Ceiling Suspension Systems in Apartment
Another advantage is that suspended ceilings can be installed by yourself. A tensioned film ceiling cannot be installed without a special gun, and even with one, it is difficult for an amateur to mount the thin film without damaging it. Perfectly plastering a ceiling is not within the capabilities of a beginner who picks up a trowel and rule for the first time. Compared to these types of work, installing a suspended ceiling is more accessible for independent implementation as a finishing touch.
Different types of suspended ceilings have something in common in terms of installation principle, but they are made from different materials, have different designs, and possess their own specific features in installation and operation.
Photo 1 — Luxalon Decorative Ribbed Ceiling
Types of Suspended Ceilings
Aluminum Suspended Ceilings
Aluminum suspended ceiling has many advantages.
Firstly, aluminum does not get wet, rusts, and therefore does not provide a favorable environment for fungi and mold. Due to its moisture resistance and hygiene, such a ceiling can be installed not only in an apartment but even in hospitals.
Secondly, such a ceiling is fire-resistant and durable – it lasts 2 or even more times longer than other suspended ceilings.
Thirdly, the appearance of the ceiling serves as a beautiful decoration for interior design.
There are various types of aluminum suspended ceilings. Depending on the panel type, they can be ribbed, cassette, and grid types.
Ribbing is a long aluminum strip with bent edges. For its installation, a wall angle profile, hangers, and a load-bearing profile are required, into which the ribs snap. When installing a closed-type ribbed ceiling, this is sufficient, while for an open-type ceiling, decorative inserts are also used.
Photo 2 — Black and White Cassette Aluminum Ceiling
Cassettes are aluminum tiles that are mounted on a suspended system made up of wall angle profiles, main and cross profiles, and hangers.
Aluminum ceilings come in matte and glossy finishes, solid and perforated, in various color variations.
Grid ceiling is a type of aluminum ceiling distinguished by special decoration and non-standard appearance.
Grillato consists of a suspended system made up of U-shaped profiles and main elements – grids assembled from these same smaller-sized profiles.
The main question in installing aluminum ceilings in an apartment is height and design. For low rooms, ribbed suspended ceilings that take up the least space are most suitable. At the same time, with high ceiling heights, these can be used to create beautiful multi-level, curved, and wave-like structures.
Application in an Apartment:
- Ribbed and cassette ceiling – in hallways, kitchens, toilets, bathrooms;
- Grillato and mirror cassette – for partial room finishing, usually in the entrance hall or living room.
Photo 3 — Grillato Grid Ceiling with Multiple Lighting Options
PVC Suspended Ceilings
The two main advantages of PVC ceilings are price and moisture resistance.
If you need a cheap ceiling and it's important that it doesn't get wet and is easy to clean, a plastic ceiling is what you need.
In humid, damp rooms and places requiring frequent cleaning, plastic may be the only option to quickly and cheaply create a ceiling finish.
However, alongside foam ceilings, PVC is the most questionable material for suspended systems in terms of fire safety and health. The issue of harmful substance emission remains debatable, but one thing is clear – it's not the most eco-friendly material for finishing living spaces (though we live with plastic windows, and nothing happens).
The construction for installing PVC panels is simple and resembles a basic frame for gypsum board. Underneath, a plastic corner profile is mounted, into which the panels are inserted and secured with screws to the profiles, connecting to each other due to the edge design of each panel. PVC is used to make two-level ceilings, and the plastic can have different colors and patterns.
Application in an Apartment:
Kitchen, entrance hall, toilet, bathroom, balcony or loggia, less commonly other rooms.
Photo 4 — PVC Ceiling in Bathroom
Glass Suspended Ceilings
Manufacturing a suspended ceiling from glass is one of the most complex and expensive processes among all suspended systems. Cheap materials for this type of ceiling will cost many times more than expensive elements for other suspended ceilings.
But this is probably the only disadvantage of a glass ceiling. Its technical characteristics and aesthetic appeal are worth the price. These ceilings can be made from glass or more affordable and lightweight acrylic. Transparent, mirror, matte, colored, stained glass – these ceilings make the interior refined and airy, creating an atmosphere of lightness and, at the same time, solemnity.
The ceiling shape can also vary; for example, instead of a flat ceiling – a semisphere. Special attention is paid to lighting effects: in mirror ceilings, chandeliers with transparent and shiny elements (glass, metal) reflect magnificently, small bulbs of different power behind a semi-transparent glass ceiling imitate the starry sky, and hidden lights behind stained glass create a feeling of proximity to the sky and daylight.
Application in an Apartment
In any room, including suitable for children's rooms.
Photo 5 — Suspended Ceiling from Matte Glass
How to Make a Glass Suspended Ceiling by Yourself
Considering the cost and aesthetics of the ceiling, it is necessary to first look at sample panels, sketch approximate designs of the future ceiling, and draw up plans for the suspended system with dimensions. This makes it easier to plan the amount of materials, their cost, and placement.
Installation of a standard ceiling is performed using Armstrong-type suspended systems. Such a glass ceiling system is convenient in case repairs to lighting fixtures, which it is generously equipped with, are needed.
When planning the installation of a glass suspended ceiling, it is necessary to consider that the system must withstand a large weight of tiles, so more hangers are needed than for mineral or aluminum cassette systems.
First, a layout must be done, all fixtures installed, wall angle profiles mounted, and the grid made from T-profiles secured to the ceiling with hangers. Then fill it with glass or acrylic tiles.
If a non-flat ceiling, such as a dome-shaped or other curved form, is planned, it must be mounted differently and it's better to leave this task to professionals.
Photo 6 — Mirror Ceiling in Bathroom
Ceiling Suspension Systems, PRICING
It is useful to compare the cost of each type of suspended ceiling. An aluminum ribbed ceiling will cost from 265 rubles per square meter, cassette – from 230 rubles, grillato – from 300 rubles per square meter. PVC ceiling (paneling) costs from 40 rubles per panel. Glass ceiling costs from 1800 rubles per square meter, including the suspended system.