Everything is learned by comparison, isn't it? This explains why people start comparing drywall or stretch ceiling, because each type has its own weighty advantages. Choosing a champion and outsider is not easy, but we will try to do so in this article. Consider the features of each material, its pros and cons.

Those who have already tried the stretch ceiling and drywall, know that the latter is a composite material. It consists of two main "ingredients" - cardboard and gypsum. Usage modern technologies helped to bring them together and make them one.

Plasterboard was originally used to create small partitions. He allowed to change the space beyond recognition. Later, designers noticed that the use of material for finishing works significantly reduces repair time.

Modern plasterboard sheets are an opportunity to finish the ceiling in the shortest possible time to get a real work of art. The surface is smooth and even, you can create the most complex structures, visually highlight specific areas of the room.

It would seem that everything is so tempting and good, don't you agree? Before deciding what is better drywall or stretch ceilings, we list the obvious advantages and disadvantages of the material.

Advantages

• The suspended installation method will help to hide almost any imperfections in ceiling tiles.
• without resorting to the help of specialists. This means you save money.
• The ability to hide pipes and wires, mount a point type of lighting.
• Plasticity is another plus for gypsum plasterboards. Thanks to this property, designers can realize the most daring ideas.
• The solution to a variety of tasks - from visually raising the ceiling to expanding the room.
• Returning to the issue of environmental friendliness, we note that the material does not burn, does not emit pungent odors. Hence, it can be used in living spaces, bedrooms and even children's rooms.

disadvantages

Despite its versatility, drywall also has certain disadvantages:

• Poor moisture resistance. If neighbors from above flood plasterboard ceilings and stretch ceilings, the first option will swell and lose its shape. Only a complete dismantling and installation of a new coating will help to solve the problem.
• Complex multilevel structures strongly “eat up” the height - up to 20 centimeters. This factor can be critical if you have small apartment with a low ceiling.
• And it is undesirable to mount a plasterboard ceiling in new buildings. At first, the apartment put into operation will shrink, and this is fraught with cracks.
• Over time, such a ceiling coating loses its whiteness, becomes covered with cracks. Although if you tint it and properly care for it, a good GCR will last for several more years.

Keeping up with the times - tension option

Advantages

To determine which ceiling is better than drywall or stretch ceiling, consider the features of the second type.

By tradition, we start with the pros:

1. Huge decorating possibilities. The canvas is able to imitate fabric and wood, marble and gloss, even leather. The color palette also impresses with its decoration. Moreover, digital printing technology allows you to apply any image to the material. Standard ceilings made of foam boards or plasterboard are deprived of this possibility.
2. ... If the installation is done correctly, you can save any room from an unexpected flood. Alas, drywall boards are not able to withstand such a load.
3. Elementary care. Do you think stretch or plasterboard ceilings are treated with special dirt and dust-repellent impregnations? GCR cannot be treated with impregnations, and also it cannot be washed with a wet rag.
4. Many manufacturers give a guarantee that their material will serve you faithfully for 25 years. During this time, the canvas will not fade in the sun, will not fade, and its attractive appearance will not be lost either. Drywall can last 10-15 years. What are the best ceilings if durability is your top priority? The answer is obvious.

disadvantages

Naturally, everything is not as rosy and radiant as we would like. And such designs have their "dark" sides.

1. Among all types of finishes, this one is considered the most expensive.
2. Problematic installation. The cost also increases because it is very problematic to install the tensioning fabric on your own. To do this, you must have special equipment.
3. Low strength. It is in strength that the "stretch" is significantly inferior to gypsum plasterboards. This is why its installation is not recommended in the kitchen and children's room.
4. Due to the nature of the material, the power of ordinary incandescent bulbs should be no more than 60 watts, and halogen bulbs - 35 watts.

Conclusions on the topic

It's time to summarize and understand that a stretch ceiling or drywall is better. It can be concluded that each of the listed materials has significant advantages, but not without disadvantages. The final choice will depend on the room in which you are going to use this or that type of decoration.

For those who are interested in environmentally friendly coverage, good sound and thermal insulation characteristics, the optimal microclimate, you can recommend gypsum plasterboards. The design will turn out to be strong and reliable, perfectly flat. You will hardly be able to find at least one seam, pothole, or any other defect on it.

Do you want to make repairs in a new building? In this case, the use of GCR is contraindicated. It is better to give preference to the tension vault.

It is also chosen by those who put in the first place not practicality, but originality, apply a creative approach when arranging a room. Thus, avid craftsmen often choose the first option, while stretched canvas remains the prerogative of those who want to get an unusual ceiling and are ready to pay a higher price for it.

To understand which ceiling is better than a stretch or drywall, it is worth conducting a detailed comparative analysis of the main characteristics of the products. Both options are in demand among consumers, meet the requirements for practicality and durability. Both tension and plasterboard structures can become part of modern design, are not inferior to each other in the level of sound insulation.

Comparison of the complexity of installation of ceilings

The algorithm of actions and the number of installation stages in the case of drywall and stretch canvases are different. Plasterboard structures are mounted in the following order:

• delivery of material;
• frame assembly;
• installation of sheets;
• sealing and grinding of seams;
• painting;
• installation of baguettes.

To install a stretch ceiling, you will need to go through the following steps:

• delivery of material and equipment;
• installation of a baguette;
• stretching the canvas;
• installation of decorative inserts.

It can be noted that the tensioning structure is easier and faster to install. Only professionals can do the work, using a special gun, while the plasterboard ceiling can be installed with your own hands.

What is the situation with environmental friendliness and safety?

Today, special attention is paid to the environmental friendliness of finishing materials. Everyone dreams of a safe ceiling for home, office, workshop. Comparing different design options, you can answer the question: stretch ceilings or drywall, which is better in terms of environmental friendliness?

So, the main thing for a stretch ceiling is polyvinyl chloride. This is an artificial material - an airtight film, which implies a good level of ventilation in the room. Plastic windows do not contribute to maintaining an acceptable level, therefore, when choosing such structures, you will need to consider the possibility of installing an additional ventilation system.

PVC films are waterproof, which means that in rooms with high humidity will not cause the formation of mildew and mold. In addition, high-quality coatings do not emit harmful compounds during operation.

Plasterboard structures are made of natural gypsum, so the level of air permeability is much higher. The material is not flammable, does not emit harmful toxins. Compared to stretch ceilings, drywall is several steps ahead in all environmental and safety indicators.

How long does it take to install the structures?

Naturally, the speed of selling ceiling coverings plays a role, especially when renovation or construction works have certain terms endings. It will take a different amount of time to equip plasterboard and stretch canvases.

In the first case, this is from 4 to 6 days, in the second - several hours, subject to the involvement of experienced craftsmen and equipment.

It is better to mount drywall structures faster and more conveniently in a team. Stretch ceiling only specialists will be able to install.

Fire and temperature tests - which ones are stronger?

By this criterion, it is difficult to say which stretch or plasterboard ceiling is better. Both designs are fire resistant. In an open fire, they will lose their shape, but remain intact.

But as far as temperatures are concerned, PVC film reacts subtly to cold. Even zero degrees Celsius will be enough to lose a number of qualities of the material, from elasticity to reliability. At low temperatures, the film simply becomes unusable, therefore, the use of PVC ceilings in unheated open rooms is not permissible.

Gypsum plasterboard can withstand temperature extremes without changes in quality characteristics and appearance.

About design, texture and shape - which ceiling is better?

Stretch and plasterboard canvases are easy to "beat" in such a way that the designs become more interesting and unusual. Drywall sheets, for example, can be coated with water-based paint experimenting with colors and transitions.

In the case of PVC film, the possibilities are even brighter. Using special devices and technologies, manufacturers produce a huge range of products of different colors, shades, factor, including with photographs on canvases on request. The surface of such a ceiling can be:

• glossy;
• matte;
• semi-gloss;
• velvet;
• leather, etc.

Thus, it turns out that despite the possibility of excrement in both cases, stretch ceilings made of PVC film are more advantageous due to a wide variety of design solutions.

Canvases in operation - in which case is it easier?

During operation, gypsum plasterboard structures require minimal maintenance. On average, products last about 10 years.

Plasterboard ceilings most often have problems with seams, on which putty becomes unusable. The solution in such cases will be a small cosmetic repair with painting of the sealed areas.

If a room with plasterboard ceilings is flooded by neighbors from above, faulty heating systems or a leaky roof, you cannot do without replacing the damaged sheets.

Both fabric and "film" stretch ceilings need the easiest care. To maintain them in proper condition, it will be enough to carry out wet cleaning from time to time without using chemicals in the case of PVC film and dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner in the case of fabric samples.

It is especially worth noting that stretch ceilings are good for their ability to withstand hundreds of liters of water in the event of a flood. Acting as a giant umbrella, the ceilings will prevent damage to property and will retain their previous appearance after the water is drained and dried.

About loss of height and joining seams

Both plasterboard and stretch ceilings "steal" space. But the first option will reduce the height of the ceiling by at least 10 cm, and in some cases even more, and the tension one - from 3 to 5 cm.

Joint seams are an integral part of both types of structures. The gaps between the drywall sheets can be simply masked with high-quality putty and paint. In the case of stretch ceilings, an option with seamless canvases is possible.

Built-in lighting - which side has the advantage?

It is as easy as shelling pears to disguise wiring, lamps, sconces and lamps under a stretch ceiling. The design opens up new possibilities for use different options lighting equipment from point to multi-level.

The canvas perfectly masks the wires inside the frame, guarantees the possibility of dismantling or replacing equipment without problems if necessary.

A suspended plasterboard ceiling is not as flexible and functional in this respect. If necessary, it will not be easy to get to the elements of lighting equipment, therefore, at the installation stage, you will need to think over the device of hidden hatches.

Which ceiling is more profitable - about the price

An important question: what is cheaper than a stretch ceiling or drywall and what is the price of? When analyzing the cost of structures, you need to take into account everything, from the price of canvases to the payment for the work of the masters.

There is no unequivocal answer to the question about the price, since a lot depends on the cost of materials, the design of the structure, the level of the installation master. It is permissible to mount drywall sheets with your own hands, choosing tension structures - it makes sense to think about saving on the complexity of the structure and the type of material.

An interesting option for those who could not make a choice is the combination of canvases. A design of this kind will come out original and practical.

The ceiling is an important part of a room's interior, capable of giving an atmosphere of comfort and softness, or, conversely, adding drama and space. Today there are many options for decorating the ceiling, each of which has positive and negative sides. The most popular are two types - stretch ceilings and plasterboard ceilings.

How to compare?

Stretch ceiling is a lightweight membrane made of PVC or fabric material with a special treatment. It installs quickly and does not leave a lot of debris after installation. Preparatory work simple, and the installation itself does not leave dirt and smell, does not require removing furniture from the room.

Drywall is often used to level the ceiling. It is cheap and popular, but rather fragile material. The most common type of drywall comes with either a beveled or square edge. The beveled edge of the sheet is ideal for seams, while the square edge is generally used for textured finishes.

To find out which of the ceilings - stretch or drywall - is better, you need to decide on the parameters by which they can be compared.

1. The aesthetic appearance of the ceiling should be pleasing to the eye and fit into the overall interior.
2. Ease of installation is one of the factors that determine the possibility of self-installation of the ceiling.
3. The ease of maintenance of the ceiling describes its performance properties.
4. The possibility of sound and heat insulation may be needed in apartment buildings.
5. The water resistance of the surface will affect the choice of ceiling if the installation is planned in a room with high humidity.
6. The presence of special hygienic properties that will help protect the ceiling space from the formation of mold, the growth of bacteria and the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere of the room.
7. Installation cost is an important factor, especially on a tight budget.

Appearance

The popularity of both types of ceiling is about the same. Both materials are sufficiently durable and strong if not subjected to directed mechanical stress. It should be noted that replacing a damaged stretch ceiling can be more expensive than installing a new plasterboard ceiling.

To achieve the desired color, drywall will have to be painted by hand; the stretch ceiling panel is made in a variety of colors, including with a printed pattern. Both types of ceiling allow you to mount not only straight-line, but also very complex structures. In addition, a stretch ceiling can be glossy, and such an effect cannot be achieved with paint on drywall.

Plasterboard ceilings usually have seams between the slabs that need to be sealed. A stretch ceiling can be made seamless: even if the panel is welded from several strips, such a seam is flat and almost invisible.

The warranty service life of the stretch ceiling is 10 years, although its service life can be much higher and reach 20 years, if there was no mechanical damage to the panel during its use. The service life of a plasterboard ceiling is also quite long and is estimated at 15 years with proper operation.

Ceiling care

These two types of ceiling require absolutely different care... According to its characteristics, the finished plasterboard structure does not differ in leaving from the usual plastered ceiling and needs regular staining to impart freshness and novelty. The stretch ceiling can also be painted if desired, but it is enough just to refresh it by wiping it with a damp cloth using a regular detergent.

The stability of the stretch ceiling is achieved by balanced air pressure outside the membrane and in the space between the ceilings. Such a ceiling can be removed without damage and re-installed in the same condition. If a plasterboard ceiling is installed in a whole piece, it will not be possible to remove it later without damaging it. It is possible to install it from plasterboard plates - such a ceiling can be dismantled without damage.

Video - Stretch ceiling care

Hygienic properties

When choosing a material for a stretch ceiling, you can provide for its antibacterial and anti-mold treatment. It is a moisture resistant material that sags, retaining water and returns to its previous shape after it (water) is removed. Condensation on the film also does not settle. Such ceilings can be used in laboratories, medical centers, swimming pools and saunas, in bathrooms.

Plasterboard ceilings are exposed to moisture and may fail if pipes leak. As a rule, such a ceiling cannot be repaired; it has to be changed. Mold easily forms on ordinary drywall, it is not recommended to install it in rooms with high humidity, although today you can find drywall sheets with antibacterial and anti-mold impregnation on the market. There are specially designed types of drywall, which are reinforced with silicon additive or non-flammable glass, which gives this material increased water resistance. However, even such drywall will not withstand direct contact with water.

The sheet of the stretch ceiling has antistatic properties, which prevents the accumulation of dust on it. Special processing of the material also prevents grease and soot from settling on it, moreover, it does not absorb odors. Drywall itself does not possess such properties. It is possible to slightly increase its resistance by using an appropriate finishing treatment - it will determine the final surface properties of this material. However, dust and dirt that have adhered during operation will have to be removed. cosmetic repairs ceiling.

Sound and heat insulation properties

A stretch ceiling can improve the acoustic properties of a room even with a standard membrane. The use of a special micro-perforated material will further enhance the acoustic properties of stretch ceiling structures. The micro-perforated membrane has holes 0.1–0.2 mm in diameter, which does not affect the visual properties of the product. The noise suppression ratio of such a ceiling is 0.45, taking into account that the value, equal to one, means a room completely isolated from sound. If, during the installation of the film, an insulating material is also used, which is fixed in the space between the panel and the main ceiling, the acoustic properties increase even more, reaching a noise reduction coefficient of 0.8–0.9.

Standard drywall itself is poor at absorbing sound, with a noise reduction ratio of only 0.05. Therefore, if soundproofing is required in the room, consider using other materials or combine perforated drywall with insulation reinforced in the space between the frame and the main ceiling. Here, it may be difficult to work with such sheets of drywall, since perforation will increase the fragility of an already fragile material.

Thermal insulation of both stretch and plasterboard ceilings is achieved by installing an additional thermal insulation material in the interceiling space.

Moreover, in both cases, the insulating material must be fixed on independent suspensions so that it does not rest on the surface of the false ceiling. Plasterboard boards are produced, on which a thick layer of polystyrene foam is already reinforced. In this case, during installation, the safety margin of the bearing profile should be taken into account, since the weight of such composite material will increase.

Features of installing a plasterboard ceiling

Plasterboard panels are fragile and heavy. Depending on the thickness of the panel used, its weight per square meter is 5 kg for a 6 mm sheet and increases in proportion to the thickness of the sheet. The process of installing a plasterboard ceiling is quite complicated and time-consuming, it takes a lot of time. Depending on the area of ​​the room and the complexity of the structure, the installation of the ceiling can take from several days to several weeks.

1. Before installing the plasterboard ceiling, it is necessary to remove furniture and appliances from the room, as additional space will be required to work with the sheets. In addition, when cutting the sheets, a lot of dust and debris is generated.
2. Installation requires fixing a metal frame to the ceiling that will support the entire structure.
3. Plasterboard sheets are cut to the desired size and attached to the installed profile.
4. The joints of the sheets require special processing.
5. The prepared surface must be primed and painted.

Features of installing a stretch ceiling

The stretch ceiling installation process takes several hours. The entire procedure can be performed by one person and generally consists of two stages.

1. Installation of a metal profile around the perimeter of the room.
2. Stretching the ceiling panel onto the profile.

It may require special preparation of the room and PVC panels by heating with a heat gun. If a cloth is used, the installation will be cold. In this case, you do not even need to remove furniture from the room, it is enough to free up access to the perimeter of the room. The fabric ceiling sheet will need to be cut to shape after installation, while the PVC sheet will be prepared in advance to fit the room.

For uniform flat tension of the panel, it is necessary to correctly install the profile frame around the perimeter of the room. In the case of a plasterboard ceiling, one perimeter is not enough - the supporting frame will also need to be installed in the center of the ceiling slab in increments, the size of which depends on the width of the drywall sheet.

Ceiling mounting tools and materials

Most of the tools required when installing both stretch and plasterboard ceilings are the same. Differences are observed at the final stage, when the plasterboard ceiling needs to be processed for finishing, while the stretch ceiling is easy enough to clean.

Tools that will be needed to mount both ceilings:

• putty knife;
• puncher;
• screwdriver;
• self-tapping screws;
• ladder;
• level;
• roulette.

An air heater (heat gun) is required to mount a stretch ceiling PVC sheet.

When installing a plasterboard ceiling, you will additionally need:

• putty;
• primer;
• dye;
• paint roller and container for it;
• a brush for painting corners;
• sandpaper;
• saw;
• goggles, gloves.

Which ceiling to choose?

When choosing a ceiling, first of all, you need to think about in which room you plan to install it. If this is a bathroom, then the use of drywall is irrational due to its instability in contact with water. Stretch ceiling will be useful in new buildings where building shrinkage and cracking are possible, including in ceiling slabs. Drywall in such conditions will crack, so it is necessary to provide for the use of a special type of fasteners. Under these conditions, it is enough to simply level the strip of the stretch ceiling to compensate for the pressure in the interceiling space.

Installing drywall is more difficult than installing a stretch ceiling, however, in both cases, you will need certain skills and tools if you are going to install the ceiling yourself. Please note that drywall sheets are quite heavy, so you will need at least a couple more hands when installing. In addition, when working with drywall, a lot of dust and debris is generated, much more than when installing a stretch ceiling.

If the question of choice is the cost of the ceiling, then the cheapest option would be to install the plasterboard ceiling yourself. If you plan to hire craftsmen to install the ceiling, most likely, taking into account the price of the material and cost installation works both types of ceilings will cost about the same.

The possibility of repairing the installed ceiling should also be envisaged. If the stretch ceiling panel is damaged, it will be difficult to repair and, most likely, the membrane will have to be completely replaced. Drywall is easy enough to repair, and only part of the ceiling can be repaired without replacing the undamaged area.

If electrical wiring is laid in the interceiling space, it will be useful to provide for the fire resistance of the ceiling in case of a possible short circuit. The stretch panel is non-flammable and can withstand a 15-minute exposure to flame without collapse. Gypsum itself is not a combustible material, only cardboard can burn. Therefore, to increase the fire resistance, you should choose drywall with a refractory impregnation, which reduces the flammability of the cardboard component.

Estimate the temperature at which the ceiling will be used. Although both options do best with room temperatures, drywall will withstand negative thermometer readings without any problems. The stretch ceiling is not used at extreme temperatures, it becomes brittle in frost and too elastic at high temperatures.

The comparative table of properties shows the similarities and main differences between stretch ceiling and drywall ceiling.

Table. Comparative characteristics stretch and plasterboard ceilings.

Characteristic	Stretch ceiling	Plasterboard ceiling
Installation time (20 sq. M.)	2 hours	2-5 days depending on the complexity
Reuse of material	Yes	Yes
Moisture resistance	Yes	No
Weight per square meter	0.3KG	5-10 kg depending on sheet thickness
Life time	10-20 years	Up to 15 years old
Environmental friendliness	100%	70%
Dyeing	Not required	Required every 2-3 years
Washable	Yes	No
Fire resistance	Yes	No
Loss of room height	2.5 cm	1.5-5 cm
Possibility of multi-level and complex structure	Yes	Yes
The ability to hide communications	Yes	Yes

Video - Combination of plasterboard and stretch ceiling

The ceiling in the apartment has lost its visual appeal or country house, makes you think about the repair. At the same time, I want the updated interior to be cheap, but of high quality. Ceilings with protruding joints between slabs, bumps and cracks are easier to close than to level with plaster and other building materials. For this, stretch and suspended ceilings are most often used. To choose the best option, you need to disassemble the positive and negative sides of both types, compare design features and understand what the difference is.

What is the difference between a stretch ceiling and a suspended one?

Stretch ceilings are made of polyvinyl chloride film or fabric, which is stretched over a baguette (mounting profile), fixed around the perimeter of the room. The material is preheated with a heat gun (when using PVC). After cooling, the film is stretched and a flat ceiling is obtained, resistant to water and unpleasant odors.

For large rooms, the fabric is welded. This mainly applies to film coatings, the width of which is a maximum of 3.25 m, but the weld seam is practically invisible. Fabric canvases are produced in a width of 5 m, they are often called seamless.

When installing a suspended ceiling, first of all, metal or wooden frame, which is then sheathed with modules or other elements (plates, cassettes, slats or drywall sheets). The latter option is used more often. The metal frame of the suspended ceiling consists of suspensions that adjust the height, guide profiles and moldings located in the corners. As the first, wire of a certain thickness, brackets or metal rods are used. When using drywall sheets for modules, after assembly of the structure, putty or painting will be required.

Which false ceiling is better

Depending on the material and differences in design, 3 groups are distinguished:

1. Rack and pinion.
2. Cassette (modular).
3. Solid.

Each group has advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering in more detail.

Rack

Look great in the interior of the corridor, hallway or living room. The slats are made of plastic, metal, aluminum or wood. Structurally, slatted ceilings are long panels that are fixed close to or with a small distance on a wooden or metal frame, which, in turn, is attached to the ceiling tiles. If it is necessary to hide pipes or wiring, the structure is lowered to the required distance from the ceiling.

Practical and technical characteristics differ depending on the material used to hem the ceiling.

PVC panels

Plastic constructions are suitable for premises of any purpose (toilet, bathroom, unheated buildings). They have the following advantages:

• resistance to moisture and temperature jumps;
• light weight and easy installation;
• safety and reliability of the material;
• easy care;
• long service life;
• affordable cost.

Plastic slats are produced in various textures (metallized, matte, glossy, with original embossing) and differ in a wide range of colors.

Structures made of wooden lining will become ideal option for those who love eco-style. Most often they are used for bedrooms and corridors. Rack wooden ceilings have the following characteristics:

• complete environmental friendliness and harmlessness;
• aesthetic design;
• resistance to change temperature regime in room;
• long term of use;
• creating a favorable microclimate in the room.

Among the disadvantages is hygroscopicity. For use in the bathroom, wooden lining is suitable only if additional processing is applied (heat-resistant wax, natural oils, antiseptic solutions).

Metal slats

The metal for slatted ceilings is durable aluminum (0.4-1 mm) or steel with anti-corrosion treatment. The width of the panels can be from 80 to 300 mm, and the length - from 2 to 6 m. living rooms... It has the following advantages:

• antibacterial effect;
• ecological cleanliness;
• resistance to temperature extremes;
• a service life of several decades;
• ease of care.

The surface of the panels can be smooth, embossed or perforated. But the latter option is not suitable for the kitchen and bathroom, since after a time between the cladding and the overlap, resins and drops of moisture accumulate, which exude an unpleasant odor. As for the color, they can be powder coated in any color, as well as be mirrored, imitate the texture of wood and other materials.

Among the disadvantages of steel slatted ceilings is the mandatory application of anti-corrosion agents to the cuts, aluminum is a high price.

Modular (cassette)

They represent a floor of panels that fit into the cells of the frame installed on the ceiling. The material can be plastic, metal, mirror glass, moisture resistant drywall and lightweight gypsum fiber boards. The frame of such a ceiling is open and the material is placed on top of the cells. Thanks to this, the installation and partial repair of modular structures is quite simple and does not take much.

Frame guides are made of aluminum or electro-galvanized steel with a thickness of 0.4-0.8 mm, and a protective and decorative coating is applied to their front sides. Classic example modular ceiling is presented on the market by Armstrong. They can be installed in any room. Also among the advantages is the affordable cost.

False ceiling cassettes, made from compressed cellulose fibers or mineral materials, are very lightweight, provide good absorption of noise and sound, have a neat appearance and an affordable cost.

The advantages of metal modular ceilings are similar to the rack version. Additionally, we can note the ease of installation and a wide selection of colors.

Mirror constructions are made of polished metal or glass with a water-repellent surface. They are resistant to moisture and steam, and visually increase the space due to light reflection and can be of a variety of shades. Among the disadvantages is the high cost.

Modular glass ceilings are translucent acrylic tiles with a white or multi-colored matte finish. The surface can be decorated with various patterns. Thanks to the transparency of acrylic, it is possible to install hidden lighting behind the ceiling. Among the advantages are durability, ease of maintenance, moisture resistance, light weight, quick installation, hygiene and safety.

Solid

Most often, such ceilings are used to level the surface. Due to the design features, a layer of heat or sound insulation can be installed between the covering and the cladding. The base is a frame made of galvanized metal profiles or wooden blocks. The sheathing material can be plywood, chipboard, magnesia glass sheets or drywall. The last option is the most demanded one.

Installation of solid suspended ceilings possible in any room, but for a bathroom or kitchen you will need a moisture-resistant material (GVL) and additional treatment with an antiseptic composition.

A plasterboard ceiling structure has a number of advantages:

• creation of original multi-level solutions;
• arrangement of additional noise insulation;
• long service life;
• environmental friendliness and safety.

The disadvantages include low moisture resistance and laboriousness of work, since subsequent putty with painting is required.

Despite the disadvantages, plasterboard structures are one of the most popular types of suspended ceilings. Therefore, further, when comparing, we will consider this particular finishing option.

Pros and cons of plasterboard stretch and false ceilings

To make an informed choice, when making a decision, you need to take into account the advantages and disadvantages of each material in relation to a specific situation. Let's analyze the positive and negative sides of tension and suspended structures made of plasterboard.

Why stretch ceilings are good

The main advantage is a wide selection of shades and textures (glossy, matte, satin finishes, imitation of porcelain, suede, metal, wood leather, etc.). In addition, stretch ceilings are able to retain water when flooded by neighbors from above; there is also no need for additional finishing and periodic renewal of the coating. Separately, it is worth noting the long service life (more than 15 years) and quick installation without dust and other construction debris.

Advantages of plasterboard ceiling

The main advantage of gypsum board is the ability to hide even complex floor defects, wiring, pipes, etc. Lighting of any power is mounted in plasterboard ceilings, and the strength and plasticity of the material allows you to make a variety of designs. They are environmentally friendly, practically do not burn and do not emit toxic substances.

Disadvantages of tension structures

One of the disadvantages of film ceilings is their low strength. It is easy to damage the material with a sharp object. It is also worth noting that it is impossible to carry out independent installation, since special tools and equipment are required. It is not recommended to install powerful lamps (maximum - 40-60 W), otherwise the PVC film may turn yellow and even melt.

Cons of a plasterboard ceiling

The material does not tolerate moisture, therefore, in case of flooding, the entire structure will have to be completely replaced, which will require serious financial investments. When installed in small rooms, multi-level solutions greatly "eat up" the space, visually reducing the room. It is not recommended to make plasterboard ceilings in new buildings, since cracks will appear on it when the house shrinks.

Subject to the rules and requirements for operation, such structures can serve for more than a dozen years.

Comparison of stretch and plasterboard ceilings

To understand what is better to do in a particular room (for example, in a dressing room, in the kitchen, in the bathroom, etc.) - drywall or stretch ceiling, let's compare the main characteristics of both options.

Speed ​​and complexity of installation

Installation of a conventional stretch ceiling (with the exception of the complex "starry sky" type) will take from 3 to 4 hours. It will not be possible to do this on your own; you will need to contact specialists. They will make the canvas to size and assemble it. At the same time, the absence of construction waste will be a huge plus.

The time for the installation of suspended structures, depending on the level and size of the room, varies from 2 to 4 days. The downside is the large volume of dust and bulky waste. But if you have a specialized tool and skills, you can make such a ceiling yourself.

Loss of ceiling height

When fixing a baguette of a stretch canvas on the ceiling, the height of the room will be lower by only 1-3 cm. But the suspended version will reduce the room by at least 10-12 cm (in the case of arranging complex ceilings in several levels, the indentation will be much larger).

Lighting possibilities

Both tension and suspension structures imply installation spotlights... Also, in both cases, you can make accent lighting. led strip and hide the wiring. Therefore, there is no difference in terms of room lighting capabilities. The only exceptions are those that allow you to install a hidden backlight behind the canvas.

Appearance

Materials for tension structures can be of any texture and color. These are not only bright or pastel colors, but also a variety of designs using the photo printing method. Suspended options can also be decorated in any color using painting, the only drawback is that mirror gloss, like stretch ceilings, cannot be achieved.

Ease of care

PVC cover is not required special care, periodic cleaning with a soft cloth and a mild detergent is sufficient. But suspended versions of gypsum plasterboard are more difficult to clean and require periodic renewal (painting).

Dismantling possibility

If necessary, for example, to get to the electrical wiring or in case of flooding by neighbors, the stretch ceiling can be removed and then reinstalled. With drywall, this option will not work, it will need to be completely replaced, partial dismantling of the elements and filing is impossible.

Coating service life

Plasterboard suspended structures last about 10 years, but, as a rule, renovation (for example, gluing or painting) is required earlier. Stretch ceilings are guaranteed for at least 15 years, and there is no need for any repairs.

Durability and repairability

Puncture the PVC foil as easy as shelling pears. Holes in it can appear from contact with any sharp object. They can be glued, but the aesthetics will suffer. A long break will require a complete blade replacement.

Operating temperature

Suspended structures made of gypsum plasterboard are able to withstand any temperature extremes, but tension analogs serve only in a certain range. Already at 0 degrees, the PVC film becomes brittle, and when reduced to -20 ° C, it cracks. For fabrics, the operating temperature range is -40 to + 80 ° C.

Fire safety

Both options withstand direct fire and are non-flammable. Heating the film web to a high temperature only provokes melting. GKL only burns the top layer - cardboard, gypsum remains intact when exposed to an open flame for up to 55 minutes. In terms of fire safety, these two options will differ only in the maximum withstand temperature.

Moisture resistance

PVC film is resistant to moisture and does not require replacement in case of flooding, but suspended plasterboard structures absorb water and, if leaked from above, become unusable.

Sound insulating properties

With the help of a stretch ceiling with a standard membrane, the acoustic properties of the apartment can be improved, and the micro-perforated material will further enhance them. has holes of 0.1-0.22 mm in size, which are visually invisible, while the noise suppression ratio is 0.45. If we take into account that the indicator in one denotes complete isolation from sound, then this is excellent result... When using additional insulation between the ceiling plate and the canvas, a coefficient of 0.8-0.9 can be achieved.

Drywall itself is poor at absorbing sound, the noise reduction index is 0.05. That is, if it is necessary to soundproof the room, it is better to combine perforated gypsum boards with additional insulation. In this case, problems may arise during installation, since the perforation increases the brittleness of the material.

Which ceilings are more environmentally friendly

The basis of the canvas for stretch ceilings is polyvinyl chloride, which does not allow air to pass through and interferes with the natural ventilation of the room. In combination with plastic windows, the circulation of air masses deteriorates even more, which is detrimental to the inhabitants of the house. To avoid this, during the repair, they must think over the device for additional ventilation. In the process of use, vinyl film does not emit toxic substances, is harmless to health and does not cause allergies, but when melted, the likelihood of poisoning carbon monoxide increases significantly.

The basis of plasterboard ceilings is compressed natural gypsum, which allows air to pass through well and is absolutely not harmful. Therefore, it is recommended to install such structures in wooden houses to maintain the microclimate. At the same time, the gypsum board does not emit toxic substances even in case of fire, that is, it is environmentally friendly and in terms of safety is much higher than the tension analogue.

Which is cheaper

To understand which ceiling is cheaper - stretch or plasterboard, we will calculate the cost of finishing the same objects and compare the result. For example, let's take a room with an area of ​​25 sq. m with a perimeter of 20 m and average prices.

Stretch ceiling

The average price of inexpensive PVC cloth will be 600 rubles. for 1 sq. m, taking into account the installation, but without bypassing pipes and installing a mortgage under the chandelier. The latter factors will add another 1000 rubles. Lamps are also paid separately. The total is about 16,000 rubles. + the cost of installing the required number of lighting fixtures.

Plasterboard ceiling

The price per meter will be at least 350 rubles. excluding finishing, which will cost about the same per square, a total of 700 rubles. for 1 sq. m. If you add the installation of lamps, wiring and the base for the chandelier, you get 18,500 rubles.

Although the difference between these options is small, the second is slightly more expensive, and the first is more budgetary.

Which option to choose

Between tension and false ceiling there are significant differences. Each of them has pros and cons. To make it easier to decide which option is more suitable - stretch or plasterboard ceiling, below is a comparative table.

Specifications	Pvc	GKL
Possibility of self-installation	No	Yes
Installation time	3-4 hours	2-4 days
Loss of height	1-3 cm	10-15 cm
Moisture resistant	Yes	No
Recessed luminaires	Yes	Yes
Care	minimum	labor-intensive
Resistance to damage	minimal	sufficient
Flammability	does not burn	does not burn
Life time	more than 15 years at no additional cost	about 10 years with periodic updates
Operating temperature	above 0	any
Appearance	Wide range of colors and a choice of textures, photo printing is possible	Painting in any color, except for the glossy version
Material weight per 1 sq. m	0.3KG	5-10 kg
The ability to hide communications	Yes	Yes
Environmental friendliness	Yes	Yes
Creation of complex and multi-level structures	Yes	Yes

By comparing the pros and cons of each option, you can draw certain conclusions about which ceiling is better for a particular room - stretch or drywall. So, the tension structure is suitable in the following cases:

• if the ceiling height in the room is small;
• the apartment is on the top floor under the roof;
• repairs are being made in a new building and the building may shrink;
• high humidity in the room.

Also, this option is economical, considering that after installation for 15-20 years, you can forget about repairs, and the ceiling from the gypsum board will have to be periodically updated.

You should opt for suspended structures in the following cases:

• if there are sudden temperature changes in the room or it is too cold;
• repairs are being done in a wooden house and you want to keep the natural air circulation;
• the budget is limited and there is an opportunity to make repairs with your own hands.

It is not necessary to choose only one type of finish, you can combine the advantages of stretch and suspended structures and mount a combined two-level ceiling. This method will fit if the height of the room is at least 2.7 m.

Combined ceilings

This solution assumes a two-level structure, where one level is made of drywall, and then the canvas is stretched. If necessary, additional lighting decor, color combinations and others are possible original solutions... The use of several textures will help to create a modern, but at the same time cozy interior.

Installation of combined ceilings allows you to zone the space using levels and figured structures. You can also experiment with installing fixtures. For example, focus on one area, and on the other - minimal lighting. Combined ceilings are ideal for large rooms, halls and studios that need to be visually separated.

Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting a decrease in height, since as a result, the room becomes 12-15 cm smaller. In addition, temperature drops negatively affect the structure, which provoke deformations.

Installation of combined ceilings requires a professional approach. It is possible to independently install such a structure only if you have certain skills and tools. For this reason, most people choose to trust it to specialists. That is combined option turns out to be expensive. But there is no need to decide which ceiling is better - suspended or suspended.

The modern building materials market offers a huge selection of finishing materials for the ceiling, with which you can implement any design idea. Among the many finishing options, the most popular are stretch and plasterboard ceilings, which are distinguished by their beauty, strength and durability.

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Types of finishing materials for the ceiling

There are many options for finishing the ceiling - painting, wallpapering, putty, plasterboard, stretch ceilings. However, most methods require careful preparation and leveling of the surface, which implies significant physical and material costs. On the contrary, a tension or suspended structure is suitable for use on any surface, the installation process is carried out as soon as possible, and the result obtained will delight you with its attractive appearance long years. Before deciding which of the materials is most suitable - stretch ceiling or drywall, you need to understand their main advantages each.

Plasterboard and stretch ceilings are ideal for creating extraordinary, beautiful compositions that can emphasize any interior, so when choosing, you should focus more on the complexity of installation, the specifics of the interior and the desired color. Each of these types of finishes allows you to make high-quality repairs to the ceiling in a short time, mask the defects of the ceiling slab, hides unaesthetic communication nodes and provides for installation spot lighting.

When choosing which type of material is best for you, you should take into account the fact that it is quite possible to install a plasterboard ceiling on your own, and a stretch ceiling is not intended for do-it-yourself installation - you will have to seek help from qualified specialists for its installation. It is better to think over the lighting system in advance in order to accurately calculate the required number of lamps and purchase all consumables.

Plasterboard ceiling

Finishing the ceiling with plasterboard is not technologically difficult, but quite a laborious process that can take several days. If you have a set of tools, the necessary work skills and an assistant who can support the elements during fastening, you can safely proceed with the installation of the plasterboard ceiling structure.

The sequence of installation of a plasterboard ceiling includes:

• emptying the room from furniture - very important condition, because when working with drywall, a lot of dust and debris is formed, so it is better to take out the furniture;
• measurement of the ceiling area, purchase and delivery of the required amount of materials;
• assembly of a metal or wooden frame;
• installation of a point lighting system along the entire plane of the frame;
• installation of drywall sheets, careful sealing of joints;
• applying a primer;
• putty;
• coloring in the selected color;
• gluing decorative ceiling plinths.

Advantages of drywall

Drywall is better suited for creating complex multi-element compositions on the ceiling, and with the help of paint it can always be changed to suit the style of the room. This composite, environmentally friendly material allows not only to make a beautiful flat ceiling, but also to highlight functional areas or create the visual effect of a more spacious room.

Advantages of plasterboard ceiling finishing:

The plasterboard ceiling is beautiful, durable and not too demanding to maintain. The period during which it will serve flawlessly is about ten years and depends on the quality of the material, compliance with the installation technology, and operating conditions.

The main cause for concern for the owners of plasterboard ceilings can be the drying out of the putty, which closes the seams between the slabs. But this problem can be easily solved - you just need to remove the old and reapply the new putty, and then just refresh the paint layer. Difficulties can arise when the ceiling is flooded by negligent neighbors - in this case, you just need to replace the damaged areas and repaint the ceiling surface again.

The main disadvantages of plasterboard ceiling structures include:

1. Low level of moisture resistance - even high-quality moisture-resistant drywall can swell and deform as a result of moisture entering it - and this will entail additional costs for replacing elements of the ceiling structure, since they cannot be restored. Please note that in case of severe flooding, the ceiling structure may break down and collapse.
2. Plasterboard ceiling cannot be installed in new buildings - cracks will surely appear during natural shrinkage of the house.
3. Complex, multi-level structures are not suitable for small-sized premises, since they reduce the ceiling height by about 15-20 cm, which is unacceptable according to sanitary and hygienic standards.
4. Difficulties in maintenance - the plasterboard ceiling must not be wet cleaned, this ensures the accumulation of dust on its surface, which clogs into the smallest cracks. After a while, the ceiling will look sloppy and redecorating will be required.
5. Installation takes a long time (2-4 days) and requires careful leveling of the ceiling, accompanied by a large amount of dust in the air.
6. The large format and weight of drywall sheets can cause some inconvenience when installing the ceiling structure yourself.
7. The presence of gaps (seams) between the plates.
8. Drying of the surface - over time, plaster may begin to crumble from the ceiling.

Stretch ceiling

Stretch ceiling is a polymer film that allows you to quickly decorate the ceiling surface and emphasize the interior design. With the help of such a film, the ceiling can be made glossy or matte, and a wide range of colors and a lot of additional features (digital printing on canvas, imitation of various surfaces) allow you to embody any design fantasy.
The process of installing the tensioning web includes:

It is worth noting that in addition to standard tools (a screwdriver, drill, file, spatula, tape measure, masking tape), special equipment is required for mounting a stretch ceiling: a hacksaw for metal, a heat gun and a gas cylinder. Performing such work requires experience and knowledge of the technology of installing the frame and stretching the PVC cloth. The method of stretching the canvas has its own specifics and consists in the need to warm up the PVC film (to the required temperature) and carefully embed it in a baguette. After cooling, the film is stretched, and the result is a beautiful, spectacular flat stretch ceiling.

Stretch ceiling has many advantages:

However, despite all the advantages of this type of finish, it has some disadvantages.

The main disadvantages of stretch ceilings include:

1. High price - at the moment this is the most expensive type of finishing. In addition, special equipment is required to carry out the work, which makes it impossible to independently perform them.
2. Possibility of damage to the film (for example, puncture with a sharp object or shot with a toy pistol).
3. Limiting the power of lighting devices - the recommended power of halogen lamps is no more than 35 W, and traditional incandescent lamps - 60 W.
4. Deterioration of acoustic comfort in the room (increased penetrating noise) - this can be corrected with an additional insulating layer ( mineral wool), which is attached to the concrete floor.
5. In case of poor-quality stretching, sagging of the canvas is possible - it is corrected with the help of restoration.
6. Lack of vapor permeability effect - with insufficient ventilation of the room, there is a possibility of mold or mildew.

As you can see, each of these finishing materials has its own pros and cons.

Choice the best option should be done only after a thorough analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed materials, the complexity of the project and their material capabilities. If you have the necessary set of tools and some experience in conducting repair work, it is better to prefer the option with drywall. The stretch ceiling is chosen by the one who does not understand the intricacies of the repair, but wants to have beautiful ceiling at a reasonable price. If you cannot decide which one better fit- choose a compromise option and connect the stretch canvas and drywall.