Ceiling coverings: plastic, wood, and other ceiling coverings

1. Ceiling structure – types

1.1. Reinforced concrete ceiling

A ceiling frame can be made in different ways and from different materials. The most common is a reinforced concrete frame or reinforced concrete slab, which is usually made on site, but may sometimes be in the form of pre-made elements. A monolithic reinforced concrete slab is usually preferred because it provides high load-bearing capacity. While this is an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage due to its large weight, which increases the load on the rest of the structure. A reinforced concrete slab is usually 15 to 20 cm thick and is reinforced with steel.

1.2. Wooden ceilings

A ceiling can also be constructed of wood. For a wooden frame, joists and beams are used to form a complete system. A wooden frame is used most frequently in more traditional construction, especially when the intention is to keep the structure visible. It is very rarely used in new buildings, primarily because of the price of timber. However, concrete also has a much higher load-bearing capacity and can withstand all the forces generated by earthquakes, so using concrete instead of wood has a safety aspect to it. Therefore, the use of a wooden frame is more common in the reconstruction of existing old buildings.

1.3. Steel ceilings

A steel frame is used when larger spans need to be bridged. The steel structure, composed of beams and joists, is lined with thermal insulation and soundproofing and then closed off with a ceiling covering. These are so-called ‘composite’ structures. An excellent example is a ceiling slab made of a combination of steel and reinforced concrete or a combination of corrugated sheet metal covered with reinforced concrete. Such solutions make the most of the properties of both materials.

1.4. Brick ceiling

A brick ceiling is most often formed as a composite structure with the addition of reinforced concrete. Modern-day ceiling structures are not made only of bricks since they would have to be vaulted, which is impractical and inefficient both in terms of design and construction. This is the only way that a ceiling structure can be made just of brick – something which the ancient Romans knew and used frequently to create imposing aesthetics.

2. Ceiling layers

The structure of a ceiling has several parts. The most important part of the ceiling is the frame because it is the supporting element. The pressure that the ceiling structure has to endure is distributed in various ways. On top of the frame, there is usually a layer of thermal insulation and soundproofing. It is about 5 cm thick, depending on what will go above it and whether underfloor heating will also be installed. A cement screed is laid over the insulation with a polyethylene membrane usually placed in between. The screed can be wet or dry – there are different ways of doing it. The floor is finished with a final layer – parquet, ceramic tiles, laminate flooring, or something similar. On the underside of the structure, there is a ceiling covering, usually made of plaster. However, other materials, such as wood, can of course be used.

3. Ceiling coverings

Ceiling coverings are the final layer of the ceiling and close up the ceiling structure. These coverings protect the supporting structure and the layers of soundproofing and thermal insulation, but, above all, they make the ceiling an aesthetically complete element. In theory, a ceiling does not need to have cladding on the underside, which is actually a popular trend in indoor public spaces. However, such a solution is not suitable for residential properties. This type of ‘open’ ceiling usually has a very detailed, expressive frame, which gives it an elegance even when it is not covered. When building residential apartments, such a thing is neither economical nor rational. It’s hard to believe that anyone would want to sit in their living room staring at a proliferation of pipes, wires, and ducts spread across the ceiling.

4. Plastic ceiling cladding, a wooden ceiling, or drywall?

4.1. Plastic ceiling cladding (PVC)

Plastic ceiling cladding is great for places that are particularly susceptible to potentially harmful factors, such as moisture or UV rays. For this reason, such cladding is perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, garages, or basements. A special type of PVC cladding, with additional UV protection, can also be used externally to cover gazebos, canopies, etc.

Plastic cladding or PVC panels are waterproof, so they do not swell when in contact with water. They are also quite light (1.3-2.3 kg/m2), but are solid, so they do not bend. They are easy to install and remove if the pipes, wiring, etc. behind them need to be repaired. Plastic cladding is made of high-quality PVC, it is durable, and easy to maintain because it can be cleaned with an ordinary damp cloth.

4.2. Wooden ceiling (MDF)

Wooden ceilings (or MDF ceiling cladding) are used in rooms that need to have a degree of soundproofing, to look good, and to have a quality finish, while being made of a natural and sustainable material. In addition to public spaces such as conference rooms, offices, classrooms, sports halls, libraries or galleries, wooden ceilings are also used for residential buildings. In this case, they are most often placed in living rooms and dining rooms. Wooden ceilings are also often found in buildings that require a traditional feel, especially in mountain chalets and the like. This is why MDF cladding is very popular for holiday homes.

It should be remembered that a wooden ceiling is much more expensive than other options. Plastic ceiling cladding is much cheaper. Wooden ceiling coverings are expensive, but unequalled since they bring a special warmth to every room and create an old-fashioned, cosy ambience. A cheaper replacement for MDF boards is chipboard or plywood. A wooden ceiling is characterised by the fact that it serves as fire protection and has excellent acoustic performance, thanks to the perforations, notches and grooves that can be made in it. It is easy to maintain and also stands out for the fact that it is made of natural and sustainable materials, offers great design possibilities, and results in a superb finish.

A final veneer can be added to the wooden ceiling for a top-class appearance; there are more than 40 different types on the market, so you will easily find one that matches the rest of your furniture. It is also recommended that the ceiling is protected with UV polyacrylic varnish so the wood does not fade with age due to exposure to the sun.

4.3. Drywall ceilings

A drywall or plasterboard ceiling is a type of suspended ceiling. It is considered the standard ceiling solution and is the one that most people go for, probably as it is the most practical way to close up and hide the ceiling structure. In terms of appearance, it resembles plastic cladding, although plasterboard can result in a more attractive design and appearance. Plasterboard creates a uniform surface that is inconspicuous and completely blends in with the walls because the finish is the same. All services (pipework, wiring, etc.) can easily be hidden behind the plasterboard. The only thing to watch out for is that they need to be lowered sufficiently to allow room for the services above. This is made possible with a simple frame.