Types of false ceilings – 7 ultimate ceiling types

Types of false ceilings, materials to be used and their selection are one of the most difficult challenges anyone should face when planning a new structure or restoring an existing one. The false ceiling materials should be durable and meet the requirements of the application locations. Ceiling systems are of numerous types for home interiors. False ceilings are classified in multiple ways based on their applications, materials used, appearance, and visibility. The most frequent categorisation, however, is based on the materials employed.

The false or drop ceiling is a great example of contemporary architecture both in residential and commercial applications. Different areas, lifestyles, and preferences necessitate the usage of various types of false ceiling materials. Continue reading to learn more about the seven trending varieties of false ceiling designs and materials that may be utilised to enhance your décor.

Types of false ceilings

In-home interiors, there are numerous types of false ceilings. False ceilings are classified depending on their applications, materials used, appearance, and visibility. The most frequent categorisation, however, is based on the materials utilised. Here are the seven most common varieties of false ceilings.

• POP or Plaster of Paris false ceiling
• Gypsum False ceiling
• Metal False ceiling
• Wooden False ceiling
• Mineral fibre board false ceiling
• PVC false ceiling
• Open Grid Ceiling

Plaster of Paris (POP)

The most widely used, cost-effective, and favoured material for false ceilings, mostly in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors is Plaster of Paris or POP. POP is a white powder made by calcining gypsum, which means heated to a high temperature to eliminate the water content. For installation of plaster of Paris false ceiling, steel grids are suspended from the roof and are wrapped with chicken wire mesh. POP is mixed with water to form a paste and placed in layers over the chicken mesh, levelled, and finished.

POP is a flexible, resilient, and readily available material for false ceilings. Plaster of Paris is moulded, and designed to any shape, design, or pattern. Compared with other false ceiling materials, POP false ceilings are inexpensive, elegant, and low-maintenance.

The main disadvantage of POP is the time for completing the work and the massive waste it generates. However, on the whole, housekeeping costs will be substantial. Similarly, the plaster of Paris cannot match the factory-made superfine surface of gypsum boards. Moreover, POP is susceptible to water and moisture and to be avoided in wet and humid environments.

Gypsum board false ceiling – Types of False ceiling

Gypsum board is a premium and commonly used surface layer material for interior works like the wall, roof, and partition systems in residential, institutional, and commercial structures. The gypsum panel constitutes a non-combustible gypsum core and a tightly bonded specialised paper on the surface and long edges. Gypsum panels are mounted on steel frames that hang from the ceiling. The joints between the Gypsum boards are sealed with tape, giving the ceiling a seamless and elegant appearance. Apart from having an exquisite appearance, they also have fire resistance and acoustic properties. Likewise, Gypsum boards are economical, versatile and durable and easy to install.

Metal False ceiling (Tile and plant type)

Metal false ceiling uses metals such as GALVANIZED IRON, STEEL, or ALUMINIUM. Likewise, metal false ceilings are strong, long-lasting, and simple to install. These ceilings are either grid-style or plank-style (linear pattern). Similarly, these metal ceiling tiles are simple to remove and reinstall after maintenance. However, compared to other false ceiling materials, metal ceiling types are less expensive, require minimal maintenance, and have a long lifespan. Metal ceiling tiles use suspended systems capable of holding panel and grid tiles in place.

Moreover, you can refer to our previous article Metal false ceiling kinds – Clip in and Lay in tile for more details.

Wooden False ceiling types

Wooden false ceilings are versatile, classic materials with diverse natural patterns and textures. These ceilings are installed using screws. Accordingly, for wooden false ceiling panels, block boards with veneer surfacing are adopted. However, the cost of a wooden false ceiling is substantial due to the high material cost and the higher maintenance expense. Wooden false ceilings are installed in the entire area or are similarly used as a highlighter with other false ceiling types. A wooden false ceiling is long-lasting, although it is susceptible to termite attacks and moisture.

PVC false ceilings

PVC False Ceiling Planks, also known as Polyvinyl Chloride Planks, are durable, factory-manufactured, lightweight plastic materials. Likewise, polyvinyl chloride false ceilings have a robust, smooth surface and are available in a variety of styles, colours, widths, and lengths. They are popular and simple artificial ceiling choices for both residential and commercial settings. PVC planks are mostly used as false ceilings and wall covering materials. They are highly effective in resisting moisture and water and are commonly used in bathrooms, balconies, and other damp environments. Moreover, PVC false ceilings are reusable and are long-lasting materials that do not require any painting or polishing. They come in prelaminated shades and do not split, crack, warp or peel.

Mineral fiberboard suspended ceiling

Mineral fibre board panels are produced from natural resources, recycled materials, and processed materials. They are made from recycled newspaper, perlite, fibreglass, mineral wool, and binding agents,  making them a highly reliable sound-absorbing option. 

Mineral fibreboard has exceptional acoustic and fire-resistant qualities. Mineral fibre board false ceilings, like metal false ceilings, have a suspended T- Grid Support system. The eco-friendly product is lightweight and easy to install.

The most significant disadvantage of mineral fibre is that it is fragile and easily breaks. Moreover, mineral fibre boards are susceptible to water and dampness, and painting over the surface is impossible. Because of their composition, the tiles should be handled with care throughout the production, installation, and maintenance operations.

Open grid false ceilings

Open Cell Ceiling systems are made up of several open-cell modules and are designed to be installed on a suspension grid. Grid ceilings are particularly useful for buildings that require lower ceilings without increasing the roof height. Metal ceiling support systems and gypsum board false ceilings are combined with the open grid ceiling tiles. Open cell ceilings are appealing and can provide a visually appealing effect to a room.

Open grid metal ceilings are appropriate for the leisure industry, schools, offices, and corporate structures,  as well as public spaces.

Conclusion

False ceilings can be classified according to their application. These ceiling tiles make use of several materials to give a wide range of characteristics. Likewise, false ceiling panels are commonly used and can be intricately designed to improve the aesthetic characteristics of the ceiling.