Do-it-yourself installation of suspended ceilings. Stretch ceilings: how to choose and install them yourself. Sequence of installation work
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An uneven and poorly finished ceiling can spoil the impression of even impeccable wall and floor repairs. Installing a stretch ceiling is an ideal solution for most city apartments. The structures look impressive and will protect against water leakage from top floor, and will also hide any defects and irregularities. If you are looking for detailed instructions for installing a stretch ceiling with your own hands, then this article is for you.
Before you begin installing the ceiling, Prepare the following tools:
- Roulette
- Hammer
- Level
- Putty knife
- Chalk thread for marking
- Screwdriver
- thermal gas gun
- Screws
- Straight and angled blades
- Various types of aluminum and plastic profiles
- The canvas itself.
For finishing you need:
- Multi-colored decorative inserts
- Fasteners
- Clothespin clips
- Plastic rings for lamps.
Preparatory work before ceiling installation
Initially, furniture is removed from the room, or at least small breakable items and equipment. Then an assessment is made ceiling surface. All cracks and swellings are removed and sealed so that they do not subsequently crumble onto the suspended structure. If there are wooden floors (in private houses), installation becomes more complicated due to possible occurrence unevenness.
All cracks are sealed polyurethane foam and putty, depending on the size. This will protect the ceiling from inflating and sagging. All joints are checked and sealed if necessary.
Access to the walls should be as clear as possible; if it is not possible to remove the furniture, then it is moved to the middle of the room. Everything is covered with film. The disassembled carton boxes. Wiring is carried out on the main ceiling. After this, the room is heated to the required temperature.
Step-by-step installation of a stretch ceiling with your own hands
Step 1. Markings are made using a laser or standard level.
Step 2. Apply chalk string. At the end, the markings should form even stripes around the perimeter. Drilled aluminum profiles are attached to them.
Step 3. Then markings are made from the drilled holes in the profile. Using a hammer drill with a six-millimeter drill bit, holes are made.
Step 4. The profiles are secured with self-tapping screws using a screwdriver or screwdriver, but the first option is more reliable and faster.
Step 5. In a room heated to 50 degrees, the film ceiling material is laid out. It should lie on a flat surface without sharp corners. All possible bends and folds after installation are straightened out over time. When ordering a canvas, it is produced in the required size, so a base angle must be outlined to begin work.
Step 6. Mount clothespins in the corners. The canvas is hung on clamps. The clips are pre-wrapped or covered with protective material to carefully secure the film.
Step 7. A warm eighty-degree air stream from a gas gun is directed onto the suspended material. At the same time, the vinyl film softens and becomes elastic. Then remove the clothespin from the first corner and fix the canvas with a spatula, then go following angles with clothespins.
Useful article: Design and modern ideas for suspended ceilings
Step 8: Once the corners are tucked in, you can begin securing the straight sections above the walls. First, the areas with seams are attached, then the remaining areas are divided into two parts and attached to the profiles. When this procedure is completed, all remaining free areas of material are fixed. Finally, rubber decorative inserts are attached to the profiles or a foam baguette is glued. A plastic ring is glued to the place of the future chandelier and lamp. A hole is cut in it.
Installation of fabric stretch ceilings
The fabric type of suspended ceilings without seams during installation does not require warming up the room before work. To install fabric ceilings, especially durable profiles are used. They are mounted according to the same principle as film ones. The fabric begins to stretch from the middle of the wall of the room and is attached on four sides. Stretching is done using a spatula. Excess material is trimmed with a utility knife. All possible wrinkles are straightened with a hair dryer.
Also read: Fabric stretch ceilings. Advantages and disadvantages
If it is necessary to dismantle the ceiling, for example, in the event of a flood, short circuit (breakage) of wiring or damage to the ceiling material, the fabric or film can be removed without much effort. With careful dismantling, the ceiling material can be reused.
Watch the video: Installation of Deskor fabric seamless stretch ceilings
Do-it-yourself dismantling of suspended ceilings
First, the ceiling plinth is removed (for a film ceiling, a heat gun is taken and everything is done in the reverse order).
Using pliers, starting from the corner, remove the harpoons from the profile. The surface should be heated evenly during this time. The heated elastic ceiling can be easily removed.
The fabric is not heated, but is removed from the profiles. In this case, the glazing beads are removed from the profile. With careful and consistent dismantling, difficulties do not arise.
Useful video: Dismantling and opening a stretch ceiling
You can install fabric and film stretch ceilings yourself if you follow the technologies and step-by-step instructions. If everything is done correctly, then long time you will forget about renovations in your apartment or country house.
The next renovation of a room is a rather labor-intensive process. Nowadays, modern markets offer many different materials that significantly simplify and speed up work. First of all - for ceilings. Previously, in order to transform the ceiling surface, it was necessary to wash the ceiling, fill the cracks, and paint it. Now, an alternative to such repairs has become the installation of tension structures that hide all the flaws of the rough surface, giving the room original look depending on the selected type of ceiling covering, design and color. Moreover, it will not be difficult to make suspended ceilings with your own hands if you follow the instructions.
Features of suspended ceilings
The high price of such products is justified by their long service life and a number of advantages. installed in bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms and other rooms. The reason for this is not only the aesthetic side of the issue, but also ease of maintenance, moisture resistance of materials, and the existing possibility of not having to resort to repairing the ceiling surface for several years.
Before you do it yourself suspended ceiling, it is important to choose the type of canvas.
There are two of them:
- Fabric.
- Made from PVC film.
Fabric sheets can be easily stretched with your own hands. Installation of a polyvinyl chloride ceiling is associated with certain difficulties. It will require not only skills in this area, but also special tools and devices. First of all, a gas gun that heats the material.
Heating of polyvinyl chloride must be carried out to a certain temperature, exceeding which can cause brittleness of the coating. Therefore, it is better to entrust such work to professionals.
First you need to prepare the rough surface and the room to be repaired. For this:
- Remove all furniture from the room, household appliances, take pictures, hanging shelves and cabinets.
- Check the joints of the ceiling surface with the walls, eliminate visible defects, treat the rough ceiling with a primer and an antiseptic solution.
- Prepare the electrics. Determine the placement of lamps, chandeliers, connect wires to these areas, purchase the necessary lighting fixtures and light bulbs.
- Prepare wall surfaces. Level the walls, plaster and putty them, and treat them with a layer of primer.
After the surface is completely prepared, fastening tension fabric carried out on a profile made of aluminum or plastic, fixed to the rough ceiling using dowels or self-tapping screws.
Therefore, for a high-quality result, correct marking must be carried out. First, the lower boundary of the entire structure is determined. They retreat from the draft ceiling at least 3 cm. To make the line even, you need to find the bottom corner in the room and follow from it.
Multi-level structures require markings for each stage of the stretch ceiling. In this case, the distance from the ceiling surface will vary depending on the design of the ceiling and the number of levels.
It will be more convenient to mark using a laser level. In its absence, a possible alternative replacement would be a water level.
How suspended ceilings are made: installation process technology
Installation of a stretch ceiling is done using baguette technology. The baguette is attached to wall surface around the perimeter of the room. A tension fabric made of fabric or PVC is mounted to it, and each of them has a specific type of fastening.
- 1. Installation of baguette
This stage is no less important than the correct marking of the ceiling. The reliability of the entire structure depends on the strength of the fastening.
Important! The suspended ceiling must be lowered at least 3 cm from the rough surface. In cases where lighting fixtures are to be installed, this figure is increased to 12 cm.
According to the pre-applied markings, a horizontal line along the wall is trimmed using a construction cord, to which the baguette is attached with screws or dowels. The fastening step should be at least 10-15 cm.
In places where the baguettes are joined to each other, the step should be no less than 1 and no more than 2 cm. In the case of trimming the baguette, the joint is cleaned with sandpaper or a construction file.
Important! It is prohibited to join the baguette in the corners of the room. In these places, the baguette is cut and bent at the required angle.
2. Types of fastenings
To make a suspended ceiling in a room with your own hands, it is important to decide in a suitable way fastenings
There are three of them in total:
2.1.Harpoon- the most expensive, but at the same time reliable and simple way. Its application requires absolute precision parameters of the mounted canvas, since subsequent adjustment is not possible. The procedure will be as follows:
- Along the outer part of the canvas along the entire perimeter, a edging is made from hard materials(looks like a hook).
- Using this edging, the canvas is tucked inside the profile.
Thanks to this technology, you can save on the canvas, because it is stretched to the limit.
Before the final installation of the canvas occurs, it is heated and inserted into the grooves from the profile for fastening.
The film is stretched first diagonally, then along the rest of the ceiling. After the canvas has cooled, the ceiling surface will become perfectly flat.
The absence of the need to mount finishers to the ceiling and the speed of installation are the main advantages of this method.
2.2. Beading the method is an alternative to the harpoon, but requires bigger size canvas than the ceiling surface. The main type of fastening in in this case glazing bead (wedge) made of wood or plastic. The canvas is attached to the baguette.
The distance from the rough surface to the stretch ceiling is 1.5 cm. The film is attached to the profile on a plastic or foam baseboard.
The advantages of the method are that there is no need to make accurate calculations of the size of the canvas, since it should be 15-20 cm larger than the ceiling surface with a margin of 15-20 cm.
The disadvantages of the glazing bead include the formation of a gap of 1.1 cm, which will have to be closed with a plinth or biscuit, as well as the possibility of weakening the structure during operation.
2.3.Wedge method. High quality and reasonable price are the main advantages of this method.
First of all, a fastening profile is mounted along the perimeter of the wall at a distance of 3 cm from the rough ceiling. The edges of the canvas are clamped by wedges - cone-shaped elements. After the canvas cools, it stretches, the surface becomes perfectly flat and smooth. All that remains is to trim off the excess part behind the baseboard.
The main disadvantage is the use manual method when the canvas is tensioned, therefore, suspended structures made in this way often lose their shape over time, beginning to sag.
2.4.Clip-on way. Another name for it is “clothespin”. Used only for canvases on tissue based. This type combines the features of harpoon and wedge types of fastening. Easy to install using a latch and durable fabric.
To implement this method, a baguette is enough. Using a spatula, the canvas is mounted into a baguette and fixed with “cams” made in advance. This type leaves no gaps between the wall and the ceiling, so there is no need to decorate the room with skirting boards. There is also no need to heat the canvas, which significantly reduces time costs.
At first glance, the process of installing a stretch ceiling with your own hands does not seem very difficult, but it requires care and a strict sequence of actions. However, if there is any doubt about the quality self-installation, it is better to entrust the work to specialists. Or give preference to a denser fabric.
Installation of a stretch ceiling, detailed video instructions
When making renovations, many people wonder what material to choose for finishing the ceiling. At the moment, it is considered the most convenient to install and practical. It allows you to hide even the largest defects and differences in the surface, and hide electrical wiring. Such ceilings have a large selection of colors and shades. Installation will not take much time; the entire procedure can be completed in a few hours.
Stretch ceilings are considered the most practical and easy to install.
Having studied the basics of installation, you will easily understand how to make a suspended ceiling with your own hands and save money.
A stretch ceiling is a film stretched between special profiles - a canvas. It has a number of advantages compared to plasterboard ceilings and classic plastered: easy to clean, practically no dust sticks to it (due to the fact that static electricity does not accumulate on it). A stretch ceiling will never crack from deformation, even if the house shrinks. It is ideal for rooms with high humidity levels. The material from which it consists is absolutely not afraid of moisture. He is not afraid of your neighbors' floods and sunburn. Stretch ceilings also do not catch fire. The only thing they are afraid of is sharp objects and cleaning products with abrasive particles (they can leave scratches on the ceiling). But in case of accidental damage, it can be repaired (make a patch).
In addition, you will need the ceiling itself, i.e. profiles and canvas.
Profiles for suspended ceilings can be metal (made of aluminum) or plastic (PVC). If you have a choice, it is better to use aluminum. It is more beautiful, more durable and more reliable than plastic. It is sold in specialized stores and can even be purchased online. also classified by the way the canvas is attached to it.
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Mounting methods
- Harpoon (French) method - used for PVC fabric.
- Wedge method - used for PVC fabric.
- Beading (Dutch) method - used for PVC fabric.
- Clip method - for fabric ceiling.
Ceiling harpoon fasteners: 1 – Bead; 2 – Baguette; 3 – Ceiling canvas; 4 – Main ceiling; 5 – Decorative overlay; 6 – Wall
The most the best way Fastening among experts is considered to be the harpoon method of fastening; it is quite practical and reliable. The harpoon is a rigid but quite flexible PVC plate that is welded around the perimeter of the canvas. It is designed for reliable and easy connection of the profile and the web. With this method, it can be easily done if unforeseen circumstances arise (repair of communications, flooded neighbors from above, etc.).
Bead and wedge fastening methods can also be successfully used. Their installation is more suitable if the walls of the room are very uneven or you need to create a complex geometric shape of the ceiling. The wedge connection method uses a flexible plastic profile that easily fits over all irregularities. In addition, this fastening method does not require very complex measurements of all geometric shapes. The material is cut right on site. It should be noted that the glazing bead fastening system can only be used on sections of the ceiling that are straight. The blade is fixed in a glazing bead profile using a glazing bead, and in a wedge profile - using a special wedge. The disadvantages of these methods are that they cannot be used in hard-to-reach places. Having very little experience in stringing suspended ceilings, it is quite difficult for beginners to stretch the film evenly and correctly using these fastening methods.
The required size canvas is ordered from companies specializing in stretch ceilings. To take measurements, you can call a measurer, or you can do everything yourself. If you use the glazing bead or wedge method, then the size of the canvas should be the size of the room with the necessary margin of 15-20 cm. If the harpoon method is used, the canvas is made 7% smaller than the actual dimensions of the ceiling. Therefore, do not be alarmed when you receive an order of a smaller size.
Ceiling clip fasteners: 1 – Clip; 2 – Ceiling canvas; 3 – Wall; 4 – Main ceiling.
Stretch ceilings with a width of more than 135 cm have a seam. The weld is made using high-frequency welding machines in the factory. Seams can be made at intervals of 130 to 200 cm, depending on the type of film. They are required by technology. In addition, creases may be visible on the varnish films - they are not a manufacturing defect. Creases may appear on the film due to transportation or long-term storage of the canvas, which is ready for installation. It is recommended not to store the varnish canvas for more than a week to avoid the appearance of creases. However, if they exist, do not worry; the creases will gradually disappear within a few months after attaching the canvas.
During manufacturing, the ceiling reduces its size by 3-6%. This allows the fabric to be stretched with little heat. Thanks to this, there is no need to worry about possible sagging of the ceiling. If the ceiling area exceeds 60 square meters, it is recommended to install special separating profiles to prevent such a problem from arising.
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Stage 2. Installation of a profile for a suspended ceiling
Installation of the profile is considered the most important part of the ceiling installation work; the durability of the structure being built depends on its high-quality and correct execution.
Using a laser or water level and an upholstery cord, markings are made around the perimeter. To do this, first measure the height of the room in all corners. Select the lowest angle and retreat required distance and the horizontal is marked using a construction water level. After establishing the same level in the vessels, mark with a pencil next to the surface of the water at the height you need. Using a painting cord, lines are drawn at the previously specified level. After this, a profile is taken and holes for dowels are drilled through it in the wall. If the length of the profiles is less than the length of your room, it can be increased with self-tapping screws using connecting elements.
When fastening in corners, the profile is sawed at an angle of 45 degrees.
Along the entire intended line, the profile is attached to the wall using self-tapping screws and dowels (the choice depends on the material from which the wall is made). Internal and external corners- very important places in the fastening. In the corners, the profile fastening must be made inseparable. The profile must be installed so that there are no protruding sharp parts along its lower edge (where the film adheres). This is done in order to avoid ruptures. Therefore, in the corners the profile should not be cut and joined, but bent, having previously cut its back wall. Particular attention should be paid to the joints: sharp edges are rounded using a fine-grained file. You need to try to connect them to each other as tightly and evenly as possible. Thanks to this, installation will be safe, and the integrity of the canvas will be maintained for a long period of time. To make curved shapes, the profile is bent using a saw. back wall to the required radius.
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Stage 3. Installation of the suspended ceiling sheet (film)
Before starting the installation, you need to make sure that there are no peelings of the plaster, which could then come off and fall onto the already made stretch ceiling. It is necessary to take special care to remove from the old ceiling everything that can break off. After this, you can prime it thoroughly to ensure that nothing falls off it. for a long time. At this stage of work it is installed electrical wiring, fixtures for lamps and check the operation of the electrical system.
When making PVC film, high temperatures are applied. However, they will not damage the furniture. Needs to be removed from the premises houseplants and sensitive electrical appliances. Installation cannot be carried out if the wallpaper has only recently been pasted (it may come away from the wall due to the glue drying quickly). It is worth removing sharp objects from the room that could damage the film.
Before installation, the ceiling must be cleaned and then primed.
First, the temperature in the room is raised to 40 degrees Celsius using a heat gun. The film will become more elastic and easier to work with. PVC film carefully unfold (so as not to scratch or damage) and secure in the corners of the room. In this case, it is necessary to warm it up to 60 degrees. Most often, the manufacturer of a stretch ceiling marks on the film the angle that is considered basic (with the harpoon method), and installation begins from there.
When installing a ceiling using the harpoon method, everything is quite simple; you just need to drive the harpoon with a specially made groove in the profile with a spatula until it snaps into place. It is necessary to follow the pattern: from the corner to the middle and constantly heat the film during installation.
If another installation method is chosen, then the heated canvas (larger in size than real area mounted ceiling) is tensioned according to the same pattern. The difference is that the attachment to the baguette (profile) is made using a bead or a special wedge. Excess material is cut off after installation. After the temperature decreases, the film shrinks and stretches, and the surface becomes perfectly flat.
When installing a fabric sheet, heating will not be required, so a heat gun will not be useful. The method of attaching a seamless stretch ceiling made of fabric is slightly different than that of a ceiling made of PVC film. First of all, the canvas is fixed in the profile exactly in the middle. The stock of material (edges) remains behind the profile by 5-7 cm.
Then, using a step of no more than 80 cm, we fix the canvas in the baguette (gradually, it is necessary to level and move the canvas). At the corners, the seamless ceiling is fixed last. The wrinkles that appear can be easily straightened out using a hair dryer: required space warms up in a circular motion, at a temperature not exceeding 200 degrees. The distance between the hair dryer and the canvas should not be more than 20 cm. When installation is completed, excess material is cut off and decorative plugs are installed.
Today, most people prefer stretch ceilings, because they are practical and allow you to hide flaws and unevenness left after whitewashing. Ceilings on sale have a wide range of colors, which will allow everyone to create their own style and design in the room, and they are installed simply and quickly, the main thing is to follow all stages of the procedure. Produce installation of suspended ceilings you can do it yourself, quickly, without resorting to the help of specialists.
Requires a thorough preliminary analysis of the entire ceiling surface. To prevent the new coating from deforming and inflating, the ceiling must be cleaned of possible shedding of the lime layer, cracks, holes, and voids between the walls and ceiling must be sealed with polyurethane foam. It will be more convenient to install ceilings in an empty room; if possible, you need to take out all the furniture for a while, or move it to the center for free access to the walls. Anything that cannot be moved must be covered with film to prevent scratches. The wiring should not touch the new ceiling, so it is attached in advance to the old base. If PVC sheets will be used when installing the ceiling, it is better to temporarily remove the slopes from the plastic windows and thoroughly warm the room.
Necessary materials and tools.
To install the ceiling yourself you will need:
– water or laser building level
– a hammer drill or drill with attachments for installing a ceramic-coated bathroom ceiling
–straight and angled blade
– plastic rings for lamps. 
Installation of a stretch ceiling, step-by-step guide
- Determination of canvas area. It is important to accurately determine the dimensions of the canvas, for this:
Make a drawing of the gypsum board covering
– use a tape measure to measure the distance from corner to corner of the room, for more accurate measurements good use of electronic roulette
– when deciding to mount figured ceiling, first draw the shape of the room on paper
– mark doorways
–start measuring on the left side of the wall as you enter the room
-label all corners with letters
–measure the length of the walls from the top near the ceiling, since the dimensions at the bottom and middle of the wall may vary
–measure the ceiling diagonally, starting from the left corner to the opposite corner
-take measurements between all corners around the perimeter of the room.
- Determining the size of baguettes. Keep in mind that when using bead moldings, the fabric must have a reserve. Also, the film must be the same size as the PVC, otherwise it will be difficult to stretch it. It is also almost impossible to adjust the size of the film with a harpoon to the canvas with glazing beads. Decide in advance on the installation method; remove the stretched film, or it will be difficult to install again later. Having calculated the dimensions of the room along the perimeter as accurately as possible, you will not have any problems deciding on the necessary linear meters canvases.
- Setting the level of a stretch ceiling. Start from a low angle in the room:
– Moving 2-3 cm from the ceiling, make a mark on the wall. There is no need to make the indentation distance large, the main thing is that you can conveniently use a hammer drill or hammer
– attach a marking cord with a dye to the marks on the walls, stretch it along the entire perimeter of the room so that it does not sag. Then the cord can be released; a clear line of paint should remain on the walls for further fastening of the baguettes. 
- Installation of baguette. Start attaching the baguette from the left corner:
– a hacksaw for metal inside carefully cut the baguette approximately in the middle without damaging the front side
– bend in this part to obtain a corner
– drill holes in the baguette every 10 cm at the bends, at the corners every 8 cm
– attach the baguette to the wall, to the marked line, drill holes in the wall with a hammer drill according to the indicated marks
-screw in the screws, act carefully so that the plastic does not burst
– treat the joints of the installed baguette
– when using plastic, cut off all sharp edges with a knife, if using an aluminum baguette
– smooth out rough edges with a file
– along the front side, connect the baguettes at the joints with tape.
- Chandelier mounts. As simple option:
– stretch two cords diagonally across the ceiling, mark its center
-if there is no wiring for the lamp, connect it
– using a hammer drill, drill holes in the ceiling, also in a block or metal profile for screwing in screws
– the fastening must be reliable, which means the holes must correspond to the diameter of the screws
-screw the beam to the ceiling at the same level as the baguette
– when using a metal profile, place it on the anchors, marking the center of the ceiling in advance, drilling holes for the dowels
– using a grinder, cut off all existing sharp protrusions on the edges and burrs, otherwise, without treatment, the canvas may simply tear when stretched.
When using spotlights, attach the base with anchors or metal profiles, while it is not recommended to install light bulbs over 59 W. 
- If communications are laid on the ceiling. When placing ventilation pipes or heating system right near the ceiling you need to try to wrap the pipes with a cloth:
– take a piece of plastic 4 mm thick, cut it out like an insert according to the diameter of the pipes, slightly larger in size than the diameter of the pipe
– cut the plastic to insert the blade behind the pipe
-clean off all burrs and sharp corners
– warm up the canvas with a heat gun, especially in the part of the pipe passage
–unfold the heated canvas, hook all corners with clamps
– stretch the fabric, mark the center of the pipe with a pencil
– remove the marked corner with an indentation of 1 cm, also make an indentation of 1 cm from the harpoon to avoid displacement of the canvas when stretching it
-attach the plastic amplifier to the markings on the wall, place it on superglue, spreading it in an even layer over the entire plastic
-cut the fabric into 2-3 parts in the inner circle of the amplifier to make 4 triangles
Place the film on the glue wrapped in the amplifier
–glue the insert into the ceiling between the harpoon and the plastic
–cut the canvas and harpoon according to the marked mark
– place the film with the amplifier behind the pipes.
In principle, the obstacles in the form of pipes can be considered overcome. The main thing is not to forget about 1 cm indentations, the heated canvas will expand and the film may simply tear.
Stretch ceiling installation process
- First of all, when installing a polyvinyl chloride structure, the canvas must be thoroughly heated using a heat gun to 50-60 degrees.
- Remove the lighting fixtures from the ceiling and make a wiring harness for the new structure.
- Start attaching the film from the corners. Grab the harpoon with a spatula without touching the film, insert it into the grooves of the baguette. When using a glazing bead, insert the canvas into it and secure with glazing beads.
- In this way, place the canvas around the entire perimeter of the room.
- Constantly heat uneven areas with a gun to level the surface as much as possible.
- When attaching the harpoon self-installation stretch ceiling can be considered complete; when using glazing bead, you need to additionally cut off excess pieces and sand the cuts.
During installation, keep gas or heat gun constantly in working mode. It will take time to thread the blade, the gun may cool down, and unevenness and roughness needs to be dealt with more often so that the main blade does not wrinkle during installation. Next, you need to disguise the baguette with tape or put a plug on it, then you can hang the chandelier.
The place where the fabric is cut under the chandelier must be secured by cutting out a plastic circle and gluing it to the installation site of the lighting fixture. 
Today it is fashionable to install suspended ceilings, do-it-yourself installation Can be done by people who have no experience working with building materials. The main thing is to carry out all operations sequentially, first draw up a competent drawing, and accurately indicate all the metrics. Take your time, the stretch fabric can quickly be damaged if it is pulled too tightly or if cuts are made in inaccurate places. Approach the matter responsibly and you will definitely succeed.
Do-it-yourself stretch ceiling installation
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Materials and tools
- Preparatory work
- Profile installation
- Laying wiring
- Harpoon fastening
- Installation using bead method
- Clip fixation
- Lighting system
Finishing ceilings with tension structures is fashionable and practical. Therefore, this method last years is becoming increasingly popular. Usually, a team of specialists is hired to install suspended ceilings, but it is also quite possible to do the work yourself.
Advantages and disadvantages of suspended ceilings
A film made of fabric or vinyl is elastic and will hide all surface defects. Therefore, installation does not require perfect ceiling alignment. However, these are not all the advantages.
These include:
- Variety of shapes and colors. The market today offers stretch ceilings of various colors and textures. The elastic film can take the shape of any geometric object. In this way you can implement original design solutions.
Operational installation. Having certain skills and knowing the installation features, the work can be completed in a few hours. This is significantly faster compared to other ceiling finishing methods. In addition, the process is not dusty, so it will not damage the wall finish.
Reliability. Vinyl is a super durable material. It can withstand enormous loads and prevent damage to furniture even when flooded by neighbors from the upper floors.
In addition to these advantages, they also highlight the moisture resistance of the stretch ceiling, minimal accumulation of dust and aesthetic appearance.
As for the disadvantages, they include:
- Relatively expensive. This finishing method is one of the most expensive, although it will last much longer than other materials.
Fear of sharp objects. In a room with a suspended ceiling, you need to carefully handle long objects (for example, cornices), since you can accidentally damage the film.
At correct installation suspended ceilings and their operation, many disadvantages are absolutely insignificant.
Materials and tools for installing a stretch ceiling
Before installing a suspended ceiling with your own hands, you need to decide what type you are using for finishing - film or fabric, and whether there will be seams on the canvas. When ordering, be sure to indicate the direction of the seam.
To work you will need:
- Fasteners. Their types depend on the type of walls. For foam concrete, 5*70 self-tapping screws will be sufficient. For partitions made of brick or concrete, dowels will be additionally needed.
Heat gun. The tool is expensive, and therefore for one-time use it can be rented. The power of the device is usually below 10 kW. It can be powered using a liquefied gas cylinder.
Spatula. With this tool, the edges of the canvas are tucked into the baguette.
In addition, you need to immediately decide on the type of baguette for installation. It comes in plastic and aluminum. The advantages of the latter are rigidity, but it will cost significantly more. Plastic model- cheaper, but it is less rigid, so it will be necessary preliminary alignment walls
Preparatory work before fixing the stretch ceiling
The process of installing a stretch fabric with your own hands includes several stages: preparing the coating, measuring the fabric and components, installing a stretch ceiling profile, laying wires and installing fasteners for lighting fixtures, fixing PVC film, installing lighting elements. At each stage you need to follow certain rules and adhere to instructions.
Before proceeding with installation, remove large furniture and cover the floor with thick cardboard to avoid damage to the canvas. In addition, you need to carefully study the condition of the ceiling surface and think over the layout of lighting fixtures.
An insecurely attached layer of the previous finish must be removed, as this may subsequently cause the film to sag. Large cracks and potholes need to be leveled. A stretch ceiling will hide most imperfections, but if the differences are significant, it will ruin the appearance.
If there are stains on the coating from rust, soot, fungus or mold, get rid of them and prime the surface. Otherwise, after some time they will be reflected in the material.
Installation of a profile for a suspended ceiling
Before you start attaching the baguette, you need to mark the fixation line with a level. The optimal distance to the ceiling is 3 cm, but if you plan to install point elements lighting, then the indentation should be 12 cm.
We work in the following sequence:
- Along the perimeter of the room, along the marked line, we attach the profile with fasteners in increments of 7-8 cm for walls made of plasterboard, concrete and brick. We maintain a step of 12 cm for tiled and metal surfaces.
At the joints, reduce the pitch of the fastening elements to 1-2 cm.
Laying wiring before installing a stretch ceiling
Before you begin installing the racks, mark the location of the chandelier or spotlights on the ceiling.
We work in this order:
- We fix the hook for mounting the central chandelier. For this purpose, fittings with a diameter of 1 cm and a length of 20-30 cm are suitable.
We lay the wiring in a plastic corrugated sleeve and fix it to the ceiling with clamps.
At the installation sites we produce cable loops about 30 cm long.
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Fastening a stretch ceiling using a harpoon method
This method is one of the most reliable, although it is considered more labor-intensive. It is used only for installing PVC ceilings. In this case, a special harpoon is formed at the ends of the film. It is usually painted black during production and made from a denser material. In this case, the canvas should be 7% less area coverings.
We carry out the work in the following sequence:
- We warm the room with a heat gun to +40 degrees.
We begin to carefully unwind the canvas, making sure not to damage it or stain it. Please note that the material should not be brought close to the fan heater.
After heating the film to +60 degrees, we attach the base end to the corner. It is usually noted by the manufacturer.
We fix the diagonally opposite end and then fasten the remaining two.
Use a heat gun to heat the varnish canvas until it begins to shine.
Installation of a stretch ceiling using the glazing bead method
This installation method is more common due to its relative cheapness, but it has its drawbacks. For example, a wooden bead can jump out of the groove, which makes the structure less reliable.
In the process we adhere following instructions:
- We warm the room with a fan heater to +50-60 degrees, without affecting the canvas with direct flow.
We unfold the material and secure it with clothespins around the perimeter of the baguette. To avoid damaging the film with the clips, you can wrap them in fabric.
We fasten the canvas to a wooden glazing bead in a U-shaped profile at the corners. First, on two opposite ones, then on the remaining two.
We begin to push the material under the profile along the perimeter from the corners to the middle on opposite sides.
Fixing a stretch ceiling using a clip method
This method is used only for fabric ceilings and does not require the use of a heat gun.
We carry out work in the following sequence:
- We fix the material in the profile in the center on each side. The edges of the canvas should protrude 6-8 cm.
Gradually tighten and level from the center to the edges, fixing the fabric in the baguette.
Lastly, we attach the material to the corners.
If wrinkles appear, they can be smoothed out by heating the fabric with a hairdryer at a distance of more than 20 cm.
After installation, you need to cut off the excess pieces.
Lighting system on a suspended ceiling
From the points on the floor that we have previously designed, we can laser design in the opposite direction the locations of the spotlight racks. Optimally used for these purposes laser level. Then you can be sure that the beam is directed at the ceiling at a strictly right angle. This can also be done by probing, but you need to be very careful not to damage the material.
We work in this order:
- Lubricate the special thermal ring with glue and fix it to the material. For these purposes, it is better to use cyanoacrylate.
We cut out the fabric inside the ring using a thin knife after the glue has completely dried.
We adjust the height of the stands according to the level of the ring and screw in light bulbs with a power of up to 60 W.
How to install a suspended ceiling - watch the video:
Installing a stretch ceiling with your own hands
Stretch ceilings are structures for decorative and functional finishing of the ceiling, consisting of special metal frame or a baguette and a panel that is attached to them. Stretch ceilings can be installed in residential and non-residential premises for any purpose and area: in rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, offices, educational institutions.
What are the advantages of suspended ceilings?
- The ability to create perfectly flat surface ceiling of any color and texture in a relatively short time.
- Wide range of design possibilities.
- Durability.
- The process of installing a stretch ceiling does not leave any dirt.
- You can use all kinds of lighting for a stretch ceiling.
Disadvantages of suspended ceilings
Difficult to install on your own. Special devices and skills are required to perform the work correctly. Disadvantages include the design's susceptibility to mechanical damage using sharp objects. A stretch multi-tiered ceiling slightly reduces the ceiling height.
What types of suspended ceilings are there?
Depending on the type of structure, there are:
Modern designers often use tension structures such as “starry sky” or models with photo printing.
Any image can be applied to the surface of the canvas. Photo printing technology involves applying a design either to parts of the canvas - after which they are connected, or to a solid surface. Installation is not very different from other types of suspended ceilings.
The “starry sky” effect is achieved by combining ceiling installation technology and special lighting. This look is perfect for a children's room.
The ceiling canvas can be decorated with perforations, made with metallic or suede coating. Textured ceilings are popular - wood, natural stone.
Installation methods for tensile structures
The decisive point is the material chosen for the manufacture of the ceiling - textiles or PVC film. In the first case, the cold stretching technique is used. To install a stretch ceiling made of PVC film, hot stretching is required using a special “gun” - a heating gas device. This device heats the air in the room up to 70 degrees, so before installation it is better to remove all objects and plants from the room. Correct use of the “gun” for installation practically eliminates the possibility of sagging of the canvas.
Depending on the method by which the canvas is attached, there are:
- Harpoonless fastening (for fabric panels and PVC film) or glazing bead.
- Harpoon mount (for PVC film). This technology allows you to install the ceiling sheet quickly and easily. This method is universal because it allows you to work with any configuration and area of premises. The essence of the technology is that during the production process a harpoon is attached around the perimeter of the canvas - during installation it is firmly fixed in the profile. Experts from all over the world have recognized this method as the most reliable and durable. The advantages of the method are the ability to create all kinds of shapes and structures and dismantle the ceiling and reinstall it. Before installation, measurements are required, on the basis of which the canvas is cut out - it can be of any shape. For particularly complex configurations, computer-aided design is used.
For reasons financial inclusion and aesthetic appeal, many choose PVC film as the material for installing the tension structure.
How to install a tension structure yourself
The process of installing a stretch ceiling is quite troublesome, but using advice and having necessary equipment and skills, you can install such a ceiling with your own hands.
Let's consider the installation process using a heat gun
The simplest case is when there are no pipes or other communications in the room that come out of the ceiling, and the room itself Not large area and regular rectangular shape.
- The initial stage of ceiling installation is preparation. At this stage, measurements are taken - for these purposes you will need a building level and a protractor. With their help, marks are made - where to attach the baguette - it can be made of plastic or metal.
Along the perimeter of the wall we apply zero level and measure the corners to align the profile evenly. - We take the rail and attach it to the wall. The profile rail can be longer or shorter than the width of the room. Fastening is done with dowels or self-tapping screws.
- Using a fan heater, it is necessary to warm the room to a temperature of at least 40 degrees.
- When the room is warmed up, you can begin to lay out the film.
Important! Make sure that the “gun” is not close to the film - it can melt from the high temperature. - The film stretching stage requires patience and precision. We attach one corner to the corner of the baguette, chosen as the base one, then, diagonally, the second. Same goes for the other two corners of the film. Gradually, the same actions are carried out with the side parts.
This is the basic technology for installing a film ceiling.
How to attach fabric sheets
Installation requires a canvas purchased according to the size of the room. The procedure is simple - a fabric impregnated with a polyurethane mixture is attached to the profile. You can do the installation yourself - the process of installing fabric sheets is simpler than PVC films.
To begin with, as in the case of PVC film, you need to install a profile - clip or U-shaped.
The clip type of fastening is more often used - it is easier to handle without having great experience repair- installation work. In addition, the clip method gives a more reliable and durable result, and, accordingly, your stretch ceiling will be more durable. This type of fastening is made from high-strength plastic.
U-shaped type of fastening (bead, wedge) - requires more skills and abilities; in this case, an aluminum profile is used. Having enough experience, it is possible to install such a mount very quickly and easily. This method is not durable, but it is valued for its cost-effectiveness. The disadvantages of this method are that the bead is not 100% firmly fixed in the groove and can fall out.
After installing the baguette, we begin to stretch the canvas - first we attach the side parts, and then the corners (this is the fundamental difference between the fabric covering and the PVC film).
Decor using a special overlay, lighting installation.
Many people have a question: what to do first - glue wallpaper or install a suspended ceiling?
Let's consider two options - for disposable and reusable fastenings:
The durability of the coating depends on proper preparation for the installation process. Finish the dirty work before installing the ceiling covering.
The finishing features of the fabric covering make it possible to compare it with ordinary ceiling– textiles can be painted in any color using paint and a roller, and can be repainted several times. Recommended to use acrylic paints. Using your imagination, you can create creative designs on the surface.
Thus, installation of fabric and film coverings is possible subject to certain installation rules. Stretch ceilings will emphasize the style of the room. Single-tier structures are used in classic, minimalism, and constructivism styles. Multi-tiered ceilings are appropriate in modern styles; bright designs will decorate a room in the Baroque style and help zone the space in the loft.
We install a suspended ceiling with our own hands: calculation, installation and built-in lighting
Stretch ceilings have long ceased to be considered a luxury, but just five or six years ago it was an expensive pleasure. In addition, the installation technology was kept secret by the craftsmen. Today, almost any beginner in this business can install a suspended ceiling with their own hands.
This article details the rules for calculating and installing a suspended ceiling from polyvinyl chloride film(PVC). Glossy and matte ceiling canvases have affordable price, and wide color palette The produced material will help transform the interior of any home.
In addition, a PVC ceiling membrane will protect the room in case of flooding from above. It is easy to remove water from under the ceiling, and the canvas will return to its previous shape after heating.
Stretch ceiling installation technology
Do-it-yourself installation of suspended ceilings is determined by the following action plan:
- Measurement and calculation of ceiling sheets and components
- Installation of wall profile - baguette
- Installation of lighting wiring and installation of chandelier and spotlight fixtures
- PVC fabric stretching
- Installation of lighting devices
Measuring suspended ceilings with your own hands is a very important operation. It will require maximum precision and diligence from you. First of all, take a blank sheet of paper and draw a room plan (top view) on it. Be sure to display all protruding parts (pilasters) and recesses (niches, bay windows).
Label each corner with a letter of the Latin alphabet, starting from the lower left corner (A, B, C, D...). Measure all the walls of the room and transfer the dimensions to the drawing. Be sure to measure the diagonals. List them on paper as well.
The PVC stretch ceiling is fastened to a special profile or harpoon-type baguette. A flexible harpoon is welded to the edge of the ceiling sheet. Once the harpoon gets into the groove of the baguette, it clings to the protrusions of the walls (like a harpoon or a fishing hook).
Baguettes are made from aluminum or plastic. The length of the slats is 2 m. To calculate its quantity, you need to add up the length of all the walls of the room.
Installation of baguette
This procedure is no less important than measuring the ceiling. Whether it can hold the tension of the canvas or not depends on how firmly the fastening is made. Before installing the wall profile, the walls are marked.
It is important to know! The stretch ceiling can be lowered 3 cm from the existing ceiling. If point lighting devices are used, then the level of the canvas is lowered by at least 12 cm.
It is convenient to markup using laser level. If it is not there, then a regular water one (a transparent hose with two graduated flasks filled with water) will do.
At the joints of two baguettes, the fastening step should be no more than 2 cm. If the baguette was trimmed, then this place must be cleaned of burrs with a file or sandpaper.
Important to remember! You cannot join the baguette in the corners. All joints are transferred to straight walls. In the corners, the baguette is cut on one side and bent at the required angle.
Wiring and lighting devices
You can also use self-tightening anchor bolts with a hook. If the chandelier is overhead, then a plywood embedded part must be placed in the place where it is attached. Straight hangers for a plasterboard ceiling are attached to a rectangular piece of plywood 10 mm thick in the corners.
The hangers are bent in the shape of the letter L to the desired height and secured with dowels to the ceiling. Then, after stretching the fabric, the chandelier is installed, but more on that later.
Ceiling stretching
The room is heated with a special gas (propane) gun. The temperature is controlled with a household thermometer (it should be at least 60 degrees C). It is recommended to remove fusible plastic products, live plants and an aquarium from the premises.
First, the canvas is laid out on the floor, and then secured with clips (crocodiles) in two opposite corners. The first angle is the base one (it is marked in the instructions that come with the canvas). The heated canvas is tucked with a spatula into the groove of the baguette until the harpoon clicks, catching on the protrusions of the walls. Below is a diagram of how to fill the ceiling sheet.
When the canvas cools, it will stretch and it will be possible to install lighting devices. Feel for the location of the chandelier or anchor hook with your hand and place it in its place special glue glue a plastic thermal ring. After 4-5 minutes, the inside of the ring is cut out sharp knife film and bring out the loop of the lighting wire.
The chandelier is hung on a hook and connected to power. After this, the chandelier cup is mounted under the suspended ceiling. For an overhead chandelier, a large thermal ring is glued on, and after removing the film, the mounting strip of the chandelier is secured to the plywood with self-tapping screws. The installation is complete and if you have any questions, this video shows you how to install a suspended ceiling yourself in great detail.
Do-it-yourself stretch ceiling installation
For a long time, suspended ceilings were considered an indicator of respectability and prosperity. A wide variety of colors, prints and materials, practicality, safety, the ability to create unique multi-level structures - all this has made tension systems the undisputed leaders among materials for repair and design of the ceiling area. Prices for installing suspended ceilings vary over a fairly wide range. There are companies that provide luxury services, and there are companies that have quite affordable prices.
Stretch ceiling installation diagram.
For those who want to save quite a significant amount, we offer a detailed guide on how to install a suspended ceiling with your own hands. This is quite easy to do. It is enough to have the desire, skillful hands, the necessary tools and the stretch ceiling itself.
Materials and tools required for installing a stretch ceiling
Scheme of a two-level matte stretch ceiling.
It is advisable to prepare the necessary tools in advance. Instead of buying an expensive power tool, you can rent it. For the manufacture of suspended structure you will need:
- A hammer drill for creating holes for dowels.
- Screwdriver for mounting fasteners.
- A construction hair dryer (or gas gun) for heating PVC film.
- Hydro or laser level.
- Ruler and tape measure.
- Suspensions for holding the tension fabric suspended. For a small room you need 3-4 pieces, if the canvas is quite massive you will need 10 pieces.
- Special blades with which the tension material is pressed into the baguettes.
- Painting strip.
- Step ladder.
- Miter box for cutting profiles at an angle of 45 degrees.
- Metal detector for searching hidden wiring, which may be located where the baguettes are installed.
- Consumables (drills for hammer drills, drills, gas, sealant, tape, glue, stationery knife etc.).
Types of suspended ceilings.
The materials you will need are the canvas itself and profiles. Profiles can be plastic or aluminum. Aluminum structures are more durable and neat in appearance. When purchasing profiles, please note that harpoon (wedge, glazing bead) profiles are suitable for film fabric, and clip profiles are suitable for fabric fabric. Profiles can also be wall or ceiling. If you chose option 2, you need to mount it close to the ceiling.
After removing the canvas from the original packaging, it should be placed in a warm place. On it you can see creases formed during storage or transportation. Over time (but not earlier than 6 months) they will disappear. It should be remembered that a large suspended ceiling may sag. If you are installing a suspended ceiling with your own hands in a large room, plan lighting in the renovation plan in the form of a chandelier located in the center. It will protect the PVC film from sagging!
Fastening profiles for mounting a suspended ceiling
The first step is to carefully consider the lighting layout, replace the wiring if necessary, and prepare the bases of the lamps. When using the harpoon fastening method, the canvas should be ideally measured and cut, its dimensions should be 7% less than the ceiling area.
Scheme of installation and fastening of suspended ceilings.
The wedge installation method requires a larger canvas, but it does not need to be perfectly adjusted to the dimensions of the room. After tensioning the canvas, all excess can be cut off. The glazing bead method involves securing the film in the profile with a special tape that provides tension on the ceiling. This method can be used on flat sections.
First, mark the fastening line using a level. Ideally, the distance between the profile and the rough ceiling should be the height of the profile or the maximum uneven point of the ceiling drop. If you cannot check the location of the wiring using a metal detector (and in Soviet apartments the wires are often located on top), the ceiling should be lowered by 7-15 cm.
If you are the owner flat ceiling, it is better to attach the profiles directly to the rough ceiling, and not to the wall. This will avoid wasting space.
It is necessary to install the profile so that its lower edge, where the film will adhere, does not have sharp protrusions. This will help protect the film from being torn by sharp elements to prevent the film from tearing. Usually, when installing profiles, difficulties arise when they are joined together. Using a ruler, you need to measure a distance of 5 mm in height from the base of the profile; from the indicated mark, the profile is cut upward at an angle of 45 degrees.
Installation of suspended ceiling made of PVC film
Before starting work, the room must be warmed up to 40 degrees. It should be remembered that PVC ceilings are resistant to cutting and piercing objects. Do not contaminate the canvas by dropping it or installing it with dirty hands. The fabric should be unrolled slowly and evenly, gradually heating it to a temperature of 60 degrees so that it becomes elastic and does not suffer during stretching. The area of the heated film will increase to 10%, and after cooling, the ceiling will tighten, forming a perfectly flat surface. If the choice falls on a varnished canvas, it should be polished. This is not difficult to do. You should drive a stream along it warm air. When the canvas shines and trembles, the glossing can be completed. After this procedure, the stretch ceiling will shine with even greater force.
Installation of fabric stretch ceiling
Scheme of fastening the suspended ceiling fabric using a harpoon method.
When installing fabric, there is no need to preheat the room or heat the material itself. First, the canvas must be fixed in the profile in the middle. The edges of the stretch ceiling should protrude by about 5-7 cm. After this, we begin to fix the canvas in the profile, moving towards the corners of the room, gradually tightening and leveling it. At the corners the fabric is fixed last. The resulting wrinkles are also smoothed out with a hair dryer: making circular movements, you should warm up Right place, observing a temperature regime of no more than 200 degrees and holding the hair dryer at a distance of at least 20 cm. At the final stage of installation, you need to cut off excess residue and install decorative plugs. Fabric ceilings can be painted using acrylic paints, creating the effects of waves, clouds, etc.
At this point, the installation of suspended ceilings can be considered completed. Some people still doubt the environmental friendliness of suspended ceiling materials. It should be said that trusted companies do not skimp on quality; their products have hygiene and fire safety certificates. But even in this case, the first 3-5 days after installation PVC ceiling there will be a characteristic vinyl smell in the room. Fabric ceilings do not have any odor. Environmentally friendly fabric ceilings are more suitable for a children's room. When choosing a ceiling for the kitchen, it is better to choose PVC film. It is also practically safe, and in the event of a leak, it can withstand a greater weight of water.
All PVC films are treated with an antistatic agent, so the material does not attract dust. If it gets dirty, just wipe the film with a soft sponge soaked in soapy water, being careful not to tear the film. When installing a stretch ceiling in the kitchen, you should bypass the areas above the stove so as not to subject the surface to frequent cleaning.
Even if the room is made perfect renovation, the highest quality/stylish finishing materials were used, then the presence of a cracked ceiling will reduce the assessment of the work done to zero. And in order not to whitewash the ceiling surface every year, experts recommend using a modern solution to this problem - we're talking about about stretch ceilings.
Table of contents: - - - -Advantages of suspended ceilings
This type of coating solves several issues at once:
- hides minor errors on the ceiling surface;
- provides perfect appearance;
- does not require repair or replacement for a long time;
- allows the use of various decorative “chips”.
Many people are confused by the need to involve craftsmen in the installation of a stretch ceiling, but if you strictly follow the instructions and carry out all the manipulations step by step, then installing a stretch ceiling with your own hands is quite possible.
Preparatory work
Installing a tension fabric is a painstaking and scrupulous task that cannot stand fuss. Therefore, before laying out/fastening the canvas, it is necessary to carry out all the preparatory work. This process boils down to the following tasks:
- We work with wiring. Here it needs to be attached securely to the existing ceiling surface - the wires must not be allowed to come into contact with the stretch ceiling fabric.
- Warming up the room. This The final stage preparatory work - the room in which the suspended ceiling is supposed to be installed must be heated to 40-50 degrees. Experts recommend paying special attention plastic windows(if there are any in the room) - you need to remove the slope corners from them.
That’s it, the preparatory work is completed, it’s time to proceed directly to installing the stretch ceiling with your own hands. But be sure to check availability the necessary tool and components. These include:
- roulette;
- perforator;
- screwdriver;
- two small blades - straight and angled;
- a hair dryer or heat gun - any powerful heating device.
Naturally, the stretch ceiling itself and the profiles to which it will be attached must be ordered and delivered in advance. The profiles used for fastening stretch ceilings differ in the method of fastening:
- harpoon, glazing bead (wedge) - used in working with film webs;
- clip-on – designed to work with fabric ceiling.
It is believed that it is more practical and reliable to use the harpoon method of attaching a stretch ceiling. With this method (harpoon), a hook made of identical material as the ceiling canvas itself is welded on the edge of the canvas (along the perimeter) - the hook is inserted into the profile (a click will be heard) and the canvas is tensioned.
Many people prefer the glazing bead method of installing a stretch ceiling because of its low cost, but we should not forget about the disadvantages of this type of ceiling mounting:
- dismantling the structure is practically impossible (but with the harpoon method it is possible to partially dismantle the suspended ceiling);
- with the glazing bead method it is very difficult to make multi-level ceilings;
- without a harpoon, it is problematic to stretch the fabric - the glazing bead method guarantees the formation of sagging;
- wooden glazing beads dry out (this is a natural process) and may simply fall out of the profile - in the case of a harpoon this is impossible;
- The glazing bead method involves installing the fabric “by eye” - this leads to uneven seams.
Don’t forget about additional components - if special clips and clothespins are needed in any case, then various decorative elements and fasteners are selected individually. If you plan to install chandeliers on a suspended ceiling, then be sure to purchase plastic rings for the lamps.
Stages of installing a stretch ceiling using the harpoon method
There is nothing complicated in the installation process of the finishing material in question - just read the instructions and step-by-step recommendations to do everything with your own hands. But the cost decorative covering will decrease by almost half - so it’s worth a try even if you have no construction and repair skills at all.
Step one
Using a tape measure and a plumb line, we mark the ceiling in the places where the profiles will be attached. These should be absolutely straight lines around the entire perimeter of the surface. The profile itself needs to be drilled in several places - for example, every 30-40 cm, which will indicate the places where it is attached to the ceiling.
Next, we make markings along the drawn lines to understand the places where the profile is attached - these points should coincide in distance with the holes that were previously drilled in the profile. Now, according to the markings, we make holes in the ceiling using a hammer drill - select a drill diameter of 6 mm. All that remains is to fasten the profiles around the perimeter of the ceiling and secure them with self-tapping screws.
Note:When purchasing a profile, experts recommend giving preference to aluminum samples - they are as light as possible and have a long service life.
Step two
Unpack the film. This can be done already in a heated room, that is, in preparatory work You can skip the point of heating the room to 40-50 degrees, but do this immediately after installing the profiles along the perimeter of the ceiling surface.
Note:There should not be any sharp corners near the place where the film ceiling is unpacked - they can easily cut the coating, which will lead to the need to order a new one or repair it.
There is no need to worry if, when unpacking, folds were found on the canvas - after a short time, when the stretch ceiling is already installed, everything will be smoothed out. The purchased stretch ceiling fabric already has exact dimensions(they are indicated at the time of order) and the base angle - this is where the entire installation process begins. We hang the canvas on hanging clips that were installed in the corners of the ceiling in advance.
Note:It is important to prevent the fabric from being torn/damaged by the sharp edges of the clips - you can wrap them in something soft.
As a result of this step in the process of installing a stretch ceiling with our own hands, we will get a canvas fixed at the corners with sagging.
Step three
Using a heat gun in which the air is heated to 70-80 degrees, we make the fabric more elastic and pliable. To do this, we simply direct a stream of hot air onto the already suspended covering.
Now you can begin the final fastening of the stretch ceiling corners to the profile - remove the clamps and, helping yourself with a spatula, tuck the stretch ceiling corners into the profile. The edge of the ceiling sheet has a special profile - a harpoon. It is the harpoon that is tucked into the grooves of the profile using a spatula until it makes a characteristic click. This must be done extremely carefully, without damaging the material. If you feel that it is difficult to tighten it and insert it into the profile, then stop working and warm up the stretch ceiling more strongly.
Ideally, this step is performed quickly enough - the well-heated film itself “jumps” into the profile, without any effort on the part of the master.
Step four
Only after clearly fixing the corners of the canvas to the profile can you begin to install straight sections of the canvas. To simplify the process you need to follow the instructions:
- First, the fabric is tucked into the profile at the seams;
- then the remaining freely hanging space is mentally divided into two or three fragments and alternately attached to the profile.
All this time, make sure that the canvas is constantly heated and the room temperature is maintained within 50 degrees.
Note:If at any moment you feel that tensioning the ceiling and attaching the canvas to the profile is difficult, then again, stop working for a few seconds and direct air from the heat gun to the place of work. Under no circumstances should you pull or exert physical effort to achieve results - this will lead to damage to the stretch ceiling.
The actual installation of the stretch ceiling with your own hands is completed. All that remains is to insert decorative rubber insert to hide the places where the canvas is attached or use a foam baguette - it is glued to the wall and also serves as decoration. 
After installing the stretch ceiling, you need to hang lighting fixture(or devices) - this is where you will need a plastic ring. It is glued to the canvas, and a place is cut out along the inner contour for future mounting of a chandelier/lamp.
Nuances in installing a seamless fabric ceiling
Above are instructions for installing a stretch ceiling with your own hands from PVC, but seamless woven coverings are also available for sale - are there any special features of working with them? Eat! Moreover, you need to know them so that the result of the work is perfect.:
- when attaching a seamless stretch fabric ceiling, you do not need to warm up the room - you must agree, this is a definite plus;
- a profile installed around the perimeter of the ceiling must be purchased marked “increased strength”;
- We begin to stretch the seamless ceiling from the center of the surface - a semblance of a cross is formed, from the middle of which the canvas is stretched to the corners;
- for high-quality stretching of a seamless fabric ceiling, you will need a special spatula;
- after stretching, edges hanging from the profile are sure to form - they are simply cut off with a knife.
Note:If, after installing a stretch fabric seamless ceiling with your own hands, folds have formed, then you can use a heat gun or a hair dryer - a directed stream of warm/hot air quickly solves the problem.
How to dismantle a suspended ceiling with your own hands
Dismantling the finishing material in question may be necessary if the wiring is faulty (remember - we fixed it to the ceiling?) or if there is an accumulation of liquid between the material and the ceiling (for example, the neighbors above them flooded it). In any case, the dismantling process can be done with your own hands, without inviting specialists. Step-by-step instruction:
- getting rid of decorative ceiling plinth;
- use a heat gun or a hair dryer to warm up the film;
- carefully pull out the harpoons from the profiles (they directly “press”/fix the canvas) in the corners of the covering;
- We do the same thing around the entire perimeter - remove the harpoons.
During the process of dismantling a PVC stretch ceiling, you will need to constantly warm up the film - this will prevent loss of elasticity and damage to the material.
If you have to carry out the described process with a suspended fabric ceiling, then there is no need to use a heat gun, but certain difficulties may arise when pulling out the fabric tucked into the profile - such material “adheses” tightly to the bead or clip.
After dismantling and fixing the problem, you will have to repeat the procedure for installing the suspended ceiling with your own hands.
Considered finishing material for ceiling surfaces, perhaps the most reliable to date. If you operate it correctly and periodically carry out “hygienic procedures” on it, then for a long time there will be no need for either repair or replacement.