Types of suspended ceilings: types and features. Description of the different types of ceiling coverings Ceilings in the house what are

All options for finishing the ceiling can be divided into 3 groups:
Budget. These include: whitewashing, painting, wallpaper and ceiling tiles. Due to the availability of materials and ease of work, there is no need to involve specialists, and, accordingly, the financial costs of repairs are reduced.
Practical and durable. With a more tangible cost and complexity of installation work, they are distinguished by high aesthetics, ease of maintenance and a long service life. This category includes: decorative plaster, stretch and suspended ceilings, wood and cork.
Elite. These include: mirror or coffered ceilings, Venetian plaster, sgraffito.
So.

Ceiling finish options

Consider all the current design options for the ceiling, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.

Painting / Whitewashing

The traditional and, perhaps, one of the most common in the recent past, the method of finishing the ceiling - whitewashing, has recently been increasingly giving way to staining.
Both options are ideal for rooms with low ceilings. The use of light shades allows you to visually increase the height of the walls and refresh the entire room.

The process of painting (whitewashing) the ceiling is quite simple, however, it provides for a perfectly flat, carefully prepared surface.

There are two main components for the preparation of a whitewash mixture. This is lime and chalk. Regardless of the choice, they combine with water to the desired consistency.
The main disadvantage of whitewashing on the ceiling is that it crumbles, creating the need for regular wet cleaning of the premises and the annual renewal of the coating itself, which is also very unstable to any impact.

Ceiling paints differ primarily in composition. Depending on the purpose of the premises, they can be:

• water-based;
• acrylic;
• silicone;
• latex;
• silicate.

In turn, depending on the desired decorative effect, coloring mixtures are divided into matte, glossy and semi-gloss. Colors and shades when choosing directly depend on the interior as a whole.

The process of applying whitewash or paint to the ceiling has no fundamental differences. The main working tool can be a brush, roller or spray gun. Paint, as well as whitewashing, is best applied in several layers, each time waiting for the previous one to dry completely.

The disadvantages of painting ceilings include only the need for careful removal of previous coatings and the need for periodic renewal.

To the advantages:

• the possibility of applying to any surface;
• a wide selection of colors and shades;
• price availability.

Fans of non-standard solutions when painting the ceiling can afford artistic painting. To do this, depending on the complexity of the drawing, you will need to invite a professional or simply use a suitable stencil.

In addition to the usual plaster used to level surfaces, there is its decorative counterpart, which is a textured finish. This tool allows you to give the surface a beautiful relief that hides minor defects and allows you to realize original design ideas.
Combining different application methods also allows you to achieve interesting results.

Finishing the ceiling with decorative plaster has a number of advantages:

• masking surface defects;
• the possibility of applying to any building materials (concrete, brick, wood, drywall);
• color variety;
• resistance to mechanical stress;
• significant service life;
• environmental Safety.

The disadvantage is the complexity of application and, accordingly, the need to involve specialists.

Depending on the desired result, there are two types of decorative plaster for the ceiling:
Textured. It is a ready-to-use mixture. The desired appearance and relief of the surface is achieved due to the presence of the appropriate components in the composition (marble, granite or quartz chips). There are several subspecies of such plaster, differing in the size of the decorative filler granules.
Structural. It is a plastic mass of white color. It differs in that to create a relief pattern during the application process, it is necessary to use special tools. The desired shade is achieved by adding a tinting solution or subsequent painting.

Sgraffito

Considering the ways of decorating the ceiling with decorative plaster, one cannot ignore such an option as sgraffito. This is a special technology of multi-layer application and subsequent fragmentary removal of particles of the upper layers in accordance with the artistic concept.
As a result, a real work of art appears on the ceiling.

The peculiarity of this technique is that in order to create a multi-layered pattern, the working surface is alternately covered with plaster mixtures of different colors. After final drying, a pattern is applied to the outer layer. Then, with the help of special tools, part of the coating is removed until the desired color appears. Next, work is carried out with the next layer, etc.
After the completion of the artistic process, the surface is covered with a special wax.

As a rule, sgraffito is not used as the main finish for large areas of one-level ceilings. This option is more suitable for multi-level structures or is used fragmentarily, to highlight individual areas (near the chandelier, in corner areas, around the perimeter). This technique works great when decorating one wall with the capture of part of the ceiling.
The main disadvantage of this method of decoration is the high cost and complexity of the application process, which requires the highest level of skill.

The ceilings, reminiscent of polished marble, exquisitely shining with rays of light penetrating them, are the result of the master's painstaking work with Venetian plaster. In a modern version, it is a mixture of dyes with lime, silicone, acrylic or epoxy.

The advantages of such coverage are obvious:

• aesthetics;
• durability;
• resistance to fungal infections;
• hypoallergenicity.

Flaws:

• complexity of application;
• high cost of work and raw materials.

When choosing in favor of Venetian plaster, it is important to consider that it is only suitable for.

The richest selection of wallpapers with a variety of textures and materials makes them very popular when decorating many surfaces, including ceilings. On sale you can find options for every taste and wealth, suitable for.

This versatility is due to the many varieties of wallpaper:

• paper;
• vinyl;
• non-woven;
• cullet;
• liquid wallpaper.

The names in this case are determined by the main components, which also provide the features of the coating.

• variety of textures and colors;
• affordability;
• the possibility of gluing / applying with your own hands.

Some types of wallpaper are suitable for subsequent coloring.

The disadvantages of such coatings are reduced to fragility, instability to moisture and ultraviolet.

Liquid wallpaper differs not only in its structure, which is a dry mixture of paper and decorative components, but also in the method of application.

To start using, such wallpaper is mixed with water, in accordance with the instructions. Then the resulting mixture is applied to the ceiling, carefully spreading with a spatula and trowel. The work is simple and can be performed without the involvement of specialists.
The final result in appearance is more like decorative plaster, only soft and delicate.
An additional advantage of such a coating is the ease of restoration of damaged areas. It is enough to moisten the damaged fragment with water, remove and reapply.

One of the easiest and fastest ways to finish the ceiling is rightfully considered to be gluing with polystyrene foam tiles. They can be of various sizes, perfectly smooth or with a relief pattern, snow-white or colored.

In addition to the variety of shapes and shades, ceiling tiles have the following positive characteristics:

• water resistance;
• affordability;
• ease of assembly and dismantling.

The disadvantages include:

• low strength;
• fire hazard;
• expanded polystyrene quickly degrades under the influence of direct sunlight.

Dropped ceilings

A special type of finish that does not require preliminary surface preparation, remarkably hides all defects, and at the same time, communications, is called a suspended ceiling.

There are a lot of options for suspended ceilings. These can be designs from:

• drywall;
• rails;
• cassettes;
• gratings;
• laminate;
• PVC films.

All suspended ceiling coverings have a number of common advantages:

• practicality and aesthetics;
• the ability to hide wires and communications;
• durability.

They are not without drawbacks:

• complexity and significant cost of installation;
• reduction in room height.

Drywall

With the advent of drywall, designers have a unique opportunity to implement the most daring and extraordinary projects. This material allows you to create straight lines and smooth curves, geometric shapes and unusual curly details on the ceiling. With its help, both simple, even surfaces and exquisite multi-level structures are created.

Drywall, as a building and finishing material, consists of two cardboard sheets connected by a gypsum filler. To create suspended structures, sheets of the desired shape and size are mounted on metal profiles fixed to the surface. Absolutely any finishing method can be used to decorate the resulting coating.

The disadvantages of drywall are: instability to moisture and a significant weight of the structure.

Rack (panel) ceiling

A more budgetary, but no less popular option for suspended ceilings are rack structures. They consist of a fixing frame system and cladding panels made of plastic, aluminum or steel.

There are two types of rack ceilings:
RP open type- in it, the main panels are located with a small gap, in which, to increase aesthetics, decorative inserts are placed. The colors of the details can be either the same or contrasting, depending on the preferences of the owner.
RP closed type- consists of alternating slats, tightly fitted to each other.
Regardless of the material, the surface of slatted ceilings can be solid or perforated.

The general advantages of such coatings are:

• moisture resistance;
• practicality;
• durability;
• the ability to create curved surfaces;
• ease of installation.

Flaws:

• susceptibility to deformation;
• the difficulty of dismantling.

In the case of choosing steel elements, significant weight and susceptibility to corrosion are added to the list; at the same time, absolute fire safety is added to the positive characteristics.

Cassette system

Cassette ceilings have been the prerogative of offices and commercial premises for quite some time, however, recently they can be increasingly found in home interiors.

As a decorative component of such ceilings, square plates (cassettes) are used, made of a variety of materials:

• metal (steel, aluminum);
• glass (acrylic, silicate);
• gypsum;
• mineral fiber;
• tree.

Their surface can be matte, glossy, mirror, metallized.
According to the execution of the cassettes are both solid and perforated.
Lighting fixtures are often installed behind glass panels, filling the room with soft, diffused light.
For opaque surfaces, small recessed lighting options or luminaires of appropriate sizes are provided, installed instead of cassettes.

According to the installation method, cassette ceilings are divided into two categories: open and closed. In the first case, the retaining frames remain visible, in the second, they are hidden behind the finish.

Advantages:

• universality;
• the possibility of fragmentary replacement of damaged elements;
• access to communications;
• ease of arrangement of additional ventilation;
• environmental friendliness.

Most types of cassette ceilings are also characterized by high moisture resistance.

The disadvantage of cassette structures is the impossibility of obtaining a uniform coating; a grid of squares will be visible in any design.

Trellised ceilings (Grilyato)

An original Italian invention, mesh-like ceilings are also rapidly moving from offices and shopping centers to residential interiors. Such designs are a profile lattice, decorated with rectangular cells.
The materials used to make them are usually aluminum or steel. Due to their lightness, environmental friendliness and originality, such coatings allow the implementation of exclusive design projects.

There are several models of lattice ceilings:
Standard. It has the same square cells of the U-shaped profile;
Multilevel. It is completed with profiles of different heights, allowing to achieve the effect of changing levels;
Pyramidal. Differs in the shape of the cells having a Y-shaped profile;
Blinds. In appearance, they resemble the construction of the same name;
non-standard. Simultaneously includes cells of different sizes.

Advantages of Grilyato ceilings:

• light weight;
• environmental friendliness;
• Fire safety;
• visual effects;
• ease of dismantling;
• durability;
• many lighting options.

The disadvantage is the need to prepare the base, which can be viewed through the grate.

Laminate finish

For many, laminate is associated with the floor, however, this finishing material can increasingly be seen on the ceiling. Imitating natural wood flooring, it gives the room a special comfort, while simultaneously performing the functions of heat and sound insulation.

The benefits of this finish include all of the relevant features of suspended ceilings, plus:

• variety of layouts and colors;
• strength, resistance to mechanical stress;
• environmental friendliness;
• aesthetics.

The disadvantage is the destructive effect of moisture.

Stretch (PVC) ceilings

This method of finishing allows you to transform the room beyond recognition, forming a spectacular seamless coating.

Advantages of stretch ceilings:

• variety of colors and configurations;
• moisture resistance;
• practicality.

The disadvantages include:

• instability to mechanical influences;
• significant cost of coating and installation.

Mirror ceilings

The mirror ceiling is always interesting and unusual. Visually expanding the room, allowing you to play with light, it becomes a real highlight of the interior.

There are several options for creating mirrored ceilings:
Tiled. It consists of glass mirror fragments of a certain shape. It has the best reflective effect.
Rack. It is a panel structure made of plastic elements with an appropriate coating or aluminum rails with a reflective layer;
Stretch. With the help of PVC film with a glossy surface, the effect of a mirror coating is created.
polystyrene. It is carried out in the form of large reflective plates, implying gluing on a carefully leveled surface.

Positive characteristics:

• universality;
• visual increase in space;
• lighting effects;
• functionality;
• the possibility of combining materials;
• moisture resistance.

Flaws:

• the complexity of sanitation;
• significant weight of glass panels.

coffered ceilings

Aristocratic classics, tested by time and not lost in popularity, are coffered ceilings. They give the room a special atmosphere of majestic luxury.
Coffered ceilings are a decorated beam structure with recesses of a certain shape (caissons).
Natural wood has traditionally served as the material for creating such ceilings. However, due to the high labor intensity and significant cost of manufacturing and installing all the necessary elements, many prefer to use alternative options:

• polyurethane;
• drywall.

Advantages of coffered ceilings:

• aesthetics, premium look;
• durability;
• improvement of the acoustic characteristics of the room.

Among the shortcomings can be identified:

• a significant reduction in the height of the room;
• relatively high cost;
• installation complexity.

A very unusual and spectacular way to decorate the ceiling is to decorate it with textiles. In the simplest interpretation, this is pasting the surface with any fabric material. The application process is practically no different from working with wallpaper.

The next option is a stretch ceiling made of textile material. Compared with the film, such a coating is environmentally friendly, it does not interfere with air circulation and easily tolerates temperature fluctuations. The disadvantages include the complexity of cleaning activities, higher cost and the inability to use in rooms with a high level of humidity.

And finally, for luxuriously high-end and themed interiors, the effect of draperies is applied, turning any space into a real art object.
There are several ways to fix such masterpieces:
Reiki. They are located along the perimeter and inside the selected area;
Frame system. It is used to organize complex compositions: cascades, puffs, tents;
Cornices. Fasten along the edges of the drapery.

The textile design of the ceiling is directly dependent on the walls. They should harmoniously complement each other without causing dissonance of perception.

wooden ceilings

Wooden ceilings, today, are in stable demand. Their uniqueness lies in the fact that in any design they give the interior a special flavor and homeliness, successfully fitting into many design projects.

Advantages of wooden ceilings:

• aesthetics and decorativeness;
• environmental friendliness;
• universality;
• soundproofing;
• thermal insulation.

Flaws:

• fire hazard;
• exposure to moisture;
• soundproofing;
• moisture resistance;
• Fire safety;
• durability;
• practicality;
• decorative.

There are practically no drawbacks to such a ceiling, if you do not take into account the rather high cost.

bamboo ceiling

Fans of eco-design will surely like bamboo ceilings. They are made using three types of finishing materials:
bamboo slabs- are made in the form of squares, with a side size of 60 cm;
bamboo panels- can have parameters: 120x240 cm and 100x190 cm.
bamboo canvas- This is a rolled version, which is a special type of wallpaper that differs in length and width.

Bamboo stalks are used as decorative finishes for such ceilings.

Advantages of bamboo finish:

• naturalness and environmental friendliness;
• exclusivity;
• practicality;
• significant service life.

Considering that manual work is widely used in the manufacture of these materials, their cost is quite high, which is their main drawback.

Many designs, styles and trends in the interior dictate their own rules. Moderate Scandinavian style is best suited for a simple monochromatic stretch ceiling; in the classic version, you can not do without fanciful forms of multi-level plasterboard ceilings. The construction market is not far behind and offers more and more new solutions for finishing ceilings. In the article we will consider the types of ceiling coverings.

Armstrong ceiling covering

Armstrong is a good solution for ceilings in public places: shops, schools, offices or hospitals. It is a suspended cassette ceiling. Armstrong is only a manufacturing company, but having appeared on the construction market as one of the first, over time it has become a household name for all such structures.

• Armstrong ceiling covering is made in the form of a lattice with cells of the same size from an aluminum T-shaped profile. Along the perimeter to the wall, it is mounted on carrier rails mounted on dowel-nails. According to the ceiling area, the structure is supported by suspensions.
• Large institutions choose this ceiling covering system because it is the cheapest, looks good and performs many functions. But the price strongly depends on the manufacturer, so a cheap Chinese analogue can be bought from 200 rubles / m2, but for the original armstrong you will have to pay more than 1000 rubles / m2.

To this price, you still need to add the cost of installation, which consists of a number of parameters:

• frame installation;
• laying thermal insulation;
• vapor barrier device;
• electrical wiring and fixtures;
• fastening ceiling tiles to the frame.

Advantages and disadvantages of the armstrong ceiling system

Advantages

• Simple and quick installation of the entire ceiling, which does not require cleaning the room and removing furniture. During the work, there is practically no debris.
• Beautiful and comfortable, it will harmoniously look in a modern design and hide the draft ceiling with all communications.

• It will not require attention during operation. And if repairs are needed, it can be quickly disassembled without damage and will be suitable for re-assembly.
• The design is very light and durable, allows you to make additional noise and heat insulation of the ceiling.

TO shortcomings worth considering:

• its low resistance to mechanical damage. It is easy to damage it if something is thrown up;
• when flooded from above, the plates become unusable, and their replacement is required.

Plasterboard ceiling

• Today it is the most popular ceiling covering. In most cases, GCR is used for finishing ceilings in apartments and private houses. It is environmentally friendly, vapor-permeable and allows you to create not only perfectly flat surfaces, but also bizarre shapes that dictate modern interior design.
• This method of arranging the ceiling is so popular that there are many articles and videos on the Internet on how to do it yourself.

Nipso cardboard ceiling covering photo

Advantages and disadvantages

• Work on its installation can be carried out independently. This will require two physically strong people, since even a thinner plasterboard ceiling weighs quite a lot. But the absence of the need to pay for the work of installers will significantly save the family budget.
• Many opponents of modern stretch ceilings of their PVC films choose drywall due to its environmental friendliness and vapor-permeable properties, without creating a "thermos" effect. Drywall itself consists of a hard, but brittle gypsum mass, sealed on both sides with cardboard. Therefore, in itself, it already serves as an additional soundproofing protection.
• The cardboard with which gypsum is fastened, depending on the class, has different impregnations that make it either moisture resistant or refractory. This feature makes it more applicable.
• It is ideal for indoors, with large height differences on the ceiling, which cannot be plastered.
• The finished ceiling can be covered with wallpaper, decorated with decorative plaster or painted in any color or even painted.

• Behind its frame it is easy to hide the wiring, ventilation pipes. And the subceiling space and the ability to make boxes and bend the GKL in every possible way will make it possible to create complex, multifunctional lighting.

Now for the disadvantages

• Fixing drywall to the ceiling is quite difficult, as it has a lot of weight that must be held until all the screws are screwed on.
• Further puttying and gluing of all joints with reinforcing tape and finishing plaster of the entire ceiling area will be required, which is also quite difficult to do on the ceiling without the appropriate experience. All this will take a lot of time and leave a lot of garbage behind.
• If the technologies for plastering the ceiling from the GKL are not followed, over time, there is a high probability of cracks appearing on it.

Plaster ceiling

Until recently, this was the most popular type of ceiling covering. And today, a lot of ceilings in city apartments are finished in this way.

Advantages and disadvantages of plastering the ceiling

• Despite all the advertising of the cheapness of modern ceilings, plaster is the cheapest way. Here it is enough to buy only a primer and a mixture, without spending money on frames and other materials.
• Cement and gypsum plasters are absolutely harmless.
• For rooms with low ceilings, this is ideal, as it will not take extra centimeters from the height of the walls. As a rule, its layer does not exceed 2 cm.

Flaws

• Plastering the ceiling will be inexpensive only in the case of independent work. When hiring a painter, his cost will be comparable or even higher than suspended structures. And much more expensive than a stretch PVC ceiling.
• The use of plaster is possible only on surfaces whose height differences are no more than 3-5 cm. Otherwise, over time, the plaster may begin to fall off under its own weight. And this is a direct threat to human health and even life.
• Working with her will require experience. And if even a beginner can handle the walls with the help of beacons, only a professional can level the ceiling.

• As a rule, the ceiling after plastering is prepared for further painting or whitewashing, in both cases all the irregularities that were made during the work will be noticeable.

Suspended (rack) ceiling covering

• The popularity of suspended rack ceilings lies in their excellent performance and technical characteristics. They are in demand when finishing ceilings in apartments and public spaces. In addition, they are suitable for use not only indoors, but also outside.
• The slats themselves are made of thin metal, but they have different coatings and different color schemes, thanks to which it is possible to create stylish and beautiful ceilings from them, both in living rooms and in bathrooms or on the veranda.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Versatility. As already mentioned above, due to their characteristics, slatted suspended ceilings can be mounted in shops, apartments, warehouses or country houses, where there is no heating in winter. The size of the room also does not matter, the frame can be assembled absolutely for any area.

• The installation system is so perfect that every detail is provided. Work on its installation will not take much time even for a person who first encountered such a task. And at the end of the room will be clean. And what is important, you do not need any special tools, just a tape measure, a screwdriver, a level and a clerical knife.
• Long service life. This is due to the fact that the rails made of metal and coated with a protective compound will not break from impact and will not deteriorate from possible moisture.
• The frame itself is also made of a metal profile, which means that the entire system is fireproof and does not ignite.
• Easy to care for, eco-friendly and non-allergic. If necessary, it can be disinfected and washed with household cleaners. It is not susceptible to mold formation, which is very important in wet rooms. This is the recommended ceiling covering for the kitchen.
• Thanks to the frame mounting system, multi-level structures are created from the rack ceiling, in which all the wiring is hidden.

Flaws

• The ceiling height will be reduced by at least 10 cm.
• The peculiarity of the installation of a rack ceiling implies the consistent fastening of all the strips. Therefore, during the repair, it will be necessary to disassemble the entire ceiling covering completely, starting from the wall on which the finishing bar is fixed.
• Price. Due to the use of metal in the manufacture, the price of a slatted false ceiling is more expensive than plastic coatings. But given all its advantages and features, it is objective.

Foam ceiling covering

• This is perhaps the most budget option of all existing. This thin expanded polystyrene tile has appeared on the construction market relatively recently. It is almost weightless and has a texture that allows you to hide small irregularities in the ceiling.
• Over the years, the variety of foam ceiling tiles has grown in order to keep pace with the exacting preferences of buyers. Not only colored models began to appear on sale, but also with a glossy surface.

Advantages and disadvantages of foam ceiling covering

• The price, of course, is its main advantage. It is she who plays a key role when the consumer wants to make cheap repairs on his own in a short time.
• It has a low weight and small dimensions, which allows you to transport it even in your hands. And this is convenient if you do not want to pay for transport for delivery.
• It is easily glued to the ceiling, holds securely, and if necessary, it will not be difficult to quickly dismantle it or replace a separate tile.
• It can stick to various surfaces and does not affect the height of the ceiling.
• TO shortcomings include the fact that the tile can become dirty, dust settles on its surface. It is also unsuitable for use in damp rooms or at temperature extremes, as it can deform and peel off. It will not hide the wiring, and when burned, it releases toxic toxic substances that greatly affect human health or lead to suffocation. Therefore, it is prohibited for use in public places.

Variety of ceiling tiles

• Pressed. On sale, it is only white, but is suitable for self-coloring. They are made by pressing foam blanks to a thickness of 6 mm. The price of this ceiling coating is 20-30 rubles / m2.
• injection. A more durable option, as it is subjected to high temperature processing during production. It is more convenient to work with it, since the plates are easier to cut and do not crumble. The tile itself has a clear shape with a more embossed pattern than pressed. The thickness of the product is about 10-15 mm, and the price is 50 - 100 rubles / m2.

• extruded. The most reliable and strong of all types, despite the fact that its thickness does not exceed 3 mm. During production, the polystyrene strip is immediately covered with paint or a special color film, after which it is pressed. There are a lot of design variations, from plain coloring to imitation of wood, stone or any other finishing material. Outwardly, it is very easy to distinguish it from its counterparts - by a smooth shiny surface. With all these advantages, its price is only 30-50 rubles / m2.
• Laminated ceiling tiles. Unlike the usual one, it has a protective laminated layer on the front side. This allows you to protect it from fading, and also increases moisture resistance and impact resistance. For cleaning, you can use dishwashing detergent without abrasive particles that can scratch it.
• Seamless ceiling tiles. Its edges have no relief and edging. Therefore, when sticking, they form the appearance of a single canvas with patterns.
• Mirror ceiling tiles. Unlike previous models, it is made not from foam, but from plastic. A very thin mirror layer is applied to the front side, which in no way affects the weight of the product. It is produced in the form of squares or rectangles. It is especially good in small rooms, allowing you to visually enlarge the space a little and make it lighter.

Choosing the Right Ceiling Tiles

• When the only principle is a low price, then the choice should be stopped on pressed tiles. If desired, it can be painted with water-based paint. Extruded foam ceiling covering is only suitable for rooms.
• To create a single seamless ceiling surface, an infectious foam tile is suitable. Thanks to perfectly smooth edges, its joints are almost invisible, and a deep relief pattern will help to additionally connect the whole picture together. It is also paintable. But for such a ceiling you will have to pay three times as much.
• Extruded tiles will be an excellent solution as a ceiling covering for a bathroom, bathroom or kitchen. In addition to the fact that it has good moisture resistance, it is easy to wash.

Stretch ceiling

These modern ceiling coverings are divided into two main types: fabric and PVC film.

• If you choose from these two options, then the film ceiling will be cheaper. But when compared with other types of ceiling coverings, its cost will be higher.
• PVC ceiling has a roll width of only 3.5 meters, but this is not an obstacle for its use in large rooms. If necessary, the sheets are connected by a weld, which is invisible and durable. The tests carried out have shown that the place of the seam is in no way inferior to the solid canvas in terms of strength.

• Unlike it, the fabric stretch ceiling has no seams, so it is also called seamless. True, its use is limited by the width of the roll, which is 5m. But, as a rule, this size is enough for typical city apartments.
• There is a misconception that the fabric ceiling is more environmentally friendly and is made of natural matter. In fact, it is made from polyester raw materials with polyurethane impregnation.
• For any type of stretch ceiling, baguettes are mounted around the perimeter at a distance of 3-4 cm from the draft ceiling. But today, special profiles have appeared on sale that allow you to indent from the wall by only 1-1.5 cm.
• When installing a fabric ceiling covering, special equipment is not required, while when stretching a PVC film, a heat gun is needed that will heat its surface to 70-80 ° C. It is often recommended to close windows and remove plastic utensils, but this is not necessary. The gun is capable of purposefully heating only the canvas itself, and the high temperature will be felt only a few centimeters from its surface. The only advice that professionals give is to temporarily remove houseplants that can wither.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Regardless of the type, their main advantage is considered ideally smooth ceiling surface, which is very difficult to achieve when plastering. This is especially noticeable when using glossy material.
• Aesthetic appearance. In modern interior design, ceilings play an important role. Stretch ceiling allows you to embody all ideas: multi-level structures with bends. Complex lighting systems, involving a large number of wires, are easily hidden in the inter-ceiling space. In addition, PVC films themselves come with decorative prints in the form of leather, marble or wood. According to this parameter, the fabric ceiling loses a lot, since it has no more than 10 color schemes and outwardly resembles a plastered surface.

• Fast installation. It will take a team of professionals no more than 3 hours to make the ceiling in the room.
• Long term operation. As a rule, manufacturers set a warranty period of 10 years, but in fact, a stretch ceiling will last 50 years without repair and any maintenance.
• Water resistance. This can be appreciated by residents of apartment buildings and upper floors. Usually, when flooded from above, it is necessary to make repairs, as not only the ceiling suffers, but also the walls, and sometimes the floors. If a stretch ceiling is installed, then it is able to withstand the huge weight of water, preventing it from entering the room. At the same time, the PVC ceiling is stretched to the desired size, it will be enough to drain the water and stretch the canvas again. But the tissue analogue will have to be thrown away.
• Heat and sound insulation qualities. This becomes possible due to the formation of air space between the draft ceiling and the stretch ceiling.
• The inability to form condensate. The stretched fabric is so thin that even in a humid room it has a temperature similar to that of the environment.

Flaws

• Price. It can differ significantly due to the manufacturer and the quality of the material, but in the average inexpensive price category, a square meter will cost 500-1000 rubles. It is impossible to install it yourself, so there will be no savings
• Damage due to high temperature. Therefore, manufacturers give strict recommendations on the power of lamps that can be used on a stretch ceiling. So, for halogen lamps, this figure is 30 W, and for incandescent lamps no more than 60 W. If you want to install more powerful lighting, the lamps themselves should be at least 15-20 cm away from the canvas.
• Fear of temperature changes. Therefore, it is forbidden to install in non-residential or unheated premises. Here it must be added that in addition to negative temperatures, the PVC ceiling reacts poorly to a sharp cold snap at only 5 degrees. And when the temperature in the room rises, it can stretch and sag, so the area per perimeter of one baguette should not exceed 20m2.
• Reaction to pressure drops. This effect is called "collapse". It often occurs when windows or doors are opened. This is due to the resulting difference between the interceiling space and the main room.
• Impossibility of cleaning. As a rule, stretch ceilings do not require cleaning, dust does not settle on them. But if for some reason a dirty stain appears on it, it will be almost impossible to clean it.
• High cut risk. At break, the stretch ceiling has high strength and is able to withstand the weight of an adult male. But in a taut state, even a light touch of a sharp object on it will cause a break. It is no longer possible to fix it.

ceiling wallpaper

In general, two types of ceiling wallpaper can be distinguished in the construction market.

• Embossed wallpaper. This is Russian wallpaper for the ceiling, which is sold in the usual rolls with a width of about 50 cm. They are only white and are not suitable for painting. But the choice of textures is very large. In turn, it not only decorates the surface of the ceiling, but also allows you to hide its small defects. When using such a ceiling covering, there is no debris left, but the first day the room must be protected from drafts so that the wallpaper does not peel off.
• Foreign analogues are often called wallpaper for painting. They are available in different thicknesses and different densities. Their main advantage is the possibility of coloring in any color. If it is waterproof paint, then the ceiling can also be washed. The quality of this product allows you to repaint them up to 10 times without deteriorating the texture.

Tip: if you pre-primed the ceiling and use a suitable wallpaper paste, in case of need to dismantle them, it will be easy to remove them by simply wetting them with water and pulling on the edge.

Starting repairs in an apartment or office, first of all, you need to think about the materials that will be used for decoration. Not the last place among them will be occupied by ceiling coverings. The choice of these materials and structures that can be created from them is so large that a thorough study of all their types and properties is necessary.

Finish options

Before you start choosing ceiling coverings for rooms, you need to decide what are the ways to fix them. It depends on how complex and expensive the design will be.

Basically, several basic finishes are used:

• or . This type of finishing work is only suitable for flat surfaces. Without preliminary leveling of the overlap, it cannot be painted or whitewashed with high quality.
• Suspended ceiling. Most often used to repair this surface in ordinary apartments and houses. It is necessary to build a special base to which the exterior trim is attached. A lot of different materials are used as a decorative surface and you can create a composition suitable for any interior.
• Ceilings assembled from individual elements on a frame. The elements can be different elements in the form of plates, gratings or metal cassettes. Grilyato ceilings and Armstrong ceiling covering can be attributed to this type. It is mainly used in office or commercial premises.
• Stretch fabric. Increasingly gaining popularity due to its versatility and wide design possibilities. It has a lot of positive qualities, in many ways surpassing all other repair options.
• Wallpaper. Always very popular. They are glued directly to the floor slab and do not require careful alignment, although you still have to prepare the surface a little.
• Panels and plates made of plastic or foam. Some models look quite decent, however, plastic and polyurethane plates are more popular in summer cottages or with the most budgetary repairs. Especially - the ceiling covering made of foam.

For all structures, various types of ceiling coverings can be used, from which a decorative canvas will be assembled. Therefore, having decided on the design, it is necessary to carefully select what the ceiling will eventually be mounted from.

materials

The outer side of the assembled composition can have a variety of designs and have different properties. All characteristics depend on the properties of the material chosen for design. Next, we will try to consider what kind of ceiling coating is and what properties its various types have.

The most affordable way to repair. Installation is carried out directly on the floor slab, by gluing tiles. It does not look very nice if the usual variety of plates is used. Some models may look much better.

For example, seamless canvases assembled from such foam boards. Due to the special shape of the edge and the special pattern, the plates connected together create the appearance of a continuous plane. There are special models from which you can create imitations of various ceiling structures, like caissons.

Very pretty and easy to install decor. The panels may have a different pattern, but, most often, an imitation of a wooden surface and a pattern characteristic of a tree is used. There are both not too expensive panels, and very expensive models.

Installation is carried out either on a frame base, or on glue, directly on the ceiling. In the first case, a kind of suspended ceiling is obtained, with all the advantages and disadvantages of such a design. The second option is much simpler and can be used in not the highest rooms.

You can stick any wallpaper on the ceiling, but special varieties designed for this surface are best suited. Modern ceiling coverings in the form of wallpapers are quite often used in office and retail premises. The basis for their manufacture is fiberglass, which gives the surface very good performance characteristics.

They are glued directly to the ceiling and its preliminary alignment is required. Minor defects may not be removed, but large cracks or other large defects will have to be repaired. They are very affordable in terms of cost and can be used as a budgetary way to improve ceilings.

Stretch fabric

There are a lot of varieties and colors. Starting from the most diverse and ending with those that do not require the use of a heat gun during installation. Stretched canvas and film have excellent performance and can be used in almost any room.

The main disadvantage, which was of significant importance before, was their rather high cost. Now, the price has dropped significantly and can compete with one of the most popular types of finishes - drywall. For installation, it is necessary to slightly reduce the height of the rooms and this must be taken into account when choosing.

The most versatile finish. It is mounted on a frame base, and the final appearance depends only on the designer's imagination. Allows you to assemble a composition of almost any shape. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the most inexpensive way to finish. When adding up all the costs of creating a structure, it may turn out that it is not only not cheap, but even quite expensive.

Often, drywall serves as the basis for mounting various types of panels or decorating with textured plasters. There are moisture-resistant and even fire-resistant varieties, so it is suitable for use in any room.

What does everything look like

To have a better idea of ​​the appearance of different design options, you need to look at finished designs created using the most popular types of decor. You can see different ceiling coverings and their types in the photos below. They will help you decide what to use in each case.

One of the most popular repair methods is a plasterboard suspended ceiling. The number of possible compositions is simply huge.

MDF panels can be very successfully fit into the interior.

Now everything natural is in fashion and panels covered with real wood veneer will be a good choice.

All kinds of plastic and metal panels are great for renovating bathrooms near kitchens. Water resistance and ease of care are in the first place here.

Any pattern can be transferred to the stretch fabric. This will allow you to create a completely unique interior if desired.

Cassette surfaces are rarely used in houses or apartments, but, in commercial premises, they have become indispensable.

The most popular are Armstrong systems.

Foam tiles are very common, but only suitable for the most budgetary repairs. Some of its varieties and, are somewhat more expensive, but the resulting surface looks much better.

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 degradation, 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 suspended 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 lining 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.

Flaws 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

The ceiling is one of the most visible and important interior details. It is from its finish that the final result of the repair will depend, so this issue must be approached as responsibly as possible.

Ceiling finishes

At the moment, the design of the ceiling includes the following finishing methods:

• Whitewash.
• Coloring.
• Wallpapering
• Styrofoam ceiling tiles.
• Hemming designs.
• Suspension systems.
• Stretch structures.

In connection with such a variety of choices, during the repair there are many questions about its design. How to decorate the ceiling so that it is not only beautiful, but also extremely functional? In order to facilitate this task, we will consider in more detail each type of finish, its pros and cons.

Ceiling whitewash

Whitewashing is the most economical type of ceiling repair in an apartment, consisting in applying a lime or chalk mortar to a leveled, puttied surface.

You can whitewash only a flat ceiling surface, so first you need to wash and putty it, and also remove the previous layer of whitewash, if any.

Advantages of whitewash:

• low cost of materials;
• the compositions used for it are natural, do not burn, lime has an antifungal, antibacterial effect, and fights the appearance of mold on the walls;
• suitable for low ceilings;
• with sufficient skill, you can whiten yourself.

Cons of whitewashing:

• difficult to clean and wash the surface;
• instability to moisture;
• currently not the most fashionable type of repair.

Painting the ceiling surface with water-based paint

This method is similar to whitewashing, except that water-based paint is taken instead of natural solutions and this type of repair is more durable.

Wallpapering the ceiling

This method includes pasting the surface with both conventional and liquid wallpaper.

As in the case of whitewashing, before wallpapering, the surface should be leveled, defects removed, irregularities plastered, and only after that you can start gluing.

The advantages of this finish include the following:

• cheap materials (paper wallpaper);
• simplicity of technology;
• lack of toxicity of paper wallpaper.

Disadvantages of wallpapered ceiling design:

• unproven safety of vinyl wallpaper;
• liquid wallpaper is characterized by high prices;
• Quite often, wallpapers give the rooms a boring, slightly rustic look, this is especially evident in the photo of the ceilings in an apartment with such a renovation.

Pasting the ceiling with foam tiles

Foam tiles come in different textures: smooth, molded, laminated, as well as various shapes.

This method was especially popular in the last couple of decades, but now, although it is used quite rarely, it still takes place.

Preparing the surface for pasting is no different from preparing for another finish: it must be: smooth and clean. In the process itself, the most difficult thing is to calculate the number of tiles per ceiling area.

In order for the gaps between the tiles to be even, it is necessary to initially lay them at a distance of several millimeters from each other.

This finishing option has its advantages:

• The material from which the tiles are made is moisture resistant;
• Thermal insulation and sound insulation of the tiled surface is quite high;
• Ceiling tiles are inexpensive;
• Tiles can be glued without resorting to the help of an installer;
• Tiled ceiling is easy to clean.

Cons of pasting streams with foam tiles:

• Cheap tiles turn yellow quickly;
• Styrofoam has a tendency to deformation;
• Styrofoam burns easily;
• The design of streams of this kind is currently not relevant.

False ceilings

Most of the time it's a draft. The hemming structure is immediately attached to the floor beams. This method serves to level the ceiling before the main repair method.

Among other things, it is a good tool for sound insulation and thermal insulation. For thermal insulation, foam is most often used.

Many people refer to plastic, wooden, and suspended plasterboard structures as false ceilings, but this is a wrong opinion.

Dropped ceilings

Suspended structures include several varieties.

Plasterboard ceilings

Plasterboard ceilings are a complex structure of a metal frame and plasterboard sheets. This type of finish allows you to realize the most interesting design: multi-level structures with different lighting systems, as well as to make the most even ceiling with built-in lights.

This design option is especially good in an apartment with high ceilings.

The advantages of this design:

• durability and resistance to moisture;
• the ability to bring any design to life;
• the creation of zones in apartments, which is especially important for a studio apartment.

Cons of a drywall structure:

• installation time;
• the inability to do repairs alone, by yourself.

Tiled ceilings

Armstrong tiled ceilings, as well as plasterboard ceilings, consist of a metal frame, only pressed tiles are used instead of drywall, and the metal profile is not hidden under the structure, and it is an element of decor.

The advantages of the Armstrong system are as follows:

• Low cost;
• Fast installation;
• The ability to hide all the cables under it.

• Low resistance to moisture and fragility;
• This design is more suitable in the office than in the apartment.

Slatted ceilings

Slatted ceilings made of lining (PVC) are very popular. Due to their resistance to frequent water ingress, such structures are especially liked to be installed in bathrooms.

Stretch ceiling

Currently, the most popular is such a finishing method as installing a stretch ceiling in an apartment - stretching a film on a pre-installed frame. They can be of different types, but the most popular are glossy, matte and satin.

Glossy ones have an interesting effect: a visual increase in the room, which is especially important when the ceiling is not very high.

Matte is the most common option that allows you to create a perfectly smooth matte surface.

Satin has a slight matte effect, but reflects glare.

The advantages of this arrangement are as follows:

• Durability;
• Practicality;
• An interesting design opportunity.

Whatever way you choose to finish the ceiling, the most important advantage of the design will always be only its relevance and practicality in your interior.

Photo of ceilings in the apartment