6 Most Popular False Ceiling Materials
Get to know the pros and cons of different false ceiling materials
Pooja Khanna Tyagi
31 May 2019
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016 an for architectural poetry in the year 2018. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi and Noida.
Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner,... More
A false ceiling is a secondary ceiling that is suspended from the structural ceiling of the home, and is made in materials such as POP, gypsum, wood, glass, PVC and so on. These materials are long lasting, look good and add to the aesthetic appeal of the space. It is essential to learn about the strengths and shortcomings of each of these false ceiling materials before you commit to one.
1. Gypsum
Gypsum has emerged as the most popular false ceiling material. It is available in the form of square boards that are factory-manufactured.
Pros
Gypsum has emerged as the most popular false ceiling material. It is available in the form of square boards that are factory-manufactured.
Pros
- Gypsum boards are very strong and highly durable.
- The best part about using gypsum boards is that they ensure quick and easy installation and generate very little dust during execution. Also, since the gypsum boards are available in large sizes, very few joint lines are visible in the ceiling.
- Gypsum is a fire-resistant material.
- Gypsum has very good acoustic properties and it provides good sound proofing.
- These ceilings provide good thermal insulation.
- Gypsum boards have a very smooth factory-produced finish. The ceiling can be further finished with paint, laminate or wallpaper.
- In case there is any damage caused to the ceiling, it needs to be broken down completely as it cannot be repaired. The ceiling may develop visible cracks over a length of time.
- It is not suitable for moisture-laden areas such as the bathroom or the outdoors, because gypsum has the tendency to warp. It may also fall prey to fungal growth.
In this example, just see how gypsum board ceilings are installed by fixing it in a visible square grid. The standard size of the gypsum panels is 2 x 2 feet. These ceiling boards are available in a smooth, textured or patterned finish.
Gypsum grid ceilings are most suitable for areas with a ducted air-conditioning or hidden services because these ceiling panels are removable and can allow easy access to the service areas.
Looking for a designer to consult with?
Gypsum grid ceilings are most suitable for areas with a ducted air-conditioning or hidden services because these ceiling panels are removable and can allow easy access to the service areas.
Looking for a designer to consult with?
2. POP (Plaster of Paris)
POP is a quick-setting white powder that hardens quickly when mixed with water. This mixture is applied to a chicken mesh, allowed to dry and then fixed as the false ceiling.
Pros
Take a look at more false ceiling designs
POP is a quick-setting white powder that hardens quickly when mixed with water. This mixture is applied to a chicken mesh, allowed to dry and then fixed as the false ceiling.
Pros
- POP is a durable false ceiling material.
- It forms a smooth finish which does not show cracks because the same material is used for closing all the joint lines. Paints settle very well on the POP ceiling.
- POP is a flexible material and one can achieve any shape with POP.
- It is one of the cheapest false ceiling materials.
- The process of mixing the POP with water and letting it dry on site is a very time-consuming and messy process.
Take a look at more false ceiling designs
3. Wood
Bring in a warm, rustic or high-end modern look to your decor with wooden ceilings. These ceilings are installed by fixing wooden blocks or panels on the structural ceiling and finishing it with veneer or wood polish.
Pros
Bring in a warm, rustic or high-end modern look to your decor with wooden ceilings. These ceilings are installed by fixing wooden blocks or panels on the structural ceiling and finishing it with veneer or wood polish.
Pros
- Wooden ceilings stand out because of the natural textures and grain patterns of wood. These ceilings go well with both traditional and modern decors.
- Wooden false ceilings are very expensive.
- Wooden ceilings can get infested with termites.
- Wood has the tendency to expand and contract; hence it is prone to warping and cracking.
4. Metal
Metal ceilings comprise metal panels suspended in a visible grid, as seen in the image above. The metal panels are available in the form of ready-to-install tiles.
Pros
HIre a professional to put up your false ceiling
Metal ceilings comprise metal panels suspended in a visible grid, as seen in the image above. The metal panels are available in the form of ready-to-install tiles.
Pros
- Metal ceilings are very strong and durable.
- These ceilings are maintenance-free as they do not crack or warp over time.
- Metal has a very good sheen, which imparts a high-end shiny look to the decor.
- Metal ceiling panels are very expensive.
- These panels should be finished with a protective coating that shall protect the metal sheets from corrosion.
HIre a professional to put up your false ceiling
5. PVC
If you are looking for a water-resistant false ceiling material, go for PVC (polyvinyl chloride) ceiling panels.
Pros
If you are looking for a water-resistant false ceiling material, go for PVC (polyvinyl chloride) ceiling panels.
Pros
- PVC sheets are lightweight, durable and sturdy, which do not require any finishing or painting once installed. They last for years without warping or bending.
- The water-resistant nature of the PVC sheets prevents water absorption. Hence, they are resistant to mould and mildew, especially in areas with damp conditions.
- PVC panels are easy to install and are highly affordable.
- They are available in many colours.
- PVC false ceiling panels can give a plastic look.
- Another major drawback is that PVC false ceiling panels are not fire-resistant and may get damaged when subjected to heat.
6. Stained glass
How about infusing a decorative look to the ceiling with stained glass, as in this image? Glass insets can be fixed onto the POP, gypsum or wooden ceilings.
Pros
Read more:
11 Chic Alternatives to False Ceilings
False Ceiling Designs for the Bedroom
Tell us:
What would be your choice of material for the false ceiling? Tell us why in the Comments section below.
How about infusing a decorative look to the ceiling with stained glass, as in this image? Glass insets can be fixed onto the POP, gypsum or wooden ceilings.
Pros
- Stained glass ceilings give a very eye-catching look to the interiors and are a great way to infuse an element of art into the space.
- Glass should be handled with care. Before installation make sure that the faux ceiling can take the additional load of the glass.
- Stained glass ceiling panels need maintenance and should be cleaned regularly, because dust and dirt show easily on glass.
- Stained glass is hand-painted, hence expensive.
Read more:
11 Chic Alternatives to False Ceilings
False Ceiling Designs for the Bedroom
Tell us:
What would be your choice of material for the false ceiling? Tell us why in the Comments section below.
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Hi Pooja nice article, want some more information on this. from where I can get some references for false ceiling for my home this should be simple and elegant not too much heavy.
@Rohit....check out our stories on www.houzz.in we have done lot of work on this topic
Very nice ideas and introduction to ideas for ceilings.