Category Archives: FALSE CEILING

Types of false ceilings – 7 ultimate ceiling types

Types of false ceilings, materials to be used and their selection are one of the most difficult challenges anyone should face when planning a new structure or restoring an existing one. The false ceiling materials should be durable and meet the requirements of the application locations. Ceiling systems are of numerous types for home interiors. False ceilings are classified in multiple ways based on their applications, materials used, appearance, and visibility. The most frequent categorisation, however, is based on the materials employed.

The false or drop ceiling is a great example of contemporary architecture both in residential and commercial applications. Different areas, lifestyles, and preferences necessitate the usage of various types of false ceiling materials. Continue reading to learn more about the seven trending varieties of false ceiling designs and materials that may be utilised to enhance your décor.

  1. Types of false ceilings
  2. Types of false ceilings – Related posts
  3. Plaster of Paris (POP)
  4. Gypsum board false ceiling – Types of False ceiling
  5. Metal False ceiling (Tile and plant type)
  6. Wooden False ceiling types
  7. PVC false ceilings
  8. Types of false ceilings – video
  9. Mineral fiberboard suspended ceiling
  10. Open grid false ceilings
  11. Conclusion

Types of false ceilings

In-home interiors, there are numerous types of false ceilings. False ceilings are classified depending on their applications, materials used, appearance, and visibility. The most frequent categorisation, however, is based on the materials utilised. Here are the seven most common varieties of false ceilings.

  • POP or Plaster of Paris false ceiling
  • Gypsum False ceiling
  • Metal False ceiling
  • Wooden False ceiling
  • Mineral fibre board false ceiling
  • PVC false ceiling
  • Open Grid Ceiling

Plaster of Paris (POP)

The most widely used, cost-effective, and favoured material for false ceilings, mostly in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors is Plaster of Paris or POP. POP is a white powder made by calcining gypsum, which means heated to a high temperature to eliminate the water content. For installation of plaster of Paris false ceiling, steel grids are suspended from the roof and are wrapped with chicken wire mesh. POP is mixed with water to form a paste and placed in layers over the chicken mesh, levelled, and finished.

POP is a flexible, resilient, and readily available material for false ceilings. Plaster of Paris is moulded, and designed to any shape, design, or pattern. Compared with other false ceiling materials, POP false ceilings are inexpensive, elegant, and low-maintenance.

The main disadvantage of POP is the time for completing the work and the massive waste it generates. However, on the whole, housekeeping costs will be substantial. Similarly, the plaster of Paris cannot match the factory-made superfine surface of gypsum boards. Moreover, POP is susceptible to water and moisture and to be avoided in wet and humid environments.

Plaster of Paris or POP false ceiling
Plaster of Paris or POP false ceiling

Gypsum board false ceiling – Types of False ceiling

Gypsum board is a premium and commonly used surface layer material for interior works like the wall, roof, and partition systems in residential, institutional, and commercial structures. The gypsum panel constitutes a non-combustible gypsum core and a tightly bonded specialised paper on the surface and long edges. Gypsum panels are mounted on steel frames that hang from the ceiling. The joints between the Gypsum boards are sealed with tape, giving the ceiling a seamless and elegant appearance. Apart from having an exquisite appearance, they also have fire resistance and acoustic properties. Likewise, Gypsum boards are economical, versatile and durable and easy to install.

Types of false ceilings - Gypsum board false ceiling
Gypsum board false ceiling

Metal False ceiling (Tile and plant type)

Metal false ceiling uses metals such as GALVANIZED IRON, STEEL, or ALUMINIUM. Likewise, metal false ceilings are strong, long-lasting, and simple to install. These ceilings are either grid-style or plank-style (linear pattern). Similarly, these metal ceiling tiles are simple to remove and reinstall after maintenance. However, compared to other false ceiling materials, metal ceiling types are less expensive, require minimal maintenance, and have a long lifespan. Metal ceiling tiles use suspended systems capable of holding panel and grid tiles in place.

Moreover, you can refer to our previous article Metal false ceiling kinds – Clip in and Lay in tile for more details.

Wooden False ceiling types

Wooden false ceilings are versatile, classic materials with diverse natural patterns and textures. These ceilings are installed using screws. Accordingly, for wooden false ceiling panels, block boards with veneer surfacing are adopted. However, the cost of a wooden false ceiling is substantial due to the high material cost and the higher maintenance expense. Wooden false ceilings are installed in the entire area or are similarly used as a highlighter with other false ceiling types. A wooden false ceiling is long-lasting, although it is susceptible to termite attacks and moisture.

Types of false ceilings -Wooden false ceiling
Wooden false ceiling

PVC false ceilings

PVC False Ceiling Planks, also known as Polyvinyl Chloride Planks, are durable, factory-manufactured, lightweight plastic materials. Likewise, polyvinyl chloride false ceilings have a robust, smooth surface and are available in a variety of styles, colours, widths, and lengths. They are popular and simple artificial ceiling choices for both residential and commercial settings. PVC planks are mostly used as false ceilings and wall covering materials. They are highly effective in resisting moisture and water and are commonly used in bathrooms, balconies, and other damp environments. Moreover, PVC false ceilings are reusable and are long-lasting materials that do not require any painting or polishing. They come in prelaminated shades and do not split, crack, warp or peel.

Types of false ceilings - PVC false ceilings
Types of false ceilings -PVC False ceilings

Types of false ceilings – video

Mineral fiberboard suspended ceiling

Mineral fibre board panels are produced from natural resources, recycled materials, and processed materials. They are made from recycled newspaper, perlite, fibreglass, mineral wool, and binding agents,  making them a highly reliable sound-absorbing option. 

Mineral fibreboard has exceptional acoustic and fire-resistant qualities. Mineral fibre board false ceilings, like metal false ceilings, have a suspended T- Grid Support system. The eco-friendly product is lightweight and easy to install.

Mineral fibre board false ceiling
Mineral fibre board false ceiling

The most significant disadvantage of mineral fibre is that it is fragile and easily breaks. Moreover, mineral fibre boards are susceptible to water and dampness, and painting over the surface is impossible. Because of their composition, the tiles should be handled with care throughout the production, installation, and maintenance operations.

Open grid false ceilings

Open Cell Ceiling systems are made up of several open-cell modules and are designed to be installed on a suspension grid. Grid ceilings are particularly useful for buildings that require lower ceilings without increasing the roof height. Metal ceiling support systems and gypsum board false ceilings are combined with the open grid ceiling tiles. Open cell ceilings are appealing and can provide a visually appealing effect to a room.

Open grid metal ceilings are appropriate for the leisure industry, schools, offices, and corporate structures,  as well as public spaces.

open-cell-ceiling
open-cell-ceiling (image courtesy Kohinoor decor)

Conclusion

False ceilings can be classified according to their application. These ceiling tiles make use of several materials to give a wide range of characteristics. Likewise, false ceiling panels are commonly used and can be intricately designed to improve the aesthetic characteristics of the ceiling.

Materials for False ceiling – Top 7 False ceiling materials

Selecting the materials for the false ceiling is one of the tricky tasks everyone should be facing while thinking of a new construction or renovating an old one. The materials for false ceilings should be durable and be in line with the requirements of application areas.
An artificial ceiling below the main roof of a room or a building is known as a false ceiling. False ceilings are second layer roofs, hanging from the main roof on suspended hanger supports. False ceilings provide an attractive and aesthetically pleasing look on the roofs. This article is about the top 7 trending materials for false ceilings.

Benefits of False Ceiling

The main benefits of false ceilings are…

  • Improves the aesthetic appearance of the interiors.
  • Reduces room height proportionally and makes space feel more compact and pleasant.
  • Acts as heat insulators and thereby reduces air conditioning load. The air gap between the ceiling and roof behaves like a nonconducting medium and minimises the heat and cold transmission. This reduces the air conditioning loads and energy bills.
  • A false ceiling hides the air condition ducts, Fire sprinkler lines, wiring for concealed light systems and other security systems, thereby giving an excellent look to the ceilings.
  • Helps accommodating additional ceiling lights. Ceiling lights in the right places enhance ambient lighting inside the room considerably.
  • Acts as an acoustic insulator and a noise reduction medium (mainly uses in auditoriums and movie halls).
  • False ceiling materials are mostly fire-rated and provide fire protection.

Materials for False ceiling

  • POP or Plaster of Paris false ceiling
  • gypsum False ceiling
  • Metal False ceiling
  • Wooden False ceiling
  • Mineral fibre board false ceiling
  • PVC false ceiling
  • Open grid False ceiling

POP of Plaster of Paris False ceiling

Plaster of Paris (POP) is the most popular, economical, and preferred choice of material for false ceiling works for residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Plaster of Paris is a white powder obtained by calcinating gypsum. ie. heating at a high temperature to remove the water content.

Steel grids are suspended from the roof and is covered with chicken wire mesh. POP is mixed with water to form a paste. The POP paste is applied over the chicken mesh in layers, levelled, and finished.

POP or Plaster of Paris False ceiling
POP or Plaster of Paris False ceiling

POP is a very flexible, durable, and readily available material for false ceilings and is moulded to any shape, design, and pattern. POP false ceilings are very cheap, elegant, and maintenance-free when compared to other false ceiling materials.

The main disadvantage with POP is the time taken to finish the work and the enormous amount of wastage it creates. Housekeeping expenses will be high. Plaster of Paris could not match the factory-made superfine surface of gypsum boards. POP is vulnerable to water and moisture and should be avoided for areas prone to water and moisture.

Gypsum board false ceiling

Gypsum board is a premier and widely used surface layer material for interior works that include wall, ceiling, and partition systems in residential, institutional, and commercial buildings.
The gypsum panel consists of a non-combustible gypsum core and a firmly bonded specialised paper on the surface and long edges. These panels are fixed on steel frames hanging from the ceiling.
The joints between Gypsum boards are sealed with tapes, thereby giving a seamless and elegant look to the ceiling. Apart from providing a very elegant look, they possess fire resistance, sound control, economy, versatility, durability etc , and are very easy to install.

Gypsum board false ceiling
Gypsum board false ceiling

Metal False ceiling (Tile and plant type)

A false ceiling that uses metals either in the form of GALVANISED IRON, STEEL OR ALUMINIUM is called a metal false ceiling. Metal false ceilings are hard, durable and very easy to install. The ceilings are plank type (linear pattern) or grid type. Metal false ceiling tiles are easy to remove and refix after maintenance. They are economical, Maintenance-free and got high self-life when compared to other false ceiling materials.

Metal false ceilings tiles use suspended systems capable of fixing panel and grid tiles.

For more details about the Metal false ceiling please check our earlier article “ Metal false ceiling types – Clip in and Lay in tile.”

Tile type metal false ceiling
Tile type metal false ceiling
Plank type metal false ceiling
Plank type metal false ceiling

Wooden Ceiling

Wooden false ceilings are versatile, classic materials having a variety of natural patterns and textures. They are easy to work with and is installed using screws. Block boards with veneer surfacing are used for wooden false ceiling panels.
Wooden false ceiling is expensive because of its high material cost and higher maintenance cost. They are used in full areas or used as a highlighter. A wooden false ceiling is durable but is vulnerable to termite attacks and moisture.

Wooden False ceiling
Wooden False ceiling

PVC False Ceiling

PVC or Polyvinyl chloride ceiling is a popular and easy false ceiling option available for residential and commercial areas. PVC false ceiling consists of strong, lightweight, factory-manufactured panels with a hollow core and shiny surface. Polyvinyl chloride false ceilings are strong, seamless finish and come with various designs, colours, sizes and lengths. They are very effective in resisting moisture and water and are used for bathrooms, balconies and other areas prone to moisture.

PVC false ceilings are reusable and durable materials that do not require any painting or polishing. They are available in pre-laminated shades and do not split, crack, wrap or rot.

Mineral Fibre Board

Mineral fibre board panels are manufactured using naturally occurring resources to recycled and processed materials. Mineral fibreboard possess excellent acoustic performance and fire resistance properties.
Mineral fibre board false ceiling got a suspended T- Grid Support system like metal false ceilings. They are lightweight and easy to install the environmentally friendly product. The main disadvantage with mineral fibre is that they are brittle and breaks frequently. Mineral fibre boards are vulnerable to water and moisture and painting is not possible over the surface.

Mineral Fibre Board False ceiling
Mineral Fibre Board False ceiling

Open Grid False ceilings

Open Cell Ceiling systems comprise a series of open-cell modules designed to lay onto a suspension grid. Open cell ceilings are especially useful for buildings areas lower ceilings without actually changing the roof height.
The tiles are integrated with metal ceiling support systems and plasterboard ceilings. Open cell ceilings are pleasant and can create a visually pleasing look to the room.
Open grid metal ceilings are suitable for the leisure industry, schools, offices, and corporate buildings as well as public spaces.

Open Grid Type False ceiling
OPEN GRID TYPE CEILING -CREDITS (ARMSTRONG)

Disadvantages of false ceiling

  • False ceiling reduces the height of the rooms. Hence installation of fans may not be possible.
  • Chances of fittings falling from the ceiling.
  • Ceilings may sag and de- colourise in course of time and to be replaced.
  • Rodents and pests can easily enter the ceiling.
  • False ceiling system may fall due to weak supports.

Installation method of all false ceilings

Checks for brickwork

The room’s walls should be perpendicular to each other. Diagonals to be checked to ensure 90 degrees of the walls.

Plastering and painting

  • Plastering to be done for a height of 150 mm above the false ceiling.
  • The main ceiling and area above the false ceiling are to be rendered.
  • A basic coat of primer to be applied before starting ceiling works.
  • Final painting to be done after work completion.

Check for concealed systems

  • Cabling /wiring relating to all concealed systems like Ceiling lights, Air condition system, Fire alarm and sprinklers, security cameras has to be completed.
  • Under deck insulation, if any to be done before doing the ceiling.
  • The ducts for supply and return air for the air condition system are to be completed and insulated before starting ceiling works.

Fixing of False ceiling

The ceiling level has to be marked all around the room using marking fluids Edge angle / Wall angle shall be fixed in line with the marking .

Appropriate hangers (steel wires/steel angles ) in line with the ceiling system shall be fixed to the ceiling using anchor fasteners, likewise the hangers may be used as per the ceiling type and manufacturer. Main grids shall be hanged from the hangers and end of the main grids however should rest on the wall angle. Intermediate tees/ sections are fixed on the main grid for facilitating ceiling boards or tiles fixing.

Cut outs for fixtures

Cut outs required for fixtures shall be done on the board as per drawings, however provision of additional members around the openings to ensure the hold of ceiling fittings.

Precautions For False ceiling works

  • Check with the services drawings to ensure completion of concealed wiring works before starting ceiling works.
  • Provide strong hangers well enough to handle the false ceiling load.
  • The centre portion of the ceiling should be kept little bit higher than the external portion to counter the sagging.
  • Light layouts and marking for cut outs should be marked and checked before cutting
  • Extra members if required shall be provided in case of cutting of any member coming in line with the fixtures.
  • All openings made for cable entry and ducting have to be properly sealed before doing ceiling to restrict pests and rodents from entering the area.

Metal False ceiling Types -Clip in and Lay in Tile

WHAT IS A METAL FALSE CEILING?

A false ceiling that uses metals either in the form GALVANISED IRON, STEEL OR ALUMINIUM is called metal false ceiling. Metal false ceilings are hard and durable and very easy to install. The ceilings are plank type (linear pattern) or grid type. These ceiling tiles can be removed and refixed easily after maintenance .These ceilings are economical and maintenance is very low.The self life of the metal ceilings are high compared with other false ceilings. For more details about false ceiling material types, refer our earlier article ” Materials for false ceiling – Top 7 false ceiling materials.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPE OF METAL FALSE CEILINGS?

a) Metal ceiling lay in type

b) Metal ceiling clip in type

c) Metal ceiling plank type

d) Open cell type

c) linear pattern C shape, U shape, R shape panels, 150 F panels

 d) customise ceiling panels.

e) plain & perforated patterns

The thickness of a metal false ceiling mostly ranges from 0.4 mm to 1 mm. Thickness more than 1 mm is also available . The metal false ceiling is available in GALVANISED IRON , ALUMINIUM & STEEL types and the surface coating shall powder coated type which is used in aluminium and coil coated type used in steel false ceilings. The tiles used for metal false ceiling shall be square type or plank type or perforated type.

Following are the commonly used types of metal false ceiling.

METAL CEILING WITH LAY IN TILE

Lay in type Metal false ceiling
Lay in type Metal false ceiling

In these type of ceilings the tiles are laid over a T grid (as shown in fig) which is hanged to the ceiling using hangers/ wires 3 to 4 mm thick. The tiles used can either be plain type or perforated type. The size of grids normally used shall be 600×600 mm. In this type of false ceiling the grids are exposed and can be seen from outside. Tiles are simply placed on a T-shaped runner (ref fig), generally between 10 and 25mm, and can be easily installed and can be demounted as individual tiles during maintenance of services like AC, fire fighting,electrical etc.

T grids for Tile Laying
T grids for Tile Laying


This ceiling system comprises of Galvanized steel /Aluminium lay in tiles ( 600 mm x 600 mm) are manufactured out of 0.50-1 mm thick polyester coil coated steel 120 gsm zinc coating or powder coated with 50 microns polyester paint. Aluminium tiles are manufactured out of 0.70mm – 1 mm thick aluminium sheets and are powder coated using polyester paint 50 micron thick. The lay in tiles used can be plain tiles or perforated tiles. The perforations depend on the client requirement and manufacturer specifications.

Grid system for lay in tiles
Grid system for lay in tiles

Advantages of lay in tile
Lay-in tiles are easy to remove and flexible for services related to electrical, fire ,plumbing and air conditioning facilities concealed in the false ceiling etc. They are also the easiest to move around when renovating and shifting office spaces.Installation and maintenance is very easy.The tile can be removed and remounted without any skilled assistance.The material is very durable and moisture and fire resistant.

METAL CEILING WITH CLIP IN TILES

In the clip-in system, ceiling tiles clip into the suspended runner. Due to their washability clip-in tiles see consistent use in industrial and commercial uses. Ceiling tiles clip on to the suspended grid and therefore conceal the grid from view. Manufacturers have their own unique clip-in systems that match their boards but generally they all consist of a spring tee runner from which boards clip on to.

Clip in tile grid system
Clip in tile grid system

This ceiling system comprises of Galvanized steel /Aluminium lay in tiles ( 600 mm x 600 mm) are manufactured out of 0.50/1mm mm thick polyester coil coated steel 120 gsm zinc coating or powder coated with 50 microns polyester paint. Aluminium tiles are manufactured out of 0.70mm-1 mm thick aluminium sheets with powder coated 50 microns polyester paint. The CLIP IN TILES used can be plain tiles or perforated tiles. The perforations depend on the client requirement and manufacturer specifications.

Conclusion

Metal false ceiling systems are durable and long lasting when compared with any other ceiling. They are easy to install and maintain and a very preferred choice for industrial, commercial and residential areas.