Try an unorthodox and inexpensive solution as I am doing: simple thin bamboo spaced 1" apart. Very versatile to use, and allows spaces for lighting, fan, wiring etc. In may case, I am using it with a glass roof to allow in the light through the bamboo strips.

Hello there,

The ceiling height of 9' is appropriate enough to incorporate false ceiling. As told earlier, the difference/drop would be around 6"-8" .

There are many advantages of installing a false ceiling e.g. air gap for heat insulation, hiding conduits and wiring, appropriate and uniform room illumination, reduced cooling costs, clean and minimalist look etc.

However, certain disadvantages concerning to fire safety, insect breeding and delayed water leakage detection couldn't be ignored either. Having said that, a properly installed ceiling will last atleast 7-10 years with minute maintenance.

There are several alternatives to false ceilings. Trending are :

Wooden slats/ louvers

Bamboo slats/ louvers

Laminated plywood/WPC slats

Aluminum louvers

Mangalore ceiling tiles

Terracotta tiles

OSB ceiling panels

Costing : Gypsum (Saint gobain or equivalent)- 85-200 / sqft as per designs

Maintenance overhead : 2-5% of material cost annually.

I would suggest laminated WPC slats for a rich contemporary look with appropriate illumination .

@teja menenni: I have no published reference for my suggestion, just an idea that I have tested in one glass covered balcony in my house in the photos below. Spacing can be adjusted as desired.

Therefore from the above fact, we can conclude that the minimum ceiling height should at least 9 ft. 6 inches for any habitable room in residential building.

https://bit.ly/2uu7aWK

Since you only have 9' ht for your 3bhk apt, I would recommend you to take only 3" ceiling ht that will be enough to hide all electrical wires and fix conceal spotlights and if you want an interesting play with design you can go upto 6" in certain places.

Let your space breathe with more height.

For a 1400 sqft house a rough estimated cost for gypsum false ceiling work can be around 80-90k.

Pros of a gypsum false ceiling are that it hides all your wiring, concealing spotlights, and a false ceiling plays a major role in giving your house a designer look. And for maintenance it just needs regular dusting that we carry out weekly or monthly in our house.

1. what is the recommended height required when we want to opt for false ceiling?

Answer : ( 8'-6" below false ceiling...)

2) what are the pros and cons with false ceiling?

Answer : Advantage is...

1) If ur staying below terrace flat, False ceiling will to reduce heat.

2) To hide electrical wiring conduit pipes which will hide inside the false ceiling.

3) to hide any electronic devices inside the false ceiling, by using trap door, to service the wiffi, telephone, router, etc.

3) how much does it will cost for 1400 sft 3bhk?

Answer : ( 2 Option )

1 Option ) 1400 is not totally will be used for false ceiling, i hope except balcony, bathrooms, etc here it is not necessary, so asume only 1100 Sq.ft Carpet Area = 99000/- Flat ceiling.

2 Option ) Additional design ( Up / Down - level difference for Cove Lights ) Asume 35000/-

Total Cost = 1,34,000=00

4) is it only for aesthetics purpose or any functional advantage?

Answer : Both as Explained Above.

5) how much overhead interms of maintenance?

Answer : No Maintenance Cost, If not damaged by water.

6) any alternatives for false ceiling to get good lighting and rich look?

Reflected Cove Light which is mentioned in Sr.No. 3 ( option 2 ) Additional Cost

Hi all my ceiling is only 8.5 feet height. can i go for 6 in drop false ceiling? just for uniform illumination of lights. or is it possible to do jus 4 in drop down?.

hi

you can come doun by min 3" and use panel lights

Oh ..is that possible to do 3" drop down..? will check with my interior.

Senthil, 3 inches is feasible but as the ceiling is not levelled at all places it may be a bit tight to do 3 inch drop. Please check with a site contractor.

BTW Which builder/place gives 8.5 as ceiling height- just for understanding

Thanks,
Nitin
CORNERSTONE DESIGNS, Bangalore

Thank you. will check this point. Builder name is Casagrand, Chennai