Tension fabrics can become excellent option finishing ceiling space. By using tension structure you can hide defects in the base ceiling, disguise elements of various communications, including ventilation and electrical wiring. In addition to this, there are many other advantages. Stretch ceilings have different texture and colors, so they suit any interior design style.
Ordering the installation of a stretch ceiling from specialized organizations can be very expensive. Therefore, to save family budget You can install a suspended ceiling structure with your own hands.
Material selection rules
A special fabric or polyvinyl chloride film can be used as the main fabric of the tension structure, so the ceiling can be fabric or film. Each material has its own characteristics and characteristics, depending on which the method of installing the ceiling and its operating conditions are determined. It is also important to understand how to install suspended ceilings made of fabric or film.
Fabric ceilings are based on polyester with a special polyurethane impregnation, which makes the material strong, durable and wear-resistant. The front surface of the canvas can be plain, with various patterns and designs, and even in the form of a painting. The features of fabric ceilings impose restrictions on their area of use, so several optimal places. This could be a living room, bedroom, office or children's room.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) canvases in most cases have a glossy surface, which makes the room more formal and beautiful. PVC film is not afraid of moisture, so incoming splashes of water cannot spoil its characteristics, appearance the ceiling in this case also remains unchanged. Thanks to this property, a suspended ceiling made of PVC film can be safely installed in the bathroom, kitchen and other rooms with high level humidity. When choosing a polyvinyl chloride fabric, you should remember that cheaper options are characterized by the release of an unpleasant chemical odor, which can be harmful to human health. Therefore, installing ceilings made of such material is extremely undesirable in bedrooms and children's rooms.
The process of deciding how to install a suspended ceiling largely depends on the characteristics and features of the material that was used to make the main fabric. There are several differences in the installation of fabric and film ceilings, which you need to learn about in more detail before independent execution installation
Methods for installing suspended ceilings
Before you begin installing a suspended ceiling structure in a room, you need to study how suspended ceilings are installed. More complex can be called harpoon technology, but in this case it turns out more reliable design. The installation difficulties lie in attaching the harpoons to the film, which is done using special equipment. This procedure can only be performed by professional craftsmen who have experience working with high-tech equipment, so the cost of installing the canvas in this way is quite high.
Self-installation of polyvinyl chloride film is carried out using the wedge method, when special wedges or glazing beads are used. Before installing a suspended ceiling, it is necessary to install a special rigid frame around the perimeter of the room, which is made in the form of a specially shaped profile. The canvas is inserted into a baguette and fixed in it using special wedges or glazing beads.
There is a mounting option using clip clamps. With this method, the film is inserted inside the profile and closed, thanks to this the film is firmly fixed inside the profile. You can secure the canvas in a baguette different ways.
Canvases made of fabric with special treatment can be installed with your own hands without much difficulty; you just need to know how to install a suspended ceiling. Installation involves the use of a rigid frame in which the canvas is fixed.
The main difference in the installation of fabric and film sheets is the method of stretching the material.
Preparing to install a tensile structure
To ensure high-quality performance of work on installing a suspended ceiling structure, you must strictly follow the instructions, according to which the first stage requires preparatory activities, including studying the question of how suspended ceilings are installed in an apartment.
It is recommended to remove as much furniture as possible from the room. The walls must be puttied and finishing. The ceiling surface also requires preparation. Old whitewash or paint should be removed to avoid any unpleasant moments during the operation of the stretch ceiling. The fact is that over time the old coating can peel off from the base ceiling and spoil the appearance of the stretched canvas.
If the ceiling is made of reinforced concrete slabs, then it is necessary to seal the seams between them with putty. You should also pay attention to the walls where the frame is installed; they should be as smooth as possible so that installing the profile does not cause difficulties.
Before installing a suspended ceiling, communications are carried out along the ceiling and wires are supplied for lighting devices. For the chandelier you need to prepare solid foundation, which should not touch the surface of the tension fabric. A hook for the chandelier is attached to the base. If the distance between the main and suspended ceiling is too large, the installed hook is extended using an additional metal chain.
Tools and materials for work
The installation of a suspended ceiling structure can be carried out efficiently and quickly using a certain set of tools and equipment. You will need::
- Hammer.
- Screwdriver.
- Roulette, building level.
- A set of special blades, with the help of which the canvas is tucked into the profile. Shoulder blades should be of two types: straight and angular.
Depending on the operating conditions of the stretch ceiling, it is necessary to select the type of main fabric.
You also need to choose the right profiles, which can be plastic or aluminum. Don't forget about additional components. These can be multi-colored inserts, clips and various accessories.
To stretch the polyvinyl chloride film you will need heat gun or construction hair dryer, with the help of these devices you can correctly install a suspended ceiling.
Installation of baguettes
The first step in the stretch ceiling installation scheme is marking the walls; this stage requires maximum care and accuracy. Measure the height of the walls in each corner and determine the most minimum distance from floor to main ceiling. This must be done for one reason: in some apartments the difference in height can be more than 5 cm. The space required for communications and installation of lighting devices is taken away from the smallest distance. The result obtained is marked on the wall and using laser level beat off a line that will determine the location of the main profile.
Using dowels and screws, the baguette is fixed to the wall in accordance with the intended level. The distance between fasteners is no more than 7 cm. For more comfortable work Many craftsmen first glue the profile to the wall so that it does not move.
The process of stretching the main fabric
At first glance, solving the problem of how to install a suspended ceiling is not particularly difficult, and therefore does not take much time. In fact, the duration of the process is determined by several factors, including the experience and knowledge of the master. Professional workers can install a suspended ceiling structure in one day, simply home handyman this will take several days.
Before the beginning installation work it is necessary to remove the film from its packaging and heat the air in the room to approximately 40 0 C. It is necessary to remove from the room all objects with sharp edges that could cause damage to the polyvinyl chloride film.
First, special clamps are installed, securing them in the corners of the room. Work should begin in one of the corners where the first edge of the film is fixed. Then the edge of the film is secured in the opposite corner, and similar actions are performed in the remaining corners.
To make the film more elastic, it should be heated. For this purpose, a construction hair dryer or heat gun is used, directing the heat flow from these devices towards the canvas. Next, the film is tucked into the profile, gradually moving from one corner to another. Finally, remove the clothespins and tuck the remaining edges of the film into the baguette.
The final step will be to install decorative skirting boards around the perimeter of the ceiling.
Installation of lighting devices
Chandeliers are installed in several ways. Moreover, the base for it or a regular lamp is mounted immediately before the installation of the tension fabric begins.
The hook for the chandelier must have a length that takes into account the distance from the base surface to the tension fabric. Therefore, if the size is insufficient, the hook is lengthened, and a steel chain is used to strengthen the structure.
If there is no hook for the chandelier, the installation of a special platform is required, which is selected depending on the dimensions and weight of the lighting device. For a small lamp, you can use two glazing beads to secure the platform to. The selected lighting device is fixed on it. Chandelier big size will have significant weight, so the platform should have not two, but four supports. In any case, the base should not touch the stretched polyvinyl chloride sheet.
To directly install the chandelier, all steps must be performed in a certain order. So that the film does not tear or deform under weight lighting fixture, a number of preparatory measures are required. Firstly, they purchase special plastic rings that secure the edges of the hole for a lamp or chandelier. The ring is glued in the place where the base for the chandelier or hook is installed, and wait for the glue to dry. After this, use a stationery knife to cut out the fabric inside the ring and pull out the power supply wire.
Then the lighting fixture is connected to electricity and secured to the platform or hung on a hook. The mounting point is covered with a decorative overlay or a special cap, which most often comes complete with a chandelier or lamp.
When installing multiple spotlights It is also necessary to use protective plastic rings.
Security measures
Installing a film stretch ceiling requires the use of special equipment, so it is very important to follow safety precautions and understand how to properly install a stretch ceiling.
Heating with a heat gun occurs using gas from a cylinder. Such equipment is classified as explosive, so it is important to use only serviceable cylinders. After the expiration date, the use of the gun is strictly prohibited. To refill the cylinder, it is recommended to use the services of a specialized organization.
Before you start heating the air with a heat gun, you should check the hoses for any malfunctions. If a gas leak is detected, the equipment must be sent to a repair shop.
In the process of heating the air in the room, it is prohibited to direct the heat flow to the cylinder in order to avoid disastrous consequences. Subject to all operating rules gas equipment, the master can count on complete safety. Otherwise, you can not only damage the equipment, but also cause harm to human health.
Stretch ceilings with fabric fabric
Stretch ceiling structures based on fabric fabric are installed less frequently due to the characteristics of the material. However, every home craftsman should know how to properly install suspended ceilings.
Fabric sheets are a seamless material; their width can be about 5 meters. Thanks to this, installation of ceilings is possible in almost any room.
Works on installation of fabric suspended ceilings are performed without special equipment, so you can do everything yourself. Since ceiling installation does not require heating, the room temperature can be normal.
In general, the work is carried out by analogy with structures based on polyvinyl chloride. First, measurements are taken of the walls, then the level of the stretch ceiling is measured. Installation of a fabric ceiling continues with the fastening of profiles, and the most durable products should be purchased. The profile is secured with dubels or self-tapping screws, which allows the product to be more tightly fixed to the wall.
The tension of the fabric begins in the middle of one of the walls, then moves to the opposite wall and then fastens the fabric to the remaining walls. The result should be a kind of cross made of fabric. After this, they begin to stretch the material in the corners, while simultaneously tucking the fabric into the profile using a special spatula. If excess pieces of fabric are formed, they can be trimmed using a sharp knife. During installation, it is necessary to avoid the formation of folds on the canvas.
With a responsible approach to studying the technology for installing tension ceiling structures You can then carry out all installation processes yourself. Following the recommendations professional craftsmen How to install suspended ceilings, you can achieve high-quality results. Compliance with safety regulations will allow you to keep your property safe and not cause harm to your health.
Stretch ceilings are made of synthetic fabrics or polyvinyl chloride. They are attached in several ways, but general principle installation of such canvases is associated with their tension along the perimeter of the ceiling surface of the room.
general information
When conducting repair work no dust is generated, no debris. Wide choose color shades and textures allows you to create unique interior in the house. Although there are many materials, consumers often do matte ceiling white. It is great for bedroom and living room.
There are two options for fastening suspended ceilings:
- harpoon;
- harpoonless.
The first method involves installing a rigid PVC profile, shaped like a harpoon, around the perimeter of the room.
Harpoonless ceilings are installed in different ways - wedge or by fastening the sheet to a cord. The first option involves heating tension material and its fixation with a spacer profile. Installation using the cam method is possible.
Installation depends on consumer preferences. The canvases are divided into two types.
- PVC. This is the largest group. The material is very soft and does not contain cadmium.
- Polyester fabric. To ensure the required properties, it is impregnated with polyurethane.
Choose your material carefully. It is better not to save money, but to immediately buy high-quality products.
How to choose a stretch ceiling
First of all, the canvas must be durable. Pay attention to environmental friendliness, ask the seller for a product certificate. High quality material It is odorless, lightweight and durable. Products famous manufacturers safe for health.
PVC film is almost weightless and strong. It is thin, but can withstand great pressure and does not tear when stretched. The advantages of the material include the fact that it does not burn well and does not allow water to pass through.
It is worth mentioning separately the light absorption coefficient. For glossy ceilings it is 30%.
Surface reflects Sun rays, so the room seems higher than it actually is.
Designers use glossy materials to create spectacular interiors.
Matte ceilings practically do not reflect the sun's rays, the light absorption coefficient is 95%. They are perfect for classic interiors, bedrooms, offices and rooms where glossy surface inappropriate.
PVC film is painted in more than 100 shades. When it comes to texture, the choice of options is huge. It is possible to imitate the surface of wood and metal; embossed ceilings look beautiful.
Preparation for work
If you need to install the canvas yourself, carefully study the rules and process for installing tension structures. Since all the work is done on our own, then you will have to carry out the calculations yourself. Relevant design drawings will be required.
Pre-measure the length of the walls at their highest point using an electronic tape measure. When working with a regular ruler, invite an assistant to hold the ruler.
In order to avoid errors in measurements and not to complicate the process of completing the work, you need to know how to start installing tension structures in an apartment. A simple sheet of paper will make installation easier. Draw a floor plan on it indicating the openings.
The ceiling surface is leveled, measurements are taken in each corner of the room with a laser or water level.
To draw a straight line from one mark to another, you need to use ready-made upholstery thread.
First, it is applied, then pulled and released. As a result, a straight line will remain, allowing you to install the baguette.
Before stretching the fabric, prepare the room. Make sure that plaster and pieces do not fall onto the film from above. old whitewash. Open wiring secure it so that it does not come into contact with the film. The walls in the places where the baguette is fixed must ensure reliable fastening of the profile (tearing force of at least 50 kg).
Separately, it is worth taking care of the chandelier pendant if it is planned for the interior. The distance between the base of the ceiling and the fabric of the tension structure is approximately 5 cm, this is exactly how low the chandelier is hung.
The length of the installation wires must be sufficient to compensate for this distance, or they will have to be increased.
In the case when the design of the lamp involves its mounting on a hanging hook, you need to make sure that the length of the chandelier rod provides normal fixation or extend the lamp holder with a metal ring or an S-shaped extension.
If the lamp design includes a mounting strip that is fixed to the ceiling using self-tapping screws, the situation becomes more complicated. You will have to make a ceiling mount that lowers the level of fixation of the plank exactly to the stretch ceiling. For this purpose, the easiest way is to use a mortgage in the form wooden block, to which the bar is attached. Its thickness is equal to the distance from draft ceiling to the canvas or a little less, but not more, otherwise it will show through the film.
How to take all the measurements yourself
Work begins by finding the starting side - on the left wall from front door. To avoid confusion in the drawings, mark each corner with numbers. Then find the distances from the corner to the left of the door.
The length of the canvas is determined along the line connecting the wall with the ceiling. If you don’t want to climb, it can be measured at the middle or lower level, but this is inaccurate due to the unevenness of the walls. The difference sometimes reaches several centimeters. This determines the lengths of all sides. At the same time, you will need to measure the ceiling diagonally, that is, between the third and first, as well as between the second and fourth corners.
When using a glazing bead baguette, the film is taken with a reserve.
If you plan to install a tensioner PVC sheets with a harpoon, precise measurements of the ceiling will be required. Otherwise, there will be difficulties when pulling. When using a bead, the material is adjusted to size, but the size of the film with the harpoon does not change.
One of the disadvantages of the material is that removing and installing the film is a problematic type of work. This should be taken into account when choosing the installation method. To determine the number of meters of film, measure the perimeter of the room using the above method. Draw an outline to reinforce the baguette. First determine the lowest corner in the room, then step back from the ceiling to the required distance, making a mark on the wall with a pencil.
How to install a baguette yourself
Before installation, determine the contour that allows you to evenly tension the canvas using a laser or hydraulic level. The first tool is more accurate and easier to use.
From the lowest corner of the room, lower yourself to a distance of 3 cm from the ceiling. Place a laser level at this point to show the light streaks on the walls. They create the required contour, allowing the PVC stretch ceiling to be installed smoothly.
Baguettes are attached around the entire perimeter of the room using screws. For this purpose, every 30-40 cm in the walls you will need to drill holes with a hammer drill and insert plastic dowels. Before installation, you must carefully attach the baguettes to the walls, starting from the corners.
On the back side of the product, the baguette is cut in the center with a hacksaw. The front surface should not be touched to prevent cracks from appearing. The required angle is given by bending the material. You can use a miter box to wash it down, but you can’t do this without further adjustment. this work complicated and time-consuming. In any case, the choice is up to the master.
Using an electric drill, holes are made along the entire length at a distance of 0.1 m, with indentations from the corners of 0.08 m. For a plastic or aluminum baguette, you will need to use a metal drill. Then the product is applied to the wall, focusing on the line drawn previously. It must pass through ready-made holes drilled to the required depth.
Dowel nails are driven into these places, and screws are carefully screwed into them. After installing the baguette, the connections must be processed. Here you will need a sharp knife to cut off the edges of the product. On the front side, the baguette is connected with tape, which will protect the film from damage.
Methods of fastening the canvas
Correct installation requires adherence to a clear diagram. Stretching a PVC ceiling comes down to the fact that the fixed material is attached to baguettes. There are two types of methods for attaching a structure. The choice of a particular option depends on the material from which the film is made.
The harpoon method is only suitable for PVC sheets. The design of a stretch ceiling consists of two parts.
- Aluminum profile. An element installed on walls with a special groove.
- Harpoon. PVC polymer product equipped with a spike.
When installing suspended ceilings, install the profile tightly, and then insert the harpoon. When it clicks into place, the connection is secure.
The clip method involves the use of only one product, made of durable plastic that can withstand heavy loads. This option is used in installing fabric panels.
In the wedge fastening method, which is also called glazing bead, an aluminum baguette is used U-shaped. It is not difficult to install a suspended ceiling using this method, since it is mounted using a bead made of plastic or wood. This method is the simplest and most reliable.
Before installation, the canvas is unrolled and its edge is hung in one of the corners of the room. You don’t have to fix the film in a baguette, but use special tongs-clothespins that resemble the mouth of a crocodile, which is why they received this name from experts.
Continuing the installation, the corners of the canvas are hung along the perimeter of the walls on which the baguette is fixed. You should start fastening from the center. This leads to the formation of a kind of tent. Next, the edges of the canvas are inserted into the baguettes, simultaneously heating it. Lastly, skirting boards are installed to cover the joints between the walls and the ceiling structure.
Before correct installation tension fabric, it should be taken into account important point. It consists of constant compliance temperature regime, a slight deviation from which leads to a violation of the installation technology.
As the canvas cools, it begins to stretch. Installation of film on the ceiling should only be trusted to professionals.
In the place where the chandelier is supposed to be located, special glue attach the thermal ring. Then inside sharp knife the film is cut out. Next, they move on to installing the overhead chandelier. You will need to leave a small gap between the wall and the tension fabric for the ceiling plinth.
In this article I will present detailed step-by-step instructions for installing a stretch ceiling with a harpoon fastening system.
The ceiling has the shape of a rectangle with sides of 2.0 x 5.3 m and its installation is quite simple and straightforward.
Required tool:
- Laser level;
- Painting (beating) cord;
- Hammer;
- Screwdriver;
- A hacksaw or angle grinder with an abrasive wheel;
- Heat gun;
- Special spatulas.
Thermal gas gun for heating the stretch ceiling fabric
Materials:
- Custom ceiling fabric;
- Special profile – baguette;
- Fasteners (screws and dowels);
- Punched tape;
- Chandelier base;
- Ring;
- Super glue.
1st stage. Applying markings along the perimeter of the ceiling
At this stage, we need to decide how much the suspended ceiling will be lowered. The following principles should be followed:- The suspended ceiling must be at least 10 mm lower than protruding obstacles. These obstacles will be: distribution (socket) boxes, platforms for lighting fixtures;
- It is also worth considering that when installing the ceiling, a special profile is used - a baguette, which must be securely fastened along the entire perimeter of the site, that is, you need to evaluate the possibility and convenience of installing the baguette;
- In rooms with small wall heights, every centimeter is precious, so you need to “lower” the ceiling very carefully, otherwise the new stretch ceiling will simply “press” and cause discomfort. Therefore in small spaces it makes sense to use glossy stretch ceilings for...
When we have decided on the height of the ceiling, it is necessary, using a laser level and a painting cord, to draw a line along the entire perimeter of the area.
Applying markings using a tapping cord
2nd stage. Installation of baguette
There are several types of baguette, in this case I used a PVC baguette. During installation, we align the bottom of the baguette along the line obtained in the previous step.
Installation of baguette around the perimeter of the ceiling
The following rules should be followed:
- The baguette must be securely fastened; it is advisable to twist the screws into all the holes in the profile;
- The joint of adjacent baguette slats should be smooth, without differences.
To avoid damage to the tension fabric during installation, it is advisable to glue the joints of the baguette with tape
Also, when installing a PVC baguette, the question arises - which side should the profile be adjacent to the wall? You need to mount the baguette as shown in the figure below:
Installation of baguette in corners
In my case, the installation area has four internal corners, so the baguette is cut as shown in the photo below:
Installation of baguette - inner corner
That is, in the corner of the room the baguette is not completely cut off, but cut from the back side in order to be able to carefully bend it.
A small digression. If our ceiling were complex shape and had outside corner, as in the figure above, then the baguette is mounted on the outer corner in the following way:
Cut out part of the plank from inside baguette, and then fold it over:
Fastening the baguette
In my case, on both sides the baguette is attached to concrete wall, and two more to the step made of plasterboard and profiles (diagram below):
When attaching to a concrete wall, we use a hammer drill, a screwdriver, screws and dowels.
The question immediately arises - what fasteners to choose for a baguette? I can recommend a universal and inexpensive solution: a polypropylene dowel 6x40 mm + black wood screw 3.5x45 mm.
fasteners for baguette (dowel 6x40 mm and self-tapping screw 3.5x45 mm)
The technology is simple: using a hammer drill (we use a ⌀6 mm drill) we drill a hole in the wall directly through the hole in the profile (baguette), then install a plastic dowel and screw a self-tapping screw into it with a screwdriver.
In the place where I have mounted a gypsum plasterboard step, I previously laid metallic profile as shown in the photo below:
Additional metal profile in gypsum plasterboard steps
To attach the baguette to the gypsum plasterboard step we use a screwdriver and metal screws about 30 mm long.
When attaching a baguette to a gypsum plasterboard structure, it is very important to provide embedded parts or use special fasteners.
In general, in installation ceiling molding there is nothing complicated. You can move on to the next step.
Stage 3. Installation of a platform under a chandelier
In this case, we need to install only one platform under the chandelier. To connect the platform to the ceiling we use metal punched tape. As you can see in the photo, I used four pieces of punched paper tape that needed to be bent several times. This design allows you to adjust the position of the platform in height.
Instead of punched paper tape, you can use hangers, which are used when installing gypsum plasterboard ceilings.
Stage 4. Installation of the canvas
Now you can begin installing the stretch ceiling itself. To do this, we install in each of the four corners of our site special clamp- crocodile.
Turn on the heat gun and start heating the canvas. Doors and windows in the room must be closed. When the canvas warms up, we begin installation.
The essence of installing a stretch ceiling is to insert the harpoon of the panel into the groove of the baguette. For this operation we use special spatulas (some call them spatulas).
Spatulas (shovels) for installing stretch ceilings
We insert the blade into the groove of the harpoon, and then insert the harpoon into the groove of the profile until it stops.
Harpoon system for fastening a stretch ceiling
Subsequence
First, we place the corners of the canvas one by one into the groove. And then the sides. In this case, it will be more convenient to divide the side in half and insert the middle into the groove first, then perform similar actions with opposite side. As a result, the side of the canvas will be divided into two sections; we again look for the middle and place it in the groove. Having secured the main points, you can sequentially perform installation around the perimeter of the ceiling:
First we fix the corners of the canvas
Then we fix the middle of the sides
Stage 5. Final
1) Decorative tape
On final stage we need to install a special decorative tape around the perimeter of the ceiling. This process is quite simple, the only thing that can cause difficulty is trimming the tape in the corners. Pruning must be done carefully at an angle of 45 degrees. It is advisable to coat the joints of the decorative tape with sealant.
2) Lighting
We need to find the place where we installed the embed for the chandelier:
Then, using super glue, we attach a special plastic ring directly to the canvas:
We check that the ring is securely glued. Using a utility knife, cut out the fabric inside the ring and take out the electrical cable:
Photo of the installed stretch ceiling:
In an apartment or private house there will be good decision finishing the ceiling with stretch fabrics. This will help hide the unevenness of the base, hide various unseemly communications (electrical wires, hood, etc.) under the material. Stretch ceilings have many advantages. Distinguish great amount their colors and textures. This finish will harmoniously fit into almost any type of interior.
Installation organizations carry out the installation of canvases quite expensively. If you want to save money on your family budget, if you have enough free time, you can do all the steps yourself. How to install suspended ceilings will be discussed in detail in the article.
Material selection
There are two main varieties stretch ceilings. How to install presented designs directly depends on their features and characteristics. There are fabric ceilings and PVC film trim. The choice depends on the type of room, as well as the preferences of the home owners.
Fabric ceilings made from polyester material. It is impregnated with polyurethane to give it the necessary durability and wear resistance. Almost any pattern can be applied to the surface of the canvas. It can be one color, pattern or even a painting. Fabric ceilings due to features performance characteristics installed in the living room, bedroom, children's room or office.
PVC film has a glossy surface. It gives the room solemnity and beauty. This fabric does not allow moisture to pass through and is not afraid of splashes. The film can be installed in the bathroom, kitchen and other rooms. Cheap varieties of the material can emit an unpleasant chemical odor. This is harmful to health. It is highly not recommended to install such canvases in a bedroom or nursery.
Interested in Is it possible to install suspended ceilings?, the technology for carrying out this process should be considered. The installation of film and fabric has a number of differences. Before starting work, you need to find out about this in detail.
Installation methods
Learning how install a suspended ceiling in the bathroom, in the kitchen, bedroom or living room, you need to familiarize yourself with the existing techniques for carrying out this process.
The PVC film is mounted on the base using glazing beads or special wedges. The harpoon method can also be used in this case. It is considered a rather complex but reliable method. The fact is that there are no canvases with welded harpoons on sale. They will need to be attached to the film using special equipment. This procedure is carried out by specialized organizations. The processing price is quite high. This is due to the use of sophisticated high-tech equipment.
Most often when self-installation beads or wedges are used. When installing, a special rigid baguette is installed around the perimeter of the room. It has a certain type of profile. The bead involves the use of special additional fasteners. The fabric is put into a baguette. It is fixed with a bead inside the structure.
There are also clip clamps. First, the film is placed inside the profile. Then it is closed. The baguette securely holds the material inside. There are many in various ways fixing the stretch ceiling in the profile.
Fabric ceilings are easier to install yourself. In this case, a frame is also mounted around the perimeter of the base. The canvas is clamped in it. The difference lies in the method of tensioning the material.
Preparatory stage
Studying the technology how to install a suspended ceiling with your own hands, needs to be considered detailed instructions this process. First, you will need to carry out a number of preparatory work.
All furniture is removed from the room. If necessary, the walls are puttied, finishing Finishing work. It is also necessary to prepare the base of the ceiling itself. There should be no old whitewash or paint left on it. If the material begins to crumble, it will ruin the appearance of the stretched fabric.
The seams between the plates should also be coated with putty. The walls must be smooth. This will greatly facilitate the process of installing profiles. You should also install all communications in advance and install wires for the chandelier or spotlights. You can hide it under the canvas ventilation duct. How to install a spotlight in a suspended ceiling? WITH There are specific instructions.
If you plan to install a chandelier in a room, you need to prepare a base for it. You can lengthen an existing hook by reinforcing it with an additional metal chain. You can also build a special base. It should not reach the surface of the canvas by a few centimeters.
Required Tools
To install a suspended ceiling in a room, bathroom or kitchen, you should prepare everything necessary equipment. Every home craftsman has some on hand. Some equipment will most likely need to be purchased.
First of all, for installation you need to prepare a screwdriver and a hammer drill. You will also need a tape measure and a building level. You need to install the canvas into the profile using special blades. You will need to purchase a set of them. You will need straight and angled blades.
You should also choose a certain type of fabric for the stretch ceiling. At the same time, the operating conditions of the finish are taken into account. After this, profiles are selected. They can be plastic or aluminum.
Various additional components can be selected. They are presented in the form of multi-colored inserts. Also, if necessary, purchase clamps and accessories for installing lighting fixtures (glue, plastic rings).
If PVC film will be stretched, you should purchase a special heat gun or a hair dryer. This equipment will allow you to properly mount the canvas.
Profile installation
Having chosen what kind of suspended ceiling to install indoors, picking up everything necessary materials and tools, you should consider the procedure and stages of the installation itself. First you will need to correctly mark the walls. To do this, the height of the walls is measured in all four corners of the room.
After measurements, appropriate marks are applied to the surface. The difference in height can be about 5 cm or even more in some apartments. Having determined the shortest distance from floor to ceiling, it is necessary to subtract from the obtained result the space that will be allocated for ceiling communications. If a chandelier will be installed in the room, you need to take into account the height of the platform for its mounting.
After the calculations have been made, a line is drawn on the walls in the room using a laser level. The profile will be set using it. This mark should be perfectly level.
After this, you need to familiarize yourself with the technology how to install a cornice on a suspended ceiling. The profile is installed along the intended line using dowels or self-tapping screws. The pitch between fasteners should be 7 cm. To simplify installation, you can first glue the profile to the wall. This way it won't move.
Installation of film ceiling
Many novice installers ask How long does it take to install suspended ceilings? It should be noted that the duration of this process depends on many factors. Professionals do all the work in one day. A beginner master will need more time.
Installation begins from the base angle. Clothes clips should be installed. They are mounted in the corners of the room. First, one edge of the canvas is secured. Next, the opposite corner is fixed with a clothespin. Then all edges of the canvas should be secured with clothespins.
After this, you need to direct a stream of hot air (at least 70 ºС) onto the canvas. Then the corners of the canvas are fixed in the profile one by one using a spatula. The clothespins are removed. All edges of the film are attached to the profile.
The procedure ends with installation plastic baguette along the perimeter of the room. This decorative element can be selected in specialized construction stores.
Chandelier for plastic canvas
It is important to consider how to install a chandelier on a suspended ceiling. There are several options for carrying out this process. Even before installing the canvas into baguettes, it is necessary to prepare a platform for the lighting fixture.
If the ceiling already has a hook for the chandelier, it will need to be extended. In this case, the distance from the canvas to the base of the ceiling is taken into account. The hook will need to be strengthened. For this, steel chains are used.
If there is no hook at the base of the ceiling, a special platform should be prepared. In this case, the weight of the lighting device is taken into account. If this is a small, light chandelier, you can make two glazing beads on which the platform will be attached. A lighting device will be mounted to it.
It may be necessary to consider technology to how to install a chandelier on a suspended ceiling, which weighs quite a lot. In this case, the platform should be installed not on two, but on four supports. The platform should not reach a few centimeters from the surface of the canvas.
Chandelier installation
To install a chandelier on a plastic stretch ceiling, you need to perform a number of manipulations. It should be noted that the film can be deformed and torn under the weight of the lighting device. To prevent this from happening, when installing a PVC sheet, you will need to perform a few simple steps.
You need to purchase special protective rings made of plastic. They will prevent the destruction of the material at the installation site of the chandelier. How to install lamps in a suspended ceiling? WITH There is a certain technique.
The retaining ring must be glued to the film in the place where the mounting platform or hook is installed under the canvas. You need to wait. When the glue has dried, cut out the center of the ring using a stationery knife. round hole. An electric wire is pulled through it.
The chandelier is connected to the electrical network. Next, it is attached to the prepared platform or hung on a hook. A decorative cap covers the installation site. If desired, you can create a system of spotlights. In this case, protective rings are also used.
Safety regulations
To install a suspended ceiling in the kitchen, in the bathroom or other rooms, you will need to use special equipment. When carrying out such work, all safety rules must be observed.
A heat gun heats the air using gas. This is explosive equipment. The cylinder must be in good condition. If its service life has expired, the gun cannot be used.
If you need to refill the cylinder, you should contact a special organization. You cannot perform such actions at a gas station.
Before starting work, it is necessary to check whether the hose is intact and whether there is any visible damage to the equipment. If a gas leak is detected, the unit will need to be sent in for repair.
The heat gun creates high heat. Directing a stream of hot air onto the cylinder is strictly prohibited. Strict adherence to the rules for operating gas equipment guarantees the safety of the operator. If you ignore the recommendations of the equipment manufacturer, you can cause significant damage to the property and health of the technician.
Fabric ceiling
Having studied the technology of installing vinyl sheets, you should pay attention to the technology of fabric. Such products have no seams. Their width can reach 5 m. This allows you to install seamless fabrics in almost any room.
Fabric stretch ceilings are easier to install with your own hands. In this case, you will not need to use a heating gun. The room should be at normal temperature. This type of installation also requires pre-installation of profiles. It is necessary to give preference to durable structures.
Installation of profiles is carried out using the same technology as in the case of a ceiling made of PVC film. First, markings are made, and then using dowels or self-tapping screws, the guides are tightly attached to the wall.
You should start stretching the fabric sheet not from the corners, but from the middle of the wall. First, a kind of cross is formed from the material. The remaining pieces are stretched from the center to the corners of the room. In this case, special blades are also used. Excess material is cut off with a sharp knife. Installation should be carried out so that no folds form on the canvas.
Having considered how to install suspended ceilings different types, you can complete the whole process yourself. By following the recommendations of specialists, you can achieve high quality finishing. When working, be sure to follow existing rules security. Installation of fabric sheeting for beginners is easier than PVC film.
The article provides step-by-step instruction for the preparation and installation of stretch ceilings. You will learn how to correctly mark a room and install a profile, warm up and mount the ceiling sheet. The article will tell you what they are preparatory work and how to install lamps.
In order to install a suspended ceiling with your own hands, you will need the following tools:
- Control and measuring equipment: tape measure, square.
- Marking: marker, paint cord, level (preferably laser).
- Manual: plastic spatula, knife.
- Power tools - hammer drill, screwdriver.
- Special: heat gun.
Installing any ceiling is a job at height. Provide in advance a way for convenient access to the work surface - trestles, scaffolding, ladder.
The canvas comes in several installation options - cold, hot and with heating at the end. In our case, we chose a material that allows for installation with heating (hot installation). Ceilings are installed in several rooms at once, which allows you to consider various options surface preparation.
Marking
The ceiling level must be determined in advance, according to the project. The horizon must be marked at the level of the front surface of the canvas. The perimeter mounting profile will run along this line.
Preparation
The walls must be smooth and reliable - a flexible profile will follow irregularities, depressions, and defects. If the ceiling is wooden, and the floor above it is residential, you should stuff a membrane, fiberglass or polyethylene onto the rough boards. Floors that are not in use may not be insulated.
Profile installation
The profile is being installed in the usual way- using self-tapping screws or dowels according to the markings. Before installing the profile, all work on preparing the walls and strengthening them at the installation site must be completed.
It’s better when the finishing goes into the ceiling niche than when it doesn’t. It is highly undesirable to leave any work other than painting and wallpapering after installation - there is a risk of accidentally damaging the canvas. The seams of the tiles must be sealed.
How to go around corners with a profile
To avoid the formation of sharp edges of the profile when going around internal and external corners, it is better to do corner trimming as follows:
- Use a hacksaw to cut the strip that will be adjacent to the wall.
- Bend the profile into the desired shape, press and install the fasteners.
- Thus, the angle will be even, smooth and safe for the canvas.
How to install intermediate profiles
The mating planes can also be covered with fabric, but for this you will need to mount a suspended (without fastening to the wall) independent base, on which a special mating profile will be installed.
The intersection point of the planes is determined in advance and locally. Then, from the intersection points on opposite walls, you need to pull the cord and install the base along it.
The intermediate profile installed on the base must exactly coincide in level with the wall one.
In this way you can frame* rather complex multi-stage areas.
* A profile for attaching a stretch ceiling is sometimes called a “baguette” and in this regard, from craftsmen you can hear the term “baguette” - this means “to tie”, “to frame with a profile”, “to install a profile”.
Installation of lamps
Lighting devices are selected in advance, and the mounting base is installed before the canvas is stretched.
Attention! Thermal power luminaires should not exceed the equivalent of an incandescent lamp of 40 watts. Incandescent lamps themselves are prohibited (or highly discouraged) by fabric manufacturers due to the risk of deformation of the stretched ceiling.
Choose standard LED lights. When installing built-in lighting devices, only one rule should be followed: the reverse (not front) plane of the decorative overlay must coincide with the plane of the canvas.
Along with the installation of lighting points, electrical networks are installed.
Attention! All wires must be laid in corrugation.
All preparatory work is completed - sound insulation sewer pipes, sealing cracks with foam, sealing seams, etc.
Installation of platforms for pendant lamps and chandeliers
Platform for chandeliers and more attachments should be installed on 4 U-shaped hangers or pieces of mounting tape. In this case, they should be located at an angle to it. The platform itself can be made of plywood, wood or chipboard.
The main requirement is that it must be located according to plan and be exactly in the plane of the ceiling, or at the required height if the working part of the device is hidden (alignment during installation).
Fabric stretching
The canvas for “hot” installation has exact dimensions, taken from the room in advance and embedded in the material during manufacturing. The room in which the work is being carried out should be preheated with a heat gun to +30...35 ° C, while drafts should be blocked.
Installation is carried out in three stages.
Stretching
The canvas is hung at the corners on temporary fastenings - “crocodiles” or simply ropes.
This is necessary in order to warm it up in a hanging position - folded or lying on the floor it warms up unevenly. After hanging, the heat gun comes into play. Hot air should heat the entire canvas evenly.
Attention! Do not overheat the canvas! It may become permanently deformed. The canvas, ready for installation, feels between warm and hot to the touch, but does not burn your hands.
The canvas, ready for fitting, looks like this:
Fitting
After general warming up, you can begin point stretching. To do this, any corner area of 2x2 m is intensively heated. Then the canvas is inserted into the profile with a plastic spatula.
The opposite corners are tightened first. The areas before this also warm up intensely.
Then you should tuck the canvas into the profile in uniform increments of 200-300 mm.
Final refueling
Fold all remaining sections into the profile.
Installation of small sections of inclined planes is carried out in the same sequence. The difference is that they don't have to be heated as much as larger ones - they stretch more easily.
The final look of the finished stretch ceilings:
The cost of a “hot” ceiling starts from 5 USD. e./m2 for material and 7 cu. e./m2 for work. Moreover, the price greatly depends on the complexity of the design and the manufacturer of the canvas (they come in different qualities). “Cold-installed” ceilings are much easier to work with - they do not need to be heated with a heat gun and can be installed by a home craftsman alone.