What is more environmentally friendly stretch ceiling or drywall. Plasterboard and stretch ceilings - which is better

Ceilings deserve great attention when repairing a room. Whitewashed or wallpapered are already irrevocably a thing of the past. They were replaced by stretch ceilings or drywall. What is better in terms of performance and appearance?

Characteristics of drywall

Drywall is an environmentally friendly construction material based on a combination of plaster and cardboard. The use of this material opens up great opportunities - with its help you can not only level the walls, zone the space, but also create unique multi-level ceilings. Drywall sheets are widely used in individual design apartments and houses. Like any other building material, drywall has advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a look at them.

The positive aspects of drywall

Among the many advantages of this building material, experts especially note the following:

1. The plasterboard ceiling device is able to hide any irregularities in the floor slab.
2. A ceiling of this type is able to hide communications, equip lighting with spotlights. However, their power is unlimited.
3. Drywall is durable, which is combined with plasticity, which allows you to create any design.
4. Safe from an environmental point of view.

Besides, given material burns very poorly and does not emit acrid smoke. Sometimes this fact is decisive when a person finds out the nuances before making a plasterboard ceiling with his own hands.

Disadvantages of drywall

Despite the abundance of advantages due to which the building material is so popular, it also has a number of disadvantages:

1. Poorly tolerates contact with moisture. If the apartment is flooded by neighbors or a leak forms in the roof of the house, if the dwelling is on the top floor, then the structure will be completely replaced.
2. Multi-level ceilings are not recommended to be built in small rooms, as they will significantly reduce the space.
3. It is not recommended to make plasterboard ceilings in new buildings. The fact is that in the next few years of operation, the house will shrink, which may be reflected in the appearance of cracks on the plasterboard ceiling.

If you follow all the rules and know how to make a plasterboard ceiling with your own hands so that it meets all the requirements, you can get a high-quality interior object that will last for decades.

Vinyl stretch ceilings

About vinyl film finishing material first spoke in the 60s of the last century in Europe. Today, the technology is extremely popular around the world. The material is a film in a roll, which is stretched over the ceiling under the influence of high temperatures. Like drywall, it has a number of advantages and disadvantages.

Film Benefits

Among the many advantages of stretch ceilings are the following:

The vinyl film does not fade, does not fade in the sun, besides, it is subject to restoration, after which it can be pulled into place.

Cons of vinyl

In addition to the undeniable advantages of a stretch ceiling, there are also disadvantages:

1. Today, many people who have started repairs are concerned about the question: how much does it cost to install a stretch ceiling? Unfortunately, this type of finish has a rather high cost, so not everyone can afford it.
2. For its installation, the use of special equipment is required, which makes independent fastening almost impossible.
3. It is not recommended to use powerful lighting. The maximum power of the bulbs should be from 40 to 60 watts.

In addition, with incorrect behavior with the tension web during installation, there is a high risk of damage. Fortunately, the vinyl is subject to restoration.

Installation features: which is faster

Stretch ceilings or drywall - which is better in terms of speed installation work? If we compare only the construction time of the ceiling, then the vinyl film is in the lead, since its installation is carried out within a few hours, while drywall requires several days of work.

However, there are other nuances of installation:

• drywall constructions leave behind quite a large number of dust and dirt;
• the installation of a stretch ceiling requires the efforts of two people, while one can handle drywall;
• stretching the film requires a heat gun and special skills, so most often the help of professional builders is required;
• when installing a vinyl ceiling, it is required to remove from the room all objects that may be affected by high temperatures.

Obviously, both materials have both advantages and disadvantages, so comparative review designed to help you make a choice.

Features of care

Ceilings from different materials require different care

• the tension structure rarely requires maintenance, dust does not accumulate on it, there are no stains. The web should be removed occasionally;
• if the film ceiling has lost its original luster, it is worth wiping it with a weak solution ammonia with water (1:9), which you can cook yourself;
• drywall is also an undemanding material. However, if the vinyl can be washed with soap, then drywall is afraid of moisture, so it only accepts dry cleaning.

Of the features of care, it can be distinguished that vinyl ceilings are suitable for the bathroom and kitchen, where there is always high humidity and the risk of leaving a stain. For the bedroom, living room, hall, you can build interesting designs from drywall.

Combined ceilings

If the owner of the home cannot decide which is better - stretch ceilings or drywall, then experienced builders can offer the option of creating combined ceilings from these two materials. Design solutions can look very original, be decorated with lighting or different colors.

However, such a design can be done independently if you have the equipment and skills, so in most cases people trust professionals. Unfortunately, the cost of the combined ceiling is also high, because you will have to pay not only for the materials, but also for the work of the craftsmen.

Fabric stretch ceilings

Suspended ceilings can be not only vinyl. Today, fabric stretch ceilings are gaining popularity, reviews of which are mostly positive.

For the manufacture of such structures, matter is used that is impregnated with a polyurethane solution to ensure strength and moisture resistance. Fabric ceilings, like vinyl, are durable and strong. Despite the fact that the design is made of fabric, special impregnation makes it fireproof.

The decorative properties of the material are also not inferior to vinyl and plasterboard ceilings. The fabric allows photo printing or artistic painting which will make the interior unique. The installation of fabric ceilings is carried out in the same way as vinyl ceilings, so here it will also not be possible to save money and do without specialists.

There are also disadvantages: when neighbors flood the fabric, after some time it will begin to let water through, so the owner of the dwelling has only 20 hours left for cold and 6 for hot water. This time is usually enough to talk with neighbors and call a team of craftsmen who will pump the water. Moreover, if fabric ceiling damage occurs, it is not subject to reconstruction, you will have to completely change the canvas. Reviews of fabric stretch ceilings note these nuances.

Conclusion

What is better - stretch ceilings or drywall - to decide, of course, the owner of the home. In this case, it is worth considering material possibilities, ceiling requirements and design intent. Popularity does not lose a compromise solution - combined ceilings, which make it possible to combine two materials. A comparison of a plasterboard ceiling and a stretch ceiling only highlights the advantages and disadvantages of the two finishing materials.

Everything is relative, right? This explains why people are starting to compare drywall or stretch ceilings, because each type has its own significant advantages. It is not easy to choose a champion and an outsider, but we will try to do it in this article. Consider the features of each material, its pros and cons.

Those who have already managed to try out the stretch ceiling and drywall know that the latter is composite material. It consists of two main "ingredients" - cardboard and gypsum. Usage modern technologies helped to unite them and make one whole.

Initially, drywall was used to create small partitions. He allowed to change the space beyond recognition. Later designers noticed that the use of material for finishing works significantly reduces repair time.

Modern drywall sheets are an opportunity to finish the ceiling in the shortest possible time to get a real work of art. The surface is smooth and even, you can create the most complex structures, visually highlight specific areas of the room.

It would seem that everything is so tempting and good, do you agree? Before deciding what drywall is better or stretch ceilings, we list the obvious advantages, disadvantages of the material.

Advantages

• The suspended installation method will help to hide almost any flaws in the ceiling tiles.
• without resorting to the help of specialists. This means you save money.
• The ability to hide pipes and wires, mount a spot type of lighting.
• Plasticity is another plus in the treasury of gypsum boards. Thanks to this property, designers can realize the most daring ideas.
• Solving a variety of tasks - from visually raising the ceiling to expanding the room.
• Returning to the issue of environmental friendliness, we note that the material does not burn, does not emit pungent odors. Hence, it can be used in living areas, bedrooms and even children's rooms.

disadvantages

Despite its versatility, drywall also has certain disadvantages:

• Poor moisture resistance. If the neighbors from above flood plasterboard ceilings and stretch ceilings, the first option will swell and lose shape. Only complete dismantling and installation of a new coating will help solve the problem.
• Complex multi-level structures greatly “eat up” the height - up to 20 centimeters. This factor can be critical if you have small apartment with a low ceiling.
• And it is undesirable to mount a plasterboard ceiling in new buildings. The first time the apartment put into operation will shrink, and this is fraught with cracks.
• Over time, such a ceiling coating loses its whiteness, becomes covered with cracks. Although if you tint it and properly care for it, a good GKL will last a few more years.

Keeping up with the times - stretch option

Advantages

To decide which ceiling is better than drywall or stretch, consider the features of the second type.

By tradition, we start with the pros:

1. Huge decorating possibilities. The canvas is able to imitate fabric and wood, marble and gloss, even leather. Impressive with its decoration and color palette. Moreover, digital printing technology allows you to apply any image to the material. Standard ceilings made of foam boards or plasterboard do not have this possibility.
2. . If the installation is done correctly, you can save any room from an unexpected flood. Alas, gypsum boards are not able to withstand such a load.
3. Elemental care. Do you think stretch or plasterboard ceilings are treated with special dirt and dust-repellent impregnations? GKL cannot be treated with impregnations, and it cannot be washed with a wet cloth.
4. Many manufacturers give a guarantee that their material will serve you faithfully for 25 years. During this time, the canvas will not fade in the sun, will not fade, attractive appearance also will not be lost. Drywall can last 10-15 years. Which ceilings are better if durability comes first for you? The answer is obvious.

disadvantages

Naturally, everything is not as rosy and radiant as we would like. And such structures have their "dark" sides.

1. Among all the types of finishes, this is considered the most expensive.
2. Problematic installation. The cost also increases because it is very problematic to install a stretch fabric on your own. For this you need to have special equipment.
3. Low strength. It is in strength that the “stretch” is significantly inferior to drywall boards. That is why its installation is not recommended in the kitchen and in the children's room.
4. Due to the characteristics of the material, the power of conventional incandescent bulbs should be no more than 60 watts, and halogen - 35 watts.

Conclusions on the topic

It's time to take stock and understand what is better stretch ceiling or drywall. It can be concluded that each of the listed materials has significant advantages, but is not without drawbacks. The final choice will depend on the room in which you are going to use one or another type of finish.

For those who are interested in an environmentally friendly coating, good sound and thermal insulation characteristics, optimal microclimate, gypsum boards can be advised. The design will turn out to be strong and reliable, perfectly even. You are unlikely to find at least one seam, a pothole, any other defect on it.

Do you want to renovate a new building? In this case, the use of GKL is contraindicated. It is better to give preference to a tension vault.

It is also chosen by those who put not practicality in the first place, but originality, applies creativity when decorating a room. Thus, avid craftsmen often choose the first option, while the stretch fabric remains the prerogative of those who want an unusual ceiling and are willing to pay a higher price for it.

October 23, 2016
Specialization: master of internal and outdoor decoration(plaster, putty, tile, drywall, lining, laminate and so on). In addition, plumbing, heating, electrical, conventional cladding and balcony extensions. That is, repairs in an apartment or house were done on a turnkey basis with all the necessary types of work.

Asking what is better - a stretch ceiling or drywall, is like thinking about what is better - apples or pears. Firstly, each person has his own tastes, and, secondly, each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

I propose to understand the situation together, as well as evaluate the capabilities of each of the materials.

Material characteristics

GKL stands for Gypsum Cardboard Sheet, and PVC is Polyvinyl Chloride.

Drywall

Abbreviation	View	General characteristics	Where applicable	Surface color	Marking color
GKL	Usual	No special properties	For rooms with normal humidity conditions	Gray	Blue
GKLV	moisture resistant	Covered with impregnated cardboard, has antifungal and hydrophobic additives in the core material	For rooms with normal and high humidity conditions	Green	Blue
GKLO	fire retardant	Has special reinforcing additives in the core material	Near heaters and open flames	Gray	Red
GKLVO	Moisture resistant and flame retardant	Combination of GKLV and GKLO properties	The combination of the use of GKLV and GKLO	Green	Blue

Table of types, features and applications of drywall

GKL in the context: 1 - gypsum filler, 2 - cardboard

Let's determine what is used on the ceiling, and what is on plasterboard walls. In the table, I have identified four brands of drywall that can be applied anywhere, but with some reservations:

• gypsum plasterboard (gypsum plasterboard), used for leveling walls and erecting partitions, has 12.5 mm, but sheets of 6.5 mm and 8.0 mm are used for the ceiling. Since ceiling products are much lighter, they also cause less trouble in work, and their price is less;
• in some cases, for example, when ceilings are trimmed ceramic tiles, GKLV (Moisture resistant) is used. Be warned, this is not always necessary;
• but GKLO (Fire-resistant) is used in cases where there is a danger of open fire. This does not mean that it can be used for firefighting purposes - it just does not ignite from a flame for some time;
• for ceiling mounting, the instruction recommends using galvanized profiles CD and UD, CW and UW. The second pair is needed when a plasterboard ceiling is made under a stretch ceiling.

Types of stretch ceilings

Stretch ceiling with drywall around the perimeter - printer printing

In this section, we will focus on PVC tension structures, one of which you can see in the photo above. The stretch fabric, by the way, can be fabric. However, they have not been used much in recent years.

There are probably two reasons for this:

• firstly, if we talk about which ceiling is cheaper, then it is definitely PVC;
• secondly, the fabric collects dust.

PVC, in turn, is also different - the canvas can be matte, glossy or satin. Also on the PVC stretch ceiling it is possible to create drawings and patterns using printer printing.

The main advantage of PVC paintings is their beauty - in combination with lighting fixtures, you can create a marvelous composition. And in most cases, the stretch ceiling is fastened to drywall.

Such a tandem is extremely convenient both in a technical and decorative sense, especially since lighting fixtures that give enough light are best placed in a plaster structure. But the lamps are also installed in PVC. At the same time, they should be low-power - overheating of the canvas leads to its stretching.

Manufacturers of stretch ceilings give a guarantee of 10 years from the date of installation. In fact, this figure can be 4-5 times higher if you use them correctly.

Please note that it is cheaper to mount GKL than PVC sheets. However, if we add to consumables putty, then the cost of work will approximately equalize.

Tandem PVC and GKL

Note. I am obliged to warn you, if you have never done such work, then it is still advisable to use the services of experienced people. The cost of materials is rather big, and in order to avoid damage to them, it is better to do just that.

Some people ask if it is possible to attach PVC to GKL - I can say with full responsibility that this even needs to be done! The fact is that:

1. firstly, this way you can create different configurations;
2. secondly, it will be possible to install the main one on a plasterboard structure;
3. thirdly, the ceiling will turn out to be two-level;
4. Fourth, you will get more beautiful decoration for a lower cost.

In the top photo you can see a frame fragment with a circle in the middle, and it is in this central part that the stretch fabric will be mounted. The baguette for fastening will be fixed through the plasterboard to the galvanized profile, which will ensure its resistance to loads.

For the figure, you will need UD or UW profiles (you can also use CD or CW, but this will be more difficult). It is necessary to make cuts on the side shelves with your own hands at the same distance.

If you bend the profile inside the shelves, then it is best to cut out triangles so that the petals do not overlap - it will be more convenient to mount the cut profile on the frame.

To bend drywall, some craftsmen soak it, covering it with wet rags overnight and rolling the future convex surface with a needle roller (the needles pierce the paper and moisture passes inside the sheet). This method has the right to exist, but I am an ardent opponent of it. Let me explain:

1. This kind of work takes a lot of time.
2. A sharp bend may cause the sheet to break.

There is another method - to make cuts on the future convex side at the same distance. So you can make almost any bend, and the cuts are sealed with putty.

Before starting the installation of a stretch ceiling, drywall should be puttied, since it will be very difficult to do this later.

How is the stretch ceiling attached to the plasterboard or wall? For this, there are special baguettes, which are aluminum or plastic: for the second option it is better.

One of these profiles is called a wedge - you can see its image above. Here the film is inserted into the bracket and wedged, after which everything is covered with a decorative plinth.

More simple cam method: there are two cams on the baguette - movable and fixed. The edge of the web folded in half is pushed between them and, when pulled, the inner part of the second cam is unclenched, strengthening the fixation.

But this method has one drawback - you will not be able to fix the canvas with a length of more than 20m2, since the compression force will not be enough and the ceiling will sag.

And finally, the most convenient, although the most expensive method is fastening with a harpoon soldered along the edge of the PVC. The higher price is not the only problem, you will have to wait at least a month for installation.

To install a stretch ceiling, baguettes are first screwed on, and then the canvas is stretched, fixing it with special clothespins. If there is no harpoon, then especially exact dimensions no one adheres - after installation, the excess can be cut off, usually it is only a few centimeters.

The suspended canvas is heated with a heat gun, which can operate either from gas or from electricity. At the same time, the temperature in the room rises to 80 ° C, therefore it is advisable to remove all vegetation and objects from there that can deteriorate under the influence of high temperatures.

When heated, the canvas expands and sags. It can be easily pulled to opposite baguettes, where it is filled with a special or ordinary spatula. After cooling, PVC shrinks, forming a tension (hence, in fact, the name) and you get the result you need.

Conclusion

I outlined the basic principles of mounting stretch fabrics, announced the characteristics of the GKL, you also had the opportunity to study the nuances of these materials. Deciding which is better - drywall or tensile structure, or maybe a combination of them - is up to you.

If you have any questions, watch the video in this article. You can leave comments and discuss the nuances of the topic below.

October 23, 2016

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, ask the author something - add a comment or say thanks!

To understand which ceiling is better than stretch or plasterboard, it is worth conducting a detailed comparative analysis main characteristics of products. Both options are in demand among consumers, meet the requirements for practicality and durability. Both tension and drywall constructions capable of becoming a part modern design, are not inferior to each other in the level of sound insulation.

Comparison of the complexity of ceiling installation

The algorithm of actions and the number of installation steps in the case of drywall and stretch fabrics are different. Plasterboard structures are mounted in the following order:

• material delivery;
• frame assembly;
• sheet installation;
• sealing and grinding seams;
• painting;
• installation of baguettes.

To install a stretch ceiling, you will need to go through the following steps:

• delivery of material and equipment;
• baguette installation;
• canvas stretch;
• installation of decorative inserts.

It can be noted that the tension structure is easier and faster to mount. But only professionals can do the work, using a special gun, while a plasterboard ceiling can be installed by hand.

How is the environment and safety?

The environmental friendliness of finishing materials today is given Special attention. Everyone dreams of a safe ceiling for home, office, workshop. Comparing different design options, you can answer the question: stretch ceilings or drywall, which is better in terms of environmental friendliness?

So, the main stretch ceiling is polyvinyl chloride. This is an artificial material - an airtight film, which means good level ventilation in the room. Plastic windows they do not contribute to maintaining an acceptable level, therefore, choosing such designs, it will be necessary to consider the possibility of installing additional system ventilation.

PVC films are waterproof, which means that in rooms with high humidity will not cause the formation of fungus and mold. In addition, high-quality coatings do not emit harmful compounds during operation.

Plasterboard structures are made of natural gypsum, so their level of breathability is an order of magnitude higher. The material is non-flammable, does not emit harmful toxins. Compared to stretch ceilings, drywall is several steps ahead in terms of environmental friendliness and safety.

How long does it take to install structures?

Naturally, the speed of implementation ceiling coverings plays a role, especially when repair or construction works have certain deadlines endings. For the arrangement of drywall and stretch ceilings, a different amount of time will be required.

In the first case, it is from 4 to 6 days, in the second - a few hours, subject to involvement experienced craftsmen and equipment.

It is better to mount drywall constructions faster and more conveniently in a team. Stretch ceilings can only be installed by specialists.

Tests by fire and temperatures - which are stronger?

By this criterion, it is difficult to say which stretch or plasterboard ceiling is better. Both designs are flame retardant. In conditions of open fire, they will lose their shape, but remain intact.

But with regard to temperatures, the PVC film reacts subtly to cold. Even zero degrees Celsius will be enough to lose a number of qualities of the material, ranging from elasticity to reliability. At low temperatures the film simply becomes unusable, so it is not permissible to use PVC ceilings in unheated outdoor spaces.

Plasterboard canvases can easily withstand temperature changes without changing their quality characteristics and appearance.

About design, texture and form - which ceiling is better?

Stretch and drywall canvases are easy to "beat" in such a way that the designs become more interesting and unusual. Drywall sheets, for example, can be coated water-based paint experimenting with colors and transitions.

In the case of PVC film, the possibilities are even brighter. Using special devices and technologies, manufacturers produce a huge the lineup products different colors, shades, factor, including with photographs on canvases on order. The surface of such a ceiling can be:

• glossy;
• matte;
• semi-gloss;
• velvet;
• leather, etc.

Thus, it turns out that despite the possibility of excrement in both cases, PVC film stretch ceilings are more advantageous due to a wide variety of design solutions.

Cloths in operation - in which case is it easier?

During operation, drywall constructions require minimal maintenance. On average, products last about 10 years.

Plasterboard ceilings most often have problems with seams, on which the putty becomes unusable. The solution in such cases would be a small redecorating with painting of closed places.

If a room with plasterboard ceilings is flooded by neighbors from above, faulty thermal systems or a leaky roof, you can’t do without replacing damaged sheets.

Both fabric and "film" stretch ceilings need the most simple care. To keep them in good condition, it will be enough from time to time to carry out wet cleaning without use chemicals in the case of PVC film and dry vacuuming in the case of fabric samples.

Especially worth noting what stretch ceilings are good for is the ability to withstand hundreds of liters of water in the event of a flood. Acting as a giant umbrella, the ceilings will not allow damage to property and will retain their original appearance after the water is drained and dried.

About loss of height and connecting seams

Both plasterboard and stretch ceilings “steal” space. That's just the first option will reduce the height of the ceiling by at least 10 cm, and in some cases more, and the tension one - from 3 to 5 cm.

Connecting seams are an integral element of both types of structures. gaps between drywall sheets easy to disguise with high-quality putty and paint. In the case of stretch ceilings, a variant with seamless canvases is possible.

Built-in lighting devices - on whose side is the advantage?

Disguising wiring, lamps, sconces and fixtures under a stretch ceiling is as easy as shelling pears. The design opens up new possibilities for use different options lighting equipment from point to multi-level.

The canvas perfectly masks the wires inside the frame, guarantees the possibility of dismantling or replacing equipment without problems if necessary.

Suspended plasterboard ceiling in this regard is not as flexible and functional. It will not be easy to get to the elements of lighting equipment if necessary, therefore, at the installation stage, it will be necessary to think over the device of hidden hatches.

Which ceiling is more profitable - about the price

An important question: what is cheaper than a stretch ceiling or drywall and what does the price consist of? Analyzing the cost of structures, you need to take into account everything from the price of the paintings to the payment for the work of the masters.

There is no unambiguous answer to the question about the price, since a lot depends on the cost of materials, the design of the structure, and the level of the installer. It is permissible to mount drywall sheets with your own hands, choosing tension structures - it makes sense to think about saving on the complexity of the design and type of material.

An interesting option for those who could not make a choice is a combination of canvases. A design of this kind will come out original and practical.

The process of whitewashing the ceilings, which is familiar to the older generation, is likely to completely give way very soon. the latest technologies, and young people, starting repairs and considering design details, will only be surprised that their grandparents did not even wonder which ceilings are better - stretch or plasterboard.

Modern construction market provides the widest selection materials for interior decoration, allowing to realize the most daring design projects with ease and speed.

Stretch and plasterboard ceilings are almost equally popular. Polyvinyl chloride film stretch ceiling and drywall - sufficiently strong and durable materials.

Both materials are good sound insulators and are not inferior to each other in the ability to create beautiful non-standard compositions. And the choice of which material is suitable for a given room often depends only on the color and complexity of installation.

Before deciding which is better - stretch or plasterboard ceilings, for a particular room, you should familiarize yourself with each of the "candidates" for the role of the final, "sublime" touch of the undertaking repair.

About installation

Whether to mount stretch ceilings or whether it is better to choose drywall - the choice largely depends on the acceptability of the installation process.

The sequence of preparation and installation of drywall is as follows:

• shipping total required material to the place of repair;
• metal assembly;
• installation of drywall sheets;
• sealing seams;
• surface priming;
• painting;
• gluing the ceiling plinth.

Since a lot of debris and dust is inevitably generated when working with drywall, it is best to first free the room from all furniture.

Plasterboard and stretch ceilings differ with their device in the number of operations performed.

The assembly of the stretch ceiling consists of a smaller number of operations:

• delivery of material and equipment;
• installation of a baguette around the entire perimeter of the ceiling;
• installation of PVC sheets;
• the device of decorative inserts between the canvas and the baguette.

When working with stretch PVC film, there is no need to take out all the furniture. It is enough to organize a convenient approach to the perimeter of the ceiling: remove the mezzanines and move cabinets away from the walls.

The duration and complexity of the implementation of ceilings of each type

Features of the ceilings in this section are as follows:

• Having decided on the type of new ceiling, now is the time to think about how the project will be implemented..
  If we compare the ceilings - plasterboard and stretch, then with our own hands, without involving a team of specialists, it is quite possible to assemble a ceiling from plasterboard plates.
  Of course, in this case, you will need an assistant, since the plates are quite heavy. However, if you have the ability to hold the tool in your hands and at least a minimal knowledge of how to mark the ceiling for the frame device, to which the plates will subsequently be attached, you can get an excellent result, saving a decent amount and without losing quality.
• The stretch ceiling alone and without a special heat gun cannot be mounted. The method of stretching the cloth is quite specific and consists in the fact that the cloth is heated to the temperature adopted by the technology, after which it is carefully closed into a baguette and fixed.
  Cooling down, the film stretches, the ceiling is very even.

About shape, color and texture

So that the ceiling does not seem boring, modern stretch and plasterboard ceilings can be interestingly “beaten”.

Properly selected paint (usually water-based) for drywall will allow you to create a ceiling that is ideal for one or another concept proposed by the designer, or to advantageously emphasize the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe style of room design chosen by yourself.

The possibilities of stretch ceiling film are even more impressive. There are technologies and special devices that can give a polymer film not only some specific color and tint, but also transfer to her beautiful picture or favorite photo.

In addition, with the help of a film, the ceiling can be made matte or glossy, which will bring a certain zest to the interior.

In principle, a stretch ceiling, as well as drywall, can help move away from the usual flat surface. More and more designers are experimenting with forms, sometimes arranging various multi-level structures on the ceiling.

Features of care and operation

Let's try to compare which of the options is more convenient to maintain and durable:

• Ceilings, both plasterboard and stretch, require attention no less than the walls and floor of the room. The period during which the material can serve without the need for major or cosmetic repairs will largely depend on how we treat the material.
• Plasterboard ceiling able to do without repair up to 10 years. A cause for concern may be the need to restore the putty that has dried out over time in the seams between the plates.
  Then it should simply be replaced with a fresh one and again. In case of flooding from above, damaged slabs can be partially dismantled and replaced with new ones.

• The service life of stretch ceilings often exceeds 15 years declared by manufacturers and can be, according to experts, 50 years. Polymer ceilings are not only easy to maintain, they are also additional protection against water “gifts” from neighbors from above.
  1 square meter polymer ceiling film is able to withstand the weight of 100 liters of water. The film does not tear, but only sags.
  A team of specialists will help eliminate the "flood": the water is carefully drained through a small hole, the film is dried, and then stretched again, returning the ceiling to its former evenness and beauty.

About seams

It should be remembered that both drywall and stretch ceiling can sometimes not be mounted completely without seams. Plasterboard ceiling, by definition, consists of separate plates, the gaps between which are easy to hide by high-quality puttying them and covering them with several layers of paint. The result is a perfectly flat surface.

The use of a seamless stretch ceiling is quite realistic. Some manufacturers produce a plastic film wide enough to cover the ceiling in small spaces without using multiple pieces.

If it becomes necessary to use several canvases for mounting the ceiling in a large room, it is better to take a matte film, since the seams will be much more noticeable on a glossy surface.

About price

When choosing a plasterboard or stretch ceiling, and comparing the cost of their installation, you need to take into account everything: the price of materials, the work of specialists, the time spent.

You can, for example, save a lot on some stages of the installation of gypsum boards by applying for paid services only when carrying out the most labor-intensive work and doing the finishing work yourself.

Therefore, there is no clear answer here. It can only be noted that with, the total cost of materials will be lower than when paying for materials and the work of hired specialists for a stretch ceiling.

Deciding which is better - drywall or stretch ceilings, should be based on a comprehensive analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of materials, the project being implemented and financial capabilities. Usually, avid home craftsmen choose the option with drywall, while stretch ceilings are the prerogative of those who know little about repair work, but wants to get a beautiful ceiling for a reasonable price.

The final choice is, of course, yours to make.