Installation of ceilings made of plastic panels. Ceiling made of PVC (plastic) panels: step-by-step instructions. Fasteners and tools

Evgeniy Sedov

When your hands grow from the right place, life is more fun :)

Content

One of the modern ways to decorate a ceiling is to cover it with ceiling panels. You can buy such tiles from plastic (PVC), aluminum, wood and many other materials. The main advantage is the ability to give an aesthetic appearance to the surface without the need to level, plaster and putty the surface. Technical characteristics depend on the material of manufacture and product quality.

What are ceiling panels

Decorative panels are becoming increasingly popular for finishing the ceiling. For this purpose, manufacturers use different designs that give an aesthetic appearance to the room and do not require complex installation work. To properly install the system, it is not necessary to hire professional builders. The decorative finishing of the ceiling has a simple structure, so installation can be done in one day.

Plastic ceiling panels

Plastic is a popular material for making ceiling panels. Resistance to moisture makes the products popular for finishing kitchens, bathrooms and balconies. PVC ceiling panels have many textures and colors. They cannot be called durable, so installation of plastic panels on the ceiling must be carried out with a sufficient number of stiffeners. To install ceiling panels, you will need additional materials: mounting profile, screws, plinth. PVC ceiling panels are produced by many companies, one of the popular manufacturers is Dekostar:

model name: 3-section “Silver” Dekostar Lux;
price: from 190 rubles;
characteristics: thickness – 8 mm, moisture resistance;
advantages: aesthetic appearance, easy care, affordable cost;
cons: fragile material.

The Sofito company offers consumers lightweight and flexible ceiling products. Among the variety of textures and colors, the model with molding is popular:

model name: three-section glossy 801-2
price: from 200 rubles;
characteristics: lightweight, damage-resistant material;
pluses: moisture resistant, aesthetic appearance;
cons: may change color when exposed to sunlight.

Ceiling panels for bathroom

The bathroom is a room with high humidity, so the panel ceiling must be moisture resistant. It is not necessary to stop at plastic ceiling products; manufacturers can even process MDF so that the ceiling panels for the bathroom do not lose their appearance when exposed to moisture. Often consumers choose PVC models. Northside offers decent finishing solutions. Suspended ceiling structures can be bought in an online store or in construction supermarkets, for example, Maxidom:

model name: chrome, 2-section;
price: from 300 rubles;
characteristics: thickness – 7.5 mm, width – 250 mm, length -3 m;
advantages: affordable cost, aesthetic appearance, moisture resistance;
cons: fear of mechanical damage.

The Pervosvet company suggests using mineral fiber panels for the bathroom rather than a plastic ceiling. For example, the ceiling model from the Adamant series is popular:

model name: Orient;
price: from 187 rubles;
characteristics: high-density mineral fabric, dimensions - 600x600x10, Board edge;
advantages: high reliability, aesthetics;
cons: the material is afraid of mechanical damage.

Wooden ceiling panels

For supporters of natural materials, ceiling panel manufacturers offer wood products. Their cost is higher than plastic or foam, but they are actively used in interiors due to their elegant appearance and excellent sound insulation properties. The most famous wooden ceiling models are supplied to the market by Isotex:

model name: Isotex Forest Nordic;
price: from 673 rubles;
characteristics: with wood texture;
pros: environmentally friendly material, high levels of sound and heat insulation;
cons: high cost.

You can decorate your room with natural wood if you take advantage of the offer from the Coswick company. There is a wide selection of birch panels lined with various types of valuable wood with a glossy and matte surface, as well as analogues from MDF and HDF. The leadership among products belongs to the following ceiling model:

Model Name: Coswick Birch Stone Brook;
price: from 5000 rubles;
characteristics: natural veneer on a fire-resistant MDF base, dimensions - 12 x 190 x 2750 mm;
advantages: noble appearance, reliability, durability;
cons: high price.

Ceiling panels for kitchen

The kitchen is a room whose decoration should take into account high humidity and temperature changes. Rockwool produces kitchen ceiling panels that fully satisfy the conditions of the following rooms:

model name: Lilia Rockwool;
price: from 60 rubles;
characteristics: high moisture resistance, fire resistance, material of manufacture – mineral fiber;
pros: does not deform under temperature changes and in high humidity conditions;
cons: limited choice of colors.

An economical but practical solution for the kitchen is Decomax products. A decent price-quality ratio makes such products popular:

model name: Decomax Intonaco Crema 21-9106;
price: from 50 rubles;
characteristics: plastic, seamless connection;
pluses: high fire safety indicators, moisture resistance, 10 year manufacturer’s warranty;
cons: afraid of mechanical damage.

Foam panels for the ceiling

For inexpensive interiors, you can choose affordable polystyrene foam or foam panels for the ceiling. The main advantages of such a decorative ceiling covering: resistance to moisture, environmental friendliness, light weight, resistance to rotting and mold. Such ceiling tiles are an opportunity to bring a room into decent shape quickly and inexpensively. Kindecor offers several decorative coatings, among which the foamed polystyrene model is popular:

model name: Kindecor 32 White tiles;
price: from 23 rubles;
characteristics: size 0.5*0.5 meters,
pros: moisture resistance, affordable price;
cons: deformation at high temperatures, color change under the sun.

Although it is generally accepted that foam tiles are a solution for inexpensive interiors, among these products there are premium options that will cost a lot. They can often be used for wall and ceiling decoration. These products include polyurethane products made in Belgium:

Model name: F30 ORAC DECOR
price: 440 rubles per piece;
characteristics: moisture resistance, smooth surface, square shape;
pros: compliance with environmental safety standards, elegant appearance;
cons: high cost.

Panels for the ceiling in the room

When a living room or office space has an excessively high ceiling, you need to hide utility lines, but at the same time choose a budget finishing option; use Baikal ceiling tiles. Such panels for the ceiling in the room will appeal to aesthetes, because they are made of mineral fiber:

model name: BAJKAL Board from Armstrong
price: from 65 rubles;
characteristics: excellent reflective ability, fire safety;
pros: affordable cost, easy installation;
Cons: deteriorates due to humidity, absorbs odors if ventilation is poor.

Exquisite design for interior decoration from the Isotex company is not only aesthetics, but also reliability and durability. Russian consumers have already had the opportunity to verify the high quality of these products:

Model name: Isotex Forest Gold
price: 854 rubles per sq. m;
characteristics: base – soft fiberboard, surface – decorative paper on an aluminum coating;
pros: elegant design, durability;
cons: not suitable for rooms with high humidity.

3D ceiling panels

3D ceiling panels will help you create a unique design. Thanks to the design, a three-dimensional picture is created that transforms the space. In store catalogs you can select and order a ready-made drawing from a photo, which must be assembled in fragments and mounted on the ceiling. Elements can be made of different materials: plaster, wood, aluminum, or have a textile or mirror surface. This panel ceiling is used for the hall, bedroom, nursery and any other rooms. Popular ceiling products from Dorado Consulting:

model name: PVC 3D Rakitta “SPLIT”;
price: from 264 rubles;
characteristics: increased strength, rectangular pattern;
pros: original design, easy installation;
cons: damaged when exposed to solvent.

Volumetric elements can become the highlight of an apartment. To install some ceiling systems you will need a frame and fastenings; others are simply installed using glue. Panel ceilings that are mounted on an adhesive base are offered by WallArt:

model name: Waves;
price: from 160 rubles;
characteristics: clear lines, thickness 1.5 mm;
pros: original design, can be painted;
cons: not found.

Aluminum ceiling panels

If you want a durable finish during your renovation, then aluminum ceiling panels are the best choice. The service life of such a ceiling product is about 50 years. They are characterized by high moisture resistance and wear resistance. Easy to install and durable systems are offered by CESAL:

Model name: Profi S-100
price: from 230 rubles;
characteristics: material – aluminum, color – pearl white, length – 4 m, width – 0.1 m;
advantages: high resistance to corrosion and moisture, coating resistant to mechanical damage;
cons: limited color range.

The Caveen brand produces designer cassette-type suspended ceilings. The company chose durable and reliable aluminum as the material for its products. Decorative tiles are presented in a large assortment, and the true bestseller of the collection is the following option:

Model name: cassette M002;
price: from 160 rubles per piece;
characteristics: size 300*300 mm;
pros: elegant design for small mosaics, durability, moisture resistance;
cons: high cost.

How to choose ceiling panels

The variety of types of ceiling panels can confuse even an experienced builder, not to mention ordinary people who have started renovations in an apartment. How to buy panels for the ceiling so that the result of the repair is pleasing to the eye, and the structure lasts for many years? First, decide on the type and purpose of the material, and then follow the recommendations of experts:

Plastic. Pay attention to the appearance, clarity of geometry, uniform distribution of the pattern. Squeeze the panel between your fingers to make sure it is strong enough.
Wooden. The surface of the products must be free of chips and cracks; no swelling or scratches are allowed on the coating.
Foam. A high-quality model is characterized by a smooth and uniform pattern over the entire surface. Shake the tiles before purchasing; pieces should not fall off.
3D. Pay attention to the characteristics of the material; they must meet the requirements of the room in which they will be installed: fire safety, moisture resistance, environmental friendliness, etc.
Aluminum. The optimal thickness of the slats is 0.5 cm. This parameter allows you to maintain the shape of the product during the entire period of operation. The remaining selection criteria depend on the individual tastes of the consumer.

The kitchen and bathroom are special areas of the apartment that require special care and, accordingly, a different approach to the choice of finishing materials. This is due to the special microclimatic conditions created in these rooms, for example, high humidity in the bathroom, and harmful factors that can lead to damage to finishing materials. These include sudden changes in temperature and humidity, fat deposits and all kinds of fumes - all this can disrupt the beauty and comfort of these premises. In addition, not only beginners, but also experienced craftsmen are unlikely to consider ceiling repair a simple undertaking, since carrying out work at the upper level in itself is a difficult process that takes a lot of effort and time. But, despite the laboriousness of the process, as well as the effort and time expended, over time the plastered surface will crack, cracks will appear on it, and it will lose its original appearance and performance characteristics. But technology does not stand still, and today traditional methods of ceiling finishing are being replaced by modern polymer materials, the use of which allows you to implement any construction project with your own hands. At the same time, you can be confident in the quality and speed of finishing work of any complexity. Materials that meet the above requirements include plastic ceiling panels, and installing a ceiling using plastic panels is one of the most common finishing activities that is growing in popularity. In this article we will look at the main advantages of plastic panels, as well as the features of installing a ceiling made of plastic panels.

Covering the ceiling with plastic panels: relevance of the issue

Finishing the ceiling with plastic panels is one of the simplest and most cost-effective options for ceiling repair. To cover the ceiling surface with decorative plastic panels, no special skills, experience in this field, or repair or construction qualifications are required. By following the instructions presented in this article, as well as approaching the work with due care, you will be able to install a ceiling made of plastic panels with your own hands without the help of specialists. When choosing polyvinyl chloride material for finishing the ceiling, it is important not to confuse wall panels with ceiling panels. Wall panels, unlike fragile and light ceiling panels, are characterized by greater weight and rigidity. In this regard, handling ceiling panels requires special care, since if you carelessly press them with your hand or a construction tool, you will leave an unsightly notch on them, which will spoil the appearance of the material. In this regard, care must be taken when working with ceiling panels.

Main types of PVC ceiling panels

Currently, the construction market offers a wide range of plastic ceiling panels, which vary in color, width or texture. A variety of texture solutions for plastic ceiling panels allows them to imitate materials popular in interior decoration, including marble and wood. The development of modern technologies makes it possible to produce matte and glossy ceiling panels, as well as panels whose surface is coated with a special varnish. Size is another feature according to which ceiling panels can be classified. Thus, plastic ceiling panels can be classified according to the technology of applying decorative coating to them:

Matte white panels, characterized by the absence of any coating. Experts call this material “pure form” PVC panels, which belong to a lower price category. It is used mainly in utility rooms, imitating ceilings painted with white paint;
White PVC panels with a glossy surface indicate that a special varnish was used in their production process. Their distinctive feature is their high reflective properties, and therefore they can be used for installing ceilings in any room;
Colored plastic panels or panels with a pattern printed on the surface. The presence of a pattern on the surface indicates that during their production more common technologies for decorating plastic panels were used, which will be discussed below.

The most common method of decoration, due to its low cost, is the use of thermal film, which is used to transfer the design to a plastic panel;

To produce panels on the surface of which more complex patterns are applied, imitating ornaments and structures with a large number of shades (for example, marble or expensive types of wood), more complex technologies are used, such as direct photo printing, the patterns applied with which are characterized by high resolution. This method of decoration will require the use of special equipment, and therefore such panels belong to a higher price category.

In accordance with the form of manufacture, several categories of plastic panels are also distinguished:

Seamless plastic panels designed to imitate wooden lining. Their distinctive feature is the presence of small gutters between the panels after their assembly;
Seamless panels, characterized by an almost complete absence of joints on the finished surface between the individual strips. The joints remaining on the surface after installing the ceiling are so small that, if desired, they can be sealed with a sealant of a suitable color.

Ceiling made of plastic panels photo

Advantages of ceilings made of plastic panels

The main advantage of a suspended ceiling made of plastic panels is its high aesthetic appeal and the ability to hide defects in the untreated main ceiling surface. Installing a ceiling in a bathroom from plastic panels is an excellent opportunity to reliably protect against the appearance of mold in the cavity above the suspended ceiling, which is formed under the influence of high humidity, and the associated cracking of the ceiling finish, since the cavity formed during the installation of the ceiling is sealed;
The plastic panel ceiling is resistant to moisture;
Installation of plastic panels on the ceiling provides the home craftsman with the opportunity to disguise various engineering communications, including electrical wiring, and also allows for the implementation of spot lighting and the selection of lamps of any configuration;
Unlike mineral boards, which, when saturated with moisture, will not only lose their original attractiveness, but also become hazardous to health due to fungus formed on them, this will not happen with plastic panels due to their resistance to moisture;
Due to the presence of the above-mentioned advantage, suspended ceilings are not afraid of flooding from above - the stains that appear can simply be wiped off with a rag. This distinguishes suspended plastic ceilings from plasterboard structures, ceiling wallpaper and tiles, which are characterized by the presence of a porous surface;
Plastic ceiling panels do not require special care; simply wipe them with a damp cloth and use any detergent, since the polyvinyl chloride from which the plastic panels are made is resistant to chemical influences.

Important! Despite the presence of chemical resistance, it is not recommended to use abrasive agents when washing plastic panels, since after their use, untidy scratches will remain on the plastic surface, which will spoil the appearance of the coating.

In the case of using heat and sound insulation, the master has the opportunity to significantly improve the consumer characteristics of enclosing structures;
Stability and stability of the ceiling configuration even under conditions of sudden changes in temperature and humidity;
Ease of installation is another advantage of plastic panels, which allows you to install a ceiling from plastic panels yourself. Installing plastic ceilings involves assembling a frame to which plastic panels are attached. To install a plastic ceiling, there is no need to prepare the ceiling surface;
Environmental safety and absence of foreign odors, unlike tension structures;
During the installation of plastic panels, unlike PVC tiles, there is no need to use specialized adhesives;
The affordable cost of the material is an advantage that we also have no right to ignore.

Disadvantages of ceilings made of plastic panels

The budget appearance of plastic ceilings, but despite this, you can also find original colors;
If you buy the cheapest thin paneling, you may be disappointed in it after installation, as some models let in light from the installed lamps;
Using the cheapest material, you will not be able to install multi-level structures or bends;
After installing plastic ceilings, you will notice that you have lost several centimeters of ceiling height;
Cheaper options are seamed, which means that after installation the seams will be visible on the ceiling surface.

Despite the fact that the choice of plastic panels for ceiling installation should be based only on the personal preferences of the home craftsman, there are certain recommendations that must be followed in the process of selecting them. Let's consider the main ones:

To visually make the ceiling higher, choose light-colored panels, which, unlike similar dark-colored materials that reduce the height of the room, make it taller;
If you give preference to glossy panels, which, after installing the ceiling, will reflect the space within themselves, you can create the illusion of depth, as a result of which the ceiling will look more distant;
To prevent the room from looking annoyingly colorful, there should be no more than three colors in the room. But at the same time, white and black colors are considered universal and are not perceived as an additional element of the palette. In this regard, household appliances are most often white or black;
Due to the fact that a highlighted seam between wall panels will emphasize the unnaturalness of the material, experts recommend giving preference to seamless panels, which will draw less attention to the details of the ceiling.
Based on the above rules, experts recommend giving preference to seamless glossy white panels of suitable width. To check the quality of the panel, just squeeze a piece of the panel with your fingers and check for deformations. If they are absent, this indicates that the panel is of proper quality.

How to make a ceiling from plastic panels: step-by-step instructions

Before sheathing the ceiling with plastic panels, we note that anyone can install a plastic ceiling with their own hands, provided they have minimal tools and the desire of a craftsman.

Required materials and tools

To install a plastic ceiling yourself, you will need the following materials and tools:

Hammer or drill;
Sharp knife and hacksaw for metal;
Self-tapping screws with press washer and dowels;
A metal profile intended for suspended ceilings, the dimensions of which are 2.5 x 2.5 cm (UD profile) and a profile measuring 2.5 x 6 cm (CD profile);
Plastic panels of the required width;
Ceiling plinth or starting strip;
Building level;
Suspensions.

Preparatory work: what to pay attention to?

Before you begin installing the ceiling, carefully inspect the surface. Most craftsmen, in this case, prefer to simply measure the size of the ceiling, which is fundamentally wrong. By refusing to prepare the ceiling, you can purchase a large amount of unnecessary material and do a lot of useless work. To avoid this, carefully examine the ceiling surface. If it is perfectly level, and during the installation process you do not intend to hide various utility lines under the ceiling, you can begin attaching the panels. You ask how to do this? To do this, it is necessary to install the frame.

How to install the frame?

First of all, it is necessary to mark the ceiling. To do this, you need to measure the level around the perimeter and draw lines on the walls where the ceiling will begin.

Important! If you are installing a ceiling in a kitchen made of plastic panels, and tiles lie flat on the walls, you can refuse to use a level, and make all measurements from the seams of the tiles.

Important! In addition, you need to plan the location of lighting fixtures in advance and purchase the appropriate lamps, since during their installation the ceiling may need to be lowered to 10 cm or more.

Next, cut the UD profile in accordance with the length of the walls and drill holes in it for dowels in increments of 50 cm;

Important! Before drilling into the walls and ceiling, check them for the presence of hidden wiring, since often there are hidden wires and junction boxes along the ceiling, hitting them with a drill, at best, can result in broken plugs and wiring repairs, and in the worst case, an electric shock and failure of the hammer drill. To search for hidden wiring, you need to invite an electrician or use special detector devices.

Next, attach the profile to the wall and, following the marks made, drill holes in the wall for dowels in the places where the profile is attached. Fix the profile on the wall with dowels;

Cut the CD profile according to the measured length and width of the room. Please note that the ceiling panels are attached perpendicular to the direction of the profile. Having done this, insert it into the guide profile, while the distance between the supporting profiles should be at least 40 cm;

Important! It must be taken into account that if the distance between the profiles is greater, the panels may sag.

If the length of the profile exceeds 1.5 meters, it must be fixed using metal hangers, which will give the profile additional rigidity. The profiles at the insertion points are twisted with self-tapping screws.
After you have installed the frame, you can begin installing the plastic panels.

Important! If you do not plan to use spotlights as lighting fixtures, but prefer a classic chandelier, install an additional profile at the place where it is mounted in order to install it later.

How to install plastic panels?

Before you begin installing the panels, install the starting strip around the perimeter of the room with screws to the guide profile. In addition to the starting rail, you can use a ceiling plinth.

Important! Installing a starter strip is not a necessary step, since instead you can use a ceiling plinth that is glued to the tile using liquid nails.

Plastic panels are cut according to the dimensions of the wall. After this, one end of the plastic panel is inserted into the starting rail, slightly bent and the other end is inserted. Then they are slightly pressed against the wall and screwed with screws and a press washer.
Installation of the following panels is carried out in the same way, pressing end to end to the previous one. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the panel fits equally along its entire length. At the same time, it is important not to overdo it with pressing force, as this can lead to deformation of the panel, since polyvinyl chloride is a rather fragile material.
The last panel is cut to length with a knife and fixed by inserting it into the starting strip. However, it is not necessary to screw it.
Upon completion of the work, remove traces of the work process and you can begin to use the room.

Installation of lamps: fundamental points

Before you begin installing plastic panels, you need to take care of the future brightening of the room. After you have installed the frame, go to the installation locations of the proposed lamps. At the same time, do not skimp on the length of the wire and leave the “tails” longer, since you can always cut off the excess. Ideally, the wiring should be protected with double insulation and plastic corrugated hose. In addition, immediately make sure that it is working. Subsequently, when installing the plastic panels and reaching the installation site of the lamps, mark the locations and fastenings on the panels and make holes according to the markings.
Next, immediately install the lamp and screw the panels to the ceiling. Pull the wires through the holes and complete the installation of the ceiling. Finally, connect power to the fixtures and install the bulbs.

Important! By placing the panels in the desired direction, you can visually change the size of the room. Plastic panels can be fastened diagonally, although this is done extremely rarely. By installing a plastic ceiling, you will not only save money, but also get a lot of positive emotions from the process.

Ceiling made of plastic panels video

Using a seamless plastic panel for finishing is a fast, attractive, practical and inexpensive option. A wide range of textures and color palettes of PVC plastic panels will help harmoniously combine the ceiling finish with the coating on the walls.

The image clearly shows the absence of a seam. , the installation of which will not cause difficulties, looks aesthetically attractive.

Advantages of PVC panels

Advantages of using plastic ceiling panels:

This ceiling is not afraid of humidity and temperature changes. Therefore, PVC panels are used in both interior and exterior decoration.
Plastic is a material that does not absorb any unpleasant odors.
If grease gets on the ceiling plastic while cooking, it can be easily washed off with a sponge and soapy water.

The plastic from which the panels are made looks attractive, is practical and has many other positive characteristics.

In the building materials markets, ceiling panels are offered that are printed with noble wood species. This will help to finish ceilings and walls with plastic panels in the hallway, living room, room with a fireplace or bedroom. In the decoration of the bathroom, bathroom and kitchen, ceiling panels with a print in the form of a cut of stone look good.

What is PVC panel?

The material used for making the plastic ceiling profile is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is environmentally friendly, therefore no harmful substances are released from it. Before making a plastic panel, the powder is mixed in an industrial mixer, additives and plasticizers are added.

After kneading, a dough-like mass is formed, which is loaded into the extruder. Then, by pressing through a specialized molding type window using high temperature, the plastic ceiling profile is pulled out. Next, on the conveyor, using a guillotine, the panel is cut to size. After which the plastic ceiling profile is sent to the workshop, where a print is applied to the front side. Then the finished material is packaged and sent to the warehouse.

Types of plastic panels

Plastic ceiling profiles are divided into suture and seamless.

Plastic that forms a seam during installation

It looks original, but is not suitable for all rooms. During installation, the ceiling profile, the material for which is plastic, is laid in such a way that there is a clear seam at the joints between the individual panels. In appearance, the ceiling resembles one made of lining. This means that it is not suitable for all rooms. The seams look unsightly on the ceiling in a bedroom, hall, made in the Art Nouveau, classical or Baroque style.

Seamless plastic

When installed correctly, this plastic ceiling profile gives a smooth, even and glossy surface. BySuitable for the kitchen, bedroom, and living room.When the ceiling covering is installed, the joining seams are not visible. To ensure that the panels are firmly connected to one another, they are equipped with a specialized groove on one side and a tenon on the other. The inner part of the plastic ceiling profile is equipped with partitions that increase fracture strength and are lightweight. The absence of seams is the main advantage of this type of ceiling, and in appearance they resemble stretch ceilings.

The ease of installation of a suspended ceiling made of plastic, its strength and other characteristics put it at the leading position in the decoration of such premises as a balcony, loggia, bathroom, toilet and kitchen.

Installation of panels

Lighting fixtures of any type can be built into a PVC plastic profile ceiling. There are no power restrictions in this case, unlike suspended ceilings made from PVC film, where they are 50 W. Plastic panels are not subject to combustion, and therefore a ceiling profile made of this material can be used in private boiler rooms.

Previously, plastic panels for ceilings always had seams at the joints when fastened, but then seamless structures appeared. Their fastening is similar, with the difference that the latter are closer to each other. The main thing is to correctly make the frame for the plastic panels on the ceiling.

Wooden slats as a frame

The minimum size of slats intended for a frame under plastic panels is 20 by 20 millimeters. They must be perfectly straight and even; knots and cracks are unacceptable. This is due to the fact that deformed slats can break, and removing them from the assembled frame is not an easy procedure. The guides are installed perpendicularly, in increments of less than 50 cm.

Advice! The wood is treated with an antiseptic so that the frame lasts as long as possible. This is especially true for rooms with high humidity.

Initially, the slats are located along the perimeter of the ceiling or wall - they will become the basis of the frame. To control the quality of the frame you will need a level and plumb line. When attaching the frame, wherever it does not fit tightly, you need to install additional bars. They should be fastened with self-tapping screws in 40 cm increments.

After creating a wooden perimeter for the frame, guides are attached to it at a distance of 35-45 centimeters from each other. To prevent the structure from sagging, every half meter additional slats are fixed either to the ceiling or to the wall.

Plastic frame for ceiling profiles

This material is more practical, but more expensive. A plastic frame is more sensitive to uneven wall surfaces. Its advantages are resistance to rotting and mold formation, high speed and practicality of installation.

Plastic guides are equipped with specialized clips. Installation can be carried out immediately, since the plastic ceiling profile does not require any additional processing. Plastic guides are positioned strictly perpendicularly. In most cases, such frame material is used in bathhouses and steam rooms or other small rooms, as well as in cases where the humidity is high and the use of wood is impossible.

Metal profile - material for the frame

This material is used in rare cases, since its cost is quite high. The lathing for the frame is made in the same way as that done for plasterboard ceilings.

Fastening is carried out to each of the metal profiles.

Initially, a U-shaped starting ceiling profile is attached along the perimeter of the wall or ceiling. Next, guides are installed, which are fastened with screws at a distance of 80-90 cm. After this, the fittings are fastened, and plastic ceiling panels are attached to them.

Panel installation

In the right places, provide in advance an output for lighting devices. The seam may or may not be present at the junction.

Cut the first panel to the required size and secure it to the wall with a comb. The panel is attached with self-tapping screws to each of the frame elements through which it passes.

Press the first panel as close to the wall as possible and secure it into the protrusion at the bottom of the groove to avoid a seam. Cut subsequent panels in the same way to the required size, but fasten them exclusively with the bottom side of the groove, as close as possible and in compliance with the rules, then the absence of seams at the joints is guaranteed. Cut the final panel for the ceiling to length and width, and attach the free edge as close to the wall as possible.

The installation ends with the installation of decor. In this case, a plinth is used. This gives the ceiling an attractive and neat look.

Important! If a plastic ceiling profile is used instead of a plinth, then the installation is carried out along three walls, and the panels are inserted into it. In such a situation, the last panel is placed on glue.

The final stage is edging the ceiling covering with plinth, which is attached to polymer glue or liquid nails.

Seamless glossy ceilings made from PVC profiles are an excellent option for interior design. Visually, the result looks similar to expensive stretch ceilings, only it costs several times less. Ceilings made of plastic panels are a cheap and simple option for interior design with easy installation.

Tips in the video for installing a plastic seamless ceiling:

Does not allow moisture to pass through and looks stylish. Mold and mildew will never grow on it or inside it.

Repairing ceilings has never been easy. Working at the top level is inconvenient and takes a lot of effort and time. However, even despite the expended effort and materials, within a short time the plastered surface cracks and becomes stained. Such coatings are being replaced by surfaces made of polymers. Today, ceilings made of plastic panels are constantly growing in popularity. Why? This question will be answered in detail with recommendations on the technology for installing such a structure.

Properties of plastic panels

Before listing the technical and other characteristics of this material, we can safely say that its main property is the ability to quickly, without much effort and without hiring hired labor, create a beautiful, practical surface on your own.

Material for making panels

Ceiling plastic panels are produced from environmentally friendly material - polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

This material has a lot of positive qualities, such as:

strength;
elasticity;
durability;
resistance to corrosion and rotting;
water resistance;
resistance to high and low temperatures;
hydrophobicity.

In addition to panels, this material is used to make PVC ceiling panels.

Advantages of a plastic suspended ceiling

You can understand why ceilings made of PVC panels are so popular by studying their structure. A PVC panel is a lightweight porous product consisting of two thin plastic strips with stiffeners between them. The edges of the strips are equipped with locking joints, which ensures their fixation during assembly.

It has the following characteristics desirable for any home craftsman:

ease;
resistance to moisture;
ease of material processing;
speed of construction;
Possibility of installation alone;
the ability to hide defects in floor slabs and electrical wires;
low cost of building materials;
the ability to vary the installation height, which allows you to place lighting and ventilation devices anywhere on the surface;
ease of maintenance;
unlike the work of laying PVC ceiling tiles, there is no need to use adhesive solutions;
the ability to disassemble for the purpose of servicing communications or replacing individual sheets of plastic.

In addition, plastic ceiling panels have certain technical parameters and color characteristics.

Types of PVC panels

PVC ceiling panels have several categories into which they can be roughly divided.

So, according to the form of manufacture they are:

Suture. After assembly, small, shallow grooves remain between the individual strips. Serve to imitate wooden lining.
Seamless. On the finished surface, the joints of individual strips are practically invisible. If desired, the joints can be sealed with a sealant of a matching color.

Depending on the surface texture, ceiling plastic can be:

Glossy. Has good reflective properties. Can be installed in any residential premises.
Matte. Matte PVC panels have a lower cost and are mainly used for equipping utility rooms. In addition, it well imitates a white-painted ceiling.

The color range of plastic and tile surfaces is quite varied. So, today, there are both glossy and matte products on sale in the following colors:

White.
Colored.
With drawings.
With paintings.
With decorative edging.

Using various color combinations and placement options for individual plastic parts, you can create an original ceiling design from plastic panels.

The length of plastic skirting boards for the ceiling allows them to be installed without joints in fairly large rooms.

Today, manufacturers offer the following size options for PVC ceiling tiles:

Lengths - 270 cm, 300 cm, 400 cm, 600 cm and 1200 cm.
Widths - 10 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 37 cm, 50 cm and 92 cm.
Thickness - 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm.

It is not uncommon to use thicker and stronger PVC wall panels on the ceiling. These products are used mainly for unheated rooms located outdoors.

PVC panel installation technology

Installing a ceiling made of plastic panels is not particularly difficult for any home craftsman who has a minimum set of tools and experience in handling them.

Tools and materials

The list of tools for installing PVC panels on the ceiling is quite short.

It includes:

hammer;
perforator;
ruler;
roulette;
hacksaw for metal;
construction stapler;
sharp paper knife;
screwdriver;
protective glasses;
building level.

The materials you will also need are quite well-known:

PVC plastic for the ceiling;
plastic profiles or skirting boards;
frame material (galvanized steel profiles or wooden slats);
plastic dowels;
set of screws for wood and metal.

Frame installation

A frame is a spatial structure to which plastic panels are attached. In some cases, when arranging narrow rooms, such as a balcony, corridor or toilet, a frame is not necessary. Mounting can be done directly to the ceiling or walls.

The frame can be mounted from:

Galvanized profile. This is a durable material that can withstand a lot of weight.
Wooden slats. Wood is an easy-to-work material, but when wet and dry it can change its shape.
Plastic guides. Plastic is resistant to moisture, but is not able to bear a large load.

Each material has its own characteristics. The choice in favor of one or another material for the frame is made for each specific room individually.

The frame can be three-dimensional, or it can be a lattice of wooden slats screwed to the ceiling.

Let's consider the installation of the most complex - a three-dimensional frame made of galvanized profile. This design is used in cases where the level of the suspended covering needs to be lowered to a certain distance below the level of the floor slab.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

on the wall, using a level, the line of the future plastic ceiling is drawn;
Marks are made on the surface in places where steel plumbs will be installed;
using a hammer drill, holes are made in the floor slab and in the walls into which plastic dowels are inserted;
Load-bearing profiles are screwed to the walls, and plumb lines are screwed to the ceiling;
transverse guides are inserted into the supporting profiles;
Using a building level, they are leveled horizontally and screwed with self-tapping screws to the supporting profiles and plumb lines.

The frame is ready, you can proceed to the next stage of installation.

Installation of skirting boards

The ceiling plinth is used to mask the gaps that remain between the edges of the covering and the walls. In addition, the plinth gives the mounted surface a finished look.

It is installed in the following sequence:

cutting the plinth into the required sections;
adjusting the joints of the sections at the corners using a miter box and a hacksaw;
screwing the plinth with self-tapping screws to the frame.

Note: the baseboard is screwed on 3 of the 4 sides of the room.

Laying plastic

This is the final and simplest stage of making a suspended ceiling. But, care and precision are needed here. An incorrectly cut panel goes to waste.

Laying PVC strips is carried out as follows:

fragments 0.5 cm narrower than the width of the room are sawn off from a strip of plastic;
the first fragment is inserted with its ends into the tongues of the side plinths and moves all the way into the tongue of the plinth fixed on the third side of the wall;
the strip is secured to the guides using staples or screws;
All strips except the last one are laid in the same way;
the last strip is cut 1 cm narrower than the distance from the penultimate panel to the wall;
the last slab is inserted into the tongues along with the 4th part of the plinth put on it, which, after joining the plinths, moves towards the wall, closing the gap.

The ceiling is ready. Plastic will serve for many years, delighting owners with its beauty. You can verify this by looking at photos of ceilings made of plastic panels.

Video on the topic

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Ceiling panels as a worthy option for a talented person

In the world of modern interior design, ceiling panels for interior decoration occupy perhaps the largest niche. The secret of this phenomenon is simple - plaster and putty are old-fashioned, drywall is boring, and suspended ceilings are expensive. In this review, I will tell you what types of ceiling panels exist, what rooms they are suitable for, and outline the basic principles of their installation.

Product classification

Modern ceiling panels are a whole world, and in order not to “drown” in this ocean, let’s figure out how such materials are classified.

So, how to make such beauty? The easiest way to classify this coating is by installation method:

So-called cassette suspension known since Soviet times. Thanks to the efforts of Western marketers, these designs are now commonly called “Armstrong” and are considered almost a breakthrough in design. Although in a good half of Soviet institutions this newfangled “Armstrong” had been hanging since the sixties of the last century.
The principle itself is simple: a cage of metal corners is suspended from the ceiling. The standard cell size in such a cage is 600x600 mm, less common is 600x1200 mm. In each cell, T-shaped corners form a perimeter edge, and it is on this edge that the ceiling panel is laid;

If a cassette suspension is more suitable for administrative and office premises, then rack mounting type reigns in the domestic sector. The installation of all long and relatively narrow panels refers to the rack direction. Such materials can be attached either to a wooden or metal sheathing or simply glued to the ceiling. Such long lamellas can be connected to each other using the tenon/groove principle or mounted end-to-end;

And of course, the easiest installation method is gluing. If the ceiling is flat, then you can glue any ceiling panels to it, except perhaps metal ones. Most often, panels made of polyurethane, polystyrene foam, MDF and plastic are glued; in principle, all lightweight materials with a smooth and flat base can be glued.

If the ceiling is low and you do not need to hide any communications behind it, then the easiest way is to apply the finishing with glue. Frame and cassette installation methods are good for hiding irregularities and communications, and also if you plan to use panels for a suspended ceiling.

Video. Installation of Armstrong suspended ceiling.

Raw materials used for panels

It's no secret that the same decorative ceiling panels can be mounted in different ways. Therefore, further I will talk specifically about the advantages, disadvantages and subtleties of arranging ceiling coverings from certain materials.

Natural wood

The wooden slatted version of the decorative cladding of surfaces is known, perhaps, to everyone - it’s the good old lining. Despite the fact that lining is wall panels on the ceiling, it is mounted quite often, and it looks great there.

There are now many types of lining and almost all of them are used for such finishing. But whatever the configuration of the slats, this type of finishing has a common feature: in the vast majority of cases, the lining is attached using clamps to a frame made of wooden or metal profiles.

Although not very often, the cassette method of arranging wooden structures is still encountered. In this case, in addition to using carved square panels, the frame itself is finished in wood in the same style.

Of course, it is undesirable to use wood in damp rooms. But to protect it, many impregnations are now produced, and there are also powerful varnishes and paints. For example, yacht varnish, which can protect the array even from sea water.

Plus, no plastic can replace the beauty and marvelous energy of natural wood in a room. In addition, we should not forget that in addition to the traditional coniferous and deciduous wood in our country, there is now also such exotic wood as bamboo and cork panels for ceilings.

Bamboo finish came to us from Indochina. It is essentially a woven mat made from thinly cut, ironed and pressed slats of bamboo. By its nature, it is initially very durable and at the same time elastic, plus it is not afraid of any moisture. By the way, such cladding is installed precisely according to the cassette principle.

Cork flooring It has an original appearance; frankly speaking, this finish is not for everyone. Often, cork panels are glued either directly to the ceiling or to rigid plates, which in turn can be mounted using a rack or cassette method. Cork tolerates moisture well and is a unique natural sound insulator.

A distant relative of natural wood can be considered the so-called mineral panels. As a rule, the base in them is wood, dust or sawdust, but the shape and texture of the product is given with the help of polymer binders.

Use of metal in decoration

Metal panels now they are predominantly made of aluminum, although sometimes there are budget options made of thin sheet galvanized or nickel-plated steel. The sheet thickness ranges from 0.3 – 0.7 mm.

Such products were previously produced only with a matte or glossy mirror finish and, as a rule, were used in modern high-tech design.

Now the line of metal ceilings is several times wider; panels with polymer painting have been added, as well as coatings decorated to look like natural wood or stone. The latest in fashion are metal perforated panels with an original texture, equipped with infrared elements that warm the room.

They can be mounted either in a cassette or rack manner.. The cassette version is common in large halls of administrative, shopping and entertainment centers. Rack and rack models are usually installed in residential premises.

With such a wide range of designs, metal can be installed almost anywhere. But our people prefer to use them to decorate the ceilings of kitchens, bathrooms and other rooms with unstable humidity and temperature.

If the frame for cassette installation is almost the same everywhere, then the installation of slatted panels is carried out on special guides equipped with hooks. Moreover, each model has its own guides.

The slats themselves are a kind of bracket, which from the inside with two inwardly curved edges clings to the hooks of the metal guides. As a result, some models provide an almost monolithic coating, without cracks or gaps.

If you choose such a ceiling, do not forget to take ceiling fillets (plinths) for it. The fact is that an installation gap is left between the ceiling plane and the walls, and this gap will need to be covered.

The purpose of such a gap is twofold: firstly, a monolithic airtight coating requires additional ventilation. And secondly, before disassembling the ceiling of metal panels connected tightly butt-to-end, you will need to remove it, and then you will have access to the edges of the hooks.

As for the performance characteristics, they are perhaps the highest among all its closest competitors. The warranty for lightweight metal panels with modern polymer coating only starts at 50 years.

Although, by and large, having such protection, they can even last much longer in the shower. These ceilings are more likely to become obsolete than to deteriorate.

Video of installation of rack structure.

Plastic and other polymers

I would divide all polymer panels into slatted and square. Slatted ceiling panels made of plastic, more precisely polyvinyl chloride (PVC), are now breaking all records of popularity. There are several reasons for this:

Plastic is a malleable thing, so such a product can easily be given any shape, color and texture. The possibilities of modern photo printing open up vast horizons for plastic coatings, up to three-dimensional 3D images;
But along with such colossal design possibilities, the price of these decorative coatings rarely rises above the average threshold. And most plastic models are generally in the budget sector;
Everyone knows that plastic is absolutely indifferent to high humidity. Plus, if you don’t skimp and take a more expensive model, then sunlight and temperature changes will not cause color changes. Simply put, quality models do not fade over time;

Installing plastic, as a rule, does not cause difficulties even for novice craftsmen. Everything is extremely simple: fill the sheathing, install a U-shaped starting profile around the perimeter, and then just insert the tenon panels into the groove and fix each one to the sheathing with a clamp. In general, the instructions are the same as for installing the lining.

Of course, not everything is perfect with plastic; this coating also has a number of relatively serious disadvantages:

The most serious is quite weak mechanical strength material. But do not forget that we are talking about the ceiling, and if you are not going to play football, then nothing bad will happen;
Plastic and those polymers that are now used for ceiling decoration are not able to withstand temperatures above 70ºC; then they decompose and release carcinogens. Actually, that’s why it is not recommended to install it in bathhouses. Plus absolutely all polymers are flammable.

Some savvy sellers offer thin, low-quality panels, passing them off as ceiling panels. Supposedly they are lighter, therefore more suitable for this type of coating. Don’t believe it, plastic wall panels for the ceiling work just fine. And those couple of tens of grams do not matter, the main thing is that the quality is at the same level.

The slatted finish is divided into solid panels and the so-called plastic lining. They are mounted almost identically, but solid panels are more suitable for internal cladding.

Square polymer panels are now made from polyurethane or foam. Polyurethane ones are a little more expensive and prettier, while polystyrene foam is considered a budget option. Theoretically, of course, they can be laid on a cassette lathing, but in reality, both foam plastic and polyurethane are always glued to the ceiling.

This type of finish is good because it is inexpensive and can be installed quite quickly and easily. Plus, both of these materials can be repainted up to 5 – 7 times, which means they will definitely be enough for a couple of decades of use.

Sometimes, when insulating balconies and loggias, ceilings are installed from sandwich panels - this is a kind of “sandwich”, in the middle part of which there is insulation, and the top and bottom of this insulation is covered with decorative or ordinary plastic.

It is also worth mentioning panels finished with metal corrugated sheets, but they are almost never used for indoor ceilings.

MDF finish

MDF ceiling panels occupy a separate niche. The price for them is about the same as for natural wood. In fact, MDF and is a natural product. This coating is made from wood dust, to which paraffin has been added and heated strongly under a press.

The fact is that if wood dust is heated for some time under high pressure, a natural glue called lignin is released from it. It is this lignin, and not polymers as many believe, that makes a monolithic and very durable slab from dust.

MDF ceiling boards are available in several varieties. The installation method is selected depending on the conditions and configuration of the panel itself. This is one of the few materials that is available for all types of installation: gluing, regular frames, like lining and cassette frames.

The most affordable option is MDF laminated with PVC film. But there are a lot of fakes here; under this “sauce” they often sell fiberboard covered with the same film;

If suspicions arise, then know that you cannot pierce a real MDF board with an awl, but an awl will fit into fiberboard.

The most popular now is considered covered with MDF paper and laminated with melamine resins. As you understand, the paper can have any decor, and the transparent melamine resin provides the coating with unique strength.

Another popular model in the MDF sector are veneered boards. This is one of the most expensive options, since such slabs are covered on top with natural veneer of elite types of wood (veneer is a thin cut of wood up to 3 mm thick).

Still being produced enamelled MDF boards, they look beautiful, but are rarely used for ceilings, their destiny is furniture.

The latest fashion in this niche is the appearance of MDF panels with 3D texture. In this case, we are not talking about the effect of presence. It’s just that these ceilings have a pronounced relief texture. It can be an abstract pattern or a meaningful panel.

LED ceiling options

A new product in this niche is the so-called LED ceiling panels. In other words, built-in ceiling lamps made in the form of flat panels. They differ from conventional lamps in that LEDs are used as the main light source, rather than traditional lamps.

The design is made in such a way that the LEDs themselves are not visible. Using a system of lenses and reflectors, we obtain a ceiling sector that emits soft light over its entire area.

These products are quite compact, the maximum thickness of the luminous plate is about 50 mm, which, as you understand, makes it easy to mount such lamps both in a cassette and in any other suspended structure.

Serial models come in square and round. For square lamps of this type, the side size varies from 200 to 600 mm. But round ones are currently produced only with a diameter of 270 mm.

Although this may already be outdated information, since this industry is developing by leaps and bounds and almost every month the market pleases us with new products. The latest hit is LED panels for suspended ceilings.

Their main advantage is that they practically do not heat up, which means that these lamps can be placed in close proximity to the polymer film of the stretch ceiling. Most often they are mounted in a two-level suspended structure and directed to the ceiling.

The thing is certainly beautiful, but to be honest, it’s expensive. Although there is no need to despair, our talented people have learned to make LED ceiling panels with their own hands. Such designs cost about 3 times less than factory ones. For those interested, there is a video below.

Video on how to assemble an LED lamp.

Conclusion

Ceiling panels are now a rapidly growing trend in interior design. I only talked about the most popular and recognized types of designs, and if you are talented people, no one forbids you to look for your own options. After all, any design is, first of all, creativity, and if there is a desire to discuss, then welcome to the comments, the topic is interesting.