Stretch ceiling which is better to choose a rating. How to choose the right stretch ceiling - we decide together

High-quality stretch ceiling looks aesthetically pleasing and luxurious. It is endowed with many advantages, including durability, practicality and color fastness. However, not all canvases have advantages, but only the highest quality ones. How to choose the right stretch ceiling of good quality is a rather relevant question, as it confronts every buyer who wants to install a reliable structure.

Properties and features of stretch ceilings

Let's figure out what stretch ceilings are and what they are characterized by. The design is a canvas stretched over a pre-installed frame. The material for manufacturing is fabric or polyvinyl chloride (vinyl film), depending on which the fabric type of the ceiling and PVC are distinguished.

When completed, the ceiling is characterized by a perfectly flat, neat surface. At the same time, the manufacturer can offer both a standard design option (single-level system) and an unusual one (several levels).

The shape is different - arched, cone-shaped, dome-shaped, wavy, etc. The texture and color are also the most unexpected.

Stretch ceilings have many advantages:

• Durability. Guaranteed service life of at least 10 years.
• Ease and speed of installation. A qualified team of two people can handle the installation in a few hours. A feature of installing a PVC ceiling is the need for heating. The fabric does not require heating.
• The ability to change the image of the room in a matter of hours. The main criterion for choosing - all components of the interior must be in harmony.
• Under the canvas, you can hide electrical wiring and other communications.

One of the simplest and fastest ways to design ceilings in apartments and private houses is to install a stretch ceiling. They make it not only using PVC film, there are also fabric options for finishing the ceiling surface.

To radically change the appearance of a gray concrete surface, you should contact one of the companies that manufacture such ceiling structures. In order for the coating to last for a long time, you need to know how to choose the right stretch ceiling.

The history of the appearance of stretch ceilings

It is generally accepted that for the first time such structures appeared in France in the 60s of the 20th century, and they were brought to the territory of Russia only at the end of the same century. At first, the canvases were made from PVC film, since the material was proposed by one of the employees of the French company Barrisol.

The film used to be used for window dressing, stretching between two aluminum profiles. And then they began to use it in the development of design for ceilings as a material for a stretch ceiling.

In fact, the first such coatings were known much earlier - in ancient Rome, although there are sources claiming that even in ancient Egypt, ceiling surfaces were covered with draped fabric made of silk or linen. In Armenia, chalk-impregnated cloth was used to finish the ceilings.

If at first tension structures were mainly equipped in offices, now they are often used for the design of living rooms and much less often for utility rooms. The popularity of these ceiling coverings is explained by the fact that they have special characteristics and advantages compared to standard and long-used finishing methods.

The main advantages of stretch ceilings:

• the ability to make the imperfections on the ceiling imperceptible;
• before proceeding with the installation of the structure, there is no need for careful preparation of the rough base;
• quick installation of even a multi-level system, which takes no more than 2-6 hours;
• polyvinyl chloride canvases are able to withstand a flood caused by the fault of neighbors living above, since they can withstand a large amount of water;
• long period of operation - there is evidence that they retain their original qualities for several decades;
• simple care;
• the structure can be installed when other types of repair work have already been completed in the room.

You need to know how to choose a high-quality stretch ceiling, because, depending on the type of material used, they are:

• fabric seamless;
• from PVC film.

In addition, antibacterial ceiling coverings are on sale, the material for which is impregnated with special compounds containing antiseptics. Such canvases are excellently resistant to ultraviolet radiation. They are installed in medical institutions.

Fabric stretch ceilings

Materials for this type of stretch ceiling are made of polyester thread. Not very dense fabric from it has a knitted weave, it is a bit like a grid with microscopic cells. Ceiling coverings made of this material were called "breathable", as they allow air to pass through and thereby help to provide a comfortable microclimate in the room.

The finished canvas is impregnated on both sides with a polyurethane mixture. Then squeezed and dried. The fabric is usually produced in rolls about 5 meters wide. This parameter is greater than that of a PVC film. Due to this width, fabric ceiling structures often lack seams and are therefore called "seamless".

It is not difficult to carve out a panel for the ceiling of a room with a complex layout. Stretch fabric ceilings can be both white and colored. It is also possible to apply the image to the fabric using the photo printing method.

Seamless fabric coatings have a number of advantages:

• increased strength;
• antistatic;
• ease of care - the canvas can be vacuumed and washed;
• soundproofing;
• frost resistance;
• the possibility of applying acrylic paints;
• installation at room temperature.

The main disadvantage of this method of designing the floor is its high cost. The cost of film ceilings will be much lower. But a large number of pluses allows you to consider the installation of a fabric ceiling.

PVC material

Of the entire list of materials that are used for stretch ceilings, it is the vinyl film that in most cases is preferred by consumers. It is produced on special equipment.

Despite the fact that the width of the rolls does not exceed three meters, the PVC ceiling can also be mounted in a wide room. Using an HDTV machine, a wide web is obtained by connecting two narrow strips of material. In this case, the seam is almost invisible.

The advantages of PVC ceilings are as follows:

• water resistance and the ability to withstand significant volumes of water;
• affordable price with constant quality;
• simple and easy maintenance.

In addition to the advantages, there are also disadvantages:

• instability to negative air temperature, but this is related to outdoor premises, for example, to loggias, balconies;
• the surface of the canvas can be easily damaged by any sharp object;
• there is a risk of ordering a PVC ceiling from a supplier selling low-quality products.

The PVC canvas can be of any color, and if desired, photo printing is applied to it. They produce a film with different types of textures - glossy, matte, satin.

The surface of the glossy PVC ceiling, as in a mirror, reflects all the objects and things located under it. This property visually increases the space of the room. Glossy coating is made in various color variations. Its main disadvantage is the presence of a more visible seam when connecting two strips of film.

The matte canvas is ideal for different styles of rooms, as it is a classic solution. It does not attract attention because it does not glare.

The satin ceiling feels very smooth to the touch, but looks like a matte material. It may slightly reflect light, resulting in a dazzling white appearance with a slight pearly tint.

At present, multi-colored multi-tiered tension structures are becoming in demand, which are made by soldering several pieces of film of different colors, usually their number does not exceed three types.

Designers also use the method of combining matte and glossy textures. Thus, an interesting effect is achieved: a matte canvas emphasizes the main level of the ceiling, while at this time the gloss increases and deepens the space, and as a result a new, original level of the ceiling surface is created.

Material selection

What material the stretch ceiling is made of affects the overall appearance of the room. It is necessary to choose the type of ceiling covering, its color, texture, taking into account the requirements that apply to the room where the structure is planned to be installed. In addition, property owners need to take into account their financial capabilities and wishes for the interior of the premises.

Before choosing a fabric stretch ceiling, you should remember that it is more expensive than a film coating. The fact is that these two materials have different maximum width and production costs, they also have different quality.

Although expensive, the obvious advantage of a fabric ceiling is that it is better to install it in a children's room or bedroom, since it has the ability to pass air. But at the same time, in rooms with high air humidity - bathrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, swimming pools - such material should not be used, since it does not tolerate moisture, quickly gets dirty, and absorbs odors. Stains that appear on the fabric are poorly washed.

But the fabric canvas is frost-resistant and is the only option when it is decided which material the stretch ceiling is best for a balcony or loggia. For this reason, in suburban households where there is no permanent heating, ceiling structures using PVC films are not installed.

The classic options include a white matte ceiling, since it is not able to spoil the overall impression of any room, regardless of the style of its design. To such a coating, you can easily pick up furnishings and wallpaper on the walls.

The matte canvas is not striking, but it emphasizes and makes more expressive the interior items in the room. It is ideal for the following styles: classical, Greek, country, renaissance and others.

Vinyl film ceiling is best used for bathroom and kitchen, but it will also be a good choice for living room and hallway. Since it does not tend to collect dirt and dust, it should be cleaned infrequently, and it washes without problems.

If there are difficulties when deciding how to choose high-quality stretch ceilings, then you can use the advice of professionals. In their opinion, in the bedroom it is better to use a delicate matte canvas that does not irritate the eye, and in the living room a glossy PVC film would be ideal, which, due to reflection, will make the space in the room visually larger. Gloss will be an excellent solution when decorating the ceiling surface in a room in the style of pop art or hi-tech.

In turn, the satin ceiling coating occupies a middle position between a juicy glossy and a rather modest matte canvas. Delicate mother-of-pearl combined with a slight sheen looks great in any interior. It matches perfectly with silk wallpaper on the walls.

Many property owners are interested in what material the stretch ceiling called "Starry Sky" is made of, since this design is very popular. It can be made not only from PVC film, but also from fabric. To create the effect of the glow of stars in the night sky, a lighting system is installed above the canvas, partly consisting of optical fiber.

For "Starry Sky", according to experts, it is desirable to use a fabric surface, since during the installation of the lighting system it will not be necessary to pierce it, which will preserve the properties of this material. Another advantage of acquiring such a canvas is the absence of points that will be visible at the puncture sites.

In the daytime, such a ceiling covering seems perfectly even, and at night, with the touch of a button, you can turn it into the expanses of the universe. If there is a desire to change the placement of stars with a fabric panel, this will not be difficult. The ceiling covering is removed, the location of the optical fiber is changed, and then it is returned to its original place.

In the case when the starry ceiling is assembled from PVC film and punctures are made, then the pattern of the starry sky can only be changed if the ceiling sheet is completely replaced.

Manufacturer's choice

In many ways, the properties of the material for the tension structure depend on the technology of its manufacture and the quality of the raw materials used. These nuances affect the cost of products. Cloths from different manufacturers vary greatly in their quality characteristics.

This is evidenced by a brief description of the paintings produced in different countries:

1. France. Modern ceiling coverings from French manufacturers are considered to be the standard, which is understandable, since this is the country in which they first appeared. When making French stretch ceiling, they use a dense, with a beautiful sheen, durable fabric, which has only one serious drawback - high cost.
2. Germany. German materials for ceiling coverings are of high quality, although they are slightly cheaper than French counterparts. Canvases from Germany are known for their rich variety of colors.
3. Italy. In this country, materials for stretch ceilings were invented, which practically do not need maintenance, while all their positive qualities remain unchanged.
4. Russia. Enterprises produce economy-class ceiling coverings. This product looks great. If you do not know that it is produced in a Russian factory, it cannot be distinguished from European products. Such a canvas serves much less compared to Italian or German materials.
5. China. It is more difficult to deal with products from this country. Among Chinese paintings, there are both high-quality copies, and those whose purchase is better to refuse. You can distinguish bad material from good by smell - high-quality products cease to emit a specific smell 1-3 days after installation is completed.

There are several rules on how to choose the right stretch ceilings:

1. Sellers of canvases must have certificates that confirm their environmental safety.
2. The width of the roll must be taken into account, since a number of European manufacturers do not have wide options.
3. When a glossy film is preferred when buying, you need to look at its brilliance, since high-quality material has good specularity.
4. Some types of products have a manufacturer's logo on the border.

Before choosing stretch ceilings, you need to remember that not only the beauty of housing, but also the health of family members depends on the right decision.

Stretch ceiling installation technology

The work on the installation of a stretch ceiling coating requires a careful and unhurried approach, since the canvas can be easily damaged or spoiled. If you are not confident in your own abilities, it is better to use the services of masters.

Who, nevertheless, decided to independently install the ceiling structure, can use a brief instruction:

1. Furniture and objects are removed from the premises.
2. Walls are marked in the corners of the room and a line is drawn along its perimeter using a level. Between the overlap of the ceiling and the canvas leave room for the installation of lighting fixtures and laying communications.
3. Dowels fasten the profile with an interval of no more than 8 centimeters according to the markings.
4. Turn on the heat gun and warm the room up to at least 40 degrees. The fabric ceiling is installed without heating.
5. Proceed to the installation of the canvas. First, with the help of "crocodiles" - special fasteners, one corner of the panel is fixed, which is considered the base one, usually there is a special mark on it. The next corner is located diagonally from the already mounted section. The film is heated and all corners are fixed.
6. Then, using a special spatula, all the material is inserted into the baguette along the walls.
7. Cut out holes for lights.
8. A masking tape is installed in the gap between the ceiling and the wall.

This completes the installation.

The question of which ceilings are best done in an apartment arises both among the owners of comfortable private houses and among the owners of urban housing who have decided to start landscaping their possessions. When choosing a material for such a finish, it is imperative to take into account the characteristics of each of the premises.

For example, the bathroom has a specific humid microclimate. And in order for the ceiling decoration in this room not to become completely unusable after a couple of years, it must have the appropriate characteristics. The kitchen also has its own characteristics, and not every facing material is suitable for it, since the ceiling will require regular maintenance. For ceilings in residential areas, the most important quality is the environmental cleanliness of the finish, of course, along with decorative appeal.

If not so long ago the most widespread Since the types of ceiling finishes were whitewashing or painting with oil paint, today a very wide selection of various materials is presented in hardware stores. And many of them are quite suitable for use both in wet rooms and in living rooms with a normal microclimate.

Criteria for choosing materials for apartment ceilings

So, the materials that can be used to decorate the ceilings of the apartment rooms must meet certain requirements. Only by taking into account these features, you can get a high-quality, durable ceiling that fully corresponds to a particular room.

Speaking, for example, about a bathroom, the impact on the ceiling surface of constant wet fumes is taken into account, and the likelihood of direct contact with water drops is not forgotten. In addition, a certain risk cannot be excluded that your bathroom may be flooded by neighbors living on the floor above. Another feature of this room is the often alternating temperature changes, which also adversely affect many finishing materials.

Finishing the kitchen ceiling must be resistant not only to moisture, but also to vapors containing grease and oils, as well as to elevated temperatures.

Other rooms may have their own characteristics.

It is best to immediately try to formulate some of the requirements that ceilings in the premises of the apartment should have.

• Moisture resistance - this quality is necessary for the bathroom and kitchen. The ceiling finish should not be saturated with moisture, withstand the effects of hot steam, without getting wet or deformed.
• The material must comply with sanitary and hygienic standards, that is, not be a breeding ground for various bacteria, mold, fungus. Finishing should not release toxic substances into the surrounding air. The ceiling must not become a source of dust distribution. This rule must be observed in any premises of an apartment or residential building.
• The durability of the finish, that is, the material should not age quickly, undergo chemical or biological decomposition, destructuring, corrosion. This quality is important for all types of ceilings, but it is of particular importance in rooms with a specific microclimate - in the bathroom or kitchen.
• The surface of the material should lend itself to light wet or dry cleaning in residential areas and regular washing with household chemicals in the bathroom and kitchen.
• Some ceiling finish materials have the ability to contain leaks or the ability to quickly dismantle in emergency situations. These qualities are especially useful for ceiling decoration of bathrooms and kitchens. However, they will also be useful for other rooms, since, unfortunately, pipe breaks can also occur in the heating system. And such emergencies can spoil any repair.
• aesthetic qualities. Finishing should have a neat and attractive appearance and be in harmony with the wall decoration. These qualities are considered by many apartment owners to be the main ones. It should be noted that they really are of great importance, since the appearance of the entire design of the room depends on them. Big, but not always decisive ...

In order to be able to decide on the choice of material for finishing the ceilings in the rooms of the apartment, it makes sense to consider the characteristics of the most popular modern materials used for this purpose.

The main types of ceilings

Varieties of ceilings can be divided according to their basic design and the material used for their manufacture and decoration. So, ceilings can be suspended and stretched, glued or painted with different materials.

• For stretch ceilings, plastic material is used in the form of large canvases. Its installation is carried out using special equipment.
• Suspended ceilings are a metal or wooden structure - a frame on which various materials are fixed or laid - it can be plastic, metal or wooden lining, polymer panels, artificial glass, chipboard, drywall and other materials.

Suspended ceilings can be single-level or multi-level. In addition, ceiling surfaces with several levels can be combined with tensile structures.

• For gluing the surface of a flat ceiling, wallpaper, polystyrene foam tiles, fabrics, natural original coatings, such as cork, are used.

Today, the most popular in design developments can be called plasterboard ceilings, including multi-tiered ceilings with original lighting, and stretch surfaces. Both the first and second options are very difficult to mount on their own, without special skills and special equipment.

For bathrooms, the most popular finish is plastic panels and stretch fabrics.

Ceiling height in the apartment

To choose a material for finishing the ceiling in any of the rooms, you need to calculate its height, and take into account the fact that some designs involve a significant reduction in it. Therefore, in apartments with low ceilings, the arrangement of suspension systems becomes always expedient, since such ceilings will create an oppressive impression.

The ceiling height standard in Soviet-era apartments is most often 2400÷2500 mm, in modern new buildings this parameter is sometimes increased to 3000 mm.

If the apartment has low ceilings, and they need to be made visually higher, then it is worth choosing materials that have a small thickness and are fixed directly to the floor surface, or those that have a reflective effect, for example, light stretch ones.

If the ceiling height is high enough, then this allows you to place heat and (and) sound-proof material between the finish and the ceiling, mask engineering communications in this area - electrical wiring or ventilation ducts.

Color design is also of great importance in order to visually lift the ceiling. For this purpose, there are several design techniques:

Prices for stretch ceilings

stretch ceiling

• You can smooth the junction of the wall and ceiling by choosing materials of the appropriate shades, that is, finish the ceiling and walls in the same color.
• Another option is to line the ceiling with reflective material.

• A stretch ceiling with a spatial 3D pattern, for example, a sky with clouds, gives a good effect.

Now let's move on to a more detailed consideration of the varieties of ceilings. This will make it much easier to make a choice for specific premises of the apartment.

Dropped ceilings

As mentioned above, one one of the most popular ceiling cladding options in different rooms of the apartment in recent years, various types of suspended structures have become. They are of high quality and look very good, and have a considerable number of advantages.

Advantages and disadvantages of suspended ceiling structures

To winning qualities ceiling finishes with a suspended structure include the following:

• With the help of suspended structures, you can easily level the surface and hide numerous flaws, which abound even on concrete floor slabs.
• Various communications can be hidden under the false ceiling elements. Thanks to this possibility, there is no need for chasing walls or ceilings.
• Many designs are easy to install.
• In some cases, it remains possible to dismantle the cladding if it is necessary to repair or replace some fragments of the cladding
• Good indicators of durability.
• Such ceilings have a very aesthetic appearance.
• There are ample opportunities for mounting various lighting systems.
• A variety of materials used for ceiling cladding allows you to consider several options and make the best choice.

False ceilings have their own limitations , which you also need to know, choosing one of these options:

• When installing a suspended structure, the ceiling in the room becomes lower. This is especially noticeable in apartments, where it is already cramped in this regard.
• Some types of suspended structures are able to pass steam into the space between the finish and the ceiling. In the absence of proper ventilation, condensation can form in this space, creating favorable conditions for the emergence and reproduction of mold colonies, which will be quite difficult to get rid of.
• A suspended ceiling is not able to protect the premises from leaks that may occur in emergency situations.
• When performing self-assembly, high accuracy of calculations and assembly work will be required.
• Some types of suspended ceilings will cost the owners very expensive.

Varieties of suspended structures

Suspended ceilings can be made of different materials and their design may differ slightly from each other:

• Slatted ceilings and coverings made of plastic or natural lining.
• Cassette or modular design.
• Solid false ceiling.

Suspended rack-type ceiling and lining

This design consists of panels made in the form of long panels or lining, which can be made of plastic, wood, steel or aluminum. The panels are fixed solid or with the necessary clearance to a metal or wooden frame fixed to the main ceiling and/or walls.

The frame can be fixed directly to the ceiling or lowered at a certain distance from it. The latter option is often chosen in cases where it is necessary to place communications under the decorative cladding, or it is planned to install recessed fixtures.

Drywall prices

drywall

Frame parts installed along the perimeter of the walls are very often decorative elements at the same time, as they give a neat look to the joint line.

As mentioned above, slats or lining for ceiling cladding are made of different materials. In addition, they can be connected to each other in different ways. So, an absolutely smooth common surface can be formed with barely noticeable (and often - and not noticeable at all) seam lines. Another option is a relief lining with recesses along the entire length, which are sometimes given a different color. And, finally, sparse installation of panels is also practiced.

• Plastic panels most often today they are used for facing the ceilings of bathrooms, as they have qualities that correspond to the microclimate of this room. They also find their application in corridors or hallways.

Plastic lining has the following characteristics:

— high resistance to moisture;

- resistance to temperature changes;

- light weight of the material, which simplifies its installation;

- ease of care for the finish;

— material safety;

- long service life;

- finishing does not require additional coating with decorative materials throughout the entire period of operation;

- affordable price of the material, which allows, if desired, to change the finish without dismantling the frame structure.

Plastic panels are produced in different widths and with different surface structures. It can be matte, glossy, embossed or metallic.

This material can be combined in color on the entire surface of the ceiling, or a specific area of ​​​​the room can be highlighted with a certain color. Quite often, in a plastic one-color lining, the gaps along the joints are decorated with a molding that has a steel or gold color.

How to mount the ceiling of plastic panels yourself

If, the choice fell on the plastic ceiling, then this work can be considered quite feasible for independent execution. You will need instructions for carrying out installation work, and can be found in the article of our portal.

• Wooden lining. Some owners of apartments and houses, preferring the so-called eco-style, choose wooden lining for decorating rooms. And mount it not only on the surface of the walls, but also on the ceiling.

As you know, wood has numerous advantages, the main of which are the environmental friendliness of the material, aesthetic appearance, long service life, resistance to temperature changes.

The disadvantage of this material is its hygroscopicity, therefore, if a decision is made to decorate a bathroom with natural clapboard, then reliable protection against moisture will be required. For this purpose, wooden panels are impregnated with an antiseptic, natural oils, or coated with a special heat-resistant wax before installation. Such substances have moisture-repellent properties, and, creating a film on the wood surface, reliably protect it from steam penetration.

A good option would be a wooden board for finishing the bedroom and corridor. In the bedroom, wood, due to its natural properties, will create a favorable microclimate and allow the walls to “breathe”. Especially such a ceiling would be appropriate in these rooms if the walls are also lined with natural wood.

• Metal slatted ceilings. Panels for it are made of steel with an anti-corrosion coating or aluminum, with a thickness of 0.4 to 1.0 mm. The width of metal rails can reach up to 300 mm, which greatly speeds up the installation of trim on the frame. But there are products of other widths, for example 80 ÷ 120 mm, so there is a choice - as you like. The length of the panels can vary from 2000 to 6000 mm.

The outer coating of such a metal cladding may be embossed or smooth, solid or perforated. Most often, all types of metal panels, except for those that have perforations, are used for lining the bathroom ceiling. Perforated panels are not suitable for both the bathroom and the kitchen, as various fumes will begin to collect in the space between the cladding and the ceiling, as a result of which an unpleasant smell will soon appear in the room.

This material is well suited for the ceiling of the hallway. Less commonly used metal material for living rooms. But this is not excluded if such styles as, for example, hi-tech are chosen for their design.

The metal version of the finish can have a different external coating - glossy, matte, polymeric color spraying, mirror or imitating the textured pattern and color of wood.

This material almost completely meets the requirements for finishing used in wet rooms:

- It does not absorb moisture at all and even repels it, so it will not become a breeding ground for various bacteria.

- The metal does not emit toxic substances into the environment, so the cladding can be called environmentally friendly.

— The material is resistant to temperature changes.

- Facing is designed for a long service life, as well-made panels change their original "commodity" appearance.

- The surface is easy to care for, it can be wet cleaned using household chemicals.

The disadvantage of steel panels is the need for mandatory treatment of the cuts of the rails with an anti-corrosion compound, otherwise corrosion can spread further. Aluminum products are quite expensive.

Prices for plastic panels for the ceiling

plastic ceiling panels

Modular suspended structure

This type of ceiling is a suspended structure of panels made of different materials. It can be frosted or mirror glass, metal, plastic, gypsum fiber lightweight boards or even moisture-resistant drywall. The fundamental difference is that these panels (tiles) fit into cells of a suspended metal frame of a special design.

The frame for a modular ceiling differs in that it is open. That is, its profiles are calculated not for fixing on them panels with the help of one or another fastener, and on laying from above into formed cells. This version of the suspended ceiling is much easier to install and repair, since any panel can always be replaced with a new one.

Frame guides for a modular ceiling are made of electrogalvanized steel or aluminum with a thickness of 0.4 ÷ 0.8 mm. The front, that is, the surfaces of metal profiles facing the room, are covered with a protective and decorative polymer layer of different shades or with a metallized paint composition. This makes it possible to choose the colors of the frame and panels - the guides become a neat frame for decorative plates.

A classic example of this design are the popular Armstrong ceiling systems.

This type of construction can be applied in any of the rooms, if it corresponds to its design solution for its design.

• Panels from compressed mineral and cellulose fibers. They are not heavy at all, although often the surface is very similar with plaster finish. However, the surface texture of such plates can vary greatly.

Such panels give the ceiling an accentuated accuracy. In addition, many of them have perforation or a special surface texture, which gives them the property of very effective sound insulation.

The cost of such panels cannot be called high, and they are quite suitable for the category widely available meterials.

• metal panels modular ceiling have the same characteristics as the rack metal version. Their advantages include a wide selection of shades, ease of installation.

• Mirror panels can be made of water-repellent glass or polished metal. Therefore, such suspended ceiling elements perfectly resist moisture and hot steam.

The reflective surface of the mirrored ceiling visually expands the space of a small bathroom or hallway. In addition, mirrored panels reflect light from lighting fixtures located on the walls of the room, greatly increasing their glow.

Mirror ceiling panels are produced in different sizes and colors. They can be perfectly smooth or have various textured patterns on their surface.

• "Glass" modular ceilings. In this version, the role of the panels is performed by acrylic translucent plates, on which a matte finish is applied. It can be white or colored. The surface of such pseudo-glass panels are often decorated with large or small drawings, which brings a special originality to the interior design. If a matte “glass” ceiling is chosen for installation, lighting is immediately provided for it. With its proper placement, it will not only create brighter lighting in the room, but also highlight the ornaments on the glass.

This version of the ceiling finish does not absorb moisture, is easy to clean and retains its appearance for many years. Similar "glass" ceilings can be installed in the bathroom, hallway, and sometimes even in the living room.

False ceiling prices

suspended ceiling

Due to the fact that matte pseudo-glass the panels are made of acrylic, they are very light in weight, so they can be easily and safely mounted on their own. In addition, the acrylic ceiling is absolutely safe to use - even if it falls from a height, the panel will not break and cause serious injury. Smooth "glasses" are easy to clean, and they are resistant to various household hygiene products, with the exception of those containing abrasive additives.

Spotlights are built into cassette hanging ceilings without any problems. In addition, manufacturers also provide for the production of special lighting devices (luminous panels or fluorescent lamps), the dimensions of which exactly match the dimensions of the frame cells.

Solid ceiling cladding

Solid ceiling sheathing is usually made in cases where it is necessary to level the surface of the main surface. At the same time, in the gap between the ceiling and the cladding, it is possible to lay heat-insulating or sound-proofing material.

Solid sheathing can be applied in any room of an apartment or house. However, if it is installed in a humid room, that is, in a bathroom, bathroom or kitchen, then any of the facing materials used will need to be treated with antiseptic and priming compounds.

This design of the ceilings implies the presence of a frame that is attached to the ceiling and is most often made of wooden beams or special galvanized metal profiles. Used for cladding glass-magnesite sheets, plywood, chipboard, OSB, but drywall has gained the most popularity in recent decades.

This version of the ceiling sheathing almost always requires additional finishing. It will include sealing the seams between the sheets, impregnation with primers, and then painting or wallpapering.

From drywall on the ceiling, multi-tiered structures can be created that allow you to place wiring and lighting of any kind inside them. However, to mount such a ceiling is not at all simply, and without a certain experience, the ability to work not only with drywall, but also with metal profiles, as well as without a properly drawn up project in advance, it is not worth taking on this business at random. Qualitatively cope with this work under the power of specialists. But if you still decide to try your own capabilities, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the technology for performing such installation work. We can provide information support in this matter.

Do you want to try your hand at designing and installing a suspended multi-level plasterboard ceiling?

If yes, then first you need to take a short theoretical course. Well, then, in work, strictly follow the technological instructions. You will find both in a very detailed, literally to the smallest detail, publication of our portal.

Stretch ceiling

Stretch ceilings are especially well suited for apartments with low rooms. They reduce the height of the room by only 40 ÷ 50 mm, thanks to the installation of special profiles on the walls around the perimeter of the room, on which an elastic or fabric fabric will be stretched.

Stretch ceilings can be fabric or made of PVC film. To determine which of them will seem better, it makes sense to familiarize yourself with the features of both options.

Stretch ceilings from PVC films

This version of stretch ceilings can be divided into several subspecies according to the structure of the created surface:

• Glossy films have a reflective effect and quite pronounced glitter.
• Semi-matte ceilings in their texture resemble frosted glass.
• Matte stretch ceilings do not have a reflective effect, and in appearance they are difficult to distinguish from a smoothly plastered surface.

• Mother-of-pearl films create spectacular soft play of colors.
• Cloths imitating a suede surface have a velvety texture, due to which the lighting of the room is dimmed and evenly distributed throughout the room. This option is perfect for a bedroom or living room.
• Satin coating options tend to reflect the light flux falling on them from a natural light source, that is, a window, as well as from lighting fixtures.

• Ceilings with a 3D image of a starry or cloudy sky are popular.

To positive qualities PVC films

• The elasticity of the film allows you to create different shapes on ceiling surfaces.
• The material is environmentally friendly, does not emit toxic substances into the air, does not attract or accumulate dust. These qualities make it possible to use PVC films for facing the ceiling in children's rooms and bedrooms.
• A wide range of colors and decorations allows you to choose the material for any design style of the room.
• The width of the canvases can vary from 1200 to 3200 mm, which allows the material to be used for ceiling cladding in modern apartments with a standard layout.
• The canvas perfectly hides all the flaws in the surface of the capital ceiling, and its installation is carried out in the shortest possible time.
• The material is resistant to chemicals and high temperatures.
• PVC does not absorb odors, so this ceiling can also be installed in the kitchen.
• The surface of the ceiling is easy to clean, so it is easy to care for it.

• The canvas can withstand loads up to 100 kg / m², so if a leak occurs from the top floor, the water will remain in ceiling material, which capable of stretching under its weight. After removing the water, the ceiling can be restored.
• The design allows you to hide the necessary communications under the canvas.
• The canvas does not change its appearance during operation.
• More affordable price than fabric stretch ceilings.

However, it is impossible not to mention the shortcomings PVC canvases, which include the following points:

• The design cannot be installed independently, due to the need to use special equipment.
• Stretch ceiling from PVC films it is undesirable to plan for installation in rooms where the temperature can drop to +5 degrees or less.
• The film in the stretched state is unstable to mechanical damage, and it is easy to damage it with a sharp object.
• If you have to connect two canvases with a weld, then it remains a little noticeable on the surface of the ceiling.
• Polyvinyl chloride is not a "breathable" material, which disrupts the natural air exchange in the premises of the apartment.
• With strong heating, the canvas can be deformed, so it is not recommended to build powerful lighting devices into it.

Stretch fabric ceilings

Not many owners of apartments or houses know that, in addition to PVC stretch ceilings, there are also fabric fabrics. And manufacturers represent in the construction market wide enough choice of these materials. This option differs from its PVC "brother" in a number of operational characteristics.

Fabric webs are divided into two types according to the structure of their surfaces:

• The textured version has in its structure a relief embossing of the fabric. The canvas consists of two layers, which form the protruding pattern.

• Satin canvas has a polymer base and a structural pattern of natural satin fabric. Due to the fine-grained structure, the stretched fabric acquires a mother-of-pearl effect, and it is enhanced by properly installed lighting.

Fabric stretch fabrics have the following positive qualities :

• High strength characteristics.
• Material resistance to low temperatures. Fabric fabrics retain their performance characteristics when the temperature drops even to -40 degrees.
• The material does not deform, does not crack when the humidity and temperature characteristics of the air change.
• Fabric canvases can be dyed. To do this, use special paints based on acrylic. Repaint the surface of the material without losing it operational opportunities can be up to five times. In addition to the usual even coloring, ceilings of this type can be painted with various ornaments, which expands the possibility of their use in different styles of rooms.
• Unlike polyvinyl chloride, fabric fabrics are breathable, so when they are used indoors, natural air exchange is not disturbed.
• The undoubted advantage is the aesthetic appeal of the material. The structural structure of the surface of the canvases makes the design of the room richer, adding respectability to it.
• The width of fabric sheets reaches 5000 mm, which allows it to be used in fairly wide or long rooms without any connecting seams.
• The refractory qualities of the material are acquired by him thanks to a special impregnation.
• Ecological cleanliness of canvases. Fabric ceilings are made from natural materials that do not contain toxic substances.
• Long service life, which in any case should be more than 10 years.
• Fabric ceilings are installed in a "cold" way, unlike PVC sheets, the installation of which involves the use of special powerful heating equipment. Assembly work on the installation may well be carried out alone.

disadvantages fabric ceilings can be considered the following features:

• Not so big, in comparison with PVC (at least - for now) the choice of colors and ornaments.
• The complexity of coloring the material.
• The fabric version of stretch ceilings, unlike PVC, is not able to hold water in case of emergency, so this finish will not save the room from the flood. At the same time, the fabrics are able to retain moisture in their structure for up to 48 hours. An exception to this characteristic is the products of the company "Cerutti", which has good moisture resistance.
• Fabric canvases absorb and retain odors well in their structure, so it is not recommended to use this type of finishing material in the kitchen.
• Attracting and holding dust - this quality reduces the scope of fabric ceilings. They are not recommended for use in apartments where people with a predisposition to allergic reactions live. According to this quality, the fabric version loses to PVC canvases.
• Re-installation of dismantled fabric sheets is not possible.
• The high price of fabric ceilings, which is explained by the naturalness of the raw materials used for their production.
• The lack of proper elasticity of the material does not allow it to be used for decorating ceilings of irregular or “patterned” shapes.

Finishing ceilings directly on the surface of the floor

Stucco ceiling finish

This method of leveling and finishing ceilings can be called traditional, since it has always been used in apartments of high-rise buildings - it is still used today. The emergence of innovative materials for surface preparation and finishing plasters has greatly simplified this task.

Plastering a ceiling is a very complex and time-consuming process that requires high skills. Therefore, to conduct it in the absence of experience is unlikely to succeed. On the contrary, you can only thoroughly spoil the surface, so much so that it will be extremely difficult to fix anything.

To level the ceiling, putties and plaster mixtures based on gypsum or cement are used. Gypsum plasters and putties are supplied manufacturers of special additives that prolongs the curing of mixtures from 5÷7 to 30÷45 minutes, which allows an experienced plasterer to perform a quality job.

The result of properly carried out finishing work, in compliance with all technology requirements, should be a perfectly even and smooth ceiling. Further, a decorative finish is applied or glued to its surface - it can be whitewash, paint, wallpaper or other similar material.

The difficult task of plastering the ceiling

If, nevertheless, the “itch of independent creativity” is insurmountable, and it is decided to try your hand at this difficult task, then before starting work, we recommend that you carefully read the article on our portal.

To "pros" ceiling plastering can be attributed to the following points:

• The ceiling practically does not change its height.
• For finishing, several different types of materials can be used.
• In an emergency, a high-quality ceiling coating will retain its evenness and smoothness. The only thing that will need to be done is to dry the ceiling and replace the decorative trim.
• Relatively affordable price for materials and work.

"Cons" stucco finishes also have a lot. These include:

• When carrying out plastering work in the room there will be a large amount of dirt and dust, so the room will have to be freed from all pieces of furniture in advance.
• To hide communications in the ceiling surface, it will be necessary to carry out chasing before plastering, while when installing suspended or stretch ceilings, this process is not required.
• Surface plastering is long enough process, since it is necessary to wait for the drying of each applied layer. Therefore, the repair of the apartment will be delayed for a longer period.

In addition to leveling, special plaster decorative mixtures are used to finish the ceiling, which are applied to the surface after it has been leveled. This process can be called art without much exaggeration, so only professionals can handle it. It should be noted that not every plasterer has the ability to correctly apply this material to walls and ceilings. Therefore, choosing a master, it will be quite logical to get acquainted with his portfolio, see previous works.

Decorative plaster in the apartment - from the category of exclusive finishes

It is difficult to say whether it is worth taking on the independent conduct of such work. In order to be able to imagine what varieties look like, what they are, and how difficult the process of applying them is, you should refer to the profile article of our portal.

Wallpapering on the ceiling

Despite the fact that many consider the decoration of ceiling surfaces with wallpaper to be unfashionable, a long-gone option, it is still successfully used in design art today. Thanks to innovative developments, Russian and foreign manufacturers produce many types of wallpaper that have a real opportunity to transform the ceiling surface literally beyond recognition.

So, today on sale you can find non-woven, vinyl, paper, liquid wallpaper, as well as glass and even more exotic options. Some of them are designed for staining and are designed to be able to carry out this process several times.

Wallpaper can be divided according to the type of pattern - it can be applied in the correct order with a certain step, or it can have a chaotic arrangement. To simplify the task of pasting the ceiling, the best option would be wallpaper in which you do not have to select a pattern, since this will be quite difficult to do.

How not to get confused in the variety of wallpapers?

The range of these finishing materials in our time is extremely wide. And it can be difficult for an inexperienced consumer, who is conceived to focus only on the decorative qualities of paintings, to choose the right option. A special publication of our portal should help the reader with the question.

So, if the surface of the ceiling quite smooth, then you can paste over it with one of the types of wallpaper. Such a finish will cost relatively inexpensively and may well be produced independently. With the expectation of the future, you can choose wallpaper for painting, that is, when changing the design of the room in the future, the canvases can be repainted in a different color.

Wallpaper for painting can have a pronounced embossed pattern, and with careful pasting, the joints between the canvases will be almost invisible.

Prices for non-woven wallpaper

non-woven wallpaper

To virtues ceiling decoration with wallpaper include the following:

• A wide range of wallpaper choices, both in terms of material of manufacture and decorative design.
• Quite affordable price compared to many other types of ceiling finishes.
• The work on pasting is carried out in one or two days, that is, there will be no big delay in the timing of the repair.
• Wallpaper can be applied in any style direction that is chosen for decorating the room.
• Among the existing types, according to the material of manufacture, you can choose environmentally friendly options for paintings, these include paper, non-woven, liquid or glass wallpaper.
• Non-woven wallpaper with a relief pattern and large enough thickness, perfectly mask small flaws on the ceiling surface.
• Wallpaper on the ceiling gives the room a special coziness and comfort.

To negative points associated with the decoration of the ceiling with wallpaper, include the following:

• Some types of wallpaper are not resistant to ultraviolet radiation, that is, they tend to fade. On the ceiling, however, direct sunlight can get it, but nonetheless.
• Wallpapers are not suitable for finishing ceiling surfaces in rooms with high humidity, as they will peel and bubble over time.
• Such finishes, as a rule, are not very durable. The truth is, it is always easy to change.
• Wallpapers of almost all types are able to attract dust and absorb odors.

Styrofoam boards

But this option, if not disingenuous, can really already be attributed to the "materials of yesterday." Nevertheless, the high affordability of such a department still keeps it among the very popular ones, so let's stop our attention on it.

Expanded polystyrene facing ceiling plates are produced by stamping or extrusion. They can be very thin or have a thickness of up to 12 ÷ 14 mm, if we consider this parameter together with the height of the relief pattern located on the surface.

The extruded material is of higher quality and therefore has a higher cost. If the pores of expanded polystyrene are clearly visible on the surface of the stamped tile, then the products made by extrusion are absolutely smooth and more durable.

To choose a quality finishing material, when buying it, it is worth making a thorough visual inspection of the products. They must have even right angles, which will be the key to their quick and high-quality mounting on the surface.

It is worth making another experiment to control the quality of the material. To check the selected variant of the tile, you must take it by its corner and slightly shake it up and down. The product must not break or crumble. Of course, this material has low fracture strength, but the tile must still withstand the load from such an experiment.

Today, in specialized hardware stores, you can find various options for polystyrene foam tiles according to surface characteristics:

• Smooth or embossed, and the relief can have different depths.
• The color options of the tiles are varied - it is white or plain one color, or several shades that smoothly transition from one to another.

• Plates can be square or rectangular. Square products are most often produced with dimensions of 400x400, 500x500 and 600x600 mm. Rectangular slabs can have dimensions of 600×300, 700×300, 700×400 mm.

The framing of the surface lined with polystyrene foam tiles is made with special skirting boards made of the same material, which are also produced with different relief patterns or in a smooth version. In addition, special corners and sockets imitating stucco elements are used to decorate corners or the area where lighting fixtures are located.

This material, as well as all the others, has not only a number of advantages, but also its very significant drawbacks.

To virtues the following features of the material can be attributed:

• The very small weight of the products and the rather compact dimensions make it easy to glue them to the ceiling, and it will not be difficult to carry out this process on your own. The only thing that is recommended to be done to simplify the installation process is to accurately mark the ceiling, starting from its middle or from the lighting fixture, which is located with one or another offset to one side or the other from the center of the ceiling surface.

• Affordable price for products, which allows you to purchase such a finish even for families with low incomes.
• The ability to create a neat and quite aesthetic design of the ceiling in a short time - the installation of products can be done in one day.

disadvantages ceiling finishes with polystyrene boards are very significant, and this should definitely be borne in mind.

• Expanded polystyrene can not be called an environmentally friendly material. In addition, when heated, and especially burning, it releases into the environment extremely dangerous volatile compounds that can cause toxic damage to the respiratory system and the central nervous system. It is for this reason that in many countries expanded polystyrene is strictly prohibited for use as a finish and insulation in residential and public buildings, in vehicles.
• The plates are combustible, and when exposed to open fire, the material begins to melt and spread. Together with the fluid mass, fire and poisonous smoke spread, the dangers of which have already been mentioned.
• Quite difficult care of the ceiling covering, as this must be done very carefully, in order to avoid damage to the surface of the cladding.
• The tiles located around the lighting fixtures may turn yellow over time, it will not work to get rid of such manifestations. However, yellowing can also begin in other parts of the ceiling - polystyrene foam does not differ in high resistance to external influences and durability.
• With temperature changes, the tile may peel off the surface.
• The material has a porous structure, so it absorbs various odors, greasy fumes, nicotine resins well. It is not possible to remove these substances from expanded polystyrene. In addition, the plates attract dust, and if they have a deep relief, then it clogs into it. If the dust is dry, then it can be removed with a vacuum cleaner, and if it is oily, then it is unlikely to get rid of it. Therefore, this material is not recommended for use on kitchen and bathroom ceilings.

In a word, apart from an affordable price and ease of installation, such a finish cannot boast of anything else. Recommend it for use - the tongue does not turn.

So, we have finished reviewing the main types of ceiling finishes available for rooms in the apartment. In summing up, we can once again emphasize that when choosing a material, it is necessary to take into account several factors that will directly affect the optimal solution:

• Financial opportunities. The most affordable finishing option is pasting the surface with wallpaper or polystyrene boards. But cheap is still very rarely become high-quality and durable.
• Ceiling flatness. If the ceiling is uneven and requires major repairs, then plastering with a further application of a decorative layer is suitable for finishing it. An excellent solution would be a suspended or stretch ceiling. These options are able to level any surface.
• Ceiling height. If the ceiling is low and, moreover, uneven, then putting it in order is possible only by plastering. Then the surface can be painted or pasted over with one of the selected materials.
• If the ceiling is high the most optimal there will be one of the false ceiling options.

Now, knowing about the main technologies that are currently used for finishing ceilings, you can weigh their advantages and disadvantages, evaluate the quality of the ceiling surfaces of the apartment, as well as your financial capabilities. After that, it makes sense to work on the project (even in the simplest version), make calculations, and then go to a specialized store to buy everything you need.

At the end of the publication, we suggest watching a video with an overview of possible options for ceilings for an apartment.

Video: Recommendations for choosing a ceiling for rooms in an apartment