Which suspended ceiling is stronger? How to choose a high-quality stretch ceiling - advice from our experts

Only a few years have passed, and stretch ceilings have rapidly gained popularity. Today, their diversity amazes our imagination; they not only have luxurious beauty, but also have a long service life.

However, only high-quality suspended ceilings can be truly not only beautiful, but also safe for health. This sometimes confuses us when choosing a stretch ceiling. In this article we will try to tell you in detail about how to choose the best stretch ceilings and not run into a fake.

PVC or fabric ceiling, what to choose?

The first thing you need to decide on is the material of the stretch ceiling. The canvases are made either from polyvinyl chloride or polymer fabric. Both types of suspended ceilings have their advantages and disadvantages. PVC ceilings make up 90% of the total volume of fabrics offered, let’s note their main advantages:

  1. are able to withstand the load of water during flooding without letting it through, thereby saving the furniture from getting wet;
  2. a huge range of colors with the possibility of photo printing;
  3. variety of textures;
  4. possibility of partial dismantling;
  5. safety for human health;
  6. no difficulties in care.

Speaking about fabric stretch ceilings, it must be said that their less popularity is explained by the fact that they are three times more expensive than PVC film. But thanks to their advantages, they also find their consumers.


In addition, it is necessary to say about the width of the canvases. Fabric stretch ceilings can be 5.10 m wide, and PVC films up to 3 m, so for large rooms they have to be welded on a special machine. However, no matter what material you choose, both ceilings are afraid of sharp objects. But at the same time, the main disadvantage of PVC ceilings is that they are afraid of low temperatures, and a significant disadvantage of fabric ceilings is that they cannot be dismantled.

We select a suspended ceiling according to the type of room

When choosing a material for a stretch ceiling, you should take into account the room in which you want to install the ceiling. The conditions that are most worth paying attention to are the following:

  • Firstly whether the room is heated or not, because on a cold balcony PVC ceiling It is unlikely to last long, since the film will simply crack due to low temperatures.
  • Secondly, humidity in the room, for example, for a bath or swimming pool, fabric sheets are less suitable option. While PVC ceilings have properties that ensure less condensation accumulation, mold and mildew do not grow on them. When flooded, due to its high elasticity, the film will not break through and will retain a large volume of water.
  • Third, conditions in the room itself, the presence of odors, etc., for example, in the kitchen, fabric sheets will absorb the smell, greasy spots, which are more difficult to remove from fabric ceilings. PVC film is more practical in this regard; it can be washed, but you do not need to clean it with brushes and products containing solid particles and acetone.

In general, you can install any suspended ceilings in residential premises, it all depends on your taste and wallet. However, for a children's bedroom it is worth giving preference to fabrics from European manufacturers, because they are of higher quality and safer. Such ceilings are installed even in medical institutions. In children's ceilings, they are more susceptible to mechanical stress, so it is better to install a matte fabric rather than gloss, which will quickly lose its appearance. Glossy PVC films are best installed in living rooms.

Matte or glossy, or maybe suede or how to choose the texture?

After choosing the material for the stretch ceiling, you need to decide on its texture. In addition to the usual: glossy, matte or satin texture, there are also:

  • suede (suide);
  • metallic;
  • tree;
  • marble;
  • translucent.

It cannot be said that any texture is better or worse; when choosing, you will mostly be guided by your taste. The choice will also be influenced by the interior style of the room, so stretch ceilings with wood or marble textures are suitable for eco style, and matte and satin ceilings in white or light shades will fit well into classic style. Suede ceilings can most often be found in restaurant halls, billiard rooms or libraries. But you can’t do without translucent suspended ceilings if you decide to decorate a luminous suspended ceiling.

Of course, from a practical point of view, it is better to give preference to glossy or satin stretch ceilings. Such fabrics are less demanding to maintain. In addition, in the event of a break in the canvas, they will be easier to dismantle and will look less noticeable. From the point of view of designers, such canvases are also good, because they visually increase the height of the room, and reflections and reflective properties give the room a special atmosphere.

Variety of colors and photo printing

Today you can often find colored stretch ceilings; this enlivens the interior of the room. But the choice of color can be not an easy task. Here you should not forget about the effect color has on a person, because some colors can promote relaxation, while others can cause a feeling of anxiety. Modern palette There are about 300 shades of suspended ceiling colors. Let's look at some of the popular colors:

Don’t forget that when choosing a colored stretch ceiling, it should be in harmony with the walls, floor, and furniture. You can combine several colors on the ceiling, or design a canvas with photo printing, especially since you can depict anything: nature, still lifes, animals. The main thing is not to overdo it with colors; the impression of a “pressing ceiling” should not be created, but on the contrary, there should be some kind of lightness and airiness.

Traditional ceilings or multi-level designs?

When choosing the best stretch ceiling, you put into this word not only the meaning of quality, but also the best - the one that you like. In addition to the variety of colors and textures, you can choose the shape for the stretch ceiling. Of course, classic single-level smooth ceilings– a standard solution chosen by many. But those who want to create something individual and impressive in beauty prefer multi-level structures of various shapes.

Multi-level structures are the embodiment of a wide variety of design fantasies. They can be curvilinear, wavy, dome-shaped. Such ceilings allow you to zone the space of a room without installing unnecessary partitions; it is enough to play with color and shape. Multi-level ceilings reduce height in rooms that are too high. Ceilings made from PVC film are not afraid of moisture, which means they will serve you for ten years without requiring special care.

Trade marks

Without exaggeration, Europe is the leader in the production of suspended ceilings. European stretch ceilings have high quality at a corresponding price. A budget and inexpensive version of suspended ceilings can be purchased from Russian or Chinese manufacturers. Most often, preference is given to the following manufacturers of suspended ceilings:

  • France – CTN, Barrisol;
  • Germany – Pong produces three types of stretch ceilings: Lackfolie (glossy), Mattfolie (matte) and Descor (fabric),
  • Italy – Malpensa and Cerutti;
  • Belgium - Polyplast and Mistral;
  • Switzerland – Clipso.


To summarize: general recommendations for choosing the best suspended ceilings

To summarize, we will highlight several main recommendations for choosing the best suspended ceilings in terms of their quality; external design is still a matter of everyone’s taste.

  1. It is best to order suspended ceilings from reputable manufacturers, and not from intermediary companies that have just appeared on the market.
  2. Be sure to ask about the country that produces the stretch ceiling when purchasing a stretch ceiling made in China be more vigilant.
  3. Familiarize yourself with all quality certificates; if they refuse to show them to you, this should alert you.
  4. When choosing a texture and type of material, ask for a sample of the canvas so you can touch it, and not just admire it in a printed catalog.
  5. The warranty period for high-quality canvases must be at least 5 years.
  6. Ask about all the necessary components and installation; you must clearly know what you are paying for. In case of any contradictory and dubious answers, do not risk your money or your nerves.

So, we hope that after reading this article, you will learn something new or important to you. When choosing the best stretch ceiling, of course, you should be very careful, because you want the result to be truly liked and to be, as they say, to the soul. But don’t be overly meticulous and don’t trust anyone, otherwise you won’t get any pleasure. Listen to yourself and you will surely make the right choice.

Photos of the best suspended ceilings

A stretch ceiling completely transforms a room, giving it a more aesthetic appearance as a result of a combination of unique combinations of colors, patterns, textures and levels of arrangement. This is what can explain the ever-growing popularity of this type of ceiling decoration. Today the market offers many different technological solutions for installing suspended ceilings using materials from Russian, European and Chinese manufacturers. And therefore, the question of which stretch ceilings are better is not really relevant.

The most simple designs are installed within a day and can be installed during renovations or as independent species works

The main advantages of suspended ceilings include:

  • simple and quick installation;
  • beautiful appearance;
  • the ability to hide defects in floor slabs and hide part of utility lines;
  • long service life;
  • easy care;
  • affordable price.

However, the large number of proposals creates certain difficulties for consumers. Therefore, this article discusses questions about how to choose the right suspended ceiling and what indicators should be decisive in this case.

Main selection criteria

The appearance of the ceiling, service life and cost are determined by such factors as:

  • type of canvas and its texture;
  • color, pattern and overall design;
  • number of spatial levels;
  • fastening system;
  • material manufacturer;
  • qualification of installers.

All this must be taken into account when deciding which suspended ceiling to choose for your home or apartment.

Multi-level ceiling design.
Multi-level tension structures allow you to achieve remarkable design results at the expense of cost.

Type of canvas and texture

Material manufacturers make canvases from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester and fiberglass.

Polyvinyl chloride films

Due to their relatively low cost, PVC film ceilings are especially in demand among customers. The thickness of the material used can be in the range of 0.15-0.35 mm with a blade width of up to 5100 mm. Among the main advantages of this finish are:

  • variety of color shades;
  • a wide choice of textures, from glossy or matte, to imitation marble, wood and metal;
  • elasticity and strength;
  • waterproof;
  • price accessible to all segments of the population;
  • the property of not attracting dust and being easy to care for (can be washed with a simple water solution);
  • absence of harmful and toxic substances.

However, the number of disadvantages of PVC film is not much less. This:

  • the presence of glued seams on the ceiling surface;
  • in case of a puncture, traces of subsequent decoration remain visible;
  • very careful care is required, because the canvas is very easy to damage;
  • appearance yellow spots in places of influence sunlight or intense lighting;
  • brittleness at air temperatures below +5°C.

Also noted negative impact glossy reflective surfaces on the psycho-emotional state of a person.


Comparison of PVC film and fabric.

Synthetic polyester fabrics

These sheets have a thickness of 0.25 mm with a sheet width of up to 6 meters. To increase strength and increase elasticity, they are impregnated with polyurethane. The material has no connecting seams and is available only in matte texture. Among the main advantages are:

  • much higher density;
  • ease of installation;
  • possibility of operation in the temperature range from -40°C to +80°C;
  • fire safety;
  • ability to pass air;
  • soundproofing properties;
  • possibility of repeated painting and artistic painting.

The main disadvantage of polyester canvases is their high cost, which is at least 3 times higher than PVC. In addition, material:

  • able to absorb and retain odors;
  • does not allow wet cleaning;
  • cannot be reinstalled;
  • allows moisture to pass through.

As a result, polyester cannot be installed in kitchens, bathrooms and other rooms with odors and moisture.

Fiberglass

When deciding how to choose high-quality stretch ceilings, you should pay attention to fiberglass. These fabrics are the strongest, most durable and reliable. They retain moisture and are able to recover after changing shape.

True, they are painted and painted only after installation is completed, which significantly complicates the work. In addition, it should be noted the high cost, due to which they are in very little demand among buyers. Therefore, they are rarely found on sale, and deliveries are made only to order.


Fiberglass in a roll.

Surface texture

Possible types of surface can be divided according to texture into the following groups:

  • smooth;
  • embossed;
  • perforated.

Smooth glossy surface have PVC films with high reflectivity. In most cases, such ceilings resemble a slightly tarnished mirror. This quality visually expands the space, making the room wider, but is difficult to perceive psychologically with a large number of objects and furniture in the room.


Glossy PVC ceiling.

Matte surfaces made of PVC, polyester or fiberglass are considered classic version ceiling design in residential premises of any size. Matte canvases can have a variety of color shades or patterns. Built-in lamps and other design elements look good on them.


Matte ceiling.

Only polyvinyl chloride films have volumetric embossing satin texture. Therefore, this texture can be considered an intermediate option between a glossy and matte surface. At the same time, such materials are quite expensive, but still popular.

Web fastening systems

The appearance of a stretch ceiling largely depends on the quality of its installation and the fastening system used. To tension and fix the material, 2 types of fasteners are used: harpoon and wedge.

Harpoon- a special profile that is welded along the edge of the polyvinyl chloride film and hooked to another profile attached to the floor slab. A separate type of harpoon system is a gapless fastening, in which the stretched canvas is closely adjacent to the wall.

Advantages of the harpoon system:

  • fast execution of installation work;
  • the ability to secure in hard-to-reach places without rearranging furniture;
  • discreet bypass of heating risers;
  • low cost.

Flaws:

  • a lot of time is spent on cutting the blade and welding the harpoon;
  • sagging of the suspended ceiling over time.

Typically, sagging of the canvas begins after 3-4 years. Restoring the shape of the surface by heating it with an industrial hair dryer is only possible for a short time, no more than a year.

Because weld polyester and fiberglass to plastic profile is impossible, then for tensioning these materials they use wedge system. In this case, the canvas is fixed by inserting a profile bead, wrapped in canvas, inside a baguette attached to the wall or ceiling. The materials of the wedge system are more expensive than the harpoon system, but it can be assembled many times and is used for any type of tension fabric.

Advantages of the wedge-shaped system:

  • no preparatory work required;
  • the ability to regulate the tension of the web, both during initial installation and during operation;
  • the presence of a plinth insert that additionally performs a decorative function;
  • installation of any type of canvas.

Flaws:

  • difficult installation in places with limited access;
  • visible bypasses of heating risers;
  • the need for installation experience.

Comparing the two systems, we can say that the wedge-shaped system has the best performance and installation qualities. In addition, wedge fastening can be applied to any type of material. However, installer services will cost more.

Material Manufacturers

The dishonesty of individual sellers of suspended ceilings is, unfortunately, an obvious fact. Buyer deception is most often associated with the real origin of the material. Wherein:

  • cheap linen from China is sold as a Russian product of the middle price sector;
  • medium-priced Russian and Chinese materials are sold as expensive ones from Europe;
  • sales of suspended ceilings from non-existent product brands are carried out;
  • certificates are forged or other false documents are presented.

It is almost impossible to know the exact manufacturer, since mandatory certification has been abolished since 2010 and no one will now be punished for counterfeiting. Most manufacturers do not put any labels on the material or even the packaging. They are written in cutting shops or dealerships.

Therefore, the solution to the issue can only be to contact trusted suppliers who are well known in the companies that perform installation work. You can order a really high-quality ceiling from them.


Comparison of manufacturers.

Choosing suspended ceilings for different rooms

Features of operation and length of stay of people must be taken into account when choosing a specific ceiling design.

Living room or hall. Usually this is the largest room in a house or apartment, where guests visit, family members gather, and everyone should like the look of the stretch ceiling. Therefore, it is recommended to use neutral, calm colors. The canvas is best matte or textured like satin.


Satin ceiling.

Bedroom and children's room. In these rooms, it is best to use polyester fabric, which will provide improved ventilation and the possibility of any color and design options. Photo printing on canvas will look very good.


Matte ceiling with photo printing.

Kitchen and bathroom. The peculiarity of these rooms is high humidity and odors. That's why the best option There will be a use of PVC film, which is not susceptible to moisture and, when reflected, will visually increase the space. It is easy to wash if necessary. In addition, the film can protect the room from water from above during flooding. In the kitchen, the texture of marble or high sky looks very stylish.

Hallway. At small sizes hallway, you can use any type of suspended ceilings. The main criterion for choosing is your imagination and financial capabilities.

Finally

A lot depends on who will do the suspended ceilings. You must be confident in the competence and professionalism of the performer. He will help you with the right choice material, but the design decisions and choice of colors should be yours.

The variety of suspended and suspended ceiling systems on the building materials market leaves the buyer with a difficult choice of which stretch ceiling is more reliable and what material stretch ceilings are made from. In addition, the consumer is naturally concerned about the issue of reasonable price-quality ratio, as well as the manufacturer’s warranty. Many people also wonder whether it is possible to install suspended ceilings in an apartment on their own without resorting to the services of installation companies.

Consumables for suspended ceilings include a lathing on which the stretch ceiling fabric is attached. The canvas for the ceiling structure can be made from either PVC film or from a specially treated fabric base, which is somewhat more expensive and can be made in a wide variety of designs (see)

Stretch ceilings made of PVC film

The material for suspended ceilings is made from polyvinyl chloride film; the frame for the ceiling system is also made of PVC, but more rigid than the film, or made of lightweight aluminum.

The advantages of suspended ceilings made of PVC film include:

  • Resistance to high indoor humidity;
  • – PVC film, properly installed, can withstand loads of up to one hundred liters of water per square meter;
  • PVC film stretch ceiling material is easy to maintain, easy to clean and does not collect dust;
  • , meeting international quality standards are absolutely safe for human health and do not emit harmful fumes when heated;
  • A variety of colors and textures allows you to bring to life any design solution in the design of the room.

Depending on the stylistic decision in the interior design of the room you can choose materials for a stretch ceiling made in various options design:

  • Matte;
  • Satin;
  • Varnish;
  • Translucent;
  • Mirrored;
  • Mother-of-pearl;
  • Metallic;
  • Suide;
  • Perforated.

Advice. Stretch ceilings made of PVC film are not recommended for installation in rooms with temperatures below five degrees.

Matte stretch ceilings

The most conservative design option for a stretch ceiling canvas, which does not produce light glare and is perfect for decorating large areas. This material completely imitates a standard classic ceiling, only with a perfectly flat and smooth surface. Stretch ceiling materials from matte film look great in combination with plasterboard systems in ceiling systems made on two levels (see). Thanks to the variety of colors, matte stretch ceilings are the best sellers in the domestic building materials market.

Satin stretch ceilings

This material for a stretch ceiling completely imitates a fabric covering that reflects light, which creates a magnificent effect of the play of colors on the ceiling. Satin stretch ceilings are usually used to decorate bedrooms and boudoirs, and also look great in the decor of libraries.

Lacquered stretch ceilings

Materials for stretch ceilings with a varnish texture create the optical effect of increasing the space of a room due to the play of light and shadow on the ceiling, and also, with the right lighting, perfectly divides small room to functional areas.

Advice. When choosing a varnish fabric for suspended ceilings in small rooms, you should give preference to light color scheme– blue, pastel beige or light green – all shades of the cold spectrum.

Translucent stretch ceilings

The material of suspended ceilings made of translucent PVC film looks like a uniform shimmering surface and looks great indoors small area, creating the illusion of large space. Translucent ceilings made in light colors will make any, even very small, room spacious and bright.

Mother of pearl stretch ceilings

Most often, mother-of-pearl stretch ceilings are installed in bathrooms or corridors. Also, the material for a stretch ceiling with a mother-of-pearl texture looks ideal in bedrooms decorated in the Art Nouveau style.

Advice. You should not install mother-of-pearl tension ceiling structures in the kitchen or living room. In the kitchen, these surfaces quickly become dirty and lose their unique charm. In the living room, you can decorate only the seating area with this mother-of-pearl texture, installing the ceiling on two levels, and thereby ensuring coziness and comfort in this area of ​​the room.

Stretch ceilings in metallic style

Metallic-style suspended ceiling materials add additional accents to the decor of rooms made in the hi-tech or avant-garde style. This material is also ideal for inlays and inserts in combination with matte suspended ceilings, made in the form of a dome or a two-three-level ceiling structure system.

Suide - suspended ceiling for boudoirs and offices

The design of the suite is a complete imitation of a suede surface, which gives the room an intimate and home comfort. Looks great in the interior design of libraries, boudoirs and bedrooms.

Perforated stretch ceilings

Thanks to the play of light and shadow, it allows the designer to create truly fantastic designs of ceiling systems that amaze the imagination. Also, suspended ceiling materials with a perforated surface of the canvas are used to frame antique-style paintings on a convex or concave ceiling.

Fabric stretch ceilings

Consumables for suspended ceilings with a fabric backing are selected the same as for installing PVC film, but it is still advisable to prefer aluminum construction frame.

Fabric stretch ceilings are not afraid of impact subzero temperatures, are environmentally friendly and suitable for installation in large areas, as they are produced in rolls five meters wide, which allows installation without seams.

Fabric stretch ceilings are mainly used for photo printing and drawings.

Fabric stretch ceilings can be made in a variety of designs:

  • Application of drawings using photo printing;
  • Full imitation of a smoothly plastered ceiling;
  • Acoustic stretch ceilings – completely absorbing extraneous noise;
  • Translucent texture of the ceiling fabric;

  • Shiny texture of the ceiling covering.

Advice. With your own hands, without the participation of a specialist, fabric ceiling systems It is not advisable to install. Large web widths require the use of special equipment.

Regardless of what material suspended ceilings are made from, it is important that they are installed by specialists, guided by all regulatory requirements in construction when installing suspended ceiling systems.

A stretch ceiling is a special design, which is quite difficult to do on your own, but still, you definitely need to know what kind of fabric is used for arranging this type of ceiling. Now there are many options on the market that differ in many characteristics and principles. We will talk about them below.

Materials for suspended ceilings can be of different quality.

The following types are distinguished:

  • Polyvinyl chloride film;
  • Fiberglass;
  • Knitted polyester canvas.

Polyvinyl chloride film has been used for a long time to make stretch ceilings. It can be matte or glossy, so you definitely need to decide on the design of the room. The main advantage of this material is that it does not allow water to pass through and has excellent fire safety. But this material requires special care because it can tear very easily.

Polyester fabric canvas is impregnated with a special composition, so it becomes more elastic and durable. This canvas is perfect for creating a seamless ceiling. The main advantages of this fabric are water resistance and high strength.

It is quite possible to use fabric canvases for arranging ceilings in poorly heated rooms. Fiberglass fabric mounted on the ceiling appeared quite recently, but has already gained great demand, because it is characterized by high strength, and a beautiful original pattern can be applied to the canvas.

Beautiful, reliable stretch ceilings: types and material

Modern stretch ceilings have enough a wide range of and simply amaze with their diversity. They help make the room much lighter, more spacious, and emphasize all the advantages of the design.

According to its type, the stretch ceiling fabric can be:

  • Matt;
  • Glyantsev;
  • Metallized.

If a matte canvas is used, then the ceiling looks like just a classic whitewash, but at the same time it is perfectly smooth. Satin creates the effect of glare and a beautiful iridescent surface. Varnish glossy ceiling allows you to visually expand the overall space of the room, and you can also see the reflection of the room. Metallic fabric is perfect for decorating a room in a high-tech style, because it looks quite futuristic. Suede allows you to give the room some mystery and originality.

Important! Polyvinyl chloride film is considered the most popular material for arranging suspended ceilings.

Modern stretch ceilings: characteristics of materials

Stretch ceilings are a fairly new, but in-demand material for arranging ceiling space.

This material is characterized by the fact that it has a wide variety of:

  • Colors;
  • Faktur;
  • Patterns.

Polyvinyl chloride fabric, which has excellent characteristics, is in quite high demand. During installation, the canvas is heated using a special construction hair dryer and then stretched on the ceiling surface and secured to a baguette installed around the perimeter of the room. This material has an acceptable cost, and also allows you to fully realize all design ideas. In addition, it is possible to create a simply unique design, imitate the texture of a wide variety of materials, or perform photo printing.

The width of the polyvinyl chloride film is no more than 2.7 meters, so sometimes it is necessary to weld two sheets together during installation. The film can withstand temperature Range from +5 to +50 C, so it is not suitable for unheated rooms.

Fabric stretch ceilings appeared much later than PVC. This material is characterized by the fact that it is made of knitted fabric impregnated with polyurethane. Fabric canvas is much stronger than vinyl film, so it is not so easy to damage it. The maximum width of the rolls is 5 meters, so the ceiling is smooth, beautiful and seamless. Fabric ceilings hold up very well low temperatures, and are also environmentally friendly.

How to install suspended ceilings: material consumption

Modern Construction Materials for finishing the ceiling space are extremely diverse, and among them it is worth highlighting stretch ceilings. Knowing what material modern suspended ceilings are made of, and what characteristics and consumption they have, you can choose the most suitable option for yourself, which will fully suit all parameters.

To install a stretch ceiling you need:

  • Baguette for stretch fabric;
  • Fastening elements;
  • Canvas;
  • Accessories for lighting.

To indicate and calculate what consumables are required for installing a stretch ceiling, there is a special calculator program. In addition, it is quite possible to carry out the calculation yourself; you just need to measure the perimeter of the ceiling space and divide it by the width and length of the canvas. In this case, the error will be insignificant and it will be possible to carry out all the required installation work yourself.

Important! Price Supplies it will cost much less if the area for carrying out all the required work is large.

What materials are used for suspended ceilings: reviews

Device modern ceiling quite simple, because there are the most various materials and technologies that help fill the ceiling space in an interesting and original way. Tension fabrics are sold quite widely, so it is very important to select the required materials.

To install a stretch ceiling, you must prepare the required materials and tools, in particular such as:

  1. Frame;
  2. Tension fabric;
  3. Level;
  4. Heat gun;
  5. Screwdriver;
  6. Hammer;
  7. Roulette.

To install the ceiling, a wide variety of frames are used, which can be represented by a harpoon structure or a harpoonless system. The harpoon design involves attaching the tension fabric to a pre-assembled system welded to the ceiling. The harpoonless fastening system has several in various ways fastenings, because preheated material can be stretched onto a special semicircular structure or fixed to profiles.

After reading reviews about stretch ceilings, you can be convinced that this is simply an excellent material that will serve for a long time.

High-quality new material for suspended ceilings

Stretch ceilings are quite in demand because they allow you to very quickly and efficiently arrange the ceiling space, and absolutely no unevenness will arise. The material used for suspended ceilings has a wide variety of composition and very high quality, therefore, taking into account all the available characteristics, you can very easily select the required fabric.

Stretch ceilings are characterized by:

  • High strength;
  • Withstand heavy loads;
  • Does not crack when the house shrinks.

Until recently, suspended ceilings were used, made only from PVC film or fabric impregnated special means. However, not so long ago a new ceiling appeared, made of fiberglass, the density of which is quite high. Before installing such material, you must first carefully prepare the ceiling. However, it is worth noting that such material has a short service life, but at the same time it looks simply excellent.

Tools for installing stretch ceilings (video)

Stretch ceilings are in great demand because they are high-quality, reliable design, which at proper care will last a very long time. In order for the suspended ceiling to look simply excellent and satisfy all requests, it is imperative to choose the right option for arranging the suspended ceiling.

They have been present on the modern market for quite a long time, and every year they are gaining more and more popularity. This is not at all surprising. After all, in addition to the wide design possibilities, they are durable and reliable. Today we will help you figure out what material for suspended ceilings would be better suited exactly for your premises.

Design features of suspended ceilings

Stretch ceilings are a whole structure that consists of a specific fabric and a fastening system. The latter is represented by plastic or metal profile. With its help, the canvas for the stretch ceiling is placed at a certain distance from the base one.

Such designs allow you to quickly level absolutely any surface and create a new smooth one. Also, with their help, you can realize a wide variety of design solutions. Other advantages of suspended ceilings include the following:

  • they allow you to hide various communications laid from above;
  • their installation will be much cheaper than installing drywall;
  • installation is carried out in short time without construction waste (even if the ceiling has several levels, installation takes on average from two to six hours);
  • it is not at all necessary to prepare the base ceiling before installation, and this minimizes not only time, but also material costs;
  • The ceiling can be installed after other repair work has been carried out;
  • The service life, depending on the type, varies from 20 to 50 years.

The main disadvantage is that they do not “eat up” the height of the room.

Modern materials for stretch ceilings are presented in three types:

  • made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC);
  • fabric;
  • made of fiberglass.

Let's look at each type in more detail.

PVC stretch ceilings

PVC is a material for suspended ceilings that first appeared in the sixties in France. During this time, the technology of its manufacture was improved, and accordingly, the quality of the product itself improved. By the way, this type is also called film.

Film for suspended ceilings comes in sizes from 1300 to 3200 mm. If this size is not enough, then several pieces are welded together. The seam is neat, small and almost invisible. Installation is carried out using heat guns, which heat the room to 60-70 degrees.

PVC stretch ceilings can be of the following types:

  • depending on the texture: glossy (reflections, varnish texture and shine are visible) or matte (reflections are not visible, the ceiling is perfectly smooth);
  • depending on the type of fastening: with plastic insert(the technological gap is covered by the glazing bead) or gapless fastening (there is no gap between the flow and the wall, the joint is perfect).

Advantages of PVC material

  • PVC film for suspended ceilings has a very wide color palette(more than 130 shades).
  • The material takes a wide variety of forms.
  • Large range of permissible web widths.
  • It is possible to select the type of surface.
  • Excellent value for money and quality.
  • The surface is perfectly smooth and has high moisture resistance.
  • This material is suitable for stretch ceilings in any room.
  • The coverage covers all communications.
  • The material is characterized high stability to fire.
  • PVC ceilings do not absorb odors and dust and have high level thermal insulation.
  • Such ceilings minimally reduce the height of the room.
  • PVC stretch ceilings are very simple and easy to clean and do not require painting.
  • The material can withstand loads of up to 100 kg per square meter.
  • PVC ceilings can be dismantled and reinstalled if necessary.
  • A wide variety of lighting systems, as well as hood sensors, can be built into the ceiling fire safety and so on.

Disadvantages of suspended ceilings made of PVC material

  • Is not best material for use in rooms with air temperatures below +5 degrees.
  • In the first hours after installation, such a ceiling emits bad smell.
  • This ceiling is very delicate and is easily damaged by mechanical stress.
  • There is a barely noticeable seam when welding several panels.
  • If the weld is performed poorly, there is a high risk that the weld line will diverge.
  • The pattern of the material is made in production, so accurate measurements are necessary.
  • When choosing a manufacturer, you must carefully study the availability of quality and safety certificates, since cheap and low-quality fabrics are not only for a long time They emit an unpleasant odor, but are also unsafe for health.

Fabric stretch ceilings

In the manufacture of such ceilings, a special polyester mesh fabric is used, which is impregnated on both or only one side with polymers. The fabric fabric for the stretch ceiling is released directly from the roll, that is, installation occurs without preliminary cutting of the material.

The texture is very similar to ordinary fabric, the fibers are visible. Roll width - 4000 mm. Thanks to this size, it is possible to make a ceiling without seams. But if the width is not enough, then the canvas is connected to each other using a special profile.

Advantages

  • It has higher strength compared to PVC fabric.
  • This material is resistant to temperatures below five degrees Celsius.
  • Fabric ceiling can withstand more severe mechanical influences than PVC structures.
  • Fabric material for stretch ceilings has high sound insulation.

Flaws

  • Fabric ceilings have a limited color palette.
  • Painting can be done only after installation.
  • An original design can only be created using photo printing.
  • Such ceilings are not able to completely retain moisture in the event of flooding.
  • Cleaning from dirt fabric ceiling The task is not easy and takes a lot of time.
  • Fabric ceilings cannot be installed a second time.
  • Such ceilings are characterized by high cost.

Fiberglass ceilings

Fiberglass is new material. It began to be used for stretch ceilings quite recently. Therefore, the warranty on such structures is short - about five years. For other types, the warranty period is about ten years. Also, not all companies are yet engaged in installing fiberglass ceilings.

The fabric is stretched similarly to the fabric type, that is, without heating. Painting and drawing are carried out after installation. The material is characterized by high water permeability and sound insulation, it is very durable and more environmentally friendly in comparison with PVC stretch ceilings.

Types of stretch ceilings by design

Regardless of what material suspended ceilings are made from, they can be presented in the following design:

  • Starry sky: fiber optics and Swarovski crystals are installed in the ceiling. Thanks to this, the effect of a starry sky is achieved.
  • Illuminated ceiling: installed behind the ceiling LED Strip Light. Helps create additional lighting.
  • Two-level glossy and matte canvases on different levels. It will help to zone the room.
  • Tensioner ceiling W-D: Various three-dimensional shapes, arcs, waves, arches or flowers are created on the ceiling.
  • Photo printing on the ceiling: the ability to print any image on a matte or glossy finish.

Guide to choosing a stretch ceiling

  1. First you need to consider everything existing species materials for suspended ceilings and become familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of each.
  2. Decide on the ceiling design and color scheme material.
  3. Determine the maximum budget allocated for repairs in general and separately for ceiling installation.
  4. Choose reliable specialists who will install the ceiling.

Choice of colors

The white ceiling is universal. But sometimes you want to create an unusual interior design that will not only delight you with color, but also perform some function (for example, visually enlarge the room). Moreover, the material for stretch ceilings is characterized by a wide color palette. Here are some recommendations to help you choose the right one:

  • If you have low base ceilings, then you should not experiment with color. It's better to choose light shades: white, beige, pastel, blue. They visually enlarge the space and fill it with air.
  • For high ceilings feel free to choose dark colors of tension material.
  • Light shades will suit any interior style.
  • Bright and contrasting colors of suspended ceilings should not be chosen for living rooms. Such colors only cause anxiety, and not an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility.
  • For the bathroom and children's room it is good to choose turquoise tones.
  • Photo printing on a stretch ceiling will bring a unique flavor to the interior.
  • A ceiling in the “Starry Sky” style will look great in the bedroom. This will help create an atmosphere of relaxation.

Selection criteria by room

For the bathroom you should choose PVC material with a glossy texture. This is due to the fact that usually the bathroom does not have a large area, but is characterized by high humidity and temperature changes. Also, a glossy PVC stretch ceiling will become great solution for kitchen.

Any type of stretch ceiling looks equally good in the living room. Therefore, it all depends on your aesthetic preferences. But remember that it has the ability to visually enlarge the room, and matte look It will look very good if a lot of daylight enters the room.

Matte PVC or fabric ceilings are usually chosen for the bedroom. They are the best conducive to an atmosphere of comfort, tranquility and relaxation.

As you can see, each has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is impossible to select the best material for suspended ceilings. It all depends on the room where the ceiling will be installed, the customer’s personal preferences, his design solution and financial capabilities.