How to assemble an aluminum slatted ceiling. Aluminum slatted ceiling: installation and features of the suspended structure

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Hanging ceiling systems have become widespread throughout the world due to their ease of use and high functionality. Not so long ago, suspended ceilings made of aluminum have gained particular popularity - ultra-modern, lightweight, quick to install, but expensive compared to other suspended structures. If you are thinking about installing aluminum suspended ceiling in your home or office, it will be useful for you to obtain detailed information about them.

Description of aluminum suspended ceilings

Suspended ceiling systems of the rack type are becoming more popular every day, since they can be installed not only inside buildings, but also outside. Such designs are not afraid low temperatures, corrosion, humidity and fires. They do not deteriorate or fade over time, so they are perfect for rooms with high demands on the performance of the ceiling.

A special type of suspended systems are aluminum slatted ceilings, which are panels 3 to 4 meters long, 5 to 20 centimeters wide and up to about 0.6 millimeters thick, which are equipped with special connections. When the ceiling composition is assembled, the joints between the slats become invisible, and the ceiling looks solid and seamless.

If necessary, you can order aluminum panels of non-standard sizes. However, in practice, buyers rarely resort to this option. In addition to the main panels, which have a width of 50 - 200 millimeters, manufacturers produce narrow insert panels that create contrast with large panels due to color and size, as well as due to the texture, which can be perforated or smooth.

Spot or raster lamps are installed in aluminum slatted ceilings. For round lamps It is customary to cut holes in slats, and for raster ones, buy a slat with holes already made, called a screen. Often the screen is sold with lamps. Not so long ago, curved elements made of slats appeared on the market. With their help, you can form curves and combine two rooms with different heights ceiling.

Slatted panels are painted in any tone from the color chart; often all sorts of images are projected onto them; they can have a relief or mirror surface. These features can be used to create an unusual interior solution, reproduce the necessary surroundings and arrange non-standard lighting. In particular, a modular lighting system with multi-colored lamps and sources of different power looks great on a suspended aluminum ceiling.

Aluminum slatted ceilings are best suited for schools, medical institutions, supermarkets and shops, restaurants and nightclubs. In city apartments and country houses Such hanging systems are most often installed in rooms with high humidity— bathrooms, kitchens, saunas and swimming pools, as well as on summer terraces, platforms and gazebos, because aluminum is not afraid of rain, frost or sun.

Advantages of slatted aluminum ceilings

Hanging aluminum ceilings have many advantages over other ceiling systems. Let's look at their most important advantages:

The aluminum ceiling is universal - with its help you can complete the finishing of the ceiling in a non-residential or residential area.
One of the main advantages of aluminum ceilings is the ease of installation and dismantling. This ceiling can be partially disassembled if you need to get to the electrical wiring, which is located in the interceiling space. After such work, cassettes or slats are easily installed on old place without losing them decorative properties and functionality.
It is customary to install a suspended aluminum ceiling at any level and at any angle to the base ceiling, which helps hide all flaws in the rough surface and possible communications. Adjustable hangers create a perfectly flat ceiling plane.
Aluminum is a very light metal, so such a ceiling does not require a powerful suspension system, which ensures the safety of their operation. In this case, there is no danger that some kind of rail will fall off and fall on a person.
Aluminum is a clean material from an environmental point of view that does not emit harmful substances into the air even at high temperatures.
Aluminum is practically the only suitable material, which does not rust, making it a leader among other options. Aluminum is resistant to aggressive environments ( household chemicals, disinfectants). Suspended aluminum ceilings are almost not subject to aging, therefore they are able to maintain their original appearance and quality for a long time under the influence of these factors.
Caring for aluminum panels is very simple and does not require much effort: they are washed without difficulty, and after removing dirt they are simply polished with a napkin or soft cloth. At the same time, the ceilings do not age, so there is no need to renew the coatings - regular washing is quite enough. And if a scratch or dent appears, then you only need to change one strip, leaving the rest of the ceiling alone.
Suspended aluminum ceilings have a magnificent appearance, high reflective characteristics and a variety of colors, which allows them to be equipped to realize a wide variety of design ideas.

Types of suspended aluminum ceilings

There are two main types of aluminum suspended ceilings on the market - cassette and slatted, which differ from each other geometric parameters cladding. There are also some differences in the frame system, as shown in the drawings and photos of aluminum suspended ceilings.

Aluminum slatted ceilings may differ in the width and color of the slats, its profile and fastening method:

Slat ceiling open type made of aluminum. In such a system, narrow gaps remain between the panels, which can be closed with special inserts or left open, depending on the conditions of use of the ceiling and your desire. If additional ventilation is needed in the room, it is better to leave the space between the slats open.
Closed slatted ceiling made of aluminum. This design forms a continuous surface without any gaps between the panels. When installing profile slats, such a surface appears ribbed, and when installing gapless slats, it becomes smooth and even.

Cassette aluminum ceilings are a modular ceiling system that consists of individual rectangular or square cassettes. You can also find cassettes of more complex shapes. The cassettes differ in size and color, but you should pay special attention to the design differences:

Cellular design with clear boundaries of each module. Cassettes are placed in a hanging frame system which remains open.
Solid surface. The cassettes are installed on the frame from below, and it is hidden.

Concerning color range, then slatted and cassette aluminum ceilings are different color- from snow-white to black. The most popular are suspended ceiling systems with a metallic effect (silver, gold and chrome) and a mirror surface. Interesting solution consists of using a combination of cassettes and slats of different colors. When arranging an open slatted ceiling, a contrasting combination of inter-slat inserts and slats is often used.

Installation of suspended aluminum ceilings

Installation of a suspended aluminum ceiling is not the most simple process, however, if you take the matter seriously, then it is quite possible to do it. In this regard, a lot depends on the dimensions and shape of your room. Naturally, the simpler the form, the easier it is to make the installations. In perfectly square or rectangular rooms There should be no questions related to the installation of an aluminum slatted ceiling.

Construction of suspended ceilings

If you decide to buy a slatted aluminum ceiling, then remember that the price of a suspended aluminum ceiling includes: a rail, a plinth, a suspension, the slats themselves and lamps. Let's take a closer look at these elements:

Slats are aluminum panels that are designed with special joints that remain invisible when completed.
The tire is a bar with teeth, to which the slats cling. Pay special attention to the selection of tires for the slats, because a certain type of tires, unfortunately, does not fit all aluminum slats.
A hanger is a wire that is attached to concrete ceiling. Tires with aluminum strips are attached to the suspension. Because of this, in fact, such a ceiling is called suspended. Remember that high-quality suspensions have the ability to adjust in height.
Skirting board. This structural element of a suspended aluminum ceiling plays a purely decorative role, because it closes the gap between the ceiling and the wall, in general, like an ordinary plinth.
Lamps. Always remember about lighting devices, as there are situations when owners remember about lighting sources only after installing the slatted ceiling. You can purchase ready-made aluminum “screen” strips with installed spotlights.

It’s worth warning you right away that aluminum suspended ceilings, regardless of their type - cassette and slatted, are produced by many different manufacturers. Their products differ in the size and profile of the slats, as well as the configuration of the hanging frame. Therefore it is recommended to buy ready-made kits exclusively from one manufacturer, rather than assembling a ceiling from different components.

In order not to overpay for material for a suspended aluminum ceiling and be confident in the strength of all suspended structure, and this is an important argument, it is recommended to carefully consider the choice of aluminum strips. When choosing the size of aluminum slats (slats or cassettes), you need to pay attention to the following information:

Length. The choice in this regard is very small - aluminum strips can have a length of 3 to 4 meters. If you are not satisfied with both options, you can find a company that provides cutting services for this material.
Width. The choice is also not particularly wide - the thickness of aluminum slats reaches 9 - 20 centimeters. An excellent solution is aluminum slats with a thickness of about 10 centimeters - they are the most popular.
Thickness. But the choice of the thickness of the aluminum strips will determine whether the ceiling will turn out to be reliable, and whether you will subsequently overpay for its installation. Ideally, the thickness of the aluminum strips should be 0.5 millimeters.

Remember that slats come in three types - open, closed and with inserts:

Closed aluminum slats are similar to wooden lining.
If you choose open slats, there should be a small gap between them. It is recommended to install such open slats only in rooms whose height is more than 5 meters, so this type of slatted ceiling in a bathroom is unlikely to be appropriate.
And the third type, aluminum slats with inserts, are similar to open ones, however, all gaps are usually masked with narrow strips of aluminum.

When choosing a suspended aluminum ceiling, you need to pay attention to the presence of a protective film, the presence of dents and the thickness of the slats. The thicker the slats, the stronger the ceiling. A protective coating is required to safely transport the ceiling from the store to the aluminum suspended ceiling installation site.

It is recommended to choose the color of aluminum slats taking into account the overall design of the room. If you want to arrange a “mirror” ceiling, then you should choose a chrome aluminum ceiling. Well, if you decide to repaint the ceiling, all you need to do is apply a layer of enamel.

Installation instructions for aluminum ceiling

Installation of a slatted or cassette aluminum ceiling begins with marking the surface. At a distance of at least 13 centimeters from the main plane, a marking line must be drawn along the walls. To ensure that it is located in the same horizontal plane, it is recommended to use a laser or water level. You can get by using a spirit level, but it is not that accurate.

Having determined the height of the ceiling, you need to install a corner supporting profile around the perimeter of the room, drilling holes along the marking line and securing it with self-tapping screws and dowels every 50-60 centimeters. Guides should be installed in the corner profile along the perimeter of the room. If you are installing a slatted ceiling, then the guides should be placed perpendicular to the direction of the slats that you have chosen.

The guide profile is attached to the load-bearing floor using adjustable hangers, then they are leveled. The hangers are attached in this way. Drill holes in the ceiling and hammer anchors into them that have a diameter of 6 millimeters and a length of 40 millimeters. The hangers are attached to the anchors so that they are at the same level. To control the level, you can use a laser indicator or construction thread. The step between hangers should not be more than 1.2 meters.

The ends of the guides will simply lie on the shelf of the corner profile, but will not rest on it. When installing cassette ceilings, transverse inserts are attached to the longitudinal guide profiles using special locks.

Attach the supporting rails to the hangers with the same spacing as the hangers themselves were installed. To do this, put them on the hangers with special holes. It is recommended to align the support rail by moving the quick-release clip.

Now comes the most trembling moment when installing an aluminum suspended ceiling with your own hands. Remove the protective film from the slats. If you want to install ceiling lamps, then you should cut holes of the required size in advance. The slats should be snapped onto the tabs suspension system, and if you are installing a cassette ceiling, then such strips can simply be inserted into a finished cell or fastened in the same way as slats.

All that remains is to fix the panels on the traverse and snap the tabs, which are located on the support rail. As you work, you will still have to install lamps in the ceiling, if they are included in the project. Remember that when installing a suspended aluminum ceiling, you cannot deform the slats, but they are quite easily deformed.

Aluminum panels are quite widespread in our country today, since for many people it is associated with such a concept as “European-quality renovation”. Initially, such structures were brought to us from abroad, so their cost was quite high.

A little later, the aluminum ones were slightly modernized, adding to their structure decorative inserts. Thanks to them, even the most daring design solutions can be implemented during installation.

Varieties of aluminum panels

It is worth saying that the assembly process for all of them is practically no different, so you need to pay special attention to the details.

There are 2 main types of aluminum ceilings:

Rack and pinion. When assembled, it is a plane made of slats of various sizes and colors.
Cassette. Modular system assembled from cassettes having a rectangular or square shape. Size and color may also vary.

Features of aluminum slatted ceilings

A slatted ceiling is one of the types of suspended ceilings. Such a suspension system looks like a single surface, although it is made of separate strips that are produced different sizes and colors. This makes it possible to create very original and stylish designs.

Installation of a suspended aluminum ceiling is carried out only after plastering of the walls and finishing of the floor is completed. First it is assembled onto which aluminum panels are then attached.

Types of slats

The most popular among buyers is a suspended ceiling made of aluminum panels in two configurations:

With smooth slats. After assembly, there are small gaps between the panels. Attaching a slatted ceiling is not difficult, but it does not look so impressive.
With alternating profiles. Intermediate inserts are installed between the slats, which may differ in size and color from the main panels. This slatted ceiling looks very unusual and stylish.

The range of manufactured slats is so huge that it can satisfy the needs of even the most demanding customers. The panels come in smooth and perforated, glossy and matte. Their texture can imitate wood and even leather. The shape of the slats can be rounded or rectangular. The huge number of colors and shades is simply amazing. The slats can be installed even diagonally, which allows you to visually increase or decrease the space.

Suspended ceilings made of aluminum panels also differ in the joints between the slats. At open method installation, there remains a small gap of 15 mm between them. Special decorative inserts are attached to it or left open. At closed method panel joints overlap each other. They also sell slats that are joined closely, which allows you to get a blind joint that has no gaps.

What is a suspension system

The main components of the suspension system are the comb, the corner profile and the adjustable suspension. A comb is a galvanized strip that has special clamps into which the slats are secured.

The suspension consists of a bracket attached to the supporting comb and a rod, which is mounted directly to the ceiling. The aluminum ceiling is fastened at a distance from the main ceiling from 5 to 12 cm (depending on personal preferences, as well as communications located on the ceiling).

Advantages of slatted aluminum ceilings

In terms of functionality and technical parameters A suspended ceiling made of aluminum panels is superior to other ceiling systems:

Their slats are quite resistant to various negative external influences, especially to excess moisture and elevated temperatures. That is why they are installed in the kitchen and other rooms where other surface finishing options are inappropriate.
Safety. Slatted ceilings are made from harmless, environmentally friendly materials that do not emit harmful compounds.
Thanks to the simple installation, you can assemble an aluminum ceiling with your own hands in the shortest possible time.
This design can be installed on curved surfaces of walls and ceilings, since the aluminum strip easily bends and allows you to create a tent or dome shape. To assemble a curved ceiling system, mounting rails are mounted at different levels.
When decorating a room, the external aesthetic appearance is of no small importance. The aluminum suspended ceiling is assembled from panels painted with durable powder paints, so it has a very attractive appearance. A fairly wide palette of colors allows you to choose the shade that best suits the interior of the room.

Equipment

Before you begin preparing the ceiling and installing aluminum panels, you should purchase everything you need.

The set of elements usually includes:

fastening tires (traverses, combs);
starting profile, which is attached to the walls along the perimeter of the room along the intended line;
slats that make up the surface of the structure (when installing aluminum suspended ceilings, 100 mm wide slats are most often used);
intermediate inserts necessary for connecting the main slats (not used in all slatted structures);
hangers - metal rods or plates;
fastening elements (screws or dowels);
recessed lamps.

Tools

To install a suspended aluminum ceiling, you will need the following tools:

tape measure, level, ruler and marker (for marking);
hammer drill or drill (to make holes for fasteners);
scissors and a metal knife (for cutting slats);
self-tapping screws and dowel-nails;
pliers;
screwdriver (for connecting all frame elements).

Marking

Installation of a suspended ceiling made of aluminum panels begins after everything necessary to complete the work has been prepared. To make such a ceiling with your own hands, you must first mark the perimeter. This is done in order to determine the level of the suspended structure.

The minimum distance from the base floor should be approximately 3.5-4 cm. The largest distance is limited by the length of the hangers. Along the perimeter of the room, according to established level, a line is drawn that will be the defining reference point when installing the suspension system. When marking is applied, the line must be checked using a level and the distance between floor covering and with it at intervals that range from 1 to 1.5 meters.

Next, you need to apply markings to the floor slabs. To install the frame, depending on the number of traverses, the appropriate number of lines should be drawn. The distance between the wall and the comb should be within 40-50 cm, and between adjacent fastening rails - about 100-120 cm. Fastening the traverses with such a step ensures the required structural rigidity. After marking is completed, frame assembly and installation begin suspended ceiling made of aluminum.

Installation of rack and pinion system

The assembly of the frame for a suspended slatted ceiling is carried out in stages:

First of all, a starting profile is installed along the perimeter of the room according to the markings. It is applied to a horizontal line and, using a hammer drill, holes are drilled in the plank and wall. This kind of work needs to be done with an assistant, and not alone, since one pair of hands is needed to fix the profile, and the other to drill.
At the next stage, plastic dowels are inserted into the prepared holes. Next, the profile is finally secured by driving special screws intended for express installation into them. The step size for installing fasteners is 50 cm.
After the profile is securely fastened, they begin to mount it on hangers for installing traverses.
The next step is to assemble the surface ceiling structure. To do this, before attaching to the mounting rail, all aluminum slats are adjusted to the right size. To do this, make a notch along the cutting line on the panel to be cut using a knife or awl.
Next, use metal scissors to cut the edges of the plank and break off excess material. The prepared panel is lifted and snapped into place on the fastening located on the traverse. The ends of the slats are brought into the starting profile. Then intermediate inserts are installed between the main panels. The last rail is cut not only along the length, but also along the length.
The assembly is completed by installing and connecting the built-in lamps. In slats for lighting fixtures appropriate holes are made.

Installing a hanging system is not at all difficult; the main thing is to try to carefully study the relevant instructions and information from the manufacturer.

Aluminum panels: price

The cost of aluminum profiles varies significantly depending on the country of origin, type, texture, color and the presence of perforation. Cost of panels Russian production noticeably lower. The average price is from 300 rubles per 1 m2. Foreign material costs from 600 rubles per 1 m2.

For quality repairs In the ceiling area, repairmen successfully use an aluminum slatted suspended ceiling. The simplicity of its installation and correction after installation allows as soon as possible repair any ceiling surface.

Basic properties

For finishing works For the plane of the ceiling surface, an aluminum slatted ceiling will probably suit you best. The ease of use and attractiveness of the result of this type of material (aluminum slats) will satisfy anyone, even the most demanding craftsman and consumer.

If we look closely at the finished folded section, we see that the aluminum slats do not stand out individually, creating the appearance of a coherent area. This cannot be said about the cassette ceiling section, which is assembled from individual square parts. Mostly, the laid slats look like one smooth, dense piece.

Advice! During installation, slats of different types and colors are used. You also have the opportunity to combine different sizes to bring your idea to life.

At the moment, there are aluminum slatted ceiling surfaces of two types:

aluminum suspended ceiling with smooth surface. The peculiarity of assembling such a ceiling is that at the end of the work you will see small gaps between the installed slabs. This type of surface is very practical and convenient, but it will look less aesthetically pleasing (however, the taste and color...);
suspended ceiling with alternating profiles. Installing this type of ceiling is a pleasure. Short inserts, elements that balance the structure, are also mounted between the parallel-fixed slats. After such installation you will not have to adjust the shape of the ceiling. The planks can be selected in different colors.

In order for the surface of the ceiling to be mounted to be as smooth as possible, you must first install traverses (they are also called combs). They have the form of longitudinal tires attached to the ceiling section. Fastening the aluminum strips to the traverses is the second stage of the work. The planks are attached using special latches, which automatically fix the surface of the plank with the surface of the traverses.

Important! The advantage of this type of mount is that you do not use additional devices for fastening.

Advantages of installing aluminum slatted ceilings

The material from which this type of structure is made is considered the best among other types of panels, and in many respects. The installation of slatted aluminum ceilings has a number of advantages:

Aluminum strips are less susceptible to damage different types(temperature changes, rust, excessive dryness or room humidity, salt deposition, destructive action of microorganisms).
This material is ideal not only for home renovation, but also for rooms common use(at train stations, airports, metro stations, hospitals, schools and other premises).
Easy to use and install. This will allow you to quickly, reliably and without extra costs install the ceiling in time. You don't need to pay a specialist for work. You can do everything yourself. And such a design will serve for a long time and reliably.
Possibility to level the surface of the working area. No costs for materials for putty, primer, etc. You can only create the desired shape of the ceiling section using aluminum slats.
It can be either a simple flat canvas or different multi-level structures. On an uneven surface under different angles Traverses are attached, and aluminum strips are placed on top of them. The result is a very durable and safe structure. Specifications This type of construction is at the highest level.
Appearance of a suspended ceiling surface. In addition to the above advantages, there is one more advantage in installing a slatted ceiling. important point- This is an external aesthetic appearance.
When installing suspended ceilings, it is important to take into account how it will all look at the end of the renovation work. Aluminum panels can be painted with special powder paints. These paints are available in an incredible range of colors and shades, so you can choose the one most suitable for your room.

What materials to choose for installation

What should you buy before you start installing slatted ceilings? And how much does it cost required material? The list of required goods includes:

traverses (another name for a comb/tire for fastening). Calculate the quantity according to your square footage of the room;
aluminum slats (main profile). This is the very basis of the ceiling. Choose the width of the strips you need. You can take different profiles if you need to create a multi-level structure;
starting profile. It is used to outline the perimeter of the room and lay the foundation for attaching traverses;
intermediate multi-colored inserts. They are needed to fix the planks themselves;
pendants. They look like records. They are needed to attach the main frame to the ceiling. If there is a large distance between the ceiling and the installed ceiling, it is better to use suspensions in the form of springs;
the required number of screws, dowels;
spotlights, chandeliers and other lighting fixtures.

Tools needed

The installation of a slatted ceiling is impossible without special tools:

level (it will be ideal if you have laser level, which in their properties are much more accurate than conventional construction ones);
roulette;
perforator;
pencil;
metal scissors;
screwdriver;
hidden wiring finder.

How to install a ceiling made of metal slats

The installation of this type of ceilings such as aluminum slatted ceilings is sufficient universal solution For modern design premises of all types. To mount the ceiling slatted frame, you must follow these instructions:

First phase– this is setting the starting profile. It is mounted according to a pre-applied marker. Using a hammer drill, connect the profile to the wall. Make the required number of holes. Then dowels are inserted into the pre-prepared holes. The profile is finally strengthened with screws.

Advice! Every half meter you need to secure the profile.

Second phase— hangers are installed on the ceiling. Then the traverses are attached to them. Then all the aluminum strips of the suspended ceiling follow. A separate strip is attached to each individual traverse. The required form and the size is adjusted using metal scissors. Then the measured panel is secured with latches to the busbars. The edges of the slats should extend beyond the starting profile.

At the end, inserts are mounted between the slats, lengthwise and lengthwise. Aluminum slats will form the final version of the suspended ceiling.

Third final phase - install lighting. To do this, you need to make holes for the light bulbs in the rack in advance. Why in advance? The answer is obvious - it will be much easier for you to make the correct cuts on the floor than on weight.

The ceiling made of aluminum slats has a row positive characteristics. This is both ease of use and available materials, reliability and practicality. You can even do without a master and do all the work yourself.

Important! Such a suspended ceiling surface can be mounted in any room and at the same time be sure that your suspended structure will stand and decorate on the ceiling for more than one year. And we can’t even talk about the 100% elegance and sophistication of such a ceiling surface!

Dividing the suspended ceiling into zones

Before starting installation of the main structure, you need to divide work area ceilings for areas. To make the next steps easier, you need to consider the following rules:

Suspended aluminum slatted ceiling - perfect solution, both for compact rooms and for spacious halls, including public ones. Resistant to moisture, mechanical damage and temperature changes, the panels can be used in rooms with aggressive environments. A tangible bonus is a modern aesthetic appearance and the ability to combine with built-in lamps.

Construction of structures - what is included

To install the system on your own, you need to clearly understand what the structure of a slatted ceiling is and what the individual elements serve. The standard set includes:

stringers (also called combs, traverses) - needed for fastening fabric panels;
hangers - allow you to adjust the height of the stringers, mounted directly on the base of the ceiling;
aluminum slats;
inter-rack inserts for open type systems;
corner profile for decoration and masking of joints.

In addition to the design of the structure, in order to do the installation yourself, you need to be able to correctly calculate the amount of materials and fastening elements. To do this, measure the length and width of the room, multiplying the results by two. The final number will determine the required length of the frame.

The next step will be to calculate the area of the main ceiling and the area of the aluminum strip. Calculating the area of the ceiling is simple - multiply the length with the width. The area of the rack is calculated in the same way.

To find out the number of slats required for installation, the area of the ceiling is divided by the area of one strip. 15% is added to the result obtained in case of damage to the material during installation.

Initial stage - preparing the base

Despite the fact that the base under the aluminum slats will not be noticeable, certain work will have to be done to prepare the surface. Even the simplest installation of a slatted ceiling in a compact bathroom or hallway involves working with a clean and relatively flat base. In addition, before laying the structures are determined with engineering communications- those that will pass behind the slats in the inter-ceiling space are carefully secured, if necessary isolated, tested, etc.

The distance between the base and the slats depends on the number of communications and lighting equipment intended for installation. Largest quantity space will be required by lamps based on incandescent lamps - up to 130 mm, less - LED and halogen lamps (up to 70 mm).

The lower the height of the walls in the room, the more restrictions are placed on the distance between the slatted and main ceilings. In a room with a ceiling height of up to 2.5 meters, stringers are attached to the ceiling, leveled with pads, and pendant lamps are used exclusively, which do not require additional space. In narrow rooms with ceilings up to 2 meters, stringers are completely excluded from the installation process, laying the slats on the wall corners using self-tapping screws.

Marking and a set of tools is an important preparatory stage

Any installation instructions begin with a list of tools necessary for the work. In the case of an aluminum slatted ceiling, this is a standard set of:

roulette;
hammer drill;
screwdrivers;
knife;
metal scissors;
pliers;
fastening elements.

The correct marking will have a huge impact on the final result. Start by drawing a line parallel to the wall at a distance of 300 mm from it on two parallel sides to attach the stringers. These lines mark the entire ceiling, maintaining a distance of up to 1.2 m between them.

On the finished lines, the locations for mounting the hangers are marked. They should be removed from the wall at a distance of no more than 400 mm in increments of 1200 mm. Perpendicular to the lines of the stringers, mark the installation line of the slats (distance from 300 mm). An orthogonal mesh is created with step sizes of 05-1 m.

At the same stage, mark the mounting locations for lamps and decorative elements. It is important that they are placed between the stringers.

On the surface of the walls, mark the level of the suspended ceiling using a level.

How to install a rack structure: a step-by-step process

The aluminum slatted suspended ceiling is installed in several stages according to the finished markings. They start with the installation of stringers. Here it is necessary to remember that their axes are parallel. The suspensions are installed first using self-tapping screws or anchors installed in pre-prepared holes. There are suspensions with studs, springs and self-tapping screws.

Here you need to take into account that suspensions are used only in rooms with ceilings of 2.5 meters. Low ceilings involve fastening the slats directly to the base.

To properly install the ceiling, the stringers are mounted in such a way that the first panel is secured entirely, and the finishing panel is adjusted in width and with a gap from the wall of up to 5 mm.

After installation, the stringers are aligned using adjustable hangers depending on their design. When using hairpin ones, move the clip, spring ones - tighten the spring, with self-tapping screws - screw them in, or vice versa, unscrew the screws.

Continuing to install suspended ceilings from aluminum panels with your own hands, after installing the hangers and stringers, they move on to the baseboards. It's about O decorative element structures, the purpose of which is to hide the joints between slats and walls. You need to install the skirting boards as evenly as possible, using self-tapping screws in increments of 600 mm.

Finishing the frame with slats - how to do it right

When moving on to finishing the frame with slats, the installation of the slatted aluminum ceiling can be considered almost complete. This stage is the simplest, requiring minimum costs time. The planks are attached only after the wires, pipes, ventilation and other communications in the interceiling space have been tested and carefully secured.

The first rail is mounted starting from the wall where the uncut element was supposed to be installed. You can start installation from any wall only if the width of the slats is a multiple of the distance between the walls.

The panels in which the lamps are planned to be installed are prepared using metal shears, depending on the type of device. If this hanging lamp, then the diameter of the hole corresponds to the installation fittings, point ones will require the installation of holes corresponding to their diameter.

When the assembly of the aluminum ceiling is completed, the canvas is checked for evenness using a level.

Features of installing the structure in the bathroom

Installing a ceiling based on aluminum slats in a bathroom has its own characteristics. Most of the nuances are related to non-standard sizes and room shapes. It’s easy to install the ceiling in a square or rectangular bathroom, but it will be much more difficult in rooms with an unusual configuration.

Installing a ceiling in a bathroom aluminum profiles and in no case made of wood, which is not resistant to moisture. Lamps are protected from water and moisture; if the ceiling height allows, ventilation grilles are installed to create a normal microclimate. But the warmth and soundproofing materials It’s better not to put it in the bathroom. Additional layers will take away already limited by the ceiling height.

In the video below you can see how to properly install slatted ceilings in spacious and compact rooms with your own hands.

High performance characteristics, presentable appearance and ease of installation are just some of the positive properties that speak in favor of aluminum slatted ceilings. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the features of this design and the technology of its installation. In this article we will tell you how to properly make an aluminum ceiling with your own hands, show photos and video instructions.

Slatted ceilings are one of the types of suspended ceilings. The suspension system allows you to attach slats made of different materials, including aluminum. They are made from plastic, aluminum or steel tape having a thickness of 0.4–0.7 mm, a length of up to 6 m and a width of 50–300 mm.

If you order blanks for a slatted ceiling according to individual dimensions, then you will be given the length of the slats with an accuracy of up to 1 mm.

Installation of the aluminum slatted ceiling is carried out only after completion of plastering and subsequent complete drying of the walls and floor finishing.

If you decide to install a ceiling made of aluminum panels in your bathroom or kitchen, then you will not regret it one bit, as it is not only reliable and durable, but also fits into almost any design. A large assortment of slats is able to satisfy the needs of even the most demanding customers. The slats come in smooth and perforated, matte and glossy. They imitate the texture of wood and even leather. As for the shape of the slats, they are rounded and rectangular. The huge number of colors and shades is simply amazing. The slats are installed lengthwise, across the ceiling and even diagonally. Thus, you can visually reduce or increase the space.

Such ceilings also differ in their inter-river joints. With open installation, small gaps of 15 mm remain between the rails. A decorative profile is attached to them. With a closed joint, the aluminum panels overlap each other. There are also slats that are joined closely, resulting in a blind joint, that is, without gaps.

A comb or universal support rail, an angular profile, as well as an adjustable suspension are the main components of the suspension system. The comb is a galvanized strip with special clamps into which the slats are mounted and secured.

As for the suspension, it consists of a rod and a bracket. In this case, the rod is attached to the main ceiling, and the bracket is attached to the supporting comb. The suspended ceiling is installed at a distance of 5–12 cm from the main one. This distance is determined individually, depending on the communications located on the ceiling and personal preferences.

If you have already decided on the color and type of ceiling, then you need to calculate the amount of materials:

Measure the perimeter of the ceiling. This measurement will indicate required amount purchase of a U-shaped profile fixed to the walls, which will facilitate the neat connection of the ceiling to the walls.
Calculate the length of the combs. To do this, mark the ceiling perpendicular to the direction decorative panels, in increments of up to 1 m.
Determine the area ceiling covering. To do this, calculate total area premises.

After this, you can buy the necessary set of materials for arranging an aluminum ceiling, according to the calculations you made.

Before you begin installing an aluminum slatted ceiling, you will need to collect the following tools and materials:

Ceiling kit with profiles, panels and stringers.
Hammer.
Dowel-nails and self-tapping screws.
Suspension elements.
Construction level, tape measure, marker and ruler.
Screwdriver.
Pliers.
Drill.
Knife and scissors for metal.

If you mark the ceiling correctly, the installation will proceed without any difficulties. So, first of all, mark the perimeter. This is necessary for attaching the U-shaped profile. If you are dealing with a perfect ceiling, then you are extremely lucky. In this case, you simply need to draw a line at the desired height from the ceiling.

In the process of marking the perimeter along a ceiling that has different level, you will have to spend more complex calculations. The distance from the edge of the wall in this case will depend entirely on the filling of the inter-ceiling space.

If no communications are hidden in the ceiling, then the indentation from draft ceiling should be minimal, namely 5 cm. But, before making the markings, decide whether you want to mount lighting devices in the ceiling. If so, a 5 cm indentation will not be enough.

Now make markings for the stringers. All lines you mark should be parallel to the side wall and to each other, and perpendicular to the end wall and the direction of the individual panels.

Using dowels, secure the U-shaped profile. Make indentations from the edges of 5 cm, and then make holes using a drill. The step between them for fasteners should be approximately 0.5 m.

Holes should be drilled from the outside of the profile. This measure will allow you to avoid the formation of burrs that will subsequently prevent the profile from adhering to the wall. Prepare places for hangers in accordance with the existing markings. Adjustable hangers make it possible to level the ceiling. The extreme points should be located from the end walls at a distance of 30–40 cm. Make intermediate points in increments of 1.2–1.5 m. Fix the stringers to which the aluminum slats will subsequently be attached. There should be a small gap of approximately 1 cm between the profile attached to the wall and the stringers. This condition is important to comply with so that the finished ceiling does not deform during temperature changes.

Before installing the ceiling structure, cut the panels to the specified length. It is important to make them 3-5 mm shorter than the distance between the profiles into which the end sides of the panels will subsequently be inserted. Now it's time to assemble the ceiling surface. Insert the panels into the stringers until there is a characteristic click, indicating that the slats are fixed to the comb.

If the last panel does not fit, then there is nothing left to do but cut it. Mark the cutting locations, then make perpendicular cuts on the side of the panel to be removed. Panel sections formed by cuts should be broken off by bending/unbending the aluminum. Tuck the rail into the profile screwed to the wall with the cut side off, and fix the other edge to the stringers.

To make this process faster, install the cut panel next to last, and last panel shorten by 14 mm.

When installing slats in series, you must insert them diagonally into profiles screwed to the wall. In contrast, the last panel must first be moved to the side, bringing its first edge into the profile as much as possible. This way, both ends of the panel will be evenly positioned in relation to the wall. Now you can fix the panel on the support rail.

Spotlights harmonize better with slatted ceilings. To do this, holes for them are made in advance. Draw a circle required diameter at the place where the lamp is installed. From the center of the circle to the outer line, make cuts along the radius. To do this you will need metal scissors. Bend the resulting petals inner side ceiling. The installation of the lamp will be of better quality if you make narrow petals.

When installing an aluminum slatted ceiling, make sure that the integrity of the finishing layer of the panels is not compromised during the process. Scuffs, scratches and other mechanical damage will only worsen the appearance of the finished ceiling.

Anodizing panels provides the most stable and durable coating, as opposed to other types of decorative finishes.

Aluminum ceilings get dirty faster in the kitchen. However, they are quite easy to care for. They are not afraid of water. This means that the surfaces of such ceilings can be washed with a sponge in a soapy solution.

Slatted aluminum ceilings are environmentally friendly, so they can even be used in the bedroom and children's room.

Video

We invite you to watch step by step instructions on how to make an aluminum ceiling yourself:

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