DIY stretch ceiling step by step. Installing suspended ceilings on your own: detailed step-by-step instructions. Stretch ceiling lighting
Is it possible to install suspended ceilings with your own hands?
This question arises for many people, because nowadays most of them try to carry out repairs in apartments on their own.
Some people just want to save money this way, others like to see the results of their work.
The installation of suspended ceilings is one of the modern and widespread methods of ceiling finishing, due to the speed of the installation process and the design.
Painting the surface of a wall or re-pasting wallpaper is a simple process, but how to make a suspended ceiling yourself is worth thinking about.
Where to begin?
Before you start installing suspended ceilings with your own hands, you need to complete several steps:
- take measurements from the ceiling surface;
- install the mounting profile;
- prepare stands for lamps;
- install stretch ceiling film;
- install lamps.
You will also need the following tools to complete the job:
- perforator;
- stepladder or sawhorses;
- putty knife;
- heat gun (for heating the canvas and the room);
- level;
- anchor;
- dowels;
- assembly adhesive;
- hammer;
- screwdriver;
- construction stapler;
- knife with spare blades.
Having prepared these tools, you need to purchase the following consumables:
- baguette - these are plastic or aluminum profiles on which the tension fabric will be attached;
- wooden blocks;
- film or fabric material;
- screws or dowels;
- soundproofing materials for ceiling surfaces.
The latter materials are needed if noisy neighbors live above you.
Such slabs will protect you from noise and insulate your room, since this type of finish is not endowed with soundproofing qualities.
Aluminum baguette is stronger and more durable, while plastic baguette is cheaper.
Therefore, the choice of the type of baguette will be yours.
The size of the profiles depends on the total length of the room in which the suspended ceiling will be installed independently.
What is the perimeter of the room - this is the length you should buy a baguette, but it is still better to take it with a reserve.
The number of bars is calculated in the same way as for a baguette.
Buy more self-tapping screws and dowels than normal, because the better the profile is attached, the stronger the entire structure will be.
Which material to choose?
Tension covering exists in two types:
- made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is fastened using a glazing bead, harpoon or wedge method;
- fabric (made of polystyrene), it is attached using the cam method.
Installing a PVC tension fabric yourself is a rather complicated process, unless, of course, you have special skills.
If the installation technology is violated, the ceiling surface may end up with folds, and even worse, it will need to be thrown away.
It is easier to install a fabric stretch ceiling with your own hands.
Calico is better suited for the material, as this material is dense and durable.
To know how much fabric to buy, you need to take measurements of the ceiling.
You choose for yourself which method and what base you will mount the ceiling with your own hands.
Installation and dismantling of fabric ceiling
As mentioned above, the work begins with the fact that you need to correctly measure the ceiling surface.
This includes the length, width, and height of the room.
Measure using a tape measure.
In order not to climb on a stepladder, you can measure the floor of the room, because it has the same indicators as the ceiling surface.
The correct measurement of the canvas plays an important role, because if you do it incorrectly, you can damage the entire structure.
The installation of this type of ceiling begins with fastening the bars to the walls along the entire length.
To do this, in advance, you need, using a level, to draw a horizontal line on the walls in order to evenly and correctly fix the bars along it.
The line should be drawn 50 mm below the ceiling surface.
The fabric covering involves making a hole in the suspended ceiling for anchors.
To do this, marks are made on the bars with a marker.
Afterwards, a certain number of holes for anchors are drilled in them.
Then, each of these wooden plinths is applied to the demarcated line and marks are made on the wall through the drilled slots.
Using these marks, holes are made in the wall.
After all, the bars themselves are attached.
Unlike a vinyl stretch ceiling, which has all four sides attached at once, you need to secure the material on one side.
Apply assembly adhesive to the bars and secure the canvas with a stapler.
You should start from the center and, stretching the fabric equally, move to the edges.
As a result, the entire fabric will be attached to one wall.
You will need help to properly attach it to the other side.
From time to time it becomes necessary to dismantle a stretch ceiling with your own hands.
The reasons for this can be very varied: you need to replace wiring or pipes, or restore damaged communications that are located under the ceiling surface.
Removing such a ceiling with your own hands is done in the reverse order of installation.
First, carefully bend the profile with a spatula, then use a screwdriver to pull out the glazing bead.
The main thing is not to spoil the canvas and baguette itself.
Most often, this covering must be removed with your own hands to drain the water that has entered through the ceiling.
Sometimes it is enough to remove the lamps and drain the water through the holes.
This is what do-it-yourself stretch ceiling repair consists of.
Installation of a ceiling in two tiers
You can also install multi-level stretch ceilings yourself.
You ask, how to make a two-level stretch ceiling?
This procedure occurs in the following sequence.
First you need to take measurements and draw a drawing of the ceiling surface.
How to measure a stretch ceiling in this case? Multi-level ceilings have a slightly different measurement scheme than single-level ceilings.
The measurement of a two-level ceiling differs from a single-level one.
Here you will need to mark the boundaries of the first and second ceiling levels.
They begin to assemble multi-level stretch ceilings from the box itself.
Before you install a two-level tension covering yourself, you should attach a baguette profile to the walls that will hold the canvas.
Then, with the help of corner hangers, this panel is stretched.
To do this, turn on the heat gun (70ºС).
The heated canvas is secured into profiles using spatulas.
At the final stage, you need to make a hole in the stretch ceiling for the lamps.
At this point, the installation of a stretch ceiling in two tiers will be completed. Thus, multi-level ceilings can be done with your own hands, following the instructions.
It is possible to install a stretch ceiling yourself, but it is still better to turn to specialists if multi-level structures are your choice.
They will help you take properly qualified measurements and advise you in the installation of this type of coating.
The article tells you how to create multi-level or single-level stretch ceilings with your own hands without the help of specialists.
Do-it-yourself suspended ceilings, video tutorials will help you correctly complete all stages of the work. The canvas is a fabric with a polyester base or PVC. It is attached to the ceiling to special profiles. Despite the apparent simplicity of the ceiling, the technology for performing the work has its own difficulties and features.
Video lessons contain the necessary minimum knowledge to perform independent installation. It is equally important to understand the characteristics of the materials and tools used.
Modern stretch ceilings, while beautiful, have high performance properties. They are perceived organically in large rooms. For small rooms it is better to choose a matte ceiling surface.
Why stretch ceiling
The advantages of a stretch ceiling are as follows:
- Achieving a perfectly flat surface. Elimination of surface irregularities and defects is included in the installation technology. The fabric used is solid, the soldering points are invisible. You can use seamless fabric.
- A simple technology for finishing the ceiling, which does not require vacating the room and removing construction waste. It is enough to warm the room and fix the material.
- Long service life. Stretch ceilings last for more than years if the rules of use are followed.
- Increased functionality: it’s easy to hide sound insulation, wiring and install any lighting fixture.
- Moisture resistance. The canvas can withstand a lot of weight and can protect the apartment from flooding.
The listed qualities are confirmed by numerous reviews. Those who do the installation themselves write about simple and understandable technology.
Equipment
Installation equipment and components must be prepared in advance. This will greatly speed up and simplify installation. To secure the tension fabric you will need the following tools:
- ladder;
- perforator;
- thermal cushion for heating the canvas;
- gas bolon;
- level (preferably laser);
- hammer and screwdrivers;
- special knife with replaceable blades.
Necessary materials:
- Canvas. It is mounted at a short distance from the ceiling. The type of canvas (film or fabric) is chosen based on personal preferences. The amount of canvas will determine the area of the ceiling.
- Baguette. Special metal or plastic profile. Plastic is cheaper, and aluminum is durable. A baguette is needed to secure the canvas. The required quantity is determined along the perimeter of the ceiling.
- Dowels and screws. They are purchased with a reserve, since the strength of the structure depends on the frequency of fastening.
- Soundproofing if necessary. Materials are placed in the gap between the suspended ceiling and the ceiling slab.
Types of stretch ceiling
To make the right choice, you should understand the types and features of canvases for stretch ceilings:
- Fabric based- made of polystyrene, and the cam method is used for fastening.
- PVC fabric- made of polyvinyl chloride. This type of fabric is fastened in various ways: wedge, glazing bead and harpoon.
In addition to differences in material, canvases are available in a wide range of colors and price ranges. These parameters are determined based on planned costs and personal preferences.
Stretch ceilings can have several levels. Multi-level structures are created using profiles and drywall, creating a frame.
Self-installation of a stretch ceiling
The surface of the ceiling slab is not ideal - there are many cracks and differences. To properly fasten the profile, make markings using one of the following methods:
- Measure the height of the corners and leave marks. Sometimes the difference reaches more than 5 cm. The marking should take into account the gap between the slab and the canvas - at least 3 cm.
The distance should be increased if spotlights are used. They should fit there.
- Draw a straight line around the perimeter of the room. The profile is attached to the marks.
Marking is an important step, as it affects the entire structure.
Profile fastening
After marking, you can attach the baguettes to the walls using dowels and self-tapping screws. The minimum distance between them is 8 cm. Initially, attach the baguette near the walls.
The first self-tapping screw should not be at the edge of the profile.
Now is the time to think about lighting. If a chandelier is purchased, then the profile is fixed taking into account its dimensions. After installation, the profile sheet cannot be secured.
Installation of the canvas
Before installation of the canvas, the room is heated to 40 degrees. A heat gun will help achieve the required temperature.
If installing a stretch ceiling yourself does not involve further work in this area, then it will be more economical to rent a heat gun.
Installation occurs in stages:
- The canvas is carefully unpacked. Hands must be clean, as it gets dirty easily and quickly.
- The canvas is heated and secured in one of the corners.
- Using “crocodiles”, opposite corners are fixed, having previously secured it.
- Fix it in the remaining corners and warm the ceiling well. The instructions for each canvas indicate the angle from which work should begin.
- Constantly heating the canvas, remove one of the clamps in the corner. It is inserted into the baguette with the side with the angled spatula. When securing the rest of the part, you need to hold the beginning. This is necessary until it is secured to the lock on both sides. The remaining corners are secured in the same way.
- Straight sections are secured. If there is a seam, several locks are used. Next, a gap is maintained and a pair of locks is used again.
- The remaining sections are being installed.
When folds form, straighten the fabric, making sure to heat it.
- Hang lamps and cut holes for them.
For a complete understanding, you should watch the video lessons, starting from the first stage.
The fabric sheet is mounted in the same way. The only difference is that you don’t need to heat it up.
A stretch ceiling can radically change a room with minimal investment of money and time. A lot of advantages explain its popularity. Self-installation of the tension fabric is simple and quick if you have mastered the technology.
Photo
A thin sheet of suspended ceilings is attached to a baguette installed around the entire perimeter of the ceiling in the room. Installation of a baguette does not require special preparation of the ceiling surface. It is cleaned with a brush in areas where whitewash may spill.
The stretch ceiling is attached to a baguette installed around the entire perimeter of the ceiling in the room.
A few words about stretch fabrics
The modern market offers a huge selection of canvases for installation on the ceiling, for example, glossy and matte, satin and suede, metallic and marble, translucent and glitter, fantasy and modern, exclusive and golden sparkles, chameleon and many others.
Corrugated, plain, colored, smooth stretch ceilings allow you to create complex architectural compositions of ceiling structures, that is, make a multi-level stretch ceiling with your own hands. The fabric for tension fabric structures is manufactured at factories in France according to individual orders. Tension fabrics are made of vinyl.
The canvases are created in separate strips, the width of which is 1.6-2 m.
Tools for installing a stretch ceiling.
The strips must be soldered together. The use of a tension structure allows you to save money most effectively, since otherwise you would have to make constant repairs. The warranty on tension fabrics, which is given by manufacturing companies, is about 10 years.
The canvas will not allow water to pass through even if the top floor is flooded, since 1 m of ceiling surface area can hold up to 100 kg of water. The ceiling canvas does not accumulate static electricity and does not collect dust. The stretch fabric does not burn, but only melts without releasing toxic substances or an unpleasant odor. In general, the canvas is sterile.
The design of suspended ceiling structures can sometimes combine stretched fabrics simultaneously with plasterboard; it is carried out by a specialist in this field. The design of ceiling structures sometimes involves installing them at the same time as installing a suspended plasterboard structure to the ceiling. It is beneficial to use this combination.
Ceiling repairs and installation of canvas are sometimes done independently. The correct use of all tools and materials will preserve the new ceiling structure for a long time, therefore, there will be no need for frequent repairs.
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Features of the technology for installing tension fabrics
The cornice for a stretch ceiling is attached to the beam using rings.
First, you should familiarize yourself with the technology of installing suspended ceilings. The implementation of all actions will require the use of special tools and an understanding of the basic technological aspects of the installation.
Correct installation of ceilings involves installing moldings on the walls. Next, you need to determine all the places where the lamps are located in order to pre-install special holes for them. Then the material should be unfolded and the corners fastened. Making a suspended ceiling with your own hands will allow you to use a heat gun, which is necessary to heat the canvas. The film is fixed when it becomes more pliable. When the ceiling has completely cooled down, it can be considered to have a finished shape.
Suspended and tensioned design options for repairing ceilings have their own advantages and disadvantages, which are associated with installation technology. It will take 3-5 working hours for two experienced craftsmen to install a suspended ceiling. To make a two-level suspended ceiling with plasterboard, you will need 2-3 work shifts.
The beginning of the installation of a stretch ceiling with the installation of baguettes
Baguette installation diagram.
The first stage of developing the installation of a ceiling structure involves marking, which is carried out using a level, which can be laser or hydraulic. If the stretch ceiling is two-level, then the markings are made at two levels: for the profile for plasterboard and the baguette for the tension fabric.
To get the exact perimeter of the ceiling surface, it is better to use a tapping cord, which can be used to outline even strips that allow you to install baguettes that hold the tension fabric. Installing moldings is a labor-intensive job. Usually baguettes are a profile made of plastic or aluminum. If the ceiling is flat, it is better to give preference to an aluminum baguette, and if there is a curvature in the ceiling, then a plastic baguette is more often used.
How to properly install tension fabrics with your own hands
Technology for installing suspended ceilings.
Baguettes are usually not equipped with special holes for the purpose of their installation; this can be done with your own hands using a drill and a drill bit (6 mm). Experienced craftsmen use a special hole punch that allows them to quickly make all the holes. Holes must be arranged every 15-20 cm, which depends on the material used to make the walls. If you need to install a suspended ceiling to plasterboard, then you need to drill more holes.
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This is not all, as it is necessary that the corner turns be formed, since each of the corners may bear the greatest load. The cut edges must be thoroughly processed to remove all burrs that could destroy the film.
Usually they start strengthening baguettes from the corners, when at first it is necessary to strengthen the curved profile, and then all the others. When installing suspended ceilings into solid walls, plastic dowels with a diameter of 6 mm are useful. When installing sheets into plasterboard, without laying behind the profile material, turntables are used. If you need to lay an iron profile, then the baguettes are screwed with ordinary metal screws.
The connections of each profile are one of the problem areas, since during the installation process you can accidentally catch on the canvas and break it. Tape is usually used to protect all connections. It should be made of thick foil. The joints with the film at the points of contact are sealed with tape. It is usually better to cover the profile with foil tape on the outside and inside of the grooves into which the film must be tucked.
Stages of installing ceilings with your own hands
Scheme of the stages of installation of a stretch ceiling.
The installation tools are fairly simple, except for a heat gun or heat gun that you can rent. You will need a spatula, the stainless steel from which it is made should be as thick as possible without sharp ends, you will need 4 clamps resembling clothespins.
Next, you can unpack the new canvas. Having straightened it, they begin to hang the canvas from the previously installed baguettes at 4 corners with clothespins. You need to tie small ropes that can be used to secure the canvas in each corner of the room. A small rope is passed between the wall and the profile, starting from the corner of the room.
Next, you should turn on the heat gun, which is installed under the tension fabric. With the windows and doors tightly closed, the entire room needs to be warmed up well. It will be very hot, but after some time the heated film of the stretch fabric will lose all wrinkles and folds, becoming more flexible. Only after the warm-up stage do they begin work.
