What material to choose for stretch ceiling reviews. How to choose a stretch ceiling: material, color and mounting methods. Tips for choosing a stretch ceiling for specific rooms

Stretch ceilings appeared in France more than half a century ago. Modern technologies allow you to choose them for any design interior. These ceiling coverings come in different types and have mostly positive reviews. Composition affects how a particular species is called.

Advantages

The popularity of stretch ceilings is explained by a number of positive qualities compared to conventional ones:

the tension option can be installed both before and after, and even during finishing work;
the ceiling covering hides all communications;
PVC ceiling is able to save the apartment from flooding;
do not require additional care, except for wet cleaning as it gets dirty;
installation requires 2-3 hours. For multi-level - 5-6 hours;

durable;
do not crumble;
do not burn out;
not subject to deformation;
hide defects and irregularities of the ceiling plate;
do not require filling the ceiling before work.

Kinds

Currently, there are three types of stretch ceilings:

film - from polyvinyl chloride;
fabric - from polyester threads;
fiberglass - using fiberglass.

PVC ceilings are divided according to a number of indicators.

By invoice:

glossy;
matte;
satin;

"under suede";
"under the marble";
"metallic";
translucent.

According to the method of attachment, they distinguish:

with plastic insert;
end to end

By production technology:

suture;
seamless.

By design:

single-level;
two- and multi-level;
square;
round;
oval.

By color:

plain;
with drawing.

Fabric ceilings, in turn, differ depending on the technology and color solutions.

By device technology:

seamless;
butt.

By color:

white;
colored;
plain;
with drawing.

Characteristics

Each of the presented types has its own advantages and disadvantages.

PVC ceilings

does not attract dust.
not impregnated with odors;
resistant to UV rays;
easy to wet cleaning;
does not hide space;
has the possibility of re-assembly;
it is easy to mount sensors, lamps, hoods and more in its design;
able to withstand the flood due to the design load of 100 kg / m2;
Installation takes less than 6 hours.

The disadvantages include:

not intended for non-residential premises with temperatures below 50C;
the first three days after installation, an unpleasant odor may come from it;
it is easy to damage when rearranging furniture;
if the width or length of the room is more than 3200 mm, a seam is required;
cutting takes place in the workshop, and it is necessary to measure the coverage area very accurately;
during installation, the room is heated, from which furniture, wooden frames and floors suffer;
can be covered with aseptic solution.

fabric ceilings

The positive qualities of such ceilings include the following:

roll width reaches 4 m, which allows you to create seamless stretch ceilings in standard rooms;
resistant to mechanical stress (it is difficult to cut, tear);
withstands negative temperatures in the room, can be used for a country non-residential house;

has high sound insulation;
allows painting with paints on fabric;
during installation does not require heating;
it is possible to use acrylic paints for decorating;
does not sag.

The disadvantages include:

limited color range;
drawing a picture is possible only after installation;
originality is achieved only through photo printing;
cleaning such a ceiling compared to PVC is very laborious;
the impossibility of re-assembly;
high price;
there is no way to make a figured and multi-level ceiling.
in case of flooding, moisture immediately seeps into the room;

fiberglass ceilings

The pros are:

the ability to mount different types of lighting, hoods and so on;
incombustibility of the material;
the possibility of creating multi-level structures.

The cons are:

high price;
short warranty period;
limited choice of installers;
limited color range.

Design Options

PVC film ceilings have a richer choice for design solutions.

An interesting and one of the most popular options is to create a starry sky above your head. It is perfect for the bedroom and living room. You can admire the stars without leaving your home. For such a ceiling, an optical fiber is required, which will shine through small punctures.

If you get tired, and the layout of the room allows, then you can reorient such a ceiling by turning it 180 or 900 degrees. The disadvantage of this solution is the impossibility of closing the holes to obtain a plain canvas. In addition, in daylight, such punctures will be visible to the naked eye.

LED ceiling lighting allows you to change the color of walls and furniture in the dark. It can have several switching modes, from flickering to static. Management occurs from the remote control. The downside is the cost of mounting into a ready-made structure. It will have to be dismantled, which is not scary for stretch ceilings, and reinstalled. Here it is possible either to mount the ceiling not end-to-end, then the gap will be visible during the day, or to mount directly to the ceiling, then the tape will be visible. The ceiling must be white.

Replacement options must be considered, as LEDs are short-lived.

Two-level ceilings allow you to combine a matte and glossy surface, to combine two or more colors. Such ceilings can visually increase the height of the room and emphasize the taste of the owner. Two-level ceilings are used in rooms that need zoning. First of all, this is the bedroom.

A glossy bright surface in the center will highlight the bed in the center and divert attention from wall cabinets. In the living room, the installation of such a ceiling will allow you to separate the recreation area and the active area. In the hallway and bathroom, such ceilings are rarely installed due to the small area.

3D ceilings allow you to achieve maximum realism of the picture. Living in a city apartment, you can feel like relaxing in nature. It is enough to print a window with a sakura branch on the ceiling. Seascapes will help you relax and forget about worries. How nice it is to look at a meadow with beautiful flowers that just ask to pick them. And how nice it would be to stroke the splashing dolphins jumping out of the ocean.

Photo printing on the ceiling allows you to make an original design for relatively little money. So, a pattern in the form of marble tiles will harmoniously complete the decoration of the bathroom.

Raindrops on the glass will allow you to relax after a hard day's work. Printed pictures with the image of your favorite cartoon characters help your baby fall asleep as soon as possible.

For fabric ceilings, as a rule, photo printing and acrylic paints are used. As a pattern, floral motifs are most often used. You can paint such a ceiling in a solid color that harmonizes or contrasts with the color of the walls, or you can create a unique pattern thanks to fabric paints. Work in this case should be carried out after installation.

Which is better to choose?

First you need to decide on the amount you are willing to spend on the installation. To do this, you need to call the companies involved in stretch ceilings and decide whether you will order it or install it yourself.

Remember that when installing a PVC stretch ceiling, you will need a heat gun. It is necessary to include the cost of its rental in the calculations.

Then you should choose the material from which you plan to install a stretch ceiling, taking into account the pros and cons outlined above.

Now we choose the shape of the structure and color.

When choosing the color scheme of the future ceiling, a number of factors are taken into account.

The white version is a classic and will suit any interior. A matte ceiling will look great in a renaissance country style living room. Glossy is suitable for an antique-style room.
For a room with a low ceiling, you should choose pastel colors: beige, blue, milky. They contribute to the visual expansion of the room.

Saturated and dark colors are perfect for high ceilings.
For the bedroom, living room, it is better to choose colors that promote relaxation: pink, green, brown, light yellow.

For the bathroom, a pink marbled ceiling is suitable.
For a nursery, you can make the ceiling turquoise.
Photo printing will add zest to the interior and make it unique.
For the bedroom, you can choose the "opal" technology, creating a projection of the starry sky or passing an LED strip along the edge.

Selection criteria by material

In rooms with high humidity (bathroom, kitchen), you should opt for a PVC ceiling. Its glossy version will increase the space. A combination of matte and glossy material will allow you to zone the kitchen, combining the functions of the living room in it.

For the bedroom, it is better to choose a matte or satin PVC ceiling, as well as fabric. This type will not reflect the sun and will create a feeling of comfort. Of course, you should not forget that a fabric ceiling will cost you much more than a PVC film.

For the children's room and bedroom, where we spend a third of our lives, it is better to choose a fabric option because of its breathability.

When choosing a material for a ceiling covering in a living room, there are no rules. It should be taken into account that a glossy surface will increase the size of the room and add light to a darkened room. Matte and fabric ceilings are best suited for rooms located on the sunny side. Glossy models of bright colors will complement the living room in the style of pop art. Suede-like ceilings will add pomposity to the living room. This option will perfectly complement the room in antique style.

In a country house that is not heated, PVC tension options should be abandoned, since they cannot stand temperatures below + 5C.

Glossy stretch models should be installed in the hallway. They are easy to clean and visually increase the size of the room.

When choosing a manufacturing country, a number of important criteria should be taken into account.

France as the ancestor of tension structures is the standard. Such ceilings are durable and high quality materials. Fabrics produced in France are dense and have a beautiful sheen. But their price is also high.
German quality known to the whole world. Stretch ceilings from Germany are no worse than French models. At the same time, their cost is lower.
Italian manufacturers have managed to develop a new material that requires virtually no maintenance. The quality of such canvases corresponds to European.
ceilings Russian production are distinguished by their low price and their fragility.
Ceiling quality from China depends on the integrity of the manufacturer. You can buy high-quality ones that are not inferior to European ones, or you can buy ones that can cause irreparable harm to your health.

If, after three days after installation, the smell persists in the apartment, then such ceilings should be dismantled immediately. Poor quality materials can lead to poisoning and problems with the liver, brain and lungs.

When choosing a seller, you need to consider a number of important factors:

the seller is obliged, at your first request, to provide certificates of quality and safety of the material;
specify the width of the roll: it may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer;
when buying a glossy PVC film, check it for reflectivity;
the presence of the manufacturer's logo on the edge of the film reduces the area of use.

For information on how to choose a manufacturer of stretch ceilings, see the following video.

Beautiful examples in the interior

This option will look perfect in the bedroom. Looking at the starry sky, you can feel like a part of the universe. For those who suffer from insomnia, this is a great opportunity to count the stars before going to bed.

Presented on the modern market for a long time, and every year they are gaining more and more popularity. This is not at all surprising. After all, in addition to wide design possibilities, they are distinguished by durability and reliability. Today we will help you figure out which material for stretch ceilings is best suited for your premises.

Design features of stretch ceilings

Stretch ceilings are a whole structure, which consists of a certain canvas and a system of fastenings. The latter is represented by a plastic or metal profile. With its help, the canvas for the stretch ceiling is placed at a certain distance from the base.

Such designs allow you to quickly level absolutely any surface and create a new smooth one. Also, with their help, you can realize a wide variety of design solutions. Other benefits of stretch ceilings include:

they allow you to hide various communications laid from above;
their installation will be much cheaper than installing drywall;
installation is carried out in a short time without construction debris (even if the ceiling has several levels, the installation takes an average of two to six hours);
before installation, it is not at all necessary to prepare the base ceiling, and this minimizes not only time, but also material costs;
you can install the ceiling after other repairs;
the service life, depending on the type, varies from 20 to 50 years.

The main disadvantage is that they do not “eat up” the height of the room.

Modern materials for stretch ceilings are presented in three types:

from polyvinyl chloride (PVC);
tissue;
from fiberglass.

Let's consider each type in more detail.

PVC stretch ceilings

PVC is a material for stretch ceilings, which appeared for the first time back in the sixties in France. During this time, the technology of its manufacture has been improved, respectively, and the quality of the product itself has improved. By the way, this type is also called film.

The film for stretch ceilings comes in sizes from 1300 to 3200 mm. If this value is not enough, then several pieces are welded together. The seam is neat, small and almost invisible. Installation is carried out using heat guns that heat the room up to 60-70 degrees.

PVC stretch ceiling can be of the following types:

depending on the texture: glossy (reflections, varnish texture and gloss are visible) or matte (reflections are not visible, the ceiling is perfectly even);
depending on the type of fastening: with a plastic insert (the technological gap covers the glazing bead) or gapless fastening (there is no gap between the flow and the wall, the joint is perfect).

Advantages of PVC material

PVC film for stretch ceilings has a very wide color palette (more than 130 shades).
The material takes on a wide variety of forms.
Wide range of acceptable web widths.
It is possible to select the type of surface.
Excellent value for money and quality.
The surface is perfectly smooth and has high moisture resistance.
Such material is suitable for a stretch ceiling in any room.
The cover covers all communications.
The material is characterized by high fire resistance.
PVC ceilings do not absorb odors and dust, have a high level of thermal insulation.
Such ceilings minimally reduce the height of the room.
PVC stretch ceiling is very simple and easy to clean, does not require painting.
The material can withstand loads up to 100 kg per square meter.
PVC ceilings, if necessary, can be dismantled and reinstalled.
A wide variety of lighting systems can be built into the ceiling, as well as hoods, fire safety sensors, and so on.

Disadvantages of PVC stretch ceilings

This is not the best material for use in rooms with air temperatures below +5 degrees.
In the first hours after installation, an unpleasant odor emanates from such a ceiling.
Such a ceiling is very delicate and easily damaged by mechanical stress.
There is a barely noticeable seam when welding several canvases.
If the weld is of poor quality, then there is a high risk that the welding line will disperse.
The pattern of the material is done in production, so accurate measurements are necessary.
When choosing a manufacturer, it is necessary to carefully study the availability of quality and safety certificates, since cheap and low-quality fabrics not only emit an unpleasant odor for a long time, but are also unsafe for health.

Fabric stretch ceilings

In the manufacture of such ceilings, a special polyester mesh fabric is used, which is impregnated on both sides or only on one side with polymers. The fabric fabric for the stretch ceiling is released directly from the roll, that is, the installation takes place without prior cutting of the material.

The texture is very similar to ordinary fabric, fibers are visible. Roll width - 4000 mm. Thanks to this size, it is possible to make a ceiling without seams. But if the width is not enough, then the canvas is interconnected using a special profile.

Advantages

It has a higher strength compared to PVC.
This material is resistant to temperatures below five degrees Celsius.
The fabric ceiling withstands more severe mechanical stress than PVC structures.
The fabric material for the stretch ceiling is highly soundproof.

disadvantages

Fabric ceilings have a poor color palette.
You can paint with paints only after installation.
The original design can be given only with the help of photo printing.
Such ceilings are not able to fully retain moisture in the event of flooding.
Cleaning a fabric ceiling from dirt is not an easy task and takes a lot of time.
Fabric ceilings cannot be mounted a second time.
Such ceilings are characterized by high cost.

fiberglass ceilings

Fiberglass is a new material. For a stretch ceiling, it began to be used quite recently. Therefore, a guarantee for such structures gives a small - about five years. For other types, the warranty period is about ten years. Also, not all companies are engaged in the installation of fiberglass ceilings.

The fabric is stretched in the same way as a fabric type, that is, without heating. Painting and drawing is carried out after installation. The material is characterized by high water permeability and sound insulation, it is very durable and more environmentally friendly compared to PVC stretch ceiling.

Types of stretch ceiling design

Regardless of what material the production of stretch ceilings is made of, they can be presented in the following design:

Starry sky: fiber optics and Swarovski crystals are installed in the ceiling. Thanks to this, the effect of the starry sky is achieved.
Illuminated ceiling: An LED strip is laid behind the ceiling. Helps create additional lighting.
Two-level glossy and matte canvases at different levels. It will help to zone the room.
Stretch ceiling Z-D: various three-dimensional shapes, arcs, waves, arches or flowers are created on the ceiling.
Photo printing on the ceiling: the ability to print any image on a matte or glossy finish.

Guide to choosing a stretch ceiling

First you need to consider all existing types of materials for stretch ceilings and get acquainted with the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Decide on the design of the ceiling and the color scheme of the material.
Determine the maximum budget allocated for the renovation as a whole and separately for the installation of the ceiling.
Choose reliable specialists who will be engaged in the installation of the ceiling.

Choice of color solution

The white ceiling is universal. But sometimes you want to create an unusual interior design that will not only please with color, but also perform some function (for example, visually enlarge the room). Moreover, the material for the stretch ceiling is characterized by a wide color palette. Here are some tips to help you choose the right one:

If you are the owner of low base ceilings, then you should not experiment with color. It is better to opt for light shades: white, beige, pastel, blue. They visually increase the space and fill it with air.
For high ceilings, feel free to choose the dark colors of the stretch material.
Light shades will suit any style of interior.
Bright and contrasting colors of stretch ceilings should not be chosen for living rooms. Such colors cause only anxiety, and not an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility.
For the bathroom and children's room, it is good to choose turquoise tones.
Photo printing on a stretch ceiling will bring a unique flavor to the interior.
The ceiling in the style of "Starry sky" will look great in the bedroom. This will help create an atmosphere of relaxation.

Selection criteria by room

For the bathroom, you should choose PVC material with a glossy texture. This is due to the fact that usually the bathroom does not have a large area, but it is characterized by high humidity and temperature changes. Also, a glossy PVC stretch ceiling will be an excellent solution for the kitchen.

Any type of stretch ceiling looks equally good in the living room. Therefore, it all depends on your aesthetic preferences. But remember that it has the ability to visually enlarge the room, and a matte look will look very good if a lot of daylight enters the room.

Matte PVC or fabric ceilings are usually chosen for the bedroom. They are the best way to have an atmosphere of comfort, tranquility and relaxation.

As you can see, each has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is impossible to single out the best material for stretch ceilings. It all depends on the room where the installation of the ceiling will take place, the personal preferences of the customer, his design solution and financial capabilities.

One of the simplest and fastest ways to design ceilings in apartments and private houses is to install a stretch ceiling. They make it not only using PVC film, there are also fabric options for finishing the ceiling surface.

To radically change the appearance of a gray concrete surface, you should contact one of the companies that manufacture such ceiling structures. In order for the coating to last for a long time, you need to know how to choose the right stretch ceiling.

The history of the appearance of stretch ceilings

It is generally accepted that for the first time such structures appeared in France in the 60s of the 20th century, and they were brought to the territory of Russia only at the end of the same century. At first, the canvases were made from PVC film, since the material was proposed by one of the employees of the French company Barrisol.

The film used to be used for window dressing, stretching between two aluminum profiles. And then they began to use it in the development of design for ceilings as a material for a stretch ceiling.

In fact, the first such coatings were known much earlier - in ancient Rome, although there are sources claiming that even in ancient Egypt, ceiling surfaces were covered with draped fabric made of silk or linen. In Armenia, chalk-impregnated cloth was used to finish the ceilings.

If at first tension structures were mainly equipped in offices, now they are often used for the design of living rooms and much less often for utility rooms. The popularity of these ceiling coverings is explained by the fact that they have special characteristics and advantages compared to standard and long-used finishing methods.

The main advantages of stretch ceilings:

the ability to make the imperfections on the ceiling imperceptible;
before proceeding with the installation of the structure, there is no need for careful preparation of the rough base;
quick installation of even a multi-level system, which takes no more than 2-6 hours;
polyvinyl chloride canvases are able to withstand a flood caused by the fault of neighbors living above, since they can withstand a large amount of water;
long period of operation - there is evidence that they retain their original qualities for several decades;
simple care;
the structure can be installed when other types of repair work have already been completed in the room.

You need to know how to choose a high-quality stretch ceiling, because, depending on the type of material used, they are:

fabric seamless;
from PVC film.

In addition, antibacterial ceiling coverings are on sale, the material for which is impregnated with special compounds containing antiseptics. Such canvases are excellently resistant to ultraviolet radiation. They are installed in medical institutions.

Fabric stretch ceilings

Materials for this type of stretch ceiling are made of polyester thread. Not very dense fabric from it has a knitted weave, it is a bit like a grid with microscopic cells. Ceiling coverings made of this material were called "breathable", as they allow air to pass through and thereby help to provide a comfortable microclimate in the room.

The finished canvas is impregnated on both sides with a polyurethane mixture. Then squeezed and dried. The fabric is usually produced in rolls about 5 meters wide. This parameter is greater than that of a PVC film. Due to this width, fabric ceiling structures often lack seams and are therefore called "seamless".

It is not difficult to carve out a panel for the ceiling of a room with a complex layout. Stretch fabric ceilings can be both white and colored. It is also possible to apply the image to the fabric using the photo printing method.

Seamless fabric coatings have a number of advantages:

increased strength;
antistatic;
ease of care - the canvas can be vacuumed and washed;
soundproofing;
frost resistance;
the possibility of applying acrylic paints;
installation at room temperature.

The main disadvantage of this method of designing the floor is its high cost. The cost of film ceilings will be much lower. But a large number of pluses allows you to consider the installation of a fabric ceiling.

PVC material

Of the entire list of materials that are used for stretch ceilings, it is the vinyl film that in most cases is preferred by consumers. It is produced on special equipment.

Despite the fact that the width of the rolls does not exceed three meters, the PVC ceiling can also be mounted in a wide room. Using an HDTV machine, a wide web is obtained by connecting two narrow strips of material. In this case, the seam is almost invisible.

The advantages of PVC ceilings are as follows:

water resistance and the ability to withstand significant volumes of water;
affordable price with constant quality;
simple and easy maintenance.

In addition to the advantages, there are also disadvantages:

instability to negative air temperature, but this is related to outdoor premises, for example, to loggias, balconies;
the surface of the canvas can be easily damaged by any sharp object;
there is a risk of ordering a PVC ceiling from a supplier selling low-quality products.

The PVC canvas can be of any color, and if desired, photo printing is applied to it. They produce a film with different types of textures - glossy, matte, satin.

The surface of the glossy PVC ceiling, as in a mirror, reflects all the objects and things located under it. This property visually increases the space of the room. Glossy coating is made in various color variations. Its main disadvantage is the presence of a more visible seam when connecting two strips of film.

The matte canvas is ideal for different styles of rooms, as it is a classic solution. It does not attract attention because it does not glare.

The satin ceiling feels very smooth to the touch, but looks like a matte material. It may slightly reflect light, resulting in a dazzling white appearance with a slight pearly tint.

At present, multi-colored multi-tiered tension structures are becoming in demand, which are made by soldering several pieces of film of different colors, usually their number does not exceed three types.

Designers also use the method of combining matte and glossy textures. Thus, an interesting effect is achieved: a matte canvas emphasizes the main level of the ceiling, while the gloss enlarges and deepens the space, and as a result a new, original level of the ceiling surface is created.

Material selection

What material the stretch ceiling is made of affects the overall appearance of the room. It is necessary to choose the type of ceiling covering, its color, texture, taking into account the requirements that apply to the room where the structure is planned to be installed. In addition, property owners need to take into account their financial capabilities and wishes for the interior of the premises.

Before choosing a fabric stretch ceiling, you should remember that it is more expensive than a film coating. The fact is that these two materials have different maximum width and production costs, they also have different quality.

Although expensive, the obvious advantage of a fabric ceiling is that it is better to install it in a children's room or bedroom, since it has the ability to pass air. But at the same time, in rooms with high air humidity - bathrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, swimming pools - such material should not be used, since it does not tolerate moisture, quickly gets dirty, and absorbs odors. Stains that appear on the fabric are poorly washed.

But the fabric canvas is frost-resistant and is the only option when it is decided which material the stretch ceiling is best for a balcony or loggia. For this reason, in suburban households where there is no permanent heating, ceiling structures using PVC films are not installed.

The classic options include a white matte ceiling, since it is not able to spoil the overall impression of any room, regardless of the style of its design. To such a coating, you can easily pick up furnishings and wallpaper on the walls.

The matte canvas is not striking, but it emphasizes and makes more expressive the interior items in the room. It is ideal for the following styles: classical, Greek, country, renaissance and others.

Vinyl film ceiling is best used for bathroom and kitchen, but it will also be a good choice for living room and hallway. Since it does not tend to collect dirt and dust, it should be cleaned infrequently, and it washes without problems.

If there are difficulties when deciding how to choose high-quality stretch ceilings, then you can use the advice of professionals. In their opinion, in the bedroom it is better to use a delicate matte canvas that does not irritate the eye, and in the living room a glossy PVC film would be ideal, which, due to reflection, will make the space in the room visually larger. Gloss will be an excellent solution when decorating the ceiling surface in a room in the style of pop art or hi-tech.

In turn, the satin ceiling coating occupies a middle position between a juicy glossy and a rather modest matte canvas. Delicate mother-of-pearl combined with a slight sheen looks great in any interior. It matches perfectly with silk wallpaper on the walls.

Many property owners are interested in what material the stretch ceiling called "Starry Sky" is made of, since this design is very popular. It can be made not only from PVC film, but also from fabric. To create the effect of the glow of stars in the night sky, a lighting system is installed above the canvas, partly consisting of optical fiber.

For the "Starry Sky", according to experts, it is desirable to use a fabric surface, since when installing the lighting system it will not be necessary to pierce it, which will preserve the properties of this material. Another advantage of acquiring such a canvas is the absence of points that will be visible at the puncture points.

In the daytime, such a ceiling covering seems perfectly even, and at night, with the touch of a button, you can turn it into the expanses of the universe. If there is a desire to change the placement of stars with a fabric panel, this will not be difficult. The ceiling covering is removed, the location of the optical fiber is changed, and then it is returned to its original place.

In the case when the starry ceiling is assembled from PVC film and punctures are made, then the pattern of the starry sky can only be changed if the ceiling sheet is completely replaced.

Manufacturer's choice

In many ways, the properties of the material for the tension structure depend on the technology of its manufacture and the quality of the raw materials used. These nuances affect the cost of products. Cloths from different manufacturers vary greatly in their quality characteristics.

This is evidenced by a brief description of the paintings produced in different countries:

France. Modern ceiling coverings from French manufacturers are considered to be the standard, which is understandable, since this is the country in which they first appeared. When making french stretch ceiling, they use a dense, with a beautiful sheen, durable canvas, which has only one serious drawback - high cost.
Germany. German materials for ceiling coverings are of high quality, although they are slightly cheaper than French counterparts. Canvases from Germany are known for their rich variety of colors.
Italy. In this country, materials for stretch ceilings were invented, which practically do not need maintenance, while all their positive qualities remain unchanged.
Russia. Enterprises produce economy-class ceiling coverings. This product looks great. If you do not know that it is produced in a Russian factory, it cannot be distinguished from European products. Such a canvas serves much less compared to Italian or German materials.
China. It is more difficult to deal with products from this country. Among Chinese paintings, there are both high-quality copies, and those whose purchase is better to refuse. You can distinguish bad material from good by smell - high-quality products cease to emit a specific smell 1-3 days after installation is completed.

There are several rules on how to choose the right stretch ceilings:

Sellers of canvases must have certificates that confirm their environmental safety.
The width of the roll must be taken into account, since a number of European manufacturers do not have wide options.
When a glossy film is preferred when buying, you need to look at its brilliance, since high-quality material has good specularity.
Some types of products have a manufacturer's logo on the border.

Before choosing stretch ceilings, you need to remember that not only the beauty of housing, but also the health of family members depends on the right decision.

Stretch ceiling installation technology

The work on the installation of a stretch ceiling coating requires a careful and unhurried approach, since the canvas can be easily damaged or spoiled. If you are not confident in your own abilities, it is better to use the services of masters.

Who, nevertheless, decided to independently install the ceiling structure, can use a brief instruction:

Furniture and objects are removed from the premises.
Walls are marked in the corners of the room and a line is drawn along its perimeter using a level. Between the overlap of the ceiling and the canvas leave room for the installation of lighting fixtures and laying communications.
Dowels fasten the profile with an interval of no more than 8 centimeters according to the markings.
Turn on the heat gun and warm the room up to at least 40 degrees. The fabric ceiling is installed without heating.
Proceed to the installation of the canvas. First, with the help of "crocodiles" - special fasteners, one corner of the panel is fixed, which is considered the base one, usually there is a special mark on it. The next corner is located diagonally from the already mounted section. The film is heated and all corners are fixed.
Then, using a special spatula, all the material is inserted into the baguette along the walls.
Cut out holes for lights.
A masking tape is installed in the gap between the ceiling and the wall.

This completes the installation.

Today, stretch ceiling is the most popular attribute of the design of ceiling bases. It is quite practical, does not need additional finishing, and durable. Therefore, many, when performing repairs in an apartment or their own house, are interested in how to choose a stretch ceiling and what types there are in general.

Today, a fairly large assortment of stretch ceiling structures is offered on the building materials market, but in the vast majority of cases, fabric or PVC film is used to make the canvas.

Stretch ceilings - types of materials

Types of materials for stretch ceilings are mainly divided into 2 most popular types - PVC and fabric.

PVC sheets

This type of web is made from individual strips of thin PVC film. They are welded together on special equipment. The peculiarity of the installation of such a ceiling structure is the preliminary heating of the room to 70º using a heat gun. At this temperature, the PVC film is stretched, it is pulled onto a frame equipped around the perimeter of the ceiling. After the room has cooled to normal room temperature, the PVC sheet narrows, respectively, stretches even more, resulting in a perfectly smooth ceiling surface.

Fabric canvases

For the production of stretch ceilings, an elastic fabric is also used, which in its texture is similar to the material used in the production of women's stockings. To ensure moisture resistance, the fabric is impregnated with a special varnish, and to give the desired color, it is coated with an appropriate polymer.

What are stretch ceilings by type of texture

Glossy ceilings

A glossy canvas or varnish allows you to visually enlarge the room (due to minimal light absorption, the room visually becomes larger). This option is ideal for small rooms with a minimum amount of furniture. Glossy stretch ceiling structures are effective when it is necessary to divide the room into separate zones. Particularly successful ceiling surfaces of similar texture look in dark corners.

Matte ceilings

The ceiling with a matte surface is the most popular, budget option. It resembles a base finished with plaster. This ceiling design goes well with the interior in a classic style.

satin

Satin canvas resembles a painted slightly shiny surface. Satin, unlike gloss, has a reflective effect. The silky surface of the satin ceiling gives the room a homely feel, so it is most often used for finishing bedrooms.

Types of structures of stretch ceilings

One-level stretch ceilings

A standard single-level stretch ceiling is easy to install, minimal costs, and has a long service life. It is easiest to care for him, periodically wiping the dust with a dry rag. Today, on the market of finishing materials, such ceiling structures are presented in a wide variety of textures; it is possible to choose canvases of any color scheme, including those with photo printing.

Two-level (multi-level) ceilings

Multi-level stretch ceilings are already more complex and expensive structures. The most popular are two-level ceilings. They help to hide any, even very noticeable defects on the ceiling base. There are two ways to form multi-tiered ceiling structures: using gypsum boards or using special profiles. The second option is considered more effective (drywall tends to crack even with a small “game” at home).

Types of stretch ceilings pros and cons

Ceiling tension structures with PVC fabric

Advantages of PVC ceilings

Provides the ability to create a flat surface.

A wide range of colors, textures.

Fireproof material - does not burn (relatively does not burn)), but deforms very well !!!).

At elevated temperatures does not emit toxic components.

Resistant to flooding - withstands up to 300 liters of water per m2.

Easy to clean - just wipe with a damp cloth.

Microorganisms do not take root on the material.

Provides the ability to form multi-level ceiling structures.

Relatively low cost.

Long operational period - from 10 years, depending on the quality of the material (later it may turn yellow, fade, deform a little - small waves may appear, etc.).

Disadvantages of PVC ceilings

They do not allow air to pass through - they impede air circulation (in case of flooding and the absence of ventilation holes, it is very difficult to dry the space under the stretch ceiling, and it is MANDATORY to dry it!).

Unpleasant smell the first days after installation.

Low temperatures adversely affect the structure of the polyvinyl chloride web (it can deform or crack), so it is not recommended to install them in cold rooms.

Installation requires the use of special equipment (air gun - as a result, heating of the installation room is necessary).

At high temperatures, the material is deformed, therefore, when arranging a lighting system built into a ceiling structure, it is necessary to make thermal insulation from lighting fixtures (it is better to use diode lighting - it practically does not heat up).

Ceiling structures with fabric

Benefits of fabric stretch ceiling

Resistant to temperature extremes.
Fabric sheets are made of sufficient width, allowing the installation of solid ceiling structures without joints.
Not afraid of low temperatures.
The material is very durable - resistant to mechanical stress.
Easy to install, no special equipment required.
The material is fireproof - it does not ignite (check with the installers for this moment).
The possibility of repainting the ceiling surface in a different color (you can even draw something yourself, and then wash it off))).
The material does not emit an unpleasant odor.
Has soundproofing properties.
Long service life.
Do not interfere with ventilation.

Disadvantages of fabric stretch ceiling

High price.

The material practically does not stretch, in case of flooding, the canvas is not able to retain water.

Limited choice of colors, textures.

Compared to PVC sheeting, fabric sheets are much heavier.

Conclusion: Having studied the advantages, disadvantages of a stretch ceiling and different textures, we can say that there are no completely ideal designs. From the huge variety of stretch ceilings offered on the market today, it is quite possible to choose the right option for any room interior.