Two-level stretch ceilings. Features and recommendations for selection. Construction and design features: two-level stretch ceilings

A two-level stretch ceiling is a simple and convenient option for zoning a room. It helps to disguise engineering communications and provides sufficient lighting in the room. In addition, suspended cladding is an extremely bright and very beautiful interior decoration.

In this article, I will tell you in detail how to independently install a two-tier PVC film ceiling. I will not forget to remind you of the mistakes that you will need to avoid.

How to choose a canvas?

Stretch ceilings are a panel made of a film based on polyvinyl chloride. Moreover, it can have a different texture: matte, glossy, satin. The colors and patterns on the film are also varied. It is fixed on a frame made of metal profiles.

After installation, the material forms a flat, smooth and seamless plane. However, in fact, this polymer coating consists of several firmly welded panels.

Two-level ceilings look especially good in voluminous and high-ceilinged rooms. In them, you can not restrain your imagination and equip the coating of a complex, bizarre shape.

Important Benefits

1. Restoration of a flat ceiling surface. In most cases, the floors in the apartments are uneven, with significant height differences.
   To get rid of this problem in the usual way - by plastering and filling the ceiling, you will spend a lot of time and effort. The stretch ceiling will perfectly level the base surface. At the same time, you do not have to spend money on additional building materials and remove mountains of garbage.
2. The labor costs for installing a stretch coating with your own hands are relatively small. In addition, such a finish has such an important advantage as the speed of installation. You will spend one or two days on it.
3. The ability to hide communications: electrical wiring, telephone, television cables, ventilation ducts, etc.

1. High aesthetic appearance. Such a beautiful coating is liked by most people, regardless of differences in their tastes and preferences.
2. Stretch ceiling 2 levels is universal. You can choose from a variety of shapes and colors to suit any interior style.

1. Moisture and flood protection. In multi-apartment buildings, accidents are not uncommon, as a result of which those living above flood the lower neighbors. By mounting a two-tier ceiling structure, you protect the room from such a danger.

The PVC film will retain water and will not let it through further. You just have to drain the liquid into a basin, a bucket through a small puncture. And then re-stretch the sagging canvas with a heat gun.

Drawbacks to be mentioned

1. Comparative fragility of the coating. If you touch the cloth with some object with sharp edges, you can damage it - pierce or scratch it.
2. I do not recommend installing PVC ceilings in country houses and cottages. But subject to your seasonal residence there and the absence of heating in them in winter. Under the influence of low temperatures, the polymer web will become unusable.

In this case, I can recommend you to use the fabric version of the stretch ceiling. Textiles are not afraid of the negative impact of extreme temperatures. Therefore, it is the best solution for facing ceilings in an unheated house.

1. Fairly high price. A tension structure, and even more so a two-tier one, is far from a cheap thing. However, the significant cost of such cladding is offset by its long service life and high level of aesthetics.

If you assemble such a coating yourself, then significantly reduce its price.

What to consider when designing a two-level suspended ceiling

It is the film stretch ceiling that is best suited for arranging bunk structures with complex configurations. Polymer fabric is flexible and plastic. Therefore, it makes it possible to implement the most daring design decisions.

Thinking about what your level 2 stretch ceilings should be, consider two determining factors.

This is the desired aesthetic and stylistic result, as well as the functional features of the coating.

1. With the help of a two-level ceiling, you will be able to hide the irregularities of the ceiling, as well as provide the room with efficient and effective lighting.

1. You can zone the space of the room without any special expenses. For this purpose, you will apply a combination of various shapes, colors and textures of the polymer panel. So you will be able to divide the room into separate functional areas, as well as visually expand it.

1. When choosing a color design and configuration for a two-tier suspended ceiling, take into account the overall style of the interior of the room.
   For example, if it is minimalist in layout, design and colors, you should not mount a bright ceiling with a complex configuration, fanciful waves and curls. This design will “crush” the room with its appearance, as it will look much stronger than the rest of the interior elements.
2. Separately, I want to say about panels with photo printing and 3D images. I do not argue - such a design looks spectacular and unbanal.
   However, too much emphasis on an unusually shaped ceiling with a bright color design will draw too much attention to it. Such a situation may be appropriate only in voluminous and high-ceilinged rooms.

If you want to use a stretch fabric with a pattern, be sure to take into account the ability of the glossy coating to glare, that is, to strongly reflect light. Try, as far as possible, to mount the material with images on the upper level of the bunk ceiling.

Preparation for work

A suspended ceiling should be installed at the final stage of construction, when all the dusty and dirty stages of it are completed.

Requirements to take into account

Before installing a stretch ceiling, consider:

1. Frame profiles can be attached to brick, concrete, wood, plaster and ceramic tiles.
   Make sure the base ceiling coating is strong. If it crumbles, clean it first, and then prime it.

1. Putting a two-tier film ceiling is not forbidden in a room with household equipment, furniture and other room utensils. However, please note that the gap from the ceiling to the top of the interior items should not be less than 0.7 meters.
2. Be sure to draw a diagram of the electrical wiring, installation of lighting fixtures and communications where the stretch ceiling will be mounted. This will come in handy for future repairs.
3. High-quality installation of a film structure is possible only with a certain heat transfer of electrical devices built into the coating. The equipment should not get hot.

The same requirement applies to climate control, fire extinguishing and ventilation systems.

Do not use light bulbs that get very hot in lamps.

They can cause the film to sag and even melt.

1. The maximum permissible power level for incandescent bulbs and fluorescent analogues is 60 watts.
2. For 12 volt halogen light sources, the maximum power should be 35 watts. For analogues at 220 volts, this figure should be 20 watts.
3. For mounting 12 Volt LED spotlights, use 11.5 Volt step-down transformers.

Necessary tools

Prepare before work:

• perforator for fixing the frame profiles to the walls;
• screwdriver for screwing in self-tapping screws;
• gas or electric heat gun for heating the room and PVC sheets;
• pencil, padding and building level (laser, bubble or hydraulic) for marking the structure;
• stepladder for high-altitude work;
• special blades and spatulas for stretching and fixing PVC film in baguettes.

Required materials

Below are the basic materials and construction elements that you will need.

1. Aluminum or plastic molding of ceiling, wall or connecting type. It is needed to fix the canvas to the box or ceiling.
2. Stretch fabric already cut to fit the ceiling (and reduced by 7 percent for tension). If you chose the harpoon method of mounting the cover, then it should be bordered around the perimeter with a flexible plastic harpoon.
3. Decorative strips masking mounting gaps between the film and walls.

1. Metal profiles for arranging the frame of the second tier.
2. Drywall, if you are going to make an additional level from it.
3. Plastic dowels and screws.

Installing a bunk ceiling

Before the stretch ceiling is mounted, it is necessary to install a frame for it from metal profiles.

Arrangement of the frame

Please note that the plane of the stretch ceiling must be exactly horizontal.

1. Use the laser level to mark each corner of the room. Next, beat off a solid line along them with a cord and pigment. It will indicate the level of installation of the frame for the second tier of the ceiling.

1. Attach the U-shaped profile strips along this line with dowels and a puncher. Mount the same guides along the ceiling along the marked line ahead of time.
2. The configuration of the box is straight or wavy, curvilinear.

To fix the profiles along a curved path, their shelves must be cut with metal scissors in increments of 4 centimeters. Do this so that the bar becomes possible to bend to the desired curvature.

1. Screw downs made from pieces of rack profiles to the guides fixed on the ceiling. The lower ends of the racks should be located with the wall strips at the same level (horizontal).
   Together, these profiles form the lower of the planes of the two-tier structure. Fasten the racks in increments of 0.25-0.3 meters.

1. From a pair of pieces of rack profiles and guide rails, mount the box. Screw them with self-tapping screws for metal, in such a way as to form a structure similar to a pipe with a rectangular section.
2. Fix this box to the already mounted lowers. Perform fastening work with small self-tapping screws (they are called "bugs") using a screwdriver.
3. Fix this structure to the wall profiles with a load-bearing (wide) profile.

Be sure to observe the exact correspondence of the verticals and horizontals of the frame. Check corners with a bubble level.

1. As described, assemble the entire supporting structure around the perimeter of the room.
2. Then you screw the fixing baguette for the PVC film to the box.

I want to warn you that the polymer sheet, cooling down, will create a strong tension. Based on this, the frame structure must have a high level of strength sufficient for such a load.

Plasterboard level installation

The next stage of installing a two-tier ceiling is laying the electrical wiring necessary for installing lighting and cladding the frame with plasterboard sheets.

1. Cut pieces of drywall of the required size and mount on the box. Fix the GKL to the frame with self-tapping screws.

1. Once you've installed all the drywall, reinforce all corners with perforated corners. You can fix them with gypsum-based putty.

1. Next, putty all the joints and holes from the screws. When the putty dries, sand the drywall layer with fine sandpaper.

1. Then mark the location points of the mounted lighting fixtures. After that, cut holes for them with a drill nozzle - “crown” or “ballerina”.
2. Next, prime the surface of the tier and paint the selected one or paste over with wallpaper.

The second level of the false ceiling is ready. Next, you can proceed with the installation of the stretch fabric.

Film Fixing

Now about how stretch ceilings are mounted. The panel itself can be attached to baguettes by three methods: glazing bead, wedge and harpoon.

The latter types are the most common:

1. The harpoon mounting system is the most popular due to the ease of installation and the need for special skills to work with it. In this case, a harpoon hook is welded around the perimeter of the canvas in the factory. It serves to tension and fix the film in baguettes.

Since the harpoons are already attached during the production of the panel, it is very important to accurately measure the dimensions of the ceiling. At the same time, I recommend that you take into account that it is necessary to order a film with dimensions that are 7-10 percent smaller than the overlap area.

1. The wedge method of fixing the panel is more technologically complicated.

It requires certain skills to work:

• however, the method has one important advantage, namely versatility, since there is no harpoon around the perimeter of the film. Thanks to this, you do not need to observe the exact dimensions of the canvas. It is possible to pull it many times, change the stretch, cut off the excess;
• tension coating, fixed by the wedge method, you can quickly remove and return back during repairs or in case of leaks;

• when choosing a wedge mounting system, the film often has an area larger than the ceiling itself. Based on this, first of all, accurately measure the canvas and, after tensioning it, cut off the excess.

The glazing system for fixing the coating is similar to the wedge method. But here the canvas is fastened in baguettes with the help of a special tape. This method guarantees good film tension.

Further, my instructions for installing a stretch film, that is, the first level of a two-tier ceiling. Please note that a competent installation technology for such a design provides for the preliminary preparation of its exact drawing.

It should show the dimensions of all its elements.

The film should be cut and sewn up only after measurements of the room:

1. When fixing the tension material to the frame or drywall box, ensure that the baguettes are securely fastened. The tightness of the profiles to the structure to be equipped must be high. Please note that the appearance and durability of the suspended ceiling will depend on the fulfillment of these conditions.

1. Before installing a PVC panel, it must be heated to + 60-70 degrees. Do this with a heat gun or a large building hair dryer. When heated, the film will become more elastic, and it can be stretched.
2. The room itself, in which the installation of the tension web will be carried out, must also be heated. But up to a temperature of + 40-45 degrees.

1. When the cloth is hot, first fix it with a spatula in one of the corners of the room. Then fix it on the opposite side. And only then attach the film to the remaining corners.

I warn you right away that in the last of them the canvas will be the most difficult to fix. However, do not be nervous, do everything carefully and do not damage the film.

1. Next, tighten the cover into baguettes. Do this in increments of 8-10 centimeters. Thus, fix the panel with a spatula around the perimeter of the entire ceiling. At the same time, stretch it evenly.
2. Cut off excess film if you have chosen a glazing bead or wedge fastening method.
3. Warming up the panel with a hair dryer, straighten out all the folds and wrinkled strips on it.
4. When the film cools to natural temperature, it will stretch. Thanks to this, the coating will be absolutely smooth and even.

1. Next, along the perimeter of the tier, mask technological gaps with a decorative tape.

1. Lastly, cut holes in the film for the lighting fixtures. To protect the canvas from heated lamps, stick heat-insulating rings on the holes.

If the lamps are placed inside the space between the base and stretch ceilings, then they will not touch the film. Therefore, it does not need to be protected from them.

Conclusion

As you understood from the article, it is quite possible to install a two-level stretch ceiling yourself. With relatively low labor and time costs, you will decorate your home with a beautiful coating that will hide all the flaws of the ceiling. The video in this article continues its theme. And you can ask questions in the comments.

A two-level stretch ceiling with lighting is a decorative suspension system. It consists of profiles made of metal or plastic, decorated with an elastic fabric.

Purpose

Two-level stretch ceilings have great potential to create a unique atmosphere in the finished room. With their help, you can implement numerous design ideas. Modern systems of this type can basically contain fabric or PVC film. For reliable fixation of the material, a frame structure is provided, consisting of a durable profile made of aluminum or plastic.

Thanks to the two-level ceiling, it is convenient to achieve the effect of expanding space when zoning rooms. When using satin and glossy canvases, the home can be made lighter and more comfortable. Despite their versatility, two-level stretch ceilings are used most often in the hall.

Installation work

To install a two-level structure, some experience in construction work will be required.

Training

The advantage of any suspended ceiling system is the ability to hide irregularities and flaws in the rough base. Unlike painting or wallpapering, this does not require careful leveling of the concrete floor.

Preparatory activities are carried out as follows:

1. Freeing the room from unnecessary things. Any ceiling decoration requires free access to its entire area. The ideal option is to completely remove all furniture from the room. Items that are too bulky to take out can be moved to the center by covering with a waterproof film. Also, chandeliers, lamps, cornices and all other elements must be dismantled from the ceiling surface.
2. Base cleaning. If whitewash or paint was used as an old finish, it is advisable to remove it. The fact is that in the future shedding of small particles can damage the tension fabric. Ideally, you need to clean everything down to the concrete slab. This procedure is carried out with a strong scraper.
3. Sealing joints. In some houses, the ceiling does not consist of one solid slab, but several. The connecting sections between them begin to crumble over time. The same goes for corners. All these areas must be sealed with a new solution, after removing the old one. As a mixture, it is most convenient to use a starting putty such as Rotband or Isogypsum. From the tools here you will need a set of spatulas and a plastic container for kneading.
4. Applying a primer. The impregnation used forms a moisture-proof layer on the ceiling, which subsequently prevents the development of fungus and mold. Deep penetration acrylic primers have proven themselves in this regard: the liquid is poured into a plastic bucket and applied with a brush or roller. If there are already traces of mold on the floor, additional treatment of the affected areas with a special antiseptic is carried out.
5. Laying communications. It should be noted that upon completion of the installation of the two-level stretch ceiling structure, access to the draft base will be closed. Therefore, all the necessary electrical work on laying wires and cables must be carried out at the preparation stage.

During this procedure, a lot of dirt and dust usually occurs, so it is advisable to additionally protect the walls, floor and windows with plastic wrap. You should also take care of the presence of working clothes and breathing protection.

Development of the installation scheme

During the preparatory activities, a diagram of a two-level stretch ceiling is being drawn up. The main task is to determine the points of installation of fixtures.

Given the specifics of the system, it is best to apply two levels of backlighting:

1. Main. Includes traditional chandelier and lamps.
2. Local (hidden). It is organized using LED strips and built-in spotlights.

System arrangement

It is allowed to proceed with installation activities only after the primer and the patched areas have completely dried. To speed up the drying procedure, it is recommended to use ventilation. The humidity level in the room should not exceed 75%, at an average air temperature of +24 degrees. It is this microclimate that most contributes to the correct straightening of the stretched fabric, preventing its shrinkage. While the room is drying, you can begin to develop a sketch of a two-level ceiling, with a clear indication of the configuration of each level and the location of the main lighting.

The finished drawing of a stretch ceiling in two levels is transferred from paper to the base. For drawing curved lines, it is best to use a plastic profile. This design detail can be safely bent, without compromising smooth transitions. Having completed the process of creating a drawing for setting levels, you need to determine the height of the lower level of the stretch ceiling. The optimal indicator is at least 15 cm.

If there are irregularities and drops on the floor, it is most convenient to use a laser level. With its help, each of the walls is marked with marks of the attachment points of the profile, over which an elastic fabric or film will be stretched. Areas for the location of lamps and chandeliers are equipped with wooden linings that allow you to adjust the level. Upon completion of the installation work at these points, holes for the lamps are made using a soldering iron. For their installation, special brackets are used, and decorative inserts are used to close the holes.

plastic frame

Installation of a frame for a two-level stretch ceiling includes several stages:

1. Fixing wooden bars on which the future profile will be attached. Dowels are used as fasteners. Strictly speaking, we are talking about a simplified version of the frame. There is a possibility of using metal U- and C-shaped profiles to create it, however, in this case, some experience with such elements will be required. Beginners are advised to choose wooden bars, the installation of which uses a step of 20-30 cm.
2. Installation of a plastic profile. The previously applied markup serves as a reference point. For fixing to wooden bars, ordinary wood screws are used. Connection of profile ends The system package includes special plastic adapters, which are also fixed on the lining. To close the plastic profile from below, a flexible perforated corner insert is used. It is fixed with polyurethane glue. Due to this, the lower plane of the system is deprived of sharp protrusions, which often cause ruptures of the elastic web.
3. When installing the structure of a two-level stretch ceiling, any damage to communication lines or fire alarms should be avoided in every possible way. Cable channels are used as wiring protection. There is also an option with fixing the wiring to the ceiling using special brackets. The sections of the frame that are in contact with the cable are equipped with small cutouts.
4. The task of the plastic profile is to determine the height of the lower level of the system. Its fixation should be as reliable as possible (the normal point load is at least 15 kg). Such a margin of safety is able to transfer even flooding from above, which sometimes happens in multi-storey buildings.
5. In areas where the plastic and the wall come into contact, the corner parts of the profile must be cut off. For this, a grinder with an emery sheet or a regular file is most often used. This ensures a smooth slope towards the wall. It is very important to achieve the smoothness of the point of contact: rough transitions must be avoided. The contact point is equipped with a metal profile with a harpoon - this line will also be formed with a stretch fabric.

Metallic profile

Upon completion of the installation of plastic elements, they switch to a metal profile. The place of its fixation is the perimeter of the walls at a previously specified height. For this, a laser level is used. You need to use only the profile that is included in the package of the stretch ceiling. This element is specific in that there is an elastic clamping insert inside it (in other words, a harpoon). Thanks to the insert, the edges of the canvas stretched over the frame are fastened. Dowels are used to fix the profile to the wall.

Another metal profile is equipped with a plastic element on the side where there are no bars. After that, all the fastener caps that stand out are masked with the help of light masking tape. If this is not done, they will shine through against the background of a white two-level stretch ceiling. This is especially true for bright sunny days, or when all the lamps will be on.

Canvas selection

The design of two-level stretch ceilings suggests the possibility of using two types of canvas:

1. PVC film. Durable material, which is characterized by elasticity, moisture resistance and low cost. In case of contamination, the film may be washed with a sponge and soapy water.
2. Polyester fabric. Inferior to the film in terms of moisture resistance, surpassing its decorative effect. No heat is required during installation (unlike PVC). The fabric allows air to pass through, so the effect of a closed space does not occur. It is mainly used in two-tier stretch ceilings in the hall.

Two-level systems can be equipped with several materials at once. It often happens that a glossy PVC film is used to equip the first level, due to which a visual expansion of the space is achieved. Stretch ceiling 2 levels can be decorated with textured satin fabric. This combination looks very beautiful, which explains its popularity in the implementation of design ideas.

The final choice of material for the canvas depends on the taste of the customer. In specialized stores, it is possible to independently evaluate the parameters of materials, having decided on the shades and texture. It is possible to order photographic film according to an individual drawing. Depending on the complexity and quality, the cost of production is formed.

As for the combination of a two-level stretch ceiling and a plasterboard base, this solution is not very practical. The exception is the forced zoning of a large area. In this case, the rigid base must be equipped with an aluminum C-profile frame.

Installation of tension material

First of all, the lower level of the structure is equipped, and then the upper one. Let's see how a stretch ceiling is stretched, and what is the sequence of actions.

The installation procedure for a 2-level stretch ceiling:

1. The straightening of the PVC sheet is accompanied by blowing with a gas heat gun. When using polyester fabric, this procedure is not necessary.
2. The straightened canvas must be fixed at a height of 1.5-2 meters with special rubber clothespins. To achieve complete removal of all folds, the film is once again blown from below with a gas gun. Despite the increase in air temperature in the room, it is forbidden to open windows.
3. The tensioning procedure must be started from the plastic profile, from the corner section. In this case, you will need a plastic spatula as a tool. The edges of the material are put on the ledges, pushing into the harpoon. Reliable fixation of the canvas is provided by special inserts. Do the same for each of the corners. This is followed by another blowing with a heat gun.
4. After waiting for the film to cool, it is fixed around the perimeter of a two-level stretch ceiling. It is important to achieve uniform tension, otherwise screeds will appear. The areas for fixing the web to the plastic profile are made out with reinforced tape: in these places, a profile for the upper level of the stretch ceiling is attached to the screws.
5. The installation of the second canvas is completely identical.

Illumination of a two-level ceiling

To determine the points of the holes for the lamps, the canvas is pressed by hand, feeling for bars or plastic rings. Cutting in this case is not suitable: burning is necessary. To do this, you can use heated rounded fittings. The main thing is to achieve melting of the edges, otherwise the film will tear. Cutting can only be used in combination with a special plastic thermal ring glued in place of the future hole. To cut a hole along the inner contour of the ring, there are usually no problems.

After that, you can begin to fix the lamps with the help of suspensions. Decorative inserts are used to mask the attachment points. If necessary, power supplies and circuit breakers are attached to the floor slab. During the implementation of this procedure, the voltage on the electrical panel is turned off. There is an option to illuminate the stretch ceiling using LED strips installed behind the ceiling cornice. Such lighting allows the use of color change and a remote control unit.

2-level plasterboard ceilings will allow you to solve several problems at the same time: disguise engineering communications located under the base ceiling base, hide the flaws and shortcomings of the draft ceiling, divide the room into functional zones, mount original lighting. The main disadvantage of such structures is that suspended ceilings take the height from the room. However, with the right design, the decorative composition will match the interior.

2-level plasterboard ceilings for the hall photo

Preparation for work

Before installing a 2-level plasterboard ceiling, you need to consider the following nuances:

• room height. The two-level system will reduce the spatial dimensions of the room. If the distance from floor to ceiling is only 2.5 meters, you will have to look for another way to finish;
• accents. Lighting devices mounted in the lower level of the structure will help to visually divide the room into separate zones. The perimeter illumination of the box will visually raise the ceiling;
• humidity. It is better to refuse the use of drywall in the decoration of bathroom ceilings. But, if a decision is made to install a suspension system from GKL, choose a material marked moisture resistant.

The installation of a two-level plasterboard ceiling requires a detailed design drawing on a piece of paper. Without a drawing, it makes no sense to get to work. There is a chance to get not only ceilings that will not meet expectations, but, even worse, a crooked design.

Plasterboard ceiling sketches

After the drawing is ready, make several copies of the drawing. Perhaps, in the course of work, you will make adjustments, and the final version of the two-level ceiling project will differ from the initial one. To draw up a drawing, use a compass, ruler, protractor to accurately reproduce a reduced copy of the structure. Based on the plan, it will be possible to quickly mark the ceiling, exactly repeating the geometry of the figures that are supposed to be made.

The plan must include:

• the center of the room;
• sizes of decorative boxes;
• radii of circles, their location in relation to the designated geometric center of the ceiling;
• if a complex curve is used in the decoration, the line is built on the basis of the combination of arcs of circles. At the same time, the center and radius of each circle are also indicated on the drawing;
• the position points of the recessed lighting devices are marked, the diameters of the holes that need to be made in the plasterboard for the fixtures are indicated.

When the work with the plan is completed, they draw a diagram of the location of utilities in the space between the decorative ceiling and the base base.

These include:

1. distribution box locations;
2. types of cables, cross-section of wires;
3. options for connecting devices;
4. cable laying routes;
5. air ducts;
6. hoods;
7. ventilation grates.

Separately, a project is drawn up for the frame of a decorative ceiling, where the lines for the location of the bearing and ceiling profiles, the attachment points for suspensions, “crabs”, and the position relative to the frame of the GKL sheets are outlined. And finally, materials and components are calculated.

The project of the frame of a two-level plasterboard ceiling

When purchasing drywall and frame components, increase all the figures obtained by 3-5%. This is due to possible errors at the stage of calculations, changes to the ceiling composition in the course of work, damage to parts during installation.

Drywall must be purchased 7-10 days before sheathing. The sheets are placed in a horizontal position in the room where the false ceiling will be mounted so that the material adapts to climatic conditions and takes the correct shape.

Required Tools

To install a two-tier plasterboard ceiling, you will need to prepare the following tools:

• perforator for drilling holes in concrete floors;
• screwdriver;
• drill;
• building level;
• tape measure and pencil or marker for transferring the drawing to the base base of the ceiling and the first tier of the structure;
• metal scissors for cutting profiles;
• upholstery cord;
• stationery knife with a sharp blade for cutting plasterboard;
• hammer and pliers.

To finish the structure, you will need a sickle tape, a primer, putty, fine-grained sandpaper, a construction grater, spatulas (wide and narrow).

materials

Any tiered ceilings begin with the assembly of a frame base from a galvanized metal profile. They cover with drywall and a wooden frame, but then the finish will cost more, because the price of wood is superior to metal. But in terms of performance and strength, metal profiles are better. Their additional advantages are fire resistance, corrosion resistance, long service life.

Profile frame

For the construction of the frame of the decorative ceiling and the sheathing of the structure, you will need:

• two types of profiles: guide (UD) and (CD);
• special connectors for building up the CD profile;
• direct hangers or brackets are used to fasten the CD profile to the ceiling;
• spring suspensions are used in cases where the length of the direct suspension is insufficient. For example, the second level of the decorative structure is planned to be lowered very low;
• two-level connectors. Designed for joining CD profiles located on different tiers of the structure;
• "crabs" for joining ceiling profiles at the same level of the frame;
• corner connectors. With their help, CD profiles are connected at the corners of the room. Connectors are also used for joining the ceiling profile at the same level;
• dowel-screws, anchor bolts, self-tapping screws, self-tapping screws for metal;
• lamps, if plasterboard ceilings with lighting will be mounted;
• GKL sheets. Most often, sheets with a thickness of 9.5 mm are used for sheathing. If an arch is installed, or a complex curvilinear structure, choose a GKL with a thickness of 6.5 mm. It is also used for covering the second tier. Material 12 mm thick for sheathing the frame under the ceiling is not recommended to be purchased due to too much weight.

Photo of a two-level plasterboard ceiling with backlight

There are two ways by which you can make a two-level plasterboard ceiling:

• the first, when the 2nd level of the decorative ceiling is mounted without arranging the 1st. This method of installing a suspended structure can only be used in the case of an even base base. At the same time, the lamps are placed in the frame or on the side of the frame;
• the second, when both the first and second tiers of drywall are made. This installation method is used in rooms with uneven ceilings, or if there is a finish that cannot be properly leveled with putty, or it is necessary to disguise communications located under the draft ceiling.

Usually, the first level is mounted first, and the frame elements for the 2nd level are already hemmed to it. Or, a box is first installed, to which a guide profile is then attached to finish the main area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe ceiling surface. The location of the lamps can be any.

Which option for installing a decorative 2-level ceiling is decided based on the spatial dimensions of the room, the presence or absence of engineering communications, and the quality of the finish of the base base.

Do-it-yourself installation of a two-level plasterboard ceiling

It will be possible to mount a two-level structure from GKL on your own if you follow the instructions and follow the installation technology.

Preparing the ceiling for finishing

Before starting work, all furniture, appliances, indoor plants must be removed from the premises. What cannot be taken out is shifted to the center of the room, covered with plastic wrap to protect it from dust and dirt. The old finish is removed from the draft ceiling, deep cracks and cracks are sealed with putty or a mixture based on sand and cement, the surface is primed.

Apply markings on the walls for the first level of decorative construction, using a square, laser and profile levels.

Marking with a meter and level

First, they find the lower corner in the room and, starting from it, draw an even horizontal along the perimeter. Points are put on the ceiling at the points of attachment of direct suspensions, then parallel lines are drawn along which the ceiling profiles will be mounted. Please note that the profiles must be at the joints of drywall sheets.

With uneven ceilings in the room, first you need to level the markings horizontally, and then proceed according to the plan. The distance between the hangers is 60 cm, between the profiles - 40 cm. Choose the direction of the profiles yourself. Often, professional builders advise mounting profiles towards the window openings, citing the fact that the seams on the plasterboard ceiling will be less noticeable.

How to make drywall, do-it-yourself installation.

Frame installation

Guides UD profiles (28 * 27) are attached to the walls along a horizontal line using dowel-nails every 30-40 cm. To do this, a sealing tape is glued to the back of the guide, the bar is applied to the wall, fixed with dowel-nails. At the corners, the profiles are inserted into each other, fastened with self-tapping screws.

The next step is to attach the hangers. If you do not have ready-made elements, make them yourself from the PP 60 * 27 ceiling profile. To do this, measure the distance from the base ceiling to the lower edge of the UD profile, cut pieces from the ceiling profile, 1 cm less than the measured distance. From the end of the profile, cut off the side shelves by 2.5 cm, make a tongue from the back. Screw the suspensions to the ceiling profile with self-tapping screws, and only then fix PP 60 * 27 to them. Or immediately install the hangers to the draft ceiling surface. Then fasten the CD profile to the hangers, the edges of which are inserted into the guides. The extension of the ceiling profile is done using connectors.

If it is supposed to install a rounded structure on the ceiling, first draw a sketch. And then, according to the drawing, the guide profile is bent and fixed to the ceiling. To bend the bar, notches are made on the reverse side of it. The gap between adjacent notches is determined by the curvature of the line. The steeper the bend, the smaller the distance left between the notches.

After that, a nylon thread is pulled under the structure, which regulates the evenness of the frame for the first level. Leveling is carried out using adjustable suspensions. The distance from the ceiling to the lower edge of the profile must match in all sections of the structure. Between themselves, the ceiling and guide profiles are fastened with self-tapping screws.

Plasterboard sheathing

The photo shows the frame and the first row of plasterboards

First, the frame is sheathed with whole sheets of material. The remaining space is measured, drywall is cut to the required size. The ceiling profile strip should be at the junction of adjacent sheets of plasterboard. The step between the screws is 25-30 cm. The screws are screwed into the drywall in such a way that the head of the screw enters the sheet by 3-5 mm. Subsequently, these recesses will be puttied.

In those places where the sheet is cut off, a chamfer is made, cutting off part of the material from the GKL sheet. This is necessary in order to ensure better adhesion of the putty mixture.

Surface marking

Installation of the second level when installing 2-level plasterboard ceilings also begins with markings. It is carried out as follows:

• from the first level on the wall lay the height of the second tier, put down a dot;
• a horizontal line is drawn along the perimeter of the room from this point;
• outline the contours of the second level.

Usually the second level is made in the form of a geometric figure or a curved line. To simplify the marking, you can pre-make a template. It remains only to circle the outline of the pattern on the ceiling.

Installation of the frame base

The frame is mounted from the UD guide profile along the outlined lines. For bending, cuts are made on the slats.

Now you need to lower the frame to the required length. For this:

• the CD profile is cut to the desired length;
• “tongues” are cut out on one side of the trimmings, cutting off the side parts of the profile. This will facilitate installation work;
• the segments are inserted into the UD profile fixed to the ceiling and walls with a flat side;
• pieces are fixed on "bugs" (special self-tapping screws for mounting drywall). On straight sections of the structure, the distance between the self-tapping screws is made 50-60 cm, on curvilinear - the step is reduced, fixing the profile segments every 20-30 cm;
• now, a guide profile is attached to the bottom of the hanging segments with the help of "bugs".

To make a frame for the rest of the structure, the ceiling profile is cut to the desired length, one edge is inserted into the guide installed against the wall, the other is pressed against the side of the frame. Fasten the bar to the screws on both sides.

The resulting frame is sewn up with drywall.

On a note! At all stages of the assembly of the frame, be guided by the drawings so that the jumpers of the ceiling base do not fall into the place of installation of the lighting device.

Before proceeding with the installation of the arch, calculate the design parameters, mark the place from which it will begin. Also decide what the radius of curvature will be.

Interroom arch with wiring

The arch is attached to a metal frame base made of a rack profile, cut with metal scissors.

The procedure for installing the arch is as follows:

• make the front side of the structure;
• mount the end parts of the decorative element;
• the workpiece is fixed to the frame with self-tapping screws.

Curvilinear sections on the ceiling

Since arches and other curvilinear structures are represented by curved surfaces, the thinnest drywall (6.5 mm) is used for their sheathing. However, at a price this type of gypsum board will cost more, so the craftsmen, in order to save on finishing, use the following methods with which you can bend the material:

• dry version, when the edge of the sheet is fixed to the frame, and bend with force until it takes the desired shape. Then, on the screws, the sheet is screwed to the other side of the frame base;
• using notches on the side of the sheet that will be convex, on the finished arch. Incisions are made at regular intervals, the distance between them is determined by the required bending radius. The smaller the radius of curvature, the smaller the distance left between the notches. To make cuts, a hacksaw or cutter is used. Subsequently, the cracks are sealed with putty;
• wet method is used to ensure a soft bend of the arched model. First, with the help of a needle roller, the side of the sheet that will be concave is processed. Then this surface is abundantly moistened with water, the other side remains completely dry. The sheet is bent to the required curvature, fixed with self-tapping screws to the profile. After 24 hours the material is ready for finishing.

Cut off a piece of drywall sheet

To work with GKL did not take much time, use the following recommendations:

• cut the material with a sharp construction knife;
• large sheets are easy to cut if they are leaning against a wall with a slight slope. Small canvases (up to 60 cm wide) are more convenient to cut on a flat horizontal surface;
• make cuts only on the front side of the material;
• if the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room to be finished is large, purchase sheets of 3.6 m in size, in compact rooms use 2.5 m drywall;
• before cutting off a piece, carefully measure the dimensions of the element so as not to “grab off” the excess.

Plasterboard ceiling before finishing

After the installation of a two-level ceiling is completed, the result of the work is checked. If everything is in order, proceed to the finishing of the finished structure. For puttying and leveling the decorative ceiling, dry putty mixtures are used:

• the ceiling is primed with a deep penetration composition, paying close attention to the joints between adjacent sheets and the recesses from the self-tapping screws. The primer will improve the adhesive properties of the putty, protect the ceiling from mold;
• prepare the solution according to the instructions. For mixing, it is advisable to use a construction mixer. Then the mass will be homogeneous and without lumps;
• first, the recesses from self-tapping screws and seams are sealed with a composition to prevent rust and level the surface. A sickle mesh is applied to the joints, a layer of putty is applied on top with a small spatula so that the mixture covers only the tape;
• then putty the entire ceiling using a wide spatula;
• after the first layer of the mixture dries, the surface is rubbed with fine-grained sandpaper fixed on a construction grater;
• the next step is to apply a thin layer of finishing putty, leave to dry again;
• re-grind and level the ceiling surface, primed.

Now the structure is ready for final finishing by any of the chosen methods (painting, wallpapering, applying decorative plaster).

But such a thorough preparation of a plasterboard ceiling requires only before painting. Wallpaper and decorative plaster will mask minor flaws and shallow cracks.

Such designs will help transform the room beyond recognition. For example, by setting levels at different heights and choosing lighting fixtures suitable for the interior, it will be possible to divide the room into functional zones. Or, with the help of a figure on the ceiling, select interior items (bed in the bedroom, wardrobe, cabinet, etc.).

Ceiling with lighting

Built-in lighting will create a cozy and romantic atmosphere in the room. The best option would be LED strip. In addition to the fact that soft light will emanate from the device, such lighting will visually raise the ceiling space if you place the tape around the perimeter of the decorative GKL box.

Drywall is used to create multi-level ceilings in any room:

• in the kitchen, geometric shapes are more often chosen. A circle is usually mounted in the center, and rectangular elements along the edges;
• for the bedroom it is preferable to use curved lines. A sleeping place is allocated with the help of a decorative niche, which acts as the second tier of the structure. For a small bedroom, a two-level ceiling with a built-in LED strip is well suited;
• in the children's room, a suspended multi-level ceiling is mounted in order to delimit the space. With the help of levels allocate a workplace, a playing area. Each section of the child's room should be well lit with fixtures suitable for the style of the interior;
• in the hall, a complex plasterboard structure on the ceiling will become an interior decoration. Boxes from GKL of a square or rectangular shape are suitable here. You can highlight individual areas with spotlights or LED strip.

During the installation process, it is important to be attentive to all, even insignificant, at first glance, nuances. You can install a two-level ceiling from GKL in a few days, while you will use the structure longer. Therefore, carefully approach the choice of design and design of the future ceiling, and when purchasing materials and components, give preference to trusted brands.

Vieo how to make a 2-level plasterboard ceiling (gypsum plasterboard)

Stretch ceilings are a great alternative to whitewashed or wallpapered surfaces. They well hide all the shortcomings of the draft base and communication. Installation of stretch ceilings does not take much time, and in the process of work there is practically no dust. Therefore, they can be installed without even making repairs in the entire room. Among other things, this finishing method is durable - the average service life of stretch ceiling structures is 15 years.

Now there is a wide choice of canvases - various colors, textures. If you want a more unusual and sophisticated design, you should pay attention to 2-level stretch ceilings.

Preparing for installation

For work you will need:

• a hammer;
• roulette;
• bead nails;
• pencil and eraser;
• graph paper;
• kapron thread;
• drywall;
• wood bars;
• screwdriver;
• perforator;
• dowels, screws.

Creating a 2-level stretch ceiling is more difficult than a single-level one. It will take more time and effort, but the result will be much better. The stretch fabric itself in this case is stretched last. Before starting work, furniture must be removed from the room so that they do not interfere. It is also necessary to take into account that in order to stretch the canvas, the room must be heated to 70 degrees, and all objects that such a temperature can damage should be removed.

First, measure the height of the corners of the room. From the lowest of them, 5 centimeters retreat down and a bead nail is driven in. Then, focusing on this mark, mark the perimeter of the entire room.

2-level stretch ceilings can have a very different design, so be sure to draw up a sketch of the future surface. It is advisable to do this on graph paper or a squared notebook sheet, and not on whatman paper. Thanks to this, it is more convenient to follow the created sketch.

Then you can order a stretch fabric. 2-level stretch ceiling can be matte or glossy. A design that combines canvases of different textures and shades will look great. Most often, preference is given to white tones - such a surface looks as if it was perfectly plastered.

When the canvases are delivered, you can begin the installation of the ceiling. First, another 5-6 centimeters retreat from the level of the thread and another one is pulled in parallel. If the level 2 stretch ceiling does not touch any wall, then it makes no sense to mark it. The contour of the second level is made with a marker or chalk. Then, along the drawn line, wooden blocks of the required height are attached (usually 10 centimeters, but you need to take into account the difference in size between the walls). If a rounded corner is created, then drywall must be used - this material can be given any shape, but it will still be attached to the bars.

Next, proceed to the wiring. Usually 2-level stretch ceilings combine two types of lighting fixtures - an ordinary chandelier and spotlights. It is best to install spotlights on the second level of the structure. It should be borne in mind that the power of the lamps should not exceed 50 watts.

Installation of a two-level ceiling, detailed video:

Stretch ceiling installation

To work, you will need the following materials and tools:

• perforator;
• profile;
• dowels, screws;
• screwdriver;
• PVC sheets;
• harpoon mount;
• heat gun;
• decorative plinth;
• spatula with a rubber tip.

The profile is installed along stretched lines, except for those places where the ceiling will not come into contact with the wall. In these places, both profiles are attached to wooden bars in order to be able to join two tiers and fix the canvases.

After the room is heated with a heat gun. A 2-level stretch ceiling is installed only after the material warms up to 65-70 degrees. It is most convenient to work if several people are involved in this at once - while the canvas is stretched around the perimeter of the room, someone warms it up with a heat gun. Do the same with the second tier. When working with a gas heat gun, you must follow the safety regulations.

When the sheets are stretched, the excess material is filled under the profile with a special spatula with a rubber tip. At the end of the work, all seams are hidden with a plinth.

The design of two-level ceilings can be anything, but the most important thing is to correctly draw a stretch ceiling drawing and measure the dimensions of the room. Only in this case the design will turn out beautiful, as in the photo. It is not recommended to make more than two levels - the height of the room will decrease significantly, and it will seem smaller than it actually is.

Such ceilings help to get a perfectly flat surface and mask all the defects of the primary ceiling. Also, with their help, you can carefully hide all the wiring, air conditioning pipes and air ducts. The combination of two-level ceilings with lighting will help to visually zone the space of the room, denoting separate zones. Great for studio apartments and halls.

Our technologies		Technologies of competitors
We carry out installation using specialized aluminum structures, pre-manufactured according to individual sizes in compliance with all norms and tolerances. For such ceilings, we give a guarantee of 25 years, the average service life is 50 years!		Companies making "cheap" offers use hand-assembled structures. These structures are assembled on site from improvised materials: timber, plywood, plastic. The reliability of such structures is doubtful, the average service life is no more than a couple of years.