Renovating
5 Popular False Ceiling Materials
Get to know the pros and cons of different false ceiling materials
A false ceiling is a secondary ceiling that is suspended from the structural ceiling of the home, and is made in materials such as gypsum, wood, glass, plaster/drywall, PVC and so on. These materials are long lasting, look good and add to the aesthetic appeal of the space. It is essential to learn about the strengths and shortcomings of each of these false ceiling materials before you commit to one.
In this example, just see how gypsum board ceilings are installed by fixing it in a visible square grid. The standard size of the gypsum panels is 2 x 2 feet. These ceiling boards are available in a smooth, textured or patterned finish.
Gypsum grid ceilings are most suitable for areas with a ducted air-conditioning or hidden services because these ceiling panels are removable and can allow easy access to the service areas.
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Gypsum grid ceilings are most suitable for areas with a ducted air-conditioning or hidden services because these ceiling panels are removable and can allow easy access to the service areas.
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2. POP (Plaster of Paris)
Plaster of Paris, also called POP, is a quick-setting white powder that hardens quickly when mixed with water. This mixture is applied to a chicken mesh, allowed to dry and then fixed as the false ceiling.
Pros
Plaster of Paris, also called POP, is a quick-setting white powder that hardens quickly when mixed with water. This mixture is applied to a chicken mesh, allowed to dry and then fixed as the false ceiling.
Pros
- POP is a durable false ceiling material.
- It forms a smooth finish which does not show cracks because the same material is used for closing all the joint lines. Paints settle very well on the POP ceiling.
- POP is a flexible material and one can achieve any shape with POP.
- It is one of the cheapest false ceiling materials.
- The process of mixing the POP with water and letting it dry on site is a very time-consuming and messy process.
3. Wood
Bring in a warm, rustic or high-end modern look to your decor with wooden ceilings. These ceilings are installed by fixing wooden blocks or panels on the structural ceiling and finishing it with veneer or wood polish.
Pros
10 Alternatives to Solid Wood
Bring in a warm, rustic or high-end modern look to your decor with wooden ceilings. These ceilings are installed by fixing wooden blocks or panels on the structural ceiling and finishing it with veneer or wood polish.
Pros
- Wooden ceilings stand out because of the natural textures and grain patterns of wood. These ceilings go well with both traditional and modern decors.
- Wooden false ceilings are very expensive.
- Wooden ceilings can get infested with termites.
- Wood has the tendency to expand and contract; hence it is prone to warping and cracking.
10 Alternatives to Solid Wood
4. Metal
Metal ceilings comprise metal panels suspended in a visible grid, as seen in the image above. The metal panels are available in the form of ready-to-install tiles.
Pros
Metal ceilings comprise metal panels suspended in a visible grid, as seen in the image above. The metal panels are available in the form of ready-to-install tiles.
Pros
- Metal ceilings are very strong and durable.
- These ceilings are maintenance-free as they do not crack or warp over time.
- Metal has a very good sheen, which imparts a high-end shiny look to the decor.
- Metal ceiling panels are very expensive.
- These panels should be finished with a protective coating that shall protect the metal sheets from corrosion.
5. PVC
If you are looking for a water-resistant false ceiling material, go for PVC (polyvinyl chloride) ceiling panels.
Pros
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If you are looking for a water-resistant false ceiling material, go for PVC (polyvinyl chloride) ceiling panels.
Pros
- PVC sheets are lightweight, durable and sturdy, which do not require any finishing or painting once installed. They last for years without warping or bending.
- The water-resistant nature of the PVC sheets prevents water absorption. Hence, they are resistant to mould and mildew, especially in areas with damp conditions.
- PVC panels are easy to install and are highly affordable.
- They are available in many colours.
- PVC false ceiling panels can give a plastic look.
- Another major drawback is that PVC false ceiling panels are not fire-resistant and may get damaged when subjected to heat.
Tell us
What would be your choice of material for the false ceiling? Tell us why in the Comments section below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, save the story, and join in the conversation.
Also called plasterboard, gypsum has emerged as the most popular false ceiling material. It is available in the form of square boards that are factory-manufactured.
Pros
- Gypsum boards are very strong and highly durable.
- The best part about using gypsum boards is that they ensure quick and easy installation and generate very little dust during execution. Also, since the gypsum boards are available in large sizes, very few joint lines are visible in the ceiling.
- Gypsum is a fire-resistant material.
- Gypsum has very good acoustic properties and it provides good sound proofing.
- These ceilings provide good thermal insulation.
- Gypsum boards have a very smooth factory-produced finish. The ceiling can be further finished with paint, laminate or wallpaper.
Cons