9 tips for choosing a caisson ceiling from wood, plasterboard, MDF and polyurethane

Content

1. №1. What is the coffered ceiling?
2. №2. When can I use coffered ceilings?
3. No. 3. Coffered ceiling made of wood
4. №4. Coffered ceiling from MDF
5. №5. Coffered ceiling from plasterboard
6. №6. Coated ceilings made of polyurethane
7. №7. Coffered ceilings made of cardboard
8. №8. What else to consider when choosing coffered ceilings?
9. №9. Installation of coffered ceiling

Everything new is a well-forgotten old, and fashionable coffered ceilings only confirm the fidelity of these words. Once upon a time such systems were used in Ancient Greece for architectural purposes, and then the Greeks learned so cleverly decorate the beams and cells that the caisson ceiling has become not just functional, but also decorative. Today, there are no real ceilings with caissons - only their imitation is used, and it is represented by a huge number of options. We'll figure out what a caisson ceiling is, what kinds it is, what design it is better to choose and answer the question, whether always the caisson ceiling will be appropriate.

№1. What is the coffered ceiling?

Despite the fact that coffered ceilings appeared in Ancient Greece, the word that we now refer to as data design, is of French origin: "caisson" is translated as "box subtly hinting at the main feature such ceilings. Indeed, the coffered ceiling can be represented asa system of boxes or depressions that are formed between intersecting beams.Previously, these beams were needed to reduce the load from the supports, with their help creating load-bearing structures for interfloor overlappings. Later, another interesting property of such a system was discovered: improvement of acoustics.

When the beams began to decorate with stucco, painting and marble tiles, the prototype of a modern coffered ceiling appeared. Looks like these designs are very beautiful, bring chic and elegance into the room. To create a real caisson structure, it is necessary to apply a special technology even at the construction stage, but this today almost no one is engaged, because to get the desired decorative effect with modern building materials is much easier.

Execution and appearance of coffered ceilings can be completely arbitrary. The most common option - is the creation of cells of a square or rectangular shape, but the designer The idea knows no bounds, so if desired, you can create a caisson round, diamond and polygonal form.

№2. When can I use coffered ceilings?

Today, to simulate the caissons usewood, MDF panels, polyurethane foam, plasterboard and cardboard. The technology of installation in all these cases, of course, is somewhat different, but a common feature is the decrease in height. To create a volumetric groove, you need high enough beams, which reduce the height of the room. If the suspension system is used, the ceiling becomes even lower. Specialistsrecommend the use of coffered ceilings in rooms with a height of about 3 m. In the rooms below, m such a finish would be completely inappropriate. As for style restrictions, it is possible to enter into the caisson system any interior, except, perhaps, the hi-tech styles and minimalism.

Coffered ceilings look great in spacious living rooms, bedrooms, offices, as well as in offices, conference rooms, restaurants, cinemas, and libraries. If the premises are disproportionately high, those in it may feel as if in a box. This feature is typical for old houses. Coffered ceilings allow to gracefully solve this problem, making the space more harmonious and proportional.

Elegant appearance is not the only thingthe advantage of coffered ceilings. If you use a suspension system in the installation, then behind the structure you can hide a lot of engineering communications, such as ventilation and electrical cables. In addition, you do not have to suffer with the alignment of the surface of the main ceiling. The coffered ceiling, like any hanging ceiling, provides ample opportunities for creating a unique lighting system. It also increases the sound insulation of the room.

The main disadvantage of coffered ceilings- they "eat" the height. Also, this is quite an expensive finishing system, and in order to properly install, some construction skills, so it's easier to call for help from a team of specialists, but this, in turn, makes the installation even more expensive.

No. 3. Coffered ceiling made of wood

This option is considered classic, but, at the same time, the most expensive. All elements of the construction are made of solid wood.

Benefits:

• Wood is a plastic material, therefore beams and slabs, from which the ceiling will consist, can be decorate with carvings, beautiful drawings and ornaments, resulting in no ceiling, and the work art;
• wood - a natural material that will not release toxic substances;
• beautiful appearance of wood, unique relief pattern will make the room exquisite and luxurious;
• durability.

In addition, using different types of wood, you can obtain a ceiling coating of different shades. With the help of stains, varnishes and paints, you can additionally expand the range of possible shades. Elite coffered ceilings make ofoak, walnut and ash, but you can choose a simpler breed (pine, for example). The price of such a decision is still high, and this is the most basicminuswooden caissons. In addition, the installation of such ceilings requires careful calculation and decent time costs. It will require the arrangement of a massive frame foundation, therefore, almost no one conducts such work independently.

№4. Coffered ceiling from MDF

MDF panels have become today the most popular way of organizing coffered ceilings. They are obtained as a result of pressing wood chips with urea resins, due to which it is possible to practically reduce to zero the emission of toxic formaldehyde. Above the plate can be finished with a film with imitation of any pattern, a thin wooden veneer or a layer of paint. Appearance deserves the highest praise, especially in the case of panels, finished with veneer - after the installation to distinguish them from wooden is almost impossible.

Benefits:

• a wide selection of panels and the ability to create a ceiling for any design;
• lower weight in comparison with wooden beams, due to what the construction can be mounted on an ordinary metal profile (the one that is used when working with plasterboard). From all this it follows that such a ceiling will carry less load on the ceilings, and the installation is much easier to perform;
• affordable price, especially when compared with a wooden analog.

On sale it is possible to find ready-made coffered blocks from MDF, thanks to which the process of mounting becomes even simpler - it is enough only to join the finished parts.

Among the mainshortcomings:

• instability to moisture, therefore the material can not be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and also premises that have unstable heating (for example, country houses);
• low resistance to fire, but this defect is typical for wooden elements;
• low mechanical strength, but no one will walk on the ceiling, so this drawback is very conditional.

№5. Coffered ceiling from plasterboard

The ubiquitous gypsum cardboard will also fit in the organization of the caisson ceiling, and it allows to significantly reduce the cost of construction. Drywall is easily cut, so with it you can implement virtually any idea, it is easy, and even the principle of working with it has already mastered almost everything. The material allows you to easily organize a complex lighting system using spotlights and chandeliers.

Installation of elements from gypsum board is carried out on a pre-installed frame from the metal profile, but there is an alternative method that allows you to do without a frame. When the ceiling design is assembled, it can be decorated in various ways: staining, gluing of polystyrene boards with their subsequent staining (the option allows you to get a solid exterior finish), the use of gypsum to create elements of stucco.

If the ceiling is used in a damp room, then it is better to take sheets of moisture-resistant plasterboard. The only difficulty in the installation is the exact matching of the individual elements.

№6. Coated ceilings made of polyurethane

Polyurethane coffered ceilings are distinguished by excellent operational and aesthetic qualities, are made of durable and wear-resistant polymer and are sold, as a rule, in the form of finished bulk elements, which need only be docked, and this in this case is not difficult.

Benefits:

• The widest assortment of elements with different designs. This can be as minimalist caissons, and elements with imitation of luxurious stucco molding. If desired, the material can be additionally colored;
• light weight and simple installation, which consists in gluing and simple additional fixation of the elements;
• resistance to moisture and high temperatures;
• the opportunity to organize an interesting highlight.

Of the minuses, we can only note a high price.

№7. Coffered ceilings made of cardboard

The easiest to install and cheap in cost option coffered ceiling - is the use of elements of building cardboard. The material has a dense structure, high tear resistance, it can be of different thicknesses, but it remains light, so it is not difficult to mount it. Ready-made beams from a building cardboard are mounted directly on a ceiling with use of joiner's glue. For decor, you can use self-adhesive film, the most popular option - a film with imitation of wooden texture.

On sale you can find water-repellent cardboard, which is treated with a special solution of salts. Such material can withstand the high humidity periodically.

Externally, the caisson ceiling made of cardboard looks a bit simpler than that assembled from wood or MDF panels, but with a limited budget it will be a good alternative to other options for ceiling finishing.

№8. What else to consider when choosing coffered ceilings?

When considering the future design of the caisson ceiling, consider the following points:

• if the ceiling is not high enough (, m), then the beams are located near the door and window openings. The use of furniture, flooring and wall decoration of dark shades in this case can turn the space into a sullen hole;
• another option for not the highest rooms - the use of elements of light colors, then their relief will not greatly reduce the space;
• coffered ceilings of warm dark shades make the room cozy, but reduce its height - this is an option for high spaces;
• The caissons can occupy not the entire ceiling, but only a part of it;
• it's not enough just to think about the future design of the ceiling - it's better to draw a detailed sketch.

№9. Installation of coffered ceiling

The installation of a caisson ceiling is a time-consuming task, requiring certain knowledge and skills, so it's easiest to turn to professionals so as not to waste your nerves and spoil the materials. Whatever it was, but knowing the principle of arranging such a system is still necessary.

The first thing issketch creation.You can do it yourself. In the figure, you need to depict the ceiling in scale and apply a caisson grid on it, which is best to start from the center of the room, so that geometry and proportionality are preserved. At this stage, decide what will be the step between the caissons (as a rule, the distance is made, m), as will be the elements where the light sources will be located.

Let the professionals work with wooden systems, butinstallation of a paneled ceiling from MDFperform much easier.The principle is as follows:

• coffered ceiling from MDF panels is better to be mounted on the suspended system Knauf P113, metal profiles PP 60 * 27 and PN 28 * 27 are used, as well as a single-level connector of the "crab" profiles;
• The minimum distance from the frame to the existing ceiling is 125 mm so that it is possible to install a caisson cell. The distance between the profile depends on the size of the cells;
• the profile of PP 60 * 27 is mounted with folded edges downwards so that in future it will be easy to snap the guiding bar of the caisson;
• installation of short guides, pre-cut into elements of the required length. If the cell has a size of 60 cm, then make the guide 5, cm if 90 cm - 8, see. The cut-off elements snap into the PP profile 60 * 27;
• The cells of the caissons are gently wound behind the metal frame and fastened to the mounted short guides;
• It remains only to cut off and install long guides;
• if there are holes on the perimeter of the ceiling, then they are closed with a cut laminated cloth, which is usually supplied complete with cells;
• installation along the perimeter of fillets with the help of screws. Fillet, they also ceiling skirting, provide a smooth transition from the ceiling to the wall;
• for lighting devices, holes in the cells are previously made. Install chandeliers, spotlights, spots and other lighting equipment after the installation of the ceiling

Non-heavy caissons are sometimes installed on a frame of wooden bars, using for the attachment of ordinary nails. Often in this way, prefabricated caisson panels are fastened, which, by the way, can have transparent inserts.

If you use ready-made slabs for coffered ceilings, then their installation is better to start from the center. Use in this case, you can glue or mounting brackets.

Coffered systems allow creating a unique ceiling with carved elements, effective lighting, stucco molding, transparent inserts and even stained-glass windows - the main thing is to think about the design in advance and not be tempted by such a finish, if the ceiling height is less, m.

.