Modern technologies have stepped far forward. Today construction market as an alternative familiar materials PVC can be offered for finishing the ceiling. Plastic panels are cheap, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to install with your own hands.
Pros of plastic
PVC ceilings have a number of advantages:
Cheapness. The price of PVC is lower than that of other analogues. Light weight, which allows you to save on profiles.
Easy to install. Finishing the ceiling with plastic is simple, which allows you to make such ceilings yourself without resorting to the services of specialists.
Hygiene. Plastic is not afraid of water, temperature fluctuations, fungus and mold; there are no pores in it where dirt and germs could accumulate. PVC panels are easy to clean, they are not afraid of non-abrasive detergents. For these reasons, ceilings made of plastic panels relevant in the kitchen, balcony, bathroom.
Safety. PVC panels are made from the same material as syringes and product containers.
Masking of irregularities. The space between the slabs and the ceiling will allow you to hide both surface defects and communications or additional insulation.
Durability. With proper care, PVC panels will last up to 15 years, and if necessary, they can be removed and reinstalled.
Disadvantages of plastic
However, there are also disadvantages:
Appearance. Ceiling panels are usually made in plain colors, in white or similar colors, and when installing cheap options, even with correct installation the joints will be visible.
Fragility of the material. Plastic ceiling panels, unlike wall panels, are more fragile, and not the best quality ones can be easily damaged by careless finger pressure.
Limited design options. The design of a PVC ceiling is simple; it is difficult to do something unusual. Reducing the height of the room.
After weighing the pros and cons, you can decide whether you want to install plastic ceilings.
Types of plastic panels
The market for plastic panels is wide and represented by the most different models. They can be classified according to a variety of parameters.
According to the type of connection, plastic panels are:
- suture Similar in appearance to wooden lining;
- seamless. Their distinguishing feature– the joints after installation are almost invisible.
According to the type of coating, plastic panels are divided into:
Matte is unprocessed and therefore the cheapest.
Glossy - coated with a special varnish and have good reflective characteristics. As you can see in numerous photos of ceilings made of plastic panels, visually they help to increase the space.
Colored. Thermal film is used to make cheap models. More expensive ones use other technologies (for example, direct printing), and the image in them has a higher resolution.
The choice of PVC panels is very large. Therefore, it is vital to know a few rules that will help you choose quality material:
- The shape of a high-quality panel is correct, the surface is smooth, the pattern (if there is one) is clear.
- Stiffening ribs good panels not visible from the outside.
- The panels should fit together easily and without gaps.
- High-quality plastic does not have a strong odor.
- Try to lightly press or bend the panel - quality ones will retain them appearance.
- Check product certificates with the seller.
Remember that only high-quality panels will serve you reliably and for a long time.
How to make a ceiling from plastic panels
Even non-professionals can install PVC panels. But you need to pay attention to each stage of the work so that the result satisfies you.
Calculation rules:
- measure all 4 walls: the lengths of opposite walls may not be the same;
- the number of panels is determined as follows: divide the total area of the ceiling by the area of one panel and multiply by 1.2;
- the step with which the ceiling profile and suspensions need to be mounted is 50-60 cm;
- the length of the starting profile is equal to the perimeter plus 10-15 cm;
- to calculate how much plastic profile is required, you need to divide the length of the perimeter by 3;
- dowels should be taken at a rate of 1 per half meter of profile, self-tapping screws - 1 per half meter of panel length.
All results obtained should be rounded up.
You may also need joining profiles.
You will also need to do some preparatory work:
- completely remove the old ceiling trim and, if necessary, the wiring;
- minor defects such as cracks need to be filled with putty. There is no need to level the ceiling if you want to use hanging method installation, otherwise it needs to be leveled;
- Treat the ceiling twice with an antifungal compound.
Then you can start making the frame:
Mark the ceiling by measuring the level around the perimeter and drawing lines on the walls. If you are making a ceiling in a bathroom where there are even tiles, you can measure along the seams of the tiles.
Immediately note the location of the lamps: they may need extra space. At temperatures above +90C, plastic does not burn, but can be deformed, so it is better to purchase LED or halogen lamps.
Cut the starting profile to the length of the walls and make holes every 50 cm.
Attach it to the wall and, following the prepared marks, drill holes in it at the mounting points. Before work, be sure to check if there are any wiring in the drilling areas. Otherwise, you risk damaging the power supply or the hammer drill, or even getting an electric shock.
Attach the profile to the wall using dowels. Cut off required quantity plastic profile. Please note that the panels must be fastened at right angles to its direction.
Paste plastic profile into the guide. Too large a distance between the supporting profiles will cause the panels to sag, so it is optimal to measure 40 cm each.
If the profile is longer than one and a half meters, it must be secured with metal hangers and screwed together with self-tapping screws.
Then prepare to install the fixtures:
- run the wiring to the places where you plan to install them. In this case, it is better to leave the wire with a reserve length and insulate the wiring well;
- additionally strengthen with guides the places where the lamps will be installed
Now you can mount the panels:
Attach the rail to the guide profile. You can use not a rail, but ceiling plinth, gluing it onto liquid nails. Cut the panels to fit the wall.
Insert the panel into the guide rail at one end, bend it slightly and insert the other end, lightly press it against the wall and screw it. Mount the remaining panels in the same way, tightly joining them with the previous one and making sure that they run the same along the entire length. Do not apply too much pressure, otherwise the panel will become deformed.
Once you have reached the place where you want to install the lighting fixture, mark the mounting locations on the panels and drill holes. Then install the lamp and panel.
The last panel is cut to fit the actual dimensions of the rest of the ceiling and inserted in the same way as the rest. If necessary, treat gaps and joints with acrylic sealant.
Connect power to the lighting fixtures.
Ready! As you can see, installing ceilings made of PVC panels is within the reach of everyone.
Photo of a ceiling made of plastic panels
The construction market is now replete with a wide variety of finishing materials. The main advantages of modern innovations are ease of use and reliability. However, this is not always about practicality in terms of price. In this matter, finishing materials made from PVC undoubtedly lead in terms of profitability. PVC panels make it easy and simple to cover walls and ceilings in any room. At the same time, you don’t have to worry about the costly leveling of the base of the wall or worry about the exorbitant price installation work. Do the same suspended ceiling doing it yourself using PVC panels will not be difficult, even without many years of experience in repair work.
What will you need?
So, now we will consider the option of installing a suspended ceiling using PVC panels as a finishing material. For this you will need minimum required tools, PVC panels and required mounting elements. More precisely, you will need the following tools:
- screwdriver or low-speed drill;
- tape measure, bubble level, water level;
- hammer;
- miter box, hacksaw, construction knife.
The material used is PVC panels. According to generally accepted standards, panels can be 25 and 50 cm wide. The main parameter when purchasing is the area of all elements in the package. When calculating the required quantity, you should calculate the area of the room in which the suspended ceiling will be installed, and increase the resulting quantity by 10-15%, taking into account the trimming of the material.
To secure the panels to the ceiling, use special fasteners and form a frame. The PVC panels themselves are quite fragile and soft, so for reliable fastening you will need a strong frame with frequent lathing.
Along the perimeter of the room, a U-shaped plastic profile is used, into which the edges of the panels will be inserted. As an alternative, you can choose a matching ceiling plinth for PVC panels, which is already equipped with a U-shaped groove. In high-quality design, such a plinth is a prefabricated structure in which the U-shaped groove is assembled in two parts to facilitate installation.
Can be used for sheathing wooden beam size 20x40 mm or metallic profile as for drywall. In the bathroom or kitchen, wooden beams are not suitable due to high humidity. However, thanks to more easy installation wooden beams and attaching the panels themselves to it, it can be used in the bedroom or living room. The second parameter for selection is the price of the material; in this matter, you only need to check the availability and price in your region. When using wood in any form in construction, it must be treated before installation. antiseptic impregnations and fire retardants. The latter is necessary to increase the fire-resistant properties of wood.
PVC panels of various standards
In addition, there are plastic or aluminum profiles especially for PVC panels. If the cladding is carried out along the ceiling with small differences of up to 4-5 mm and with minimal lowering of the suspended ceiling, installation of PVC panels on the ceiling may be completely simple. The profiles are made with a special groove in the center for fastening to the base and for fastening the clips that will hold the sheathing panels.
For hardware, you will definitely need plastic dowels and nails-screws for them (another alternative would be anchors with a wedge for driving). They will attach frame elements and profiles along the perimeter to the walls and ceiling. The frame itself is assembled using screws with a drill tip for the metal profile and wood screws for the timber. PVC panels can be fastened either with screws with a press washer or with special metal clips. The approximate quantity of all hardware can be calculated after choosing the method of fixing the ceiling and after reading the installation instructions.
Preparation stage
Even taking into account that the ceiling will be hidden from view, it should be cleared of all elements that may subsequently fall off or spill onto the mounted suspended ceiling: damaged plaster or putty between the slabs, whitewash, old finishing material, etc. The entire surface of the ceiling is primed.
Only after this can you begin marking for the installation of the perimeter and frame. To do this, you should draw a line on the walls throughout the room, which will indicate a single level of the future ceiling. The ceiling should be lowered taking into account what lighting will be used, the presence of hidden wiring or other communications, as well as unevenness of the ceiling itself. Wiring should be taken into account mandatory presence the gap between the upper edge of the frame and the ceiling is at least 1.5-2 cm. The lowest place on the ceiling should be selected as a reference point from which to measure the descent.
Once the first mark is placed, you can transfer it to all four walls along the edges using water or laser level. To mark a line around the entire perimeter, you can use twine, generously colored with bright chalk. By pressing the edges of the string against the wall along the marks, you can pull it back slightly and release it. As a result, the chalk will remain on the wall.
When the perimeter is outlined, you can begin marking the location of the supporting elements of the frame. Profiles or beams should be placed perpendicular to the future direction of the PVC panels and at a distance of 40 to 60 cm. At a greater distance, suspended ceilings made from panels may sag slightly during operation.
Advice: No matter how much you would like this, there are still cases when both the floor and the ceiling of the room are multi-storey buildings mass developments are not up to standard, and correcting this is extremely expensive. In this case, it is better to deviate somewhat from reference to a strict level and draw a perimeter line with some slope so that the difference in the planes of the ceiling and floor is not visually striking.
Frame installation
Option 1: plastic sheathing
A plastic U-shaped profile or a plinth with it is attached around the perimeter of the entire room so that its lower border runs along the previously drawn line. To join profiles in corners, use a miter box and a hacksaw. This is the only way to get a beautiful cut and minimal gap. The profile should be fastened every 25-30 cm. Next, to facilitate the process of installing the frame, you can stretch a thread or fishing line across the ceiling so that it forms a plane along with the upper edge of the profile.
Option 2: wooden frame
The wooden beams are attached to the ceiling using dowels and impact screws, every 60 cm. In order to bring them to the same level along the bottom edge, you can use wooden pads between them and the ceiling.
Option 3: metal profile
The metal profile, as in the case of plasterboard, is attached using U-shaped elements located every 60-80 cm. It is most convenient to attach the so-called “pawns” to the ceiling with anchors with a driven wedge, and to the profiles using screws with a drill tip.
Install jumpers between frame load-bearing not necessary, but they will be needed in places where something heavy is supposed to be fixed, for example, a chandelier.
At the end of the installation of the frame, power cables for lighting are laid. At using PVC panels, wires must be laid in corrugation to ensure fire safety. In places where spotlights will be installed, it is enough to leave loops 10-15 cm long.
Installation of PVC panels
Now that the frame is ready and brought to a single level, you can begin installing suspended ceilings. This is the least troublesome and at the same time responsible process. The first strip of material is inserted into the U-shaped profile. Some craftsmen cut off the latch along the edge of the first strip. Once the strip is in place, it is secured with screws or clips to the frame support profiles, without missing a single one. Cut strip required size You can use a hacksaw or a simple knife. The material is quite easy to cut.
Important: PVC panels should be cut to a length slightly shorter than the distance between the walls. There must be a gap between the strip and the walls, approximately 4-5 mm at each end.
The next strip is applied to the lock at a slight angle and inserted into it along its entire length. After this, press the second side to the frame and also secure it with screws. In order to bring the strips together tightly, you can use a block or a piece of the same PVC panel, which is inserted into the groove and carefully driven in with a hammer until it stops.
The main thing is not to bend the strips of material under any circumstances and not to apply too much force during installation. PVC panels are quite fragile and even careless hand pressure can leave a dent that cannot be removed. Installation is best done with a partner or using simple supports with crossbars.
The main difficulty may arise when installing the last strip. In one embodiment, you can turn the strip over with a lock in the other direction and trim it along the length from the side of the groove to the desired width. Next, placing it tightly against the previous panel, the last element of the ceiling is fastened with screws. When using dismountable skirting boards, it is easier and more reliable to simply cut the strip to width and click the lock with the previous strip, as in all other cases.
If you plan to install it in the ceiling spotlights– naturally, it is more expedient to think it over in advance and embed spots “on the ground”. More information about installing lighting in a plastic or any other ceiling -.
Completion
Once all the strips are installed, you can begin finishing. When using a U-shaped profile, a separate plinth is installed around the perimeter. It is best to attach it using liquid nails. In this case, it is better to apply them only to one side of the baseboard. That is, the plinth is attached either only to the wall or only to the ceiling.
In the case of a collapsible plinth, the mating part is simply snapped into place. In the corners, you can use special adapter couplings or cover the cracks with sealant of a suitable color.
In pre-marked places, holes should be made for the output of lighting wires or for the installation of spotlights. The same work can be done during the installation of the ceiling. At the very end of the work, the lamps and all the equipment necessary for them are installed. It is advisable to adhere to generally accepted standards and, in the case where a suspended ceiling is installed in a bathroom, then install low-voltage lighting fixtures with a converter instead of the usual circuit using 220 V. However, the fact that a ceiling made of PVC panels is to a certain extent not afraid of moisture, it can be guaranteed to protect yourself from the consequences of moderate flooding by neighbors above.
When choosing finishes for the ceiling, it is recommended to consider those types that can be installed with your own hands. Suspended structures that do not require preliminary cleaning and leveling of the rough base are practical in this regard. performed on a pre-equipped frame.
Where is it better to use
The main enemy of any finish (including ceiling) is high humidity. The wettest rooms in a house and apartment are the kitchen and toilet. If there is poor ventilation, water and other vapors begin to settle on the surface of the ceiling, causing gradual deterioration of the material and the appearance of fungus. For such conditions, you need to select a moisture-resistant finish. Plastic panels meet these requirements.
Advantages and disadvantages
Taking a closer look at building material, first of all, study its characteristics. PVC ceiling panels are plastic lamellas (length - 270-300 cm, width - 25-30 cm), equipped at the ends with tongue-and-groove connection elements.
Advantages of the material:
- Long service life. If you follow all recommendations for installation and operation, the panels will last for several decades.
- Not complex installation and care. You can install a ceiling from PVC panels with your own hands, even alone: the main thing here is to build the frame correctly. In the future, the lined surface can be washed using gentle cleaning agents. detergents. In this regard plastic trim more convenient than .
- Light weight. Ease individual elements simplifies their transportation and installation.
- Moisture resistance. In this regard, plastic materials have no equal. PVC ceiling panels can be used in the most wet areas- bathrooms, toilets, saunas, swimming pools. Even constant exposure to water on a surface finished in this way will not harm it in any way.
- Decorative possibilities. Plastic lining is available for sale in a significant variety of colors and textures, which allows you to choose the shade for finishing the bathroom. They look very nice various imitations stone, wood and plaster. In general, the suspension system allows you to quickly and efficiently level the surface of the ceiling of any room, without the use of labor-intensive “wet” processes.
- Convenience of laying communications. Thanks to installation gap between decorative surface and base, it is very convenient to hide various communications and wires there. In the plastic panels themselves, you can easily make holes for lamps.
- Environmental friendliness. Modern construction plastics do not contain harmful components with an unpleasant odor.
Among the shortcomings, we can highlight a common weak point for all suspended structures - they somewhat conceal the living space. For this reason, such finishing is not recommended for use in rooms with low ceilings. You can also highlight some simplicity and unpretentiousness of plastic panels, which are inferior to more expensive slatted or stained glass systems.
Step-by-step instructions for installing ceilings from PVC panels with your own hands
In order for a suspended ceiling made of PVC panels to be as beautiful and durable as possible, it is important to follow a certain sequence of operations during its installation.
Material purchase
There are quite a lot of varieties of plastic panels: they have different sizes, design and texture. Of particular importance is the width of the individual lamellas. For small rooms it is better to take lining up to 25 cm wide, for larger ones - products of a larger width (for example, 50 cm). To calculate the required amount of material, first determine the area of the ceiling to be finished by multiplying its width by its length. The resulting number is divided by the area of one slab (usually this parameter is indicated on the packaging), adding to the result at least 15% for trimming.
In addition to the panels, you also need to purchase special connecting elements:
- Starting profile. It is attached to all finishing walls in order to cover the ends of the lamellas.
- Profile F. With its help, corners and transitions from one plane to another are formed.
- Connector. Used to build up frames or individual panels.
- Decorative corner. This element covers the outer ends at the inner corners.
- Plinth for the ceiling. Designed for beautification suspension system along the perimeter.
- Universal corner. Allows you to neatly decorate any corner area.
To construct the work frame you will need metal profiles or wooden blocks. It is most convenient to calculate them using a drawing.
Along long walls Parallel lines are drawn in increments of 40-60 cm: after this, determining the total length of these guides is quite easy. A more rigid supporting profile or timber will be required to be installed around the perimeter of the room. When calculating the fastening material, the total number of guides and the fastening pitch are taken into account (usually 30 cm). When choosing between wooden or metal frame the low price of the first option and ease of installation are taken into account, and the second option - increased moisture resistance.
To work, you also need to stock up on the following tools:
- tape measure and pencil (marker);
- building level and corner;
- twine;
- metal scissors;
- miter box;
- hacksaw for wood and metal;
- grinder and disc up to 2 mm;
- impact drill or hammer drill;
- screwdriver;
- extension cord.
Preparing the base
As already mentioned, when installing PVC panels, preliminary leveling of the base is not carried out. In this case, basic preparatory measures are sufficient. The rough surface must be freed from old decoration, lighting fixtures, dirt and dust. It is advisable to remove areas of the base that are too weak with a pick, filling the resulting holes with coarse putty. After the solution has dried, the entire base is treated with antibacterial impregnation.
Marking
Before making a suspended ceiling from PVC panels, it is necessary to mark the base. To indicate general level suspended structure, each wall of the room being finished is marked with a line. In this case, you need to immediately select the type of lamps. The presence of differences and the installation of hidden communications are also taken into account. For further convenience of laying the wiring, at least 20 mm is left from the top edge of the sheathing to the base: in this case, it is most practical to mount the frame on hangers.
The lowest point of the overlap is selected as a reference point for marking. Starting from it, the walls are equipped with appropriate marks: to apply them you will need a water level. You can get a continuous line by using a chalk thread: with its help, connecting sections between individual points are beaten off. The installation location of the transverse fastening jumpers is marked in a similar way: they are installed strictly perpendicular to the direction of laying the lamellas, at a distance of 40-60 cm from each other.
Construction of mounting lathing
Wooden bars or a metal profile for drywall are used as the material for the frame. If finishing is carried out in a room with increased level humidity, it is recommended to use metal sheathing. These structures are very convenient to level thanks to special hangers that allow you to lower the level of the finishing surface by 30-40 mm. To avoid significant concealment of the living space, it is recommended to make the distance from the ceiling to the sheathing no more than 4 cm.
First of all, the perimeter of the room along the broken line is drawn up with a 27x28 starting profile. Then the main profile 60x27 is installed. The selection of fasteners is carried out depending on the material of the walls.
Using dowel-nails, you will need to first equip the profile and walls with appropriate holes. When installing the starting profile, it is necessary to use a level; this will allow the initial and final segments of the perimeter to converge at one point.
At the next stage, metal hangers are fixed along pre-cut longitudinal lines. The optimal distance between individual devices is 80 cm. Self-tapping screws or dowel nails are also used for fastening here: after installation, it is better to immediately bend them, which will simplify the installation of the main guides. When adjusting the main profile in length, you need to leave a gap of 5 mm along each edge; the resulting segments are inserted inside the starting profile, secured with self-tapping screws to the hangers. During this procedure, it is necessary to check the guides for horizontalness and straightness.
Panel installation
The finished frame around the perimeter is decorated with a special U-profile, into which a ceiling plinth is inserted. This will allow you to obtain an installation distance between them and the sheathing for installing the first lamella. A ceiling made of PVC panels in the bathroom is convenient in this regard, since this room usually has a flat surface. rectangular shape. This makes it possible to initially cut the panels same size, making a margin of 5 mm for the thickness of the profile.
The first strip is inserted inside the U-shaped profile with the tenon facing forward: it is fixed to the frame using a self-tapping screw with a wide head. The tenon of the second panel is immersed in the groove of the previous one (you can help yourself with a narrow spatula). When carrying out a further set of lamellas, it is important to ensure that they fit tightly to each other. The last strip, as a rule, needs to be cut longitudinally: this must be done carefully. Typed plastic surface decorated around the perimeter with a ceiling plinth cut at an angle of 45º. To mask corner joints, special overhead plugs are used.
Ceiling lighting device
To mount them in lamps, you need to accurately mark their location at the stage of constructing the frame. This will allow us to initially lead to the right areas wiring Seats for lighting fixtures are cut out as the panels are installed, for which it is used sharp knife or a milling cutter - this way the accuracy of their placement will be maintained. Installation and switching of lamps is carried out immediately in the niches made. Electrical wiring is released outside, and lighting installation is carried out upon completion of finishing work.
During subsequent use, plastic panels are quite easy to maintain - they can be wiped with a wet sponge from time to time.
It only needs special care because... in addition to ordinary moisture, they accumulate on its surface body fat and soot. In this case, non-abrasive detergents are used for cleaning.
Results
Suspended PVC ceiling - no complex look for independent implementation of all such constructions. Despite their simplicity, plastic panels are popular when decorating kitchens, bathrooms and loggias. When subsequently caring for the finished surface, there are not many restrictions on how to wash ceilings made of plastic panels.
Ceiling cladding with PVC panels can be organized either on your own or with the help of specialists. The durability and attractiveness of the ceiling will largely depend on how well the installation is done (see).
If you are used to everything being homemade renovation work do it yourself, or strive for it, you can learn how to build a suspended ceiling from PVC panels from our article. A video on this topic can help you more clearly understand the essence of the process.
Determining the length and calculating the number of panels for the ceiling
The amount of finishing material for installing a ceiling with your own hands from PVC panels begins with determining the future positioning of the elements. If, for example, the bathroom is to be refinished standard sizes 1.5 * 1.7 m, that is, it makes sense to choose the transverse direction of installation and purchase panels 3 m long (their standard length is usually 2.4-3 m), which are then carefully cut in half.
This will reduce the number of material scraps to a minimum. It is important that the purchased panels are equal to or exceed in length one of the sides of the room being repaired, since they cannot be connected to each other along the length without a visible seam.
For our example, it remains to calculate required amount three-meter panels to finally begin installation suspended ceiling from PVC with your own hands. At standard width panels of 25 cm, you can determine that the cladding will require 4 panels of 300 * 25 cm (1.7/0.25/2 = 3.4, after rounding up we get 4 units).
Installation of ceilings made of PVC panels
Now, let’s directly consider how to install a suspended ceiling from PVC with your own hands. The installation is carried out in several stages, each of which we will describe in detail.
Load-bearing structure
Since the main ceiling base is often uneven, it is necessary to use a wooden or profile (depending on the level of humidity in the room) frame system to achieve the desired level of evenness.
PVC panels are installed on a frame, which, in turn, is constructed according to the following rules:
- If the room is dry enough, and wooden blocks are used for the frame (4*5 cm or thicker, so that after installation it is possible to install built-in lighting), then they are attached to the ceiling base using dowels and self-tapping screws, while controlling the evenness and horizontality of the plane formed the lower edges of the bars, using a level.
- If installation is carried out in the bathroom, and as load-bearing material a metal profile was chosen, it is mounted according to the principle of the initial installation of guides, followed by installation of the main profile: the guides border the perimeter of the room under the ceiling (5-10 cm from concrete base). After this, the main profile strips are inserted into it perpendicular to the direction of the future fastening of the panels and secured with self-tapping screws.
Advice! When constructing ceilings with your own hands, you need to remember that if the room is large enough (a main profile more than 2.5 m long is used), it is recommended to use special hangers as additional support for the main profile planks, connecting the concrete ceiling base with the planks in increments of 50 cm.
Ceiling cladding with PVC panels
The ceiling made of PVC panels provides next technology fastening the finishing material to the sheathing:
- Sheathing begins by attaching the first panel to one of the walls in accordance with the pre-selected direction. The quality of all further finishing will depend on how smoothly and correctly the first panel is installed.
- The first panel is applied with a tenon to the wall and secured to the sheathing using self-tapping screws (for profile sheathing) or staples construction stapler(For wooden base) strictly parallel to one pair of walls and perpendicular to the other.
- Self-tapping screws (staples) are screwed into the far (directly in contact with the sheathing) wall of the panel groove, which allows the fasteners to remain invisible after sheathing.
- Next, the tongue of the second panel is inserted into the groove of the first panel until it stops, but not tight, and secured in the same way as the first panel. All subsequent elements are installed by analogy.
- The final panel to be installed will most likely require slitting to width. Cutting can be done with powerful stationery knife, having previously marked the panel and attached a guide (any flat object of suitable length) to the cutting line. The last panel is not fastened with self-tapping screws, but is inserted into the groove of a special decorative corner, acting as a platband.
Advice! The installation of such corners should be provided around the entire perimeter of the room before installing the panels.
You can easily make a ceiling from PVC panels with your own hands, following the instructions presented in our article. Also, do not forget about how to install, which will significantly add attractiveness plastic construction and the entire room as a whole.
For additional information You can watch the installation video:
Plastic ceiling system PVC panels are one of the easiest to manufacture, therefore, when planning repairs with plastic panels, feel free to take on the work yourself.
Improving the appearance of your ceiling is easy. With all the diversity of modern finishing materials There are many ways to change the interior of a room. One of them is installing a ceiling from PVC panels. It is not surprising that the question of how to make a suspended ceiling from plastic panels with your own hands is heard more and more often.
This type of decoration immediately gives the room unusual look and it can be classified as “European-quality repair”, with relatively low monetary costs and without loss of quality of work.
Advantages of using plastic products
Those who have installed a suspended ceiling made of PVC panels on their own note the following: distinctive features How:
- Durability;
- Good ductility and sound insulation;
- Protection from fading in the sun and from moisture;
- Easy to clean;
- Environmentally friendly;
- Effectively hides ceiling unevenness;
- Allows you to discreetly place electrical wiring under the lighting elements.
Disadvantages of PVC ceilings
- Despite the fact that the PVC panels used to finish the suspended ceiling resist well high temperatures(up to 400°C), they, like everyone else plastic materials, may burn. And when ignited, toxic gas is released. Therefore, for safety reasons, the power of pendant and built-in lamps should be limited to suspended structures, and also avoid places with open sources of fire.
- The material from which they are made cladding panels, this is a plastic that cannot withstand mechanical stress, such as a hammer blow. After this, the panels simply crack and lose their appearance.
- If the ceiling, which is planned to be finished with plastic elements, is exposed to direct sunlight, it is recommended to abandon this idea. Under the influence of direct sun rays plastic panels fade and become unpleasant yellow tint. And colored elements simply fade in the sun over time.
- Some homeowners refuse to decorate the ceilings with PVC panels due to the fact that the premises take on a non-residential office look. But this can rather be classified as psychological perception. And this is a matter of taste.
We calculate the required material
Before starting work in which a ceiling made of PVC panels will be installed, you need to know how much and what kind of material may be needed during the work.
PVC panels
In order to correctly purchase the required amount of material, you need to know them dimensions. As a rule, they are indicated on the packaging. Panels are produced:
Thickness – from 5 to 10 mm,
Width – 25 – 30 cm,
The length of the canvas is 2.7 - 3 meters.
When calculating the number of PVC panels, the surface area of the ceiling must be divided by the area of one panel (it is written on the packaging). 10-15% is added for unforeseen expenses, after which you can purchase material for cladding the ceiling.
Metallic profile
It is more difficult to determine the number of profiles for installing a suspended ceiling.
It is best to take a sheet of paper and reflect a large-scale copy of the ceiling on it. Parallel corners are drawn on a piece of paper in increments of 60 cm. The required volume of the profile for the entire room is calculated. It is also necessary to take into account the need for more rigid profiles that are mounted along the entire perimeter of the ceiling. The number of screws and dowels is calculated in the same way.
Ceiling plinth
It frames the entire ceiling around the entire perimeter of the room. Knowing the perimeter, you need to divide by 3 (the length of one segment). We get the required number of plinth strips. Don't forget about unforeseen expenses of 10-15%.
Necessary tool
In progress self-finishing PVC ceiling panels, you can’t do without the following tools:
- screwdriver or low-speed drill;
- bubble 2 meter level;
- miter box;
- hacksaw;
- metal scissors;
- "liquid Nails";
- rag.
Plastic dowels and screws for fastening must be available mounting elements. The frame is assembled using a screwdriver. PVC panels can be attached directly to the frame itself either with screws with a press washer, or with metal clips intended for this type of fastening work.
Ceiling preparation
Before starting installation work, it is necessary to prepare the ceiling surface. Anything that crumbles or falls off the surface (plaster, old whitewash etc.), is carefully cleaned. Then it is recommended to prime the ceiling surface.
After preparatory work, begin to mark the frame around the perimeter. A solid line is marked on the walls of the room with a pencil. It will serve as a guide for the installation of hanging elements.
This distance must take into account the space underneath hidden wiring room lighting elements - at least 2 cm. The lowest place on the ceiling surface is selected and a line is drawn along the walls at a 2-meter level. Also, all lines are transferred across the level to other walls. A laser level will be optimal for this stage of work.
Important! The estimated level of the suspended ceiling can be drawn with a string made of twine, generously greased with chalk.
Then they start marking supporting structures frame. They are located perpendicular to the PVC panels (60 cm from each other).
Types of lathing
Type 1: plastic sheathing
The material for making the U-shaped profile or plinth is high-quality plastic. After the lower border is drawn on the walls, it is attached to the walls along this line. When installing in corners, use a hacksaw.
The profile is fixed every 25-30 cm.
2nd type: frame made of wooden beams
A wooden beam is used as a frame. The beam is attached to the ceiling every 60 cm with dowels and impact screws. To level it to one level, wooden pads are used between the beam and the ceiling.
3rd type: frame made of metal elements
The most common type of lathing for a suspended ceiling. U-shaped metal components are mounted to the floor surface every 60-80 cm using anchors that are capable of absorbing heavy loads on suspended structures.
In places where heavy elements (such as a chandelier) are supposed to be attached, additional jumpers are installed between the load-bearing elements of the frame.
Step-by-step installation of the frame
Let's get to the description step-by-step device suspended ceiling made of PVC panels.
1st stage
Places for attaching profiles are marked on the walls. To ensure that the line of the suspended ceiling is horizontal, a level is used. Then a profile is installed around the perimeter of the ceiling, so that there are no cracks or gaps between the wall and the profile.
2nd stage
The transverse profiles are being installed.
3rd stage
We take the “L” profile and attach it around the perimeter of the room.
Starting "L" profile If you plan to place additional lighting in the suspended ceiling, electrical wiring is done.
4th stage
Products from PVC panels are being prepared. The first panel is laid in the corner to the transverse U-shaped profiles. Subsequent panels are inserted into the groove of the previous one and fixed to the frame with self-tapping screws.
Experienced craftsmen know how to make a ceiling from PVC panels. Using a knife or hacksaw, cut off the latch along the entire edge of the first panel. The material is easy to cut.
In order for the panels to fit tightly to each other, during installation they are knocked down with a hammer until it stops.
Attention! Ready-made strips of PVC panels should not be bent with great effort during operation. Plates may break!
5th stage
Installed last panel. Particular care and patience is required at this stage as trimming to width will likely be required. Carefully, so as not to break, the panel is inserted into the strip of the opposite wall.
As an option, the PVC strip is turned over with the lock facing the opposite direction and trimmed from the groove side.
The last element is secured with screws.
6th stage
The ceiling plinth is attached using liquid nails. Apply glue to the baseboard and press it against the ceiling for a few seconds. Remains of glue are removed with a rag.
Attention! Ceiling plinth can be successfully attached to both the wall and the ceiling.
If the plinth is dismountable, installation occurs by simply snapping the opposite part into place. The cracks are sealed with sealants.
Completion of work
In the designated places, holes are made in the PVC panels for the installation of lighting devices. Then the lamps themselves and the equipment for them are installed.
If the installation of lamps is carried out for the bathroom, it is better to use light elements with low voltage (a current converter is needed). This way you can protect yourself and your neighbors above from electric shock in case of flooding.
PVC slabs installed as a suspended ceiling in kitchen area, are perfectly amenable to cleaning from soot and grease with conventional detergents.
Video on the topic
Conclusion
So, now we can say with confidence that even people without experience in installing suspended ceilings can make a ceiling from PVC panels with their own hands.
