Stretch ceilings: types of materials, pros and cons, which is better to choose

Modern stretch ceilings - this is not just a film stretched under the ceiling. Materials are now made so that the canvas is indistinguishable from a smooth or fine-grained acrylic coating in texture. The tension makes the surface perfectly flat, which is almost impossible to achieve with plaster and painting.

What are stretch ceilings made of?

Materials of canvases come in two types:

• PVC - quality film stretches when heated, thanks to this spreads perfectly even and is fixed along the perimeter of the ceiling. Different textures are available: gloss, matte, satin, etc.
• Fabric with impregnation - material with or without a seam. Mounted on the ceiling without heating, so the canvas should be with a small margin for fastening.

On the material, drawings are applied, many variants of colors and shades are available. The surface of the film can be painted. By combining fabrics of different colors, it is possible to zoning the room.

Type of installation

Stretch ceilings are mounted in the following ways:

• In one level - the fabric is stretched on the frame on the perimeter in one layer. It turns out an even surface.
• In several levels - it is possible to create an original design from a combination of stretched surfaces that are located at different heights. In this way you can zone the room or hide ventilation ducts.
• Without a gap - the fabric is tightly joined to the wall.
• With a gap - there is a small distance between the walls and the suspended ceiling. The advantage is that you can re-paper the wallpaper, without removing the construction from the ceiling.

Various lights are installed in the stretch ceilings. This can be a large chandelier in the center, LED lamps on the perimeter, overhead fixtures. Colored lighting creates an interesting play of shades on a white canvas. Translucent films allow the installation of light under the surface of the suspended ceiling. It turns out a nice even illumination.

With a suspended ceiling you can hang swings, shelves and hammocks. The main thing is to provide in advance under them places of attachment on the concrete slab, which will be under the canvas.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• It turns out an even surface without prior alignment of the ceiling, because the canvas covers it.
• It is possible to hide communications.
• PVC-film is resistant to moisture, so it is used in bathrooms.
• It is possible to combine stretching elements with plasterboard and create interesting shapes on the ceiling.
• Installation in a few hours. It is not necessary to take out furniture and things.

Cons:

• If initially not provided with all the places for fixtures on the concrete base, to add something, you will have to remove the film.
• The temperature in the room should not fall below +5 and above + 50. If the room is left without heating, and the temperature falls below the minimum allowed, the canvas can deteriorate.
• Glossy surface, especially in the bathroom and kitchen, will have to wash about once every six months to remove traces of splashes.
• If the stretch ceiling is made at the junction with the walls, in order to re-paper the wallpaper, you will have to remove the entire structure.

Which stretch ceiling is better, depends on personal taste. Fabric or PVC - there is no difference in quality. PVC gives more opportunities in design, painting. As for the surface, glossy reflects everything in the room - such an effect may not please everyone. Matte looks like a standard acrylic painting. Satin with a light glow and a pleasant texture - original. The main thing is to choose a quality material that does not produce an unpleasant odor.