DIY suspended ceiling: preparation and installation

It is not difficult to build a suspended ceiling with your own hands. This is a good solution for those who are used to making repairs with their own hands. No additional surface treatment is required. You just need to calculate the area, install the frame and attach the selected material.

How to make an armstrong suspended ceiling?

Such structures are more often equipped in office premises and public buildings. It is a metal frame with brackets. Cassette panels of the same shape and size are attached to it. The most popular option is a slatted mirrored ceiling.

Tools and materials

An online calculator will help you calculate the number of consumables, but it is better to use a diagram drawn on paper. It is more reliable and simpler.

You need to purchase:

• short self-tapping screws for metal (up to 4 cm);
• guide and ceiling profiles;
• sealant;
• suspensions for fastening;
• nails with dowels;
• connector;
• primer and putty;
• rollers, paint and glue.

After purchasing materials and fasteners, we proceed to work.

Preparation of the rough surface

First, we mark the ceiling. Its base will be a horizontal strip along the perimeter of the room. We provide an indent from 10 to 15 cm. We attach the profile and hangers to the line. Mechanisms on them allow you to adjust the surface plane.

Further, the main and transverse structures are installed. They form cells on which the panel mirrors fit.

Step-by-step instructions for installing a false ceiling

The frame is pre-installed. Usually it is wooden or metal crate. After purchasing the necessary materials, you can start step-by-step work.

Installation of a single-level ceiling

The scheme of actions is simple. With basic knowledge in construction and the availability of a tool, it will not be difficult to make a single-level suspended structure:

1. We measure the height of the corners with a tape measure. It is worth starting with the lowest of them.
2. We go down by about 8 cm and put a point. If you plan to install luminaires, then the indent can be increased.
3. The markings in the corners should correspond to the level of the first point.
4. We connect each of them with a paint cord.
5. We fasten the bearing profiles along the lines. We drill holes in them, as well as in the wall.
6. We fix them with a sealant or nails on the prepared surface.
7. We draw an indent of 40 cm for the suspensions.
8. When the jumpers are at a distance of 2.5 m, the hangers are attached every half a meter.
9. Holes for them must match the original markup. We place anchors in the grooves to avoid material sagging.
10. During installation, we control the joints. We attach the planks to the suspensions in the direction from the corner to the center of the room.
11. We fix the jumpers with crabs.
12. We fix the material (you need to cut off the edge with a margin for a better connection with the putty).
13. We lay the sheets with an offset, fix them with self-tapping screws after about 20 cm.

You don't need to do anything else. As a rule, finishing is not needed, since cassette panels have an attractive front side and serve as an additional decoration for the room.

If drywall or plywood was chosen as the material, painting, plastering, wallpaper, or other type of decor will be required.

Layered design

This is a more difficult job, but if you have a drawing, you can do it yourself. This option is used in spacious, high rooms. Feature - the second level will take up only a part of the ceiling area and will look like a box or inserts of the same size in the corners.

At the height of the ceiling, this method will not be reflected.

In rooms over 3.5 m, a three-level or more structure can be installed.

Finishing

Represents painting, wallpapering or plastering. First you need to close the seams, joints and nail holes. Initially the surface is primed and then treated with putty. We put a reinforcing mesh on the first layer, which we will subsequently close.

The joints of the material should be rounded: this way the putty will grip better and dry faster.

When the entire surface is processed, the seams and irregularities are worn out, apply and level the final layer.

Benefits of a false ceiling

The advantages of such a system much more than disadvantages.

The main advantages of the design:

• hides defects on the ceiling;
• practical, can be washed with water, resistant to dirt;
• any lighting is connected, while the wiring will be hidden;
• do not collect moisture, suitable for bath and pool;
• fit perfectly into any interior.

If you carry out high-quality preparatory work before installation, have all the tools and drawings, installation of a suspended ceiling will not take much time and effort. It is quite possible to perform it efficiently within one day.