloth. A dirty lamp is wiped with medical alcohol.
False ceiling in the living room-kitchen
Install wiring and sound insulation
Electroas.ru
Before covering the frame with plasterboard, you need to lay electrical cables. As a rule, they are attached to the ceiling or suspensions. Under no circumstances should wires be laid inside the frame, as there is a risk of damaging them with screws when installing the sheets.
YouTube channel “KNAUF Russia”
To increase the sound insulation of the ceiling, mineral wool slabs are laid between the frame profiles or on top of it. If the free ends of the suspensions are sufficiently long, they are bent, thereby holding the sound insulation layer.
Armstrong ceiling calculation
Before purchasing all materials for installation, you need to calculate everything so as not to spend extra money and so that you do not have a lot of extra material left. The ceiling is calculated along the perimeter of the walls and the resulting results can be rounded within an addition of 3 meters. Please note that wall profiles can be bent into corners by making a cut.
Experts do not recommend cutting slabs up to 300 millimeters, as additional cells may appear that will require additional material consumption. If you want to give the suspended ceiling a more austere look, then you usually trim the slabs from the center to the walls, while gradually reducing their width. Please also take into account that all additional equipment in the form of lamps and ventilation grilles are not considered an additional load for the ceiling.
Features of suspended ceilings
The structure of a suspended ceiling consists of a frame and cladding. The base, as a rule, is metal, it holds all the finishing. Sheathing can be made of different types of materials: slabs, plasterboard sheets, PVC panels, slats.
Advantages of hanging structures:
- There is no need to level and repair the base;
- You can hide protruding communications and beams;
- The suspended ceiling provides additional sound and heat insulation;
- This finish does not require repair for a long time;
- The structures can be given an unusual complex shape, thus zoning the room or visually changing the proportions of the space.
The cost of finishing with suspended structures is slightly higher than plastering and painting the base ceiling, but the investment will quickly pay for itself, since repairs will be required in at least ten years.
Selection of materials
I decided to make the support for the suspended ceiling sheet from a PVC corner measuring 20x20 mm, having previously calculated its load capacity. The weight of a square meter of fiberboard sheet with a thickness of 3 mm is 3 kg. With a corner perimeter length of 4 meters, the load per meter of its length will be only 750 grams. A corner even 10 cm long can withstand such a load without deformation.
In the case of using heavier sheet material, the corners can be taken from metal, painted or covered with decorative film.
Taking into account the load and low strength of the corner, 4.2 × 13 mm sharp self-tapping screws with a press washer (popularly called bugs) were chosen for attaching them to the wall. The increased area of the screw head will eliminate deformation of the corners. If these are not available, then you can use any others by placing washers under the heads. For these self-tapping screws, dowels 4x6x25 mm were selected.
There was no suitable sheet material of the required size in stock; I didn’t want to make it from several pieces. Therefore, I had to buy and the choice fell on fiberboard, since it was the cheapest and lightest. A fiberboard sheet measuring 1.22 x 2.70 m and 3 mm thick was purchased; there were no smaller ones on sale.
To give the fiberboard an aesthetic appearance, the glossy side was covered with self-adhesive glossy PVC film with a marble pattern. It was purchased in advance specifically for this occasion. The pattern was chosen based on the pattern of the tiles on the walls.
Additionally, you will also need a little putty or leveling material to seal cracks, places where the plaster is uneven and chipped after drilling holes for dowels in the wall.
Adaptations
To obtain a good result and ease of work, it is advisable to make the simplest devices that allow you to quickly and efficiently complete the work of installing a suspended ceiling.
Angle with variable length
In the toilet room, the walls were quite smooth by eye and therefore, when renovating the apartment, I did not level them. But when measuring, it turned out that the width of the walls and the rectangularity of the corners left much to be desired.
The lower shelf of the corners was a decorative detail of the suspended ceiling and required precise matching in the corners of the walls. Thus, it was necessary to measure with an accuracy of less than a millimeter. A tape measure cannot provide such accuracy, and local adjustment is difficult due to the short length of the corners. Therefore, a device was made, which is a corner with variable length.
To install the ceiling, two corners 2.7 meters long were purchased, and according to estimated measurements, four meter sections were needed. Therefore, two sections of 70 cm each turned out to be unnecessary. From these, a corner with variable length was made by fastening the sections using two office clips.
Jig for drilling holes in corners
If it is necessary to drill a large number of holes of the same type in plates or corners, it is advisable to make a jig to simplify marking and obtain a stable result.
To make the conductor, a strip of 8 mm thick plywood measuring 6x60 cm was taken. A metal corner measuring 15x30 mm was attached to it using two self-tapping screws. A hole ⌀4 mm was made in the metal corner at a distance of 10 mm from the top edge. It is indicated by an arrow in the photo. For convenience, a scale in centimeters was marked on the device.
To ensure sufficient free movement of the plastic corner for drilling, two washers with a total thickness equal to the wall thickness of the PVC corner were placed between the plywood and the metal corner.
Plank for leveling wall surfaces
To ensure that the plastic corner does not deform when mounted on the wall, its surface must be flat. Since the walls had unevenness, a device was made to level them in the area where the PVC corners were adjacent.
To make it, we took a piece of U-shaped aluminum profile that was 5 cm shorter than the shortest wall. Next, holes with a diameter of 5 mm were drilled in the profile in increments of 20 cm. And finally, using “Moment” glue, coarse sandpaper was glued to the profile.
The holes were made so that the profile could be used as a jig. One hole is drilled in the wall, a dowel is installed and the profile is secured with a self-tapping screw. After this, the next hole is drilled, a dowel is installed and the profile is fixed at the second point, and so on. As a result, all dowels will be on the same line and spaced exactly 20 cm apart from each other.
Frame for suspended ceiling
The first step when assembling the frame is to lay the wall profile around the perimeter of the room. When installing, use a laser or bubble level of at least one meter. Make marks around the perimeter and compare the distance to the floor to determine horizontalness.
We secure the wall profile around the perimeter using self-tapping screws. If you do not plan to install many additional devices in the ceiling, then this mount is quite sufficient, since the entire load will be supported by the load-bearing profile and it is not recommended to mess around here. When installing ceilings of this type, you can simultaneously achieve excellent sound insulation.
After the necessary holes have been drilled in the ceiling, proceed to cutting the required number of supporting profiles. They must be connected on the floor into long strips of the required length and installed in the wall profile. Afterwards they are moved apart to the required width and hangers are installed. Then, using tightly stretched cords, they are leveled according to the level of sagging.
Next, you need to mount the longitudinal and transverse ligament. This is done using a parallel or cross circuit. Cross circuits are more labor-intensive and are made in those places where it is necessary to strengthen the frame or lay various communications.
What to look for when choosing
To get your money back for low-quality material, you will have to order an examination from the SES, and then go to court. It's long and troublesome. It is better to immediately buy a high-quality stretch ceiling.
Experts recommend:
- check hygiene certificates;
- look at photos of completed work;
- read reviews;
- pay attention to the ceilings in the office - if they are not suspended, most likely the company does not have experienced craftsmen;
- require a contract to be drawn up before payment.
A plus will be a document stating that the company is an official dealer of the manufacturer. This way the risk of counterfeiting is much lower.
