Ceiling Brands. Pros and Cons

Suspended Ceilings Baykal Armstrong

Suspended ceilings Baykal are one of the cheapest offers from Armstrong.

Their main advantage is undoubtedly affordability, which makes these ceiling panels very popular. The price is on average about 170 rubles per square meter.

Just like the rest of Armstrong's products, Baykal is fire-resistant, fireproof, meets ecological standards, has the same installation advantages, and possesses decent light reflectivity.

However, there are also drawbacks: this ceiling does not have additional acoustic properties, meaning that for reliable sound insulation, additional measures or another type of panels may be needed. What is more important, Baykal ceilings are not moisture-resistant: when humidity in the room increases, the panels deform and get stained. Therefore, Baykal can only be installed and used in rooms with normal humidity levels.

Armstrong offers systems for every taste and budget, but the better the ceiling's properties, the higher the price. For example, Oasis will cost from 235 rubles per square meter, and Bioguard Acoustic — from 450 rubles per square meter.

Photo 1 —外观 of Armstrong Baykal ceiling panel

Suspended Ceiling AMF — Knauf

Suspended ceiling AMF is one of the main competitors of Armstrong in the suspended ceiling market.

German company AMF has, with more than half a century of history, also won consumer trust and has a quality and diverse product range similar to Armstrong. For over 15 years, the company has been owned by Knauf, so now it is Knauf suspended ceilings.

The products are slightly cheaper than Armstrong: while Armstrong's price starts from 170 rubles per square meter, Knauf suspended ceilings start from 155 rubles per square meter.

The panels are also produced in various types, including acoustic ones that offer excellent sound reflection and superior sound insulation. Besides ecological safety, strength, and fire resistance, the panels are characterized by low thermal conductivity and resistance to temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Suspended Ceiling Owa

Suspended ceiling Owa is a product of another recognized German manufacturer of suspended ceiling systems. Owa also produces Armstrong-style ceiling systems. The panels are made from mineral fiber with natural fillers and binders. Some panel types can be painted in different colors upon request.

In terms of technical specifications, the product does not lag behind its counterparts. The company places great emphasis not only on safety and functionality but also on aesthetic appearance, thus closely collaborating with designers. The products are distinguished by non-standard sizes and solutions, constant innovations. The cost of ceilings starts from 180 rubles per square meter.

Photo 2 — Suspended ceilings Owa — design solutions

Suspended Ceilings by Russian Manufacturers

Russian company Alconplast produces suspended ceilings under the Cesal brand, made from aluminum. Cassette, strip, and grid aluminum ceilings are practical, clean, and decorative.

A similar range is also produced by the Russian brand Albes. Aluminum ceilings Albes are characterized by high durability, resistance to moisture and ultraviolet light.

Another manufacturer of such suspended ceilings is Bard. Besides strength, lightness, moisture resistance, and other product features, its distinguishing feature is suitability for use in rooms with high vibration. The price of aluminum strips starts from approximately 45 rubles per linear meter.

Foreign manufacturers' ceiling products meet specific standards. Domestic manufacturer products comply with at least GOSTs and ENiRs.

Luxalon Suspended Ceiling

Luxalon suspended ceiling is a product of the Dutch Hunter Douglas consortium. These are also aluminum strip ceilings, corrosion-resistant.

The feature of Luxalon ceilings is a wide color palette and the availability of curved panels in various configurations in the range. These ceilings can be closed or open type, and they are resistant to aggressive environments. Their service life is much longer than mineral fiber ceiling tiles — they can last up to 30 years non-stop. However, the price for such ceilings is also significant: the cost per square meter exceeds 20 US dollars.

A similar product but cheaper and with a smaller range is produced by German company Geipel.

Photo 3 — Curved aluminum suspended ceiling Luxalon in Sydney, Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre

Ecophon

This Swedish company is among the top three global leaders in suspended ceiling production. The material for Ecophon ceiling panels is glass fiber. Suspended ceilings are eco-friendly, moisture-resistant, and feature modern design. For example, the price of Ecophon Focus ceiling starts from 870 rubles per square meter.

ROCKFON

The Danish company's product consists of stone wool panels with good technical characteristics and not prone to deformation.

Rockfon ceilings are produced in several modifications: with a relief surface imitating natural materials, having antibacterial properties. They are characterized by high moisture resistance, excellent sound absorption, and fire safety.

One of the most affordable and versatile solutions for ceiling decoration is Rockfon Lilia, priced at $3.2 per square meter.

Photo 4 — Colorful acoustic suspended ceiling Rockfon

Akmigran

Plates made from mineral wool. Unlike Armstrong, they have smaller size and greater weight. Installation of these plates is also relatively more complex – a stronger frame extending into the ceiling slabs is required.

Suspended Ceilings from China

Chinese ceiling tiles, such as Decorative, are the most budget-friendly option if a quick renovation is needed. They offer decent technical characteristics for use in normal conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.).

MIWI Laguna panel is a cheaper alternative to Armstrong Baykal.

Photo 5 — Chinese suspended ceiling from MIWI

MACHAON

Fire-resistant ceiling. While other fireproof suspended ceilings can withstand burning temperatures for up to 2 hours, these panels will endure up to 4 hours. If there is a risk of fire, this ceiling is an excellent choice.

Grillato Suspended Ceilings

Grillato is not a manufacturer but a type of suspended ceiling.

It should be mentioned separately. Suspended ceilings Grillato can be purchased from most of the listed manufacturers that produce aluminum ceilings. Essentially, such a ceiling is an aluminum grid with different colors, cell sizes, and thicknesses.

Grillato can be perfectly combined with other suspended ceilings and used to realize any design idea, even creating the same sky on the ceiling.

Suspended ceilings Grillato, whose installation resembles Armstrong (but instead of panels, grids), can be bought in stores like Leroy Merlin and installed by yourself. However, it is much more convenient to use websites of companies specializing in ceiling sales and installation.

Grillato suspended ceilings price starts from 165 rubles (cost per square meter).

Photo 6 — Suspended ceiling Grillato

The selection of suspended ceilings is vast – types and subtypes, different manufacturers, various characteristics. All this allows choosing the most suitable suspended ceiling system for each specific case. Moreover, products from many manufacturers can be combined with each other.