Types of suspended ceilings: types and features

Recommendation points

• False ceiling classification
• False ceiling elements
• Hangers
• Guide rails
• Fill Panels
• Plasterboard suspended ceilings
• Functionality of demountable suspended ceilings
• Care and use

The article will focus on different types of false ceilings, their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. You will learn about the types of panel and profile fastening systems, about the types of suspensions with a description of their properties. The article contains a table with prices for suspended ceiling systems.

The ceiling is the most difficult installation site, since access to it is difficult due to the height. Suspended ceiling systems allow installation to be carried out error-free, quickly and literally without waste – after finishing, only a few cuttings of profile and slabs remain.

False ceiling classification

There are several suspension systems. They differ in their functional and decorative features..

According to the shape of the panel, there are three types:

1. Slab panels. In fact, it is just a panel material (usually pressed), factory cut to size. The easiest to install and affordable option for the budget. As a rule, it has an unassuming appearance (profile shelves of 20–30 mm are visible) and soundproofing properties.

2. Cassettes. These are panels in which the system of attachment to the frame is incorporated. The front surface finish is usually glossy and can have a huge variety of decor, up to mirrors and engraving. In this case, the joint of the panels is thin – 10-15 mm, and must be finished with special fittings.

3. Rake. This is a conventional name for a long panel with a width of 30 to 500 mm, which is attached to a special frame with latches. The base of the rail is metal, so the latches are bent out of the panel sheet.

By the type of facing material, ceilings are divided into types:

1. Functional. Sound absorbing panels – pressed, mineral fiber, PVC, PE, PPR.
2. Decorative. Spectacular appearance without additional functions. Metal base with finishing. Often requires careful maintenance.
3. Combined. Utility panels combining decor and heat and sound insulation. Basically, these are metal cassette systems with a polyurethane foam layer.

The connection method is distinguished:

1. Frame-related. The panel contains a fastener, which is often only suitable for the frame of the same company. This is how manufacturers protect their products.
2. Non-frame related. The panel just lies on the shelves of the frame.

False ceiling elements

This design consists of three main combined elements. They are interconnected by level marking and constructive compatibility. That is, for the selected size, the corresponding parts of other elements should be selected..

The most common suspended ceiling system is the Armstrong product made in the UK (which is why any prefabricated ceiling is simplistically called “armstrong”).

Hangers

These are the supporting elements of the entire system. There can be many options for vertical fasteners – each company offering the system has its own fasteners. Since it bears (or rather, hangs) all responsibility for the strength of the structure, it is literally a “visiting card” of the manufacturer:

1. Suspension on cables. Difficult to adjust and strengthen.
2. Rigid suspension. Does not compensate for vibrations, transmits vibrations.
3. Standard butterfly. Armstrong system element – reliable, convenient, at an average price.
4. Double butterfly. Quick and easy adjustment, for light to medium weight.
5. Threaded suspension. Easy to adjust, reliable, withstands a lot of weight, but expensive in cost.
6. Adjustable rigid suspension. Same as “hard”, only with adjustment.

In real practice, butterflies account for 70–80% of the entire installation. This is due to the fact that suspended ceilings, in the overwhelming majority of cases, are installed in industrial, commercial and public buildings, which implies huge areas. Convenience and speed of installation come to the fore. The first and second varieties are made on site from scrap material, option 6 is part of the cassette system and is supplied with it. Threaded suspension – universal, used for heavy ceilings.

Guide rails

Their difference from other types of straight long profile is that they have retaining elements in their design. It can be:

1. Shelves. The most popular type for a single cell ceiling. The panel is simply placed on the shelves and also easily removed. Convenient dismantling is well suited for places with many communications – they are easy to service by removing the necessary panels.
2. Latches. Elements of a cassette system, in which the cells have counterparts of latches. The panel is inserted into the prepared frame and is also removable. Panel finish can be any – metal, fabric, mirror, etc..

Such guides have additional latches at the ends, which allow them to be spliced ​​in length and provide ideal (in these conditions) joining.

In principle, the guide system is a rigid frame suspended from the fastening hooks. Moreover, in the case of a non-separable finish (for example, a mirror finish), it is permissible to make it from ordinary UD and CD profiles and sheathe it with plasterboard.

Fill Panels

As can be seen from the previous descriptions, the type of panels follows from the requirements for the ceiling system. They are of three types.

Conventional quick release panels. They have a standard size (from 400×400 mm to 600×600 mm and a thickness of 10–20 mm), are mass-produced in factories. As a rule, the material is lightweight and relatively inexpensive. Has a familiar unassuming appearance, is easy to process and replace.

Benefits:

1. The cheapest false ceiling option.
2. Compensate for even significant base movements (seismic resistance up to 3 points).
3. Standard size for easy installation of large volumes.
4. Free access to communications in the sub-ceiling niche.
5. Variety of fixtures for panel size.

Disadvantages:

1. Simple appearance (squares).
2. Wide shelves of the frame are visible.

Panels with hidden fasteners (cassettes). A latch is incorporated into the design of such panels, which makes them more complex and expensive products. Rigid mount allows for on-site cleaning.

Benefits:

1. Large assortment of exterior paneling.
2. Service without removal.

Disadvantages:

1. Fixed construction (conditionally). Dismantling and access to communications is difficult.
2. Higher cost.

Panels for pasting. They can be made independently from the selected material, or according to a unique design project. These can be just individual squares or figures made of mirrors, PVC, polyurethane foam, etc. In this case, the frame is made of a gypsum board profile on adjustable suspensions and sheathed with plasterboard.

Benefits:

1. Any artistic solution can be realized, including from non-standard elements.
2. There is no dependence on the location of the frame edges, they are not visible.

Disadvantages:

1. Non-separable design.
2. When the base vibrates, cracks at the joints are possible.

Plasterboard suspended ceilings

It is not entirely correct to call a ceiling made of gypsum plasterboard on a rigid frame suspended. The fact is that when creating a GKL frame, rigid fasteners of connections on P-suspensions are used, which is also connected to the walls. The self-tapping screw sews through the profile walls and compresses them. The difference between the suspended ceiling is that the plane frame is hooked on adjustable hooks driven into the floor slab.

Advantages of a plasterboard suspended ceiling:

1. Minimum ceiling space – from 30 mm.
2. Robust solid base ideal for pasting (for unique interiors).
3. The cost of the frame is several times cheaper.
4. The ability to perform any curly volumetric elements.

Disadvantages of GKL suspended ceiling:

1. Non-collapsible system. Ceiling space is blocked for access.
2. Requires further finishing.
3. Less precise suspension adjustment.
4. Suspension fastening for 2-3 points (according to technology) against 1 point for “Armstrong” type suspensions.
5. Limited distance from slab to plane (maximum for suspension length up to 350 mm). Collapsible ceiling hangers can be lowered to any distance.

Functionality of demountable suspended ceilings

A plane suspended at a certain height creates a niche between the floor slab and the finishing layer, the height of which can be calculated and set in advance. This gives an advantage in terms of the location of various highways and communications that can be hidden in a niche under the ceiling:

1. Ventilation ducts.
2. Wires.
3. Water supply and sewerage pipes.
4. Lighting.
5. Heating devices.
6. Video surveillance systems, acoustic and others.

This advantageous “plus” inevitably demonstrates its downside – the space required for placing communications will stand out from the total height of the room. That is, the ceiling will be at least 100–120 mm lower. It is not very convenient when decorating a panel house apartment with a ceiling height of 2.4–2.5 m, but it is quite suitable for a height of more than 2.7 m.

Care and use

Any system of any suspended ceiling is suitable for all premises that require the technical possibility of installing a frame. According to the requirements, the panels are made from a material with the best indicators of fire resistance and toxic safety, therefore they are also suitable for children’s institutions and rooms.

There are two types of suspended ceiling maintenance:

1. Removal and cleaning. The variant is suitable for panels laid on the “shelves” of the frame. Allows quick and safe cleaning of all panels on the floor – no need to constantly move the ladder.
2. Cleaning in place. Suitable for conditionally non-separable (cassette) and non-separable (glued) ceilings. In this case, the panels represent a rigid plane that does not loose when wiped..

Advice.When choosing cassette or mirror panels, pay attention to the glossy surface and anti-static coating. Dust and grease settle less on such a plane. This will increase the interval between cleaning the ceiling up to 3 times (once every 6 months versus once every 15-18 months).

Another undoubted advantage of this system is the possibility of partial replacement of the plane section. If damaged or dirty (for example, by accidental splashes of champagne or paint), the panels can be replaced by yourself (this does not require special skills or tools).

False ceiling prices *

Name	Manufacturer	Specifications	Price 1 m2 assembled, cu. e.
Armstrong	Great Britain	600×600, natural acoustics, universal size	5.2
Rockfon (Lilia)	USA	Fastening system T-24, 400×400, 600×600, acoustic, matt	6.8
AMF (Orbit or Filigran)	Germany	380×380, 600×600, fire-resistant acoustics, matte decor, choice of pattern	7
Griliato	Italy	600×600, lattice, painted or galvanized metal	4.8

* The price is indicated together with guides and hangers.

A suspended ceiling is not only a decorative element. So, for example, thanks to adjustable suspensions, it can be lowered to a predetermined height, thereby reducing the volume of the room and reducing heating costs. At the same time, the place above the finishing will not be lost – there will be communications routes. It is also difficult to overestimate the design possibilities of decorative finishing of premises, which gives the use of a suspended ceiling.