Stretch ceiling or plasterboard: how to make the right choice, comparison of materials

Stretch ceiling or drywall? This question invariably arises before every person who thinks about decorative decoration of premises. The difficulty of choosing lies in the fact that each option has advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into account when choosing plasterboard or suspended ceiling.

To understand the situation, you don’t need to blindly trust sellers of decorative coatings or listen to the advice of “professionals,” friends and neighbors. The ceiling is always selected individually. In this case, the type of room, the practicality of the coating for various everyday situations, and the cost of performing the work are always taken into account. We, at Jean Nizhny Novgorod studio, will answer all the key questions, and in this article we will try to figure out what is better: plasterboard or suspended ceiling.

What is cheaper: suspended ceiling or plasterboard?

When choosing a ceiling, price plays a key role for many consumers. It is noteworthy that both options are quite expensive, so you need to take into account not only the cost of the materials themselves. The finishing option, installation of the ceiling itself and installation of lighting fixtures are taken into account.

Suspended plasterboard ceiling

Let's start the comparison with suspended ceilings. Such coverings are installed on a turnkey basis. In particular, when placing an order, a surveyor visits the object, who not only determines the area of ​​the film, but also coordinates the main points with the client.

In most cases, the master suggests the best ceiling option in terms of price-quality ratio, based on the type of room and the wishes of the customer. It is immediately necessary to clarify that the installation of a stretch ceiling is carried out only by professional installers, otherwise you can forget about the quality of the coating.

Two-level stretch ceiling

In plasterboard the situation is different. Such a ceiling can be made independently, so a person only bears the cost of purchasing building materials. If you turn to professionals, such a ceiling will cost more. This is due to the fact that gypsum board is more expensive than simple PVC film.

Comparative characteristics

To determine the best option, it is necessary to analyze the main parameters of plasterboard and stretch ceilings.

Price

Economy gypsum plasterboard is significantly cheaper, but sheet products require subsequent finishing, which is varied. Therefore, the final cost may be close to suspended ceilings.

If we compare high-quality products that have various decorative effects, then even with additional work, plasterboard will have the advantage. Fabric or PVC canvas will cost much more.

Installing a plasterboard ceiling will indeed cost less than the tension type, but only if it is a simple one-level structure or the work will be done by hand

Environmental friendliness

According to this parameter, the leader is gypsum board. Although modern materials for tensile structures also meet environmental standards, this applies to more expensive products. Some PVC varieties do not meet the stated requirements and may therefore pose a threat.

From the point of view of environmental friendliness, plasterboard and suspended ceilings are approximately equal, but the polymer film does not allow air to pass through at all, which is highly undesirable for arranging a child’s room or bedroom

Practicality

A suspended ceiling is more durable, provided it is installed correctly and high-quality material is used. Cheap options may fade or yellow over time.

GCR also has a long service life, and the surface is more resistant to point mechanical impacts. Problems may arise with the need to update decorative finishes.

Polymer film can be easily broken through with a sharp object, and the material is resistant to high temperatures, while gypsum board quickly gets puttied in the event of a break or scratch.

Easy to install

Drywall is well suited for carrying out work without the involvement of specialists. Even when creating a multi-level structure, taking into account all the nuances, the process will not cause any particular difficulties.

The installation of a stretch ceiling should only be trusted by professionals, since heating equipment is used, which poses a threat. Workers must be authorized to use gas cylinders and follow safety rules.

Simple plasterboard structures can be installed with your own hands, but this takes a lot of time; installing a stretch ceiling requires professionals, but the work is completed during the day

Operation and care

Stretch ceilings made of fabric and PVC are more prone to damage. Although many options are antistatic, some difficulties may arise if you need to remove serious contaminants

The canvas is soft and bends, so you need to wash it carefully; cleaning devices should not have sharp edges or edges

Caring for drywall depends on the type of finish, but it is much more difficult to damage such a surface.

The film ceiling can be easily cleaned with a washing vacuum cleaner, and dirt on the plasterboard coating can most often only be repainted

Use in an unheated room

In terms of this parameter, the materials are close, but only if moisture-resistant gypsum boards are used. If the cladding needs to be carried out in a short time in a new building with heating not yet connected, then the preferred solution would be an inexpensive type of suspended ceilings. This will also avoid shrinkage problems.

Moisture resistance

Sheet products made of gypsum without additives are not moisture resistant, but there are special varieties. Stretch ceilings retain their quality even when exposed to direct water: liquid accumulates in a certain place, forming a sag, which can later be eliminated.

Decorative variety

Tension materials are independent products, including many color options. They are also suitable for creating multiple tiers with lighting points.

GKL needs subsequent cladding, which also gives scope for choice

An important feature is the ability to replace the skin, which allows you to realize the design concept when changing the style of the room

The beauty of certain forms of suspended ceilings is a relative concept, but combined designs look most impressive, especially when they are equipped with high-quality lighting

Installation speed

If the decisive factor in finishing is time, then you definitely need to choose suspended ceilings. Turnkey installation of PVC film takes several hours. Please note that this time includes wiring, installation of profiles, installation of cornices and lamps. In addition, the suspended ceiling is installed using “clean” technology.

This means that after the craftsmen leave, there is no construction waste left in the apartment. In fact, the customer can only arrange the furniture in its place and carry out wet cleaning.

Installation of stretch ceiling

In the case of drywall, the situation is the opposite. In particular, even professional installers will take a couple of days to install. If the installation is carried out on your own, the repair may take an indefinite period.

Important! Multi-level stretch ceilings are installed using plasterboard. Without this, it will not be possible to achieve the desired height differences.

Ease of work

If you still don’t know which ceiling to choose—plasterboard or suspended ceiling—you should consider them based on the ease of performing the work. Let's start with this. According to experts, it will not be possible to install a suspended ceiling without special equipment. But even if you have a heat gun, installation will be quite complicated and will require certain skills, as well as accuracy.

As for the plasterboard structure, its installation can be done on your own using simple tools. But it’s better to invite an assistant for the job, since the sheets of drywall are quite wide, so lifting them will be quite difficult. If you act on your own, you can even break the canvas.

Installation of electrical appliances

PVC film is susceptible to temperature exposure and melts during prolonged contact with lighting fixtures. Therefore, when installing spotlights, special pads are used. If the ceiling height allows, you can hang a chandelier on the suspended ceiling.

GKL suspended ceiling with lighting

It follows that suspended ceilings made of plasterboard are more convenient for installing lamps. This is a rigid material that is excellent for spot lighting and other lighting devices.

Even if mistakes are made when cutting the material, the errors are filled with putty and covered with decorative finishing.

Which option to choose

There are significant differences between suspended and suspended ceilings. Each of them has pros and cons. To make it easier to decide which option is more suitable - a suspended or plasterboard ceiling, below is a comparison table.

By comparing the pros and cons of each option, you can draw certain conclusions about which ceiling is better for a particular room - suspended or plasterboard. So, the tension structure is suitable in the following cases:

• if the ceiling height in the room is small;
• the apartment is located on the top floor under the roof;
• repairs are being made in a new building and the building may shrink;
• There is high humidity in the room.

This option is also economical, considering that after installation you can forget about repairs for 15-20 years, and the gypsum board ceiling will have to be periodically updated.

You should opt for suspended structures in the following cases:

• if the room experiences sudden temperature changes or is too cold;
• renovations are being done in a wooden house and I want to maintain natural air circulation;
• The budget is limited and it is possible to do the repairs yourself.

It is not necessary to choose only one type of finish; you can combine the advantages of tension and suspended structures and install a combined two-level ceiling. This method is suitable if the room height is at least 2.7 m.

Life time

If we consider which is better, suspended ceilings or plasterboard in terms of durability, there is no significant difference. PVC film is guaranteed for 10-15 years; owners of plasterboard ceilings can also count on a similar period of operation. Therefore, the key aspect in this matter is durability and maintainability.

Stretch ceilings require delicate handling, and an accidental cut can lead to the replacement of the entire coating. But dust and other contaminants are easily removed from such a surface.

Glossy stretch ceiling

In terms of strength, suspended structures look more reliable. Such coating can only be damaged on purpose. However, drywall needs to be regularly tinted, otherwise the coating will lose its presentable appearance.

Differences in appearance

The advantage of a stretch ceiling over plasterboard is that it can have any texture and color. The canvas comes not only in pastel or bright colors, but also with specific images, which is especially important for thematic decoration of a room, for example, a nursery.

Both suspended ceilings and plasterboard provide a lot of design variations

Hanging structures can also be turned into an interesting design solution using paint. But it’s not possible to achieve a glossy surface like a stretch fabric.

Which ceiling conceals the height of the walls more?

Here a lot depends on the installation technology. However, in any case, a suspended ceiling takes up less space. In particular, the film thickness is only a couple of millimeters, but the profile width is added here. On average, the ceiling height will decrease by 5 centimeters.

Stretch ceiling installation diagram

A suspended plasterboard ceiling will reduce the height of the room by at least 7 centimeters. For new buildings, a difference of 2 centimeters will not play a significant role, but for owners of Khrushchev apartments, the difference will be obvious.

Calculations

The easiest way is to get an idea of ​​how much both options will cost by making approximate calculations for both of them and comparing them with each other. For a room with a perimeter of 20 meters and an area of ​​25 squares, the average amounts will be calculated something like this:

• The price of an inexpensive PVC film is about 600 rubles per square, including in this amount all additional materials for installation, but not including the installation of a chandelier mounting and the need to bypass pipes. These points will add about 1000 more to the final total. Lamps will also have to be paid extra if they are installed. The final amount is about 16,000, plus installation of the required number of lighting devices.

• Drywall installed in the same room will cost a minimum of 350 rubles per square meter, not taking into account the cost of finishing, which will add another approximately 350 rubles per square meter. It will be necessary to add other components. Base for a chandelier, installation of lamps and wiring. The total is 18,500, provided that 1,000 rubles are added to the amount for installation of the mortgage and wiring for one chandelier.

Fire safety of suspended ceilings and plasterboard

Both materials have approximately the same fire resistance characteristics. In particular, PVC film and drywall do not contribute to the spread of open fire.

However, the stretch ceiling begins to melt under the influence of high temperatures, releasing a pungent odor. Gypsum does not burn in principle, so only the top layer of paper ignites.

False ceiling with lighting

Lifetime and design

If you use PVC film correctly, it will last up to a quarter of a century. But plasterboard coatings are installed with a 10-year warranty, but the finishing will have to be updated more often. As for design, modern stretch ceilings come in any color. They can be glossy, matte, velvet or decorated with photo printing, as well as ornaments. You can design hanging structures as you wish. Ceiling tiles, paint and wallpaper are usually used for this. But you still won’t be able to create the effect of a mirror surface.

Which ceiling will protect in case of flooding from above?

In case of unforeseen situations, the choice should be made only in favor of a stretch ceiling. The film can withstand up to 100 liters of water per “square” area. Thanks to this feature, such a ceiling is guaranteed to protect furniture from flooding.

At the same time, the fact of flooding will not affect the properties of PVC film and the appearance of the ceiling. The only caveat: to drain the water, you will have to call specialists.

PVC film after pouring from above

Drywall will not help in case of flooding of the apartment. In addition, the hanging structure will swell even with short contact with water. This means that in the event of flooding, the apartment owner will have to change not only the furnishings, but also the ceiling covering.

Criterias of choice

Stolen space!

This is an important parameter. If a stretch ceiling in the absence of built-in lighting may need up to 5 cm, then when choosing gypsum boards, especially multi-level ones, you can lay the entire 30 cm. If the room is small, it is better to give preference to stretch ceilings.

Built-in lighting

Since both options provide air space between the ceiling and the structure, in both cases it is possible to design built-in lighting, including multi-level lighting. The main difference is that in suspended ceilings all wires are packaged in special corrugations, but in the case of plasterboard this is a recommendation. Also, in the case of suspended ceilings, when installing lamps, it is necessary to install thermal rings that do not allow heat to spread from light sources.

Expenses

Prices for both options vary depending on the complexity of the project. The cost of suspended ceilings increases the application of complex patterns on the canvas. While the price of suspended ceilings increases with each subsequent level in the project. The standard price of the first option varies between 400–2000 rubles. per sq. m plus the work of a specialist, the price for the second option starts from 1000 rubles. per sq. m.

Exploitation

Stretch ceilings will be much easier to use - it is enough to wipe them from dust from time to time with a dry soft cloth; it is permissible to remove dust with a vacuum cleaner. The warranty for such a ceiling starts from 15 years.

GCR ceilings can be cared for in the same way, only the color will need to be refreshed as needed. With proper care, they will last at least ten years.

Purpose of the premises

This is a very important point, since suspended ceilings cannot be installed in cold rooms such as a balcony or veranda. At sub-zero temperatures the material will crack. But stretch ceilings have a good relationship with water: not only will they not deteriorate themselves, but they will also help retain moisture in the event of flooding - they can store a volume of water of up to 70 liters for several days. The main thing is to call a specialist who will help you get rid of the water and bring the surface into proper shape! Thus, they can be safely used in case there are “unscrupulous neighbors” living upstairs, or just in case you live on the top floor. But gypsum plasterboard ceilings do not really like moisture. Even moisture-resistant plasterboard sheets become deformed in close contact with water, and the ceiling requires repair. It is also worth holding off on gypsum boards in newly built buildings. During shrinkage, the ceiling may not only become slightly deformed, but also require rework.

Fire resistance

Drywall does not support combustion, but is destroyed when exposed to open fire. On average, the time to resist the spread of flame is 20-25 minutes. Stretch fabrics also do not burn, but melt, releasing substances harmful to humans.

Let's summarize. Each option has its pros and cons. You should start from the design solution and the features of the room. Both options can be made in different shapes, colors, with different numbers of levels - everything is limited only by the imagination and skill of the craftsmen.

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Features of installation of suspended ceilings made of plasterboard

The attractiveness of such structures is due to the fact that you can install the ceiling yourself, without involving specialists. Remarkably, you don’t even need to prepare the foundation for this. Suspended structures help hide any defects in floor slabs.

Installation of suspended ceiling from gypsum plasterboard

The ceiling is installed after finishing the walls. There is no need to prepare the base, so at the initial stage, a ceiling and guide profile is attached to the slab, and electrical wiring is done.

After this, sheets of plasterboard are attached to the metal profile. GCR lends itself well to mechanical processing, so the sheets can be easily adjusted to fit. Then, holes for installing lamps are cut out at the pre-marked locations.

The final stage of work is filling the joints and applying the finishing coat. In general, making a suspended ceiling from plasterboard with your own hands is not difficult. This task can be handled by a person who has never been involved in construction before.

Important! This applies only to single-level ceilings. Multi-tiered solutions are quite complex structures, the installation of which requires certain experience and knowledge.

Resistance to damage

PVC film can be damaged by a sharp, hard object. Even children's toys can cause damage to it, as can the corners of furniture during rearrangement. If you tape the puncture site, it will reduce the visual appeal and negate the effect of water resistance. But in the case of a suspended structure, it is much more difficult to damage it, but you still shouldn’t throw heavy objects up.

Which suspended ceiling is better?

Suspended structures are divided into several types. Depending on the type of coating, such ceilings can be used in apartments or offices.

Each option has its own characteristics. Let's consider the types of suspended structures that the modern building materials market offers.

Rack and pinion

Made from aluminum strips, they are lightweight and durable. The material is resistant to temperature changes and neutral to corrosive changes.

In residential premises, slatted ceilings are rarely used. Such structures are usually installed in bathrooms and kitchens.

Slatted suspended ceiling

PVC panels

A universal option that attracts attention with its low price and almost limitless decorative options.

Depending on the type of room, you can install the following solutions:

• plain - a practical solution, made in one color scheme;
• varnished - a strengthening varnish is applied to the surface;
• with a pattern – the image is applied using thermal printing, which protects the pattern from fading;
• laminated - imitate natural building materials.

Suspended ceiling made of PVC panels

PVC panels look equally interesting in any room. Considering that plastic is neutral to any external influences, such ceilings can be installed even in non-residential and unheated premises.

Wooden lining

Such ceilings are often installed in country houses, cottages, and verandas. The material is environmentally friendly, installation is carried out independently.

However, installing such a ceiling is an expensive pleasure, but the high price is partially compensated by its long service life and interesting decorative effect.

Suspended ceiling made of lining

Important! If a suspended lining ceiling is installed in a sauna, you need to choose hardwood. Coniferous trees release resin when heated.

Cassette

Modular solutions that are mounted as separate elements on a metal ceiling profile. The ceiling grid can be highlighted or hidden, depending on the design of the room.

Installation of such solutions is very simple: square modules are placed in mounting frames and secured with locking elements.

Cassette suspended ceiling

Solid

This is a plasterboard ceiling when the base plate is completely covered with sheets. The gypsum boards are laid end to end, the remaining cracks are sealed with putty.

It is better to install such ceilings in spacious, well-ventilated rooms. As mentioned above, gypsum boards are sensitive to water, and with constant contact with a humid environment, the material will begin to swell and swell.

Which ceiling covering is cheaper?

The choice of one or another finishing method is also influenced by its cost. Let's try to find out what is cheaper - suspended ceiling or plaster with subsequent painting.

To accurately calculate upcoming finishing costs, you need to take into account a number of factors:

prices for building materials and their delivery; cost of work; condition of the ceiling (especially important for plaster); surface quality and design complexity; conditions and service life.

At first glance, plaster, which can then be periodically painted in different colors, seems to be the clear leader. Indeed, prices for materials for such coating are affordable to any buyer. However, if you take into account the payment of specialists, the amount at least doubles. And the services of a professional who can create an ideal surface will cost much more.

Of course, you can do the work yourself - this will reduce the cost of the final result. But it will most likely not be possible to achieve high quality, since solid experience and skills are required.

The cost of the tension structure, together with the prices for its installation, is scary at first. But here you need to take into account the guaranteed service life of such ceilings and the almost complete absence of costs for caring for them. Then the costs of equipment and operation of both types of finishing over a long period of time are noticeably leveled out, and in some cases the suspended ceiling even benefits.

Features of installing a stretch ceiling

Unlike suspended structures, suspended ceilings are installed using clean technology, using heat guns. No base preparation is required. Typically, installation teams are asked to move furniture away from the walls and remove items that may be affected by temperature.

In general, installation is carried out in five steps:

1. Marking. An indentation is made from the highest point of the base, and the locations of the guide profiles are marked.
2. Installation of baguettes. These elements are placed in increments of 10 centimeters, in exact accordance with the applied markings.
3. Preparation of material. The roll of film is unrolled and fasteners called “crocodiles” are hung at the edges.
4. Heat. The film is heated to a temperature of 65 degrees and stretched around the perimeter of the room.
5. Installation. The edges of the film are tucked into the baguette, the canvas is stretched, forming a perfectly smooth membrane.

Installation of a two-level stretch ceiling

Important! Installation of a stretch ceiling is carried out in several ways. For example, the option discussed above is called harpoon. In addition, installation teams can use the clip or glazing bead method. By the way, the latter option is used very rarely: over time, the tension of the film weakens, and the ceiling sag noticeably.

Design features - choose a style

If you need a volumetric ceiling, then there is only one way out - you should use plasterboard. Thanks to the special arrangement of metal frames, you can create complex multi-level structures - everything is limited only by your imagination and the height of the ceiling. Stretch ceilings are almost always made even, although interesting designs of tent or arched types are also possible.

If we approach this issue from the point of view of color, we get a diametrically opposite picture. So, a gypsum ceiling needs additional finishing and you will have to do it yourself or hire specialists. This can be decorative plaster, liquid or paper wallpaper, paint.

Stretch ceilings immediately offer ready-made design solutions in a wide range of colors, and often with ready-made images printed using photo printing.

It turns out that if you want ready-made decor, then you need to give preference to stretch ceilings. If your plans are to experiment with finishing, you should install a ceiling made of plaster and profiles. Each of the proposed materials is good in its own way in the interior and allows you to create completely different results.

Often combined ceilings are created, in which the area with the tension film is framed with plasterboard. Such options are often used for zoning a room or highlighting certain areas of it. But whether zoning will be in demand on the balcony is a question.

This is what a combination of plasterboard and stretch ceiling looks like