How to properly glue ceiling tiles and different installation methods. How to properly glue ceiling tiles: features of creating an unusual ceiling How best to glue ceiling tiles

Today there are a large number of finishing materials for the ceiling. The most affordable option is ceiling tiles, which are square panels made of polystyrene. They have a wide variety of textures and a wide range of colors. This makes them an excellent option for creating a beautiful and practical interior at minimal cost. The article will tell you not only how to glue ceiling tiles, but also how to care for them in the future.

Advantages and disadvantages of ceiling tiles

The polystyrene from which the boards are made is a lightweight and environmentally friendly material with good sound insulation properties. Products made from it are easily cut with a simple stationery knife and quickly installed.

It is a low-flammable material, but can melt and become deformed from a powerful light bulb. Therefore, it is recommended to place chandeliers at a distance of at least 20 cm from the tiles.

With the help of foam tiles, a flat surface can be easily and quickly created without significant financial costs. But, despite all the advantages, the adhesive ceiling is not very durable and is susceptible to the negative effects of moisture and ultraviolet radiation.

Calculation of the required amount of material

The sizes of ceiling tiles can be different, but in most cases they are produced in square 50x50 cm. Rectangular tiles measuring 100x16.5 cm are also produced, but they are extremely rare on sale.

After the final selection of slabs has been made, the required quantity should be calculated. The simplest option would be to divide the length and width of the ceiling by the length of the side of the slab. For example: the ceiling has a size of 300 cm by 600 cm, and the width of the tiles is 50 cm. It turns out that the width will fit 6 tiles, and the length will fit 12. Multiply 6 by 12 and get 72 - this is the required number of ceiling tiles.

If the ceiling size is not a multiple of 50, you can draw out the location of the panels on paper, observing the exact proportions of the ceiling.

Advice: you need to purchase 15% more material. This is done in case of its breakage, deformation or incorrect cutting.

Preparing the ceiling surface

Before you start gluing the ceiling tiles, you need to clean the ceiling of old coating and dust. If necessary, it should be leveled with putty. If the unevenness exceeds 1.5 cm, then plastering is done first and only then finishing putty is applied. When it dries, a primer is applied to the entire surface.

The next step is to apply markings for laying the slabs. Only evenly distributed panels will give the room the necessary aesthetics. To do this, two diagonal lines are drawn on it, at the point of their intersection is the center. Then perpendicular lines are drawn through the resulting point, dividing the ceiling into 4 equal parts.

How to glue ceiling tiles

Panels made from polystyrene can be glued to almost any surface. Laminated tiles are suitable for the kitchen, and extruded tiles are suitable for the bathroom.

But you need to know how to properly glue ceiling tiles, because even the simplest work process requires adherence to technology.

First of all, you need to decide on the glue. A large number of special formulations are sold for these purposes. But you can also use PVA or Moment. It is applied in a zigzag pattern on the reverse side.

The tiles react to temperature changes and changes in humidity, which leads to deformation after installation. To avoid this, it should be left for several hours without packaging in the room in which it will be installed. The aesthetics of a glued ceiling will also be affected by the quality of the tiles. It must have consistent geometric dimensions and even cuts.

The first tile is installed so that one of its corners is located at the central point of the ceiling. If there are wires in this place, de-energize them, and trim the corner of the panel (later it will be covered with a chandelier glass or a decorative ceiling rosette). Align it along the lines previously drawn on the ceiling. When gluing the tile, it is necessary to press it tightly, but so that there are no dents left on it, and hold it for several seconds.

All subsequent rows are arranged in parallel, without gaps between the tiles. The triangular arrows on the back side serve as a guide - they should be directed in the same direction.

The tiles in the last rows, in most cases, have to be cut to the required size. Therefore, you first need to try them on and only then apply glue. The remaining gap between the wall and the outer rows of panels will be closed with a ceiling plinth.

Tip: all glue residues are immediately removed with a sponge.

The effect of a seamless ceiling is created using silicone sealant. All seams are filled with it and leveled with a trowel. Excess can be easily removed with a damp cloth.

The final stage of installation of the slabs will be the installation of a ceiling rosette around the opening for the chandelier and baseboard. Also, the finished ceiling can be coated with any water-based paint.

After completion of work, the doors and windows in the room are tightly closed to prevent air movement.

Tips to help you glue ceiling tiles correctly

It is best to press the slab with a wooden block, not with your hands. This will prevent possible dents from appearing on it.

If the ceiling has uneven geometry and the gaps between the tiles are too large, it is recommended to use acrylic sealant, which, after drying, can be painted. But this method is only suitable for white tiles that do not have a laminated coating.

If the gap between the outer rows of slabs and the wall is less than 1.5 cm, it will later be decorated with a ceiling plinth. But if it is larger, then it is covered with a strip of panel, cut not only to size, but also taking into account the pattern.

It is not practical to glue slabs from the center to the edges in small rooms. As a result, they will not create the effect of a continuous surface, but will only increase material consumption. The best way is to install the tiles from the corner to the center.

Ceiling tile care

• non-laminated tiles can be cleaned with a dry cloth or very carefully with a vacuum cleaner;
• the laminated panel should be wiped with a damp sponge;
• small stains can be removed using a regular eraser;
• from direct exposure to rays, polystyrene tiles turn yellow over time;
• complex stains from white slabs can be cleaned with alcohol. But the use of turpentine, acetone or gasoline is unacceptable.

Ceiling tiles in the interior

Very often it is associated with simple white slabs that have a simple pattern. But today their design has become more advanced, and they are already able to not only decorate the ceiling of a room on a budget, but also add luxury to the interior.

Many will agree that it is much more pleasant to be in a room with a beautiful original ceiling than to constantly admire the traditionally white “bare” ceiling tiles. Sometimes decorative painting of the ceiling helps to diversify the interior. But paint does not hide coating defects and does not radically change the appearance of the room.

High-quality ceiling tiles help to quickly and economically transform a room. A variety of colors, intricate relief patterns and strict ornaments, imitation of the texture of stone, wood or brick allows you to make the original design of any room complete. Experienced repairmen recommend doing the ceiling finishing yourself before repairing the walls. If replacing the wall covering is not expected, it is advisable to cover the wallpaper with film.

Tiling the ceiling in different ways

Square or rectangular tiles made of polystyrene foam are all the same at first glance. Its front side can be absolutely smooth or fine-grained, with a convex pattern or simply a relief imitation of stone, with a glossy laminated coating or matte without film. A variety of colors and textures of ceiling coverings help realize any design ideas.

Depending on the manufacturing technology, there are three types of ceiling tiles:

The quality of the tiles can be determined by several parameters:

• The surface has a uniform grain size, the pattern relief is clear and even over the entire area.
• Correct geometric shape: all corners are straight and even, not wrinkled.
• There are no flaking or signs of crumbling on the corners and sides.

Before purchasing a tile covering, you need to choose a laying scheme and measure the ceiling area with your own hands. It is recommended to purchase the entire required volume of tile material from one batch and 10-15% more in case of incorrect cutting or breakage during installation.

Knowing the ceiling area and the size of one element, the question arises: how to calculate number of ceiling tiles? To do this, the ceiling area is divided by the area of ​​one tile. For example, a room measures 4.5 m by 3.5 m. Its area is 15.75 square meters. meters. Tiles usually have a size of 50 cm by 50 cm, that is, the area of ​​1 tile is 0.25 square meters. Divide 15.75 by 0.25 to get 63 pieces. It is advisable to purchase at least 70 pieces.

The ceiling covering, like any building material, must be kept unpacked in the repair room for about a day. In addition to the tile itself, you also need to purchase a decorative rosette for the chandelier and masking joints with the baseboard walls.

From tools you need to have: a stepladder, a construction or stationery knife for cutting tiles, twine or other strong thread and a simple pencil for marking the ceiling, a spatula and a sponge for applying glue to the tiles and removing its residue, a wooden block to press the tiles.

An equally important question: how to glue ceiling tiles? The modern construction market offers a huge range of adhesives:

The ceiling surface for gluing with polystyrene foam board can be any: chipboard, plywood, plasterboard, wood, concrete. For high-quality and durable finishing of the ceiling before installing tiles it is recommended to clean from paint, whitewash, crumbling plaster, wallpaper and the remains of any other coating that interferes with the strong adhesion of surfaces. The old tile covering is removed with a metal spatula starting from any corner. Stains of grease, soot, mold or rust must be removed with an antiseptic solution. High-quality whitewash, provided that it does not crumble or crumble, can simply be primed.

When cracks, craters or irregularities appear, putty is used to eliminate defects. A dry, clean, flat ceiling is covered with a primer. Before preparing the ceiling for gluing, it is necessary to remove the chandelier and insulate the exposed wires.

Methods for gluing ceiling tiles: straight and diagonal

In small rooms, for example, in a bathroom, it is recommended to start pasting the ceiling from the corner to the middle. In spacious rooms, installation is done from the center or from the chandelier. Exists Several ways of gluing ceiling tiles:

• Laying diagonally increases the amount of consumables. But when pasting with a diamond shape, the joints are almost invisible, it is easier to lay out an even and beautiful pattern.
• Parallel to the walls tiles are glued in straight rows, in a snake pattern or in a checkerboard pattern.

With a chess layout boards of two colors are used. By alternating contrasting colors, an imitation of a chess field is created. By moving the tiles halfway, you can create a unique geometric pattern.

Gluing slabs in two contrasting colors or matching shades in the form of a twisting spiral creates an original graphic design. If you cannot find a tile covering of the required color, you can paint white tiles with water-based paint based on acrylic or latex. Uniform coloring will be ensured by double coating with a foam roller one day after installation.

How to properly glue tiles to the ceiling

To make the drawing look beautiful and neat, it is necessary to correctly outline the area to be pasted and determine its center. You can determine the geometric center by stretching two cords from the corners of the room diagonally. Two lines are drawn through the central point, parallel to the walls and perpendicular to each other. Then the entire space is drawn into squares with a side equal to the width of the tile.

Having marked the entire area, it will become clear how to glue the ceiling tiles. Without seams, special triangular arrows on the back of each tile help to correctly position the pattern.

Sometimes a chandelier is fixed at the central point. More often, the light source is displaced and its location does not coincide with the geometric center of the room. In this case, pasting should start from the lamp, and make markings through the attachment point by drawing two perpendicular lines parallel to the walls. The corners of the rectangles are divided exactly in half, 45°, and diagonal lines are drawn. To bring out the wires, the tile corners are cut off, then the cutout is covered with a decorative chandelier rosette.

Tiling the ceiling

With any installation method, whether snake, checkerboard or diagonal, pasting begins from the central point. It is extremely important to glue the first slab correctly and as evenly as possible.

When laying in parallel The first square is glued exactly along parallel lines dividing the space into 4 parts. The angle should coincide with the center point. Three tiles are glued tightly end to end, forming a central square. Then rows of two tiles are laid in the form of a cross. Then the remaining rectangular spaces are covered. The snake is more difficult to install.

When laying diagonally the first square is glued relative to the lines drawn from the corners. Its corner is placed in the center of the room and the following slabs are mounted relative to it. Or the first square is laid exactly in the center, with the marking lines coming out from the corners of the tile.

Small rooms, such as a kitchen, hallway or bathroom, are covered from the corner and do not require preliminary marking. With parallel installation, the first square is glued to the corner and the entire area is glued relative to it. With a diagonal layout, the first square is cut into two triangles. Installation begins by gluing the first triangle into the corner, then a whole square is mounted to it. All rows are laid out similarly.

Tile backing adhesive applied pointwise around the perimeter, stepping back from the edge by 1 cm, and into the center of the tile or with a cross. The applied glue is allowed to thicken a little and set for 1-3 minutes. Then glue the slab, pressing it evenly to the ceiling. Excess glue is removed with a damp sponge or soft cloth. Drafts have a bad effect on the strength of the coupling. Therefore, it is recommended to close all windows and doors in the room. Each subsequent coating element is applied dry and checked against the markings. The tiles of the last rows are cut with a stationery knife on a hard surface. The resulting cracks are sealed with white sealant and, if necessary, painted in the same color as the ceiling.

Irregularities when joining the ceiling covering to the wall wallpaper are covered with skirting boards after the adhesive base has completely dried.

If the room has a hexagon shape or an irregular geometric configuration, installation of the ceiling covering begins from the wall opposite the door, or from the most visible corner.

A beautifully designed ceiling is sure to attract any eye. The overall perception of the room as a whole depends on its appearance. Ceiling tiles are one of the most popular materials for interior decoration, which can transform any room, making it unique and interesting. The types of material, the rules for choosing it and how to properly glue ceiling tiles are described in detail in this article.

Today, manufacturers produce several options for ceiling tiles. According to manufacturing technology, they are distinguished:

• extruded;

• injection;
• stamped.

The surface of the ceiling tile can be laminated, seamless or mirrored. Laminated products are covered with a special film, which gives the tiles increased moisture resistance. It is available in a wide range of colors and does not lose its rich color for a long time. A special layer is applied to the front side, thanks to which you can achieve a visual expansion of space.

Seamless ceiling tiles have smooth edges, making the joints invisible. On the back side of the products there are markings in the form of triangular arrows. They should be directed in one direction. This must be taken into account before gluing the ceiling tiles.

Extruded tiles are made from painted or film-coated polystyrene strip created by pressing. The result is a smooth or embossed product without grain, 2.5-3 mm thick. This is the most reliable, durable and expensive tile. Thanks to the water- and dust-repellent coating, the product is easy to clean and can be easily restored even with the slightest deformation. Having a dense structure, the tiles are easy to cut, which creates smooth edges.

Very often, tiles are produced with a surface painted to resemble wood, stone or marble. It can contain different patterns and come in different colors. The material is ideal for bathrooms.

Important! Extruded tiles cannot be painted.

A distinctive feature of extruded tiles is its appearance. Its edges are slightly curved downwards on the back side, which allows it to be used for uneven ceilings, where it will be possible to hide its imperfections. However, if exposed to sunlight for a long time, the tiles will turn yellow. The price of ceiling tiles averages 220-270 rubles. per package.

Budget options for ceiling tiles

Injection tiles are obtained by sintering polystyrene foam raw materials. After such processing at high temperature, a product with a clearly defined pattern and regular geometric shape is obtained, the thickness of which is 9-14 mm. Using this material, you can create a ceiling without seams. Ceiling tiles of this type are an environmentally friendly, durable, non-flammable material that has good sound and heat insulation characteristics and is not susceptible to moisture.

It is only available in white. The finished surface can be painted. The price of packaging is on average 80-150 rubles.

When the main question is how much a ceiling tile costs, the most budget option is a pressed product with a thickness of 6-8 mm, the price of which does not exceed 60 rubles. per package. The tiles are made from polystyrene foam blocks using the stamping method. The material has a loose, porous surface that quickly absorbs dirt, which is difficult to remove. It is strongly not recommended to wash such tiles. It is better to immediately paint it with water-based paint. Due to the fact that the product is too brittle and fragile and it is difficult to achieve an even edge during cutting, it is recommended to purchase tiles with some reserve.

Advantages and disadvantages of ceiling tiles

Expanded polystyrene ceiling boards are suitable for almost all surfaces, including plaster, wood, brick, concrete and even plaster. Using this material, you can create a beautiful and aesthetic ceiling cladding that can hide all surface imperfections. Depending on the chosen type of product and the option of gluing tiles to the ceiling, you can visually increase the size of the room and reduce the curvature of the walls.

The material has high heat and sound insulation properties, which is especially important for apartments in multi-storey buildings. Gluing ceiling tiles is not a labor-intensive process and does not require special skills. If one or more products are deformed, they can easily be replaced with new ones without repairing the entire ceiling.

Ceiling tiles are easy to care for without the use of special products. The surface is cleaned with a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner. Laminate flooring can be wet cleaned using conventional detergents, which will not lead to deformation of the product.

One of the disadvantages of ceiling tiles is that the material fades over time under the influence of direct sunlight. Certain types of products may lose their shape when exposed to moisture. Also, when using this facing material, you should not place lighting fixtures close to it, which can lead to deformation of the product.

Determining the amount of material depending on the ceiling area

In order to find out the required number of tiles, you should calculate the area of ​​the ceiling. If the room resembles the shape of a rectangle, then it is enough to multiply its width and length, the values ​​​​of which are previously measured with a tape measure. If the room has a complex non-standard shape, then it is necessary to measure the length of all sides and depict them on the plan. Next, the drawing should be divided into even rectangles or squares. By determining the area of ​​each section and adding up the resulting values, it will be possible to calculate the total area of ​​the ceiling.

Next, you should calculate the area of ​​one product, which is produced mainly in a standard size of 50x50 cm. Thus, the area of ​​one product will be equal to 0.25 m². Now the resulting ceiling area must be divided by the area of ​​one tile and get their total number. However, today manufacturers have begun to produce other sizes of ceiling tiles such as 40×40, 60×60, 40×70, 30×70 and 30×60 cm.

However, it should be remembered that when gluing products, mistakes are possible that will lead to deformation, damage or breakage of the tile. Here it is also worth considering the size of the gaps that form on the ceiling after gluing whole tiles. If you need half a tile to fill them, then the whole product will fill two gaps. And if the size of the space takes up more than half, then a whole tile is consumed. Therefore, the material should be purchased with a certain reserve of about 10% of the total quantity.

How to glue tiles to the ceiling: options for placing products

There are many options for placing ceiling tiles. Photos of beautifully decorated ceilings using this material clearly demonstrate this. Here you can create different geometric shapes and combine products using tiles of different colors. However, each option requires precise marking.

Installation of tiles is carried out mainly from the middle of the ceiling. To determine it, you need to draw two diagonal lines. Next, for easy installation of the tiles, you should draw perpendicular straight lines to each side that pass through the center. This marking is mandatory and universal, regardless of the method of laying the tiles.

Helpful advice! It is better to lay ceiling tiles in a small room from a corner, which will create a continuous surface without increasing material consumption.

The main options for installing the product on the ceiling:

• classical;
• diagonal;
• chess order;
• snake

Classic tile laying is done in rows parallel to the walls, starting from the center. This is an ideal option for seamless ceiling tiles, which creates a complete facing surface. Also, products can be glued in rows with a shift of half a tile. This will give lightness and airiness to the room.

The second option involves gluing products along diagonal lines, with the help of which the correct laying of the tiles will be monitored. The result is a smooth and beautiful ceiling covering.

To lay tiles in a checkerboard pattern, products of two colors are used, with the help of which the desired checkerboard effect is created by alternating. Laying the tiles begins from the center of the ceiling, placing the edges of the products parallel to the walls. This option allows you to hide imperfections on the ceiling surface.

For the last option you will need tiles of two contrasting shades. The laying of products begins from the center, where a graphic display of a snake twisted in a spiral is created.

Related article:

Types of polystyrene foam ceiling tiles, their advantages and disadvantages, installation features and useful tips for gluing.

How to properly glue ceiling tiles?

Before gluing tiles to the ceiling, you need to prepare the surface for finishing. It must be completely cleaned of old finishes. If there are depressions, dents, cracks, or significant irregularities, the defects should be eliminated using putty. After the material has completely dried, it is necessary to prime the surface to improve the adhesion of the ceiling and future tiles.

Helpful advice! Before gluing the ceiling tiles, you should leave them for two to three days in a warm and dry place so that excess moisture evaporates from them. Otherwise, the products on the ceiling may shrink, which will cause cracks to form.

To complete the work you will need a stationery knife, ruler, pencil, and glue. After the preparatory work, the ceiling is marked and its central point is determined. All windows and doors in the room must be closed to eliminate the possibility of drafts. Next comes the direct installation of the products.

Important! Before installing the tiles at the location of the chandelier, it is necessary to turn off the power to the room.

Before gluing the tiles to the ceiling, you should apply a special glue. Depending on the chosen material, it can be distributed around the perimeter of the product and in the center, or in a thin layer over its entire surface. Particular attention should be paid to the middle and corners of the product. The first tile is attached to the middle of the ceiling and pressed tightly against it. If a chandelier is located here, then you must first make a hole in the product for the wires. All subsequent tiles are laid according to the chosen option.

All ceiling tiles should be in close contact with each other, leaving no visible gaps. If the ceiling is uneven, gaps will inevitably form between the products. In this case, they can be sealed using white acrylic sealant. It is squeezed into the formed cracks, filling them, and thereby strengthening the tiles on the ceiling. Excess glue must be removed immediately.

Helpful advice! If the tile is very soft, it should be pressed using a wooden block so as not to damage the surface of the product with your fingers.

When it is necessary to cut tiles at the edge of the ceiling, you should first try them on. The product should be cut in such a way as to create a minimal gap between the wall and the tile, which will subsequently be hidden behind the baseboard.

After the cladding has completely dried, you can paint it with water-based paint based on latex or acrylic. To apply the layer evenly, use a roller with a foam surface. At least two coats must be applied. It is recommended to prime the surface before painting.

How to glue ceiling tiles diagonally and in a diamond pattern

When laying foam ceiling tiles diagonally, you can get an unusual facing coating that will not only add originality to the interior, but also skillfully hide the slight curvature of the walls.

Before gluing the tiles to the ceiling, universal surface markings are performed. The first tile is glued in the center so that its corners are at 45 degrees. relative to the walls of the room and intersected the diagonals of the ceiling. Next, the next tile is glued tightly to each of the four sides. Then all subsequent products are carefully joined until the ceiling is completely filled.

The outer rows are laid last, when the main central part of the surface is pasted over.

Before gluing the ceiling tiles with a diamond pattern, you should familiarize yourself with the features of this finishing technology. The first step is to determine the center of the ceiling and mark it. The first tile should be glued so that one of its corners touches the center, and two adjacent sides coincide with the diagonal lines. The second tile is located symmetrically on the other side of the center. The third and fourth are placed in the spaces between the first two, thereby forming an even diamond. From there the rest of the tiles are laid, moving towards the edges of the ceiling. Here you should carefully join the products to avoid visible seams.

This method is ideal for polystyrene foam ceiling tiles with a pronounced pattern, which gives free rein to the embodiment of designer imagination. However, it should be borne in mind that to create a perfect pattern on the ceiling, the consumption of material increases significantly.

What to glue ceiling tiles to?

When the important question arises of how to glue ceiling tiles, it is worth considering all available compositions, assessing their distinctive features. Here, heat resistance, adhesiveness, setting and drying time must be taken into account.

Water-based adhesive is a durable, reliable and environmentally friendly material. It contains natural ingredients such as bone glue and cellulose. However, this is precisely what contributes to the growth of bacteria under the product. Therefore, before laying tiles using this composition, the ceiling surface must be treated with a special antibacterial agent. The disadvantage of glue is that it takes a long time to dry and has low adhesion compared to synthetic compounds.

Solvent-based ceiling tile adhesives are made from rapidly evaporating liquids in which various polymers dissolve. It dries quickly, which makes installation of products difficult.

Hot melt adhesive contains exclusively thermoplastic polymers, making it the best polyurethane-based material. It has high adhesion. However, before use it must be heated to a certain temperature, which creates difficulties for a beginner who is laying tiles for the first time.

Liquid nails glue, the instructions for which suggest its use for polystyrene foam ceiling tiles, is the best option for uneven surfaces. The composition creates a strong and reliable connection. The disadvantage of the composition is its high price and the need to purchase special tools.

When the question arises of how to glue tiles in order to ensure maximum service life of the facing surface, preference should be given to an adhesive compound. It is made on the basis of epoxy or polyester resins. It is very easy to use and creates maximum adhesion. However, it is worth considering that the glue sets quickly, so it is recommended to prepare it in small portions. The main disadvantage of this composition is its high cost.

Ceiling tile care

In order for the ceiling to always have an attractive appearance, it is enough not only to decorate it beautifully, but also to maintain the coating in proper condition. Ceiling tiles do not require special care. It is enough just to regularly clean it from accumulated dust. This will extend the service life of the material and maintain the original appearance of the ceiling for a long period.

To ensure that the tiles always look well-groomed, you need to dry clean them once a month using a fluffy brush or vacuum cleaner. Wet cleaning of laminated surfaces should be performed at least once every two months. Here you can use ordinary detergents that do not contain caustic components that can damage the surface of the products.

Helpful advice! Small stains can be easily removed from the tiles using a regular eraser or alcohol.

If traces of sudden flooding by neighbors appear on the ceiling, they should be eliminated immediately. Otherwise, after the tiles dry, rust stains will remain on the surface that cannot be removed.

Tiles with a pronounced textured pattern should be cleaned with a soft sponge soaked in a cleaning solution. After wet cleaning, you need to wipe the tiles dry using paper napkins, since remaining wet stains will ruin the appearance of the ceiling.

Gluing tiles to the ceiling is a fairly easy task that even a beginner can easily handle. The main task is to thoroughly clean the surface, correctly mark the ceiling, and select high-quality glue and finishing material. Next, having studied the question of how to properly glue tiles to the ceiling, you can create a unique surface that will harmoniously fit into the overall design of the room.

How to glue ceiling tiles with your own hands. Video instruction

Expanded polystyrene ceiling tiles are the most common, affordable way to update the ceiling. Everyone tries to approach this responsibly and individually. Before gluing the ceiling tiles, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work so that the beautiful ceiling covering with its original finish will please the eye for many years. When choosing a finishing option, everyone tries to approach it responsibly and individually. He tries to familiarize himself with the varieties of this material, the rules for calculating the required quantity, what kind of glue to use, as well as some of the nuances of combining tiles with the interior of the room.

Types of Ceiling Tiles

On the construction market, ceiling tiles are presented in the following varieties, differing in their production methods:

1. Pressed ceiling tiles are made using the stamping method from polystyrene blocks. Thickness of the finished product min – 6 mm, max – 8 mm.
2. Extruded blocks are made from polystyrene strip by pressing. They have a shiny smooth surface. The plates can be structured to resemble a marble slab, a section of a tree trunk and other natural materials.
3. To produce injected ceiling tiles, a method is used in which the raw materials are sintered. As a result, the product has a regular shape with a deep pattern. Its thickness is from 9, but not more than 14 mm.

Selecting ceiling tiles based on physical parameters

In order to properly glue ceiling tiles, when purchasing, you need to pay special attention to the geometry of the product. If a tile is selected in squares, then all its angles must meet the required parameters, that is, equal 90º. The slightest deviation will lead to the formation of uneven seams in the future. The corners of ceiling tiles must not be rounded or folded.

Another indicator when choosing ceiling tiles is the material from which they are made. When buying polystyrene tiles, you need to make sure that the edges do not crumble and that all grains are the same size. The one with a particularly fine grain size is considered to be of higher quality. Polystyrene foam plates should not break under their own weight if it is held suspended by any of the corners. The selected ceiling tile should have a clear pattern. No flaws are allowed; any minor inaccuracy or dent will immediately attract attention.

Calculation of the required amount of material and choice of glue

After choosing the type of ceiling tile based on its physical parameters and external design, you need to determine how many tiles will be needed for the entire ceiling area. More experienced owners immediately buy 10-15% more, in case of rejection due to broken corners or mistakes during pruning. In general, the calculation is not difficult. You need to know the ceiling area and the size of each element. Typically, ceiling tiles are produced with side edges of 50-50 cm. If the dimensions of the ceiling are not a multiple of the side length of the tile, then during finishing there will be gaps along the edges of the ceiling. Therefore, when calculating this nuance must be taken into account.

Advice from an experienced professional: if you want to save on glue, instead of liquid nails it is better to use transparent glue with a more liquid “rubber” base. Its consumption is significantly lower. But for a strong fixation, be sure to slightly dry the adhesive already applied to the tiles.

Having calculated the required number of tiles, you need to decide what glue to use. Many people use “Titan”, “Econaset”, “Liquid Nails”, “Moment”. They adhere well to any surface and dry quickly. After gluing, the tile holds tightly. Only for this you need to press it to the ceiling for a few seconds.

Work order

Many owners of apartments and private houses prefer to glue ceiling tiles with their own hands. Therefore, it is important for them to know that work must begin by marking the center of the finishing area. To do this, you need to stretch two threads from diagonally located corners. Their intersection is the desired center. If there is a chandelier hanging in the room, then you can start work from this point. In this case, the joining angles of the lamp wire are slightly cut off. As a result, they will be covered with the figured glass of the chandelier rod.

Many people start working from one of the walls and lay tiles row by row. This option is the simplest and fastest. But there is a small nuance here too. It is better to lay the first row away from the wall opposite the window or front door. Then the gaps that are closed by partial fragments will not be so noticeable.

Before you start gluing, the castings along the edges of the product must be carefully cut off. In this case, the surface of the ceiling will be perfectly smooth, without seams. It is also necessary to strictly observe the symmetry of the pattern at the joints of the tiles. The slightest deviation violates the entire integrity and beauty of the finish.

There are relatively many options for the location of ceiling tiles relative to the walls of the room. The most common are parallel and diagonal relative to the intersection of walls and ceiling. You can choose plain, colored or combined tiles. Of the combined installation options, the following are most often practiced:

• alternating or intersecting diagonals,
• in a checkerboard pattern
• like a snake
• along the perimeter of the ceiling or in its center, etc.

At the end of the work, skirting boards are installed around the entire perimeter. They are glued with the same glue as the tile itself.

Options for gluing ceiling tiles to whitewash

We will glue directly onto the whitewash, so you should choose one of two methods:

• The first is to apply a primer over the old whitewash. It is absorbed into the layer of old coating and adheres to the main surface of the ceiling. Then you need to wait for the primer to dry completely and begin finishing.
• The second method involves partially scraping off the falling off whitened layer with a spatula. Subsequently, a thicker layer of glue is applied to the back surface of the tile, and it is pressed against the gluing site for several minutes. The glue is absorbed through a thin layer of whitewash remaining on the ceiling and adheres to the ceiling.

How to glue ceiling tiles with your own hands: video instructions

Renewing the ceiling covering is labor-intensive and costly. In addition to tiles, you can arrange tension and suspended structures, mirror panels of various configurations and sizes. Here everything is decided by the financial capabilities and imagination of the owner.

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Good tips, they helped especially about whitewashing. When I was gluing the tiles with my dad, we first tried to scrape off the whitewash, but then we got tired of it and decided to stick it like this... We tried to glue it for two days, you glue it, it falls off along with the whitewash... We tried to apply a primer and then glue it in a couple of hours.

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In the interior of the kitchen

Along with various options for finishing the ceiling, which require considerable investments, time and the involvement of qualified specialists, there is an equally common and well-proven method.

In a relatively short time, having selected a suitable tile for the room and prepared the ceiling for work, it is easy to understand this simple matter. Also in the article you will find information on how to stick products diagonally.

Finishing

Installing tiles on the ceiling begins with the correct selection of high-quality polystyrene products.

Choice

So:

• The geometry of the square tile must correspond to the geometric parameters, that is, all angles must be 90 degrees, and the sides, naturally, must have equal lengths. Without this, it is impossible to achieve high-quality joining - however, the cracks can be sealed with putty or acrylic sealant, but we think no one needs extra dances with a tambourine.
• The quality of the raw materials and the structure of polystyrene are assessed; the relief of the product must be uniformly clear and even.
• Uniform fine polystyrene grains, without voids, are an indicator of quality

• Tiles made in violation of technology are characterized by the presence of defects (irregularities, cavities, sagging or depressions) on the surface of the relief, as well as rounded or wrinkled corners, crumbling edges. It is impossible to lay and join such tiles efficiently, without gaps.
• Stickers of products with flaws are used to fill small areas along the walls and in inconspicuous places, if it is possible to cut out the defective part.

Features and types

Modern polystyrene foam tiles are a universal material for finishing ceilings in different rooms:

• It is especially popular in the living room, bedroom and office. Here this design looks very advantageous due to the visual increase in ceiling height.
• Foam products are used to decorate the ceiling in the kitchen, but a protective laminated coating is applied to it.
• When planning the decoration of a children's room, the material is selected with a special sound-absorbing layer.
• For a bathroom or toilet, smooth white or slightly corrugated tiles are used.

Such foam products are made in one of three ways, which determine its properties.

May be:

• Pressed from foam plastic. To make it, polystyrene blocks are taken and the necessary parts are obtained by stamping. It is different:

1. low density;
2. low weight;
3. thickness ranging from 6 to 8 millimeters.

• Extruded(cm. ). Pressed from polystyrene strip. This type has a higher density, the surface is quite smooth and shiny, and imitates the appearance of a surface made of marble, wood and other materials.
• Injection. In this case, the raw materials are sintered in special molds without destroying the granules. Its surface acquires beautiful and clear relief patterns, the thickness of the tiles is from 9 to 14 millimeters. It is made with straight shapes around the perimeter, and after gluing to the ceiling, the seams are practically invisible.

Calculation and purchase of necessary materials

• The number of tiles for a specific room can be calculated by dividing the area of ​​the room (length*width) by the area of ​​one product. This manipulation is usually promptly carried out by the seller, so you can only stock up on the size of the room before purchasing.
• The most common size of ceiling tiles is 50 x50 cm. A typical factory package contains 1 sq.m. (4 pcs.), or 2 sq.m. (8 pcs.).
• Considering the possibility of manufacturing defects or defects during installation, especially if ceiling tiles are installed diagonally, depending on the area of ​​the room and installation method, you should purchase 5-10% more material.
• It is preferable to purchase tiles from one production batch - the batch number, number of meters and date of manufacture must be indicated; instructions for this are included.

Advice: When purchasing tiles, it is logical to purchase a ceiling plinth made from the same material, similar in design, suitable in width and color in the required quantity.

In the photo - special glue

Gluing ceiling tiles also requires purchasing the optimal adhesive.

How to choose the right glue

Ceiling tiles can be glued to concrete, plaster, brick, wood, metal, plasterboard and other substrates. produced for facade adhesives, tile adhesive mixtures, liquid nails, mastics, silicone sealants, etc.

Attention. Adhesives containing organic solvents (acetone, gasoline, ethers, etc.) dissolve polystyrene.

High-tech assembly adhesives (Titanium, Moment, etc.) on a polymer basis have been developed specifically for polystyrene. They combine well with any ceiling surface and securely hold the tiles.

• When selecting adhesive, first of all, you need to focus on the material from which the tile you purchased is made. Probably the most versatile composition will be “liquid nails” glue.
• The price of polymer adhesives is quite affordable.
• Ceiling tiles are glued onto a dry, clean, even, durable and primed base.

Tool

Before gluing ceiling tiles, you should stock up on everything you need:

• Tapping cord for surface marking. Sold in construction stores, the kit also includes chalk, which is poured into a container and colors the thread for marking landmarks on any surface;
• Construction knife It cuts tiles perfectly, it is better to have on hand an option with a blade width of 25 mm, it is much tougher and more convenient to use. In the kit, purchase spare blades, as they become dull during operation;
• Adjustable square- an indispensable tool if diagonal tiling is done. This device is fixed at any angle, which greatly simplifies the marking of tiles and eliminates errors during the cutting process;

• Caulking gun. It is used to apply liquid nails that will be used for gluing. The tool costs a little, but greatly simplifies and speeds up the workflow;
• Tape measure and pencil used when taking measurements and markings. You can use a long ruler, but a tape measure is more convenient;
• Since you will have to work on the ceiling, you need a ladder or a table. The height of the device should be comfortable so that you do not rest your head on the surface and do not stand with your arms outstretched.

Ceiling preparation

When carrying out repairs in old premises, use a rigid metal spatula to apply the ceiling base (if it is weak and peels off). There should be no peeling, loose areas, as well as crumbling seams and potholes.

• The cleaned ceiling of both the old and the new room is swept with a broom (vacuum cleaner) and treated with a primer.
• The dry, primed ceiling is inspected to identify the largest defects (displacement of floor slabs, cracks, potholes, concrete sagging and other pronounced troubles).

• All irregularities greater than 3-5 mm are leveled using liquid mixtures (read more). Ceiling tiles can hide potholes and sinks of smaller sizes.
• During installation, more careful leveling of the base is required.
• After the mixtures have hardened, the repaired areas must be primed again. Wooden, plywood, plasterboard and other ceilings are also subject to primer treatment.
• The primed ceiling base provides more reliable interaction with any adhesives.

Before gluing the tiles to the ceiling, its location is determined.

Ceiling markings

How can you position

In old-style rooms it is very rare to find a room with regular geometric shapes, so in such rooms it is more rational to use the diagonal gluing method, in which the tile gluing starts from the center of the ceiling or from the installation point of the central chandelier.

How to tile diagonally? It's quite simple!

• The first step is the center of the room. This point is located at the intersection of two construction cords stretched from diagonally opposite corners.

Advice! There are often cases when the center of the ceiling and the location of the main chandelier do not coincide. In this case, you should be guided by the lamp, although exceptions are possible.

• Next, we decide what we will have in the center - a solid tile or a butt joint. The first option without cutting the tiles is only possible with the chandelier removed.
• Next, draw two lines strictly perpendicular to the walls and each other, drawn through the center of the ceiling. They are the ones who will guide us at the beginning of our work.

How to glue diagonally

• In the installation option from a chandelier, the corners of the four tiles are cut off for fastening and power supply of the lighting fixture. At the next stage of work, this place is covered with a decorative overlay of the chandelier.

How to properly glue ceiling tiles - make the cutout so that it is hidden under the decorative overlay of the chandelier

In fact, the main difference between diagonal installation is the trimming of all the outer elements, while the next option allows you to install intact tiles against at least two walls.

Faster and easier installation of slabs - parallel to the walls. It is produced from the wall, which is the most noticeable in the room. This installation method is practical and convenient in small spaces.

Installation

How to stick it correctly

If installation is carried out in winter, then the tiles should lie in room conditions for at least two hours.

So:

• Before gluing tiles to the ceiling, you should carefully read the instructions for using the adhesive composition. The gluing processes for adhesives from different manufacturers may vary slightly.
• Some manufacturers of adhesive compositions recommend allowing the adhesive to partially swell for a few minutes after applying the composition to the surface, and only then aligning the parts with the ceiling. Technologies from other adhesive manufacturers do not require this time.
• Recommended for each individual type of polystyrene tiles, the adhesive composition is applied to the tiles and ceiling dotted, dotted or completely. Some types of tiles have special areas on the mounting side for applying glue.
• Using a napkin or foam sponge, the tile with applied adhesive is pressed tightly along the entire perimeter to the ceiling so that there are no traces of pressing on the front surface.
• Exposed adhesive is removed immediately with a dry and clean cloth.

Sequence of gluing

The first tile is fixed exactly according to the markings, in the center of the ceiling or the location of the chandelier. Following the markings, subsequent products are mounted tightly to the first plate.

Perfectly fits into country style

To comply with the technology, during the installation process it is necessary to control the alignment of the sides and ensure compliance with the pattern, if any.

On the installation side of some types of tiles there are special markings in the form of arrows. When installing such tiles, the arrows should have the same direction, as in the video.

So:

• To avoid displacement before the glue polymerizes, it is convenient to temporarily fix adjacent ones with each other using masking (paper) tape.
• Rows of slabs adjacent to walls are, in most cases, trimmed. In such cases, measurements are first taken on the ceiling using a tape measure and transferred to the tiles with a pencil. After cutting with a construction knife, the desired fragment is tried on at the designated location and fixed with glue.
• At the next stage of painting work, a plinth is installed at the junction of the ceiling and walls. It is possible to attach the plinth with the same glue that is used to glue the ceiling tiles, but it is more effective to use a special adhesive putty that can hide all the gaps between the plinth and the relief.

Installation of skirting boards

• The joints between the plates are filled, if necessary, with white acrylic sealants. The use of silicone sealant is not recommended.

Care is carried out using a vacuum cleaner with a soft nozzle, grease traces are removed with alcohol, and other dirt is wiped off with an office washing eraser. It is undesirable for some types of products to get water.

Knowing how to glue ceiling tiles, you can do all the work with your own hands quite efficiently. You should first familiarize yourself with the work of professionals using a thematic video.