The installation of multilevel ceilings made of PVC, drywall and other materials is one of the most difficult types of repairs in a modern apartment. However, having the skills to install such a design, the homeowner will be able to make an original ceiling of almost any geometric shape, install any type of lighting, choose a color from a wide color gamut. All of the above advantages make suspended structures very attractive. Many homeowners want to learn how to make two-level stretch ceilings with their own hands.
Ceiling preparation
To install two-level ceilings with your own hands at home (a photo of such a design is in the article), first you need to properly prepare the room for such repair work. At the initial stage, the following activities should be carried out:
- It is advisable to remove all furniture and things from the room to provide free access to the ceiling. If the furniture is too bulky, then cover it with plastic wrap.
- The ceiling should be cleaned of dust, dirt, old decorative coatings (tiles, wallpaper, paint, etc.). The surface should be smoothened.
- Calculate the ceiling area to purchase the required amount of building material.
- Draw a diagram of the electrical wiring that will be mounted under the hinged frame.
Calculation of building material for a plasterboard ceiling
To correctly make a two-level ceiling with your own hands (you will find photos of examples of such a design in the article), you should imagine what the final appearance of the room will be after repair. To do this, you must adhere to a certain calculation procedure:
- Calculate the perimeter of the room where you plan to make a false two-level ceiling with your own hands. The resulting value is the length of the profile shape of the UD.
- Another type of CD shape profile is calculated based on the width of the room, as well as the distance between this building material. For successful installation of a two-level ceiling with your own hands, a step of 0.6 meters is enough. Divide the length obtained after measurements by 0.6. Round the result up to integers. It is precisely this number of CD profile slats that must be purchased.
- The number of metal suspensions should be two times more than the profiles of UD and CD.
- The jumpers that are installed between the profiles and the connectors should be exactly the same as the metal suspensions.
- The calculation of the second ceiling level must be done in the same way.
- Calculation of drywall for a two-level stretch ceiling with their own hands is carried out taking into account the size of the sheets. As a rule, in construction stores there are two types: 0.6 x 2.5 and 1.2 x 2.5 meters. The area of each ceiling level should be divided by the area of the GKL sheet. Experts recommend choosing a sheet no more than 9 millimeters thick.
- For fastening the frame to concrete, it is necessary to purchase dowels and self-tapping screws measuring 6 x 40 and 6 x 60 millimeters, respectively.
- For reliable connection of crabs and suspensions, screws LN11 and LN9 are needed.
- To securely fasten drywall sheets, you will need MN30 and MN25 screws.
You should also calculate the number of fixtures, wires and corrugated pipes for insulation of wiring.
Tools for repair
To make a two-level ceiling of drywall with your own hands, you will need the following tools:
- saw with small teeth or a sharp knife to cut drywall;
- level;
- ruler and tape measure;
- hammer drill;
- screwdriver or screwdriver;
- hacksaw for metal;
- metal spatulas;
- mesh for polishing irregularities after applying putty;
- scissors with which to cut metal profiles;
- emery fine-grained paper.
Plasterboard ceiling installation
It is not at all difficult to make a gypsum plasterboard a two-level ceiling with your own hands with step-by-step instructions. However, it is worth knowing that there are two ways to erect such a design:
- First you need to completely do the first level, and then start working on the second.
- Carry out the installation of the frame, which consists of two levels at once. Then you can sheathe the ceiling with drywall. This method allows you to save money on building materials.
First installation method
To make a two-level ceiling made of drywall with your own hands with step-by-step instructions in the first way, you need to start by marking the upper part of the room. To do this, draw a horizontal line on the wall at the height where the ceiling of the first level will end. Then you need to extend this mark around the perimeter of the room. The resulting line should be set profiles.
Marking under the intermediate profile should be applied in increments of 0.6 mm between the rails of the profile. Profile data must be fixed to the ceiling using suspensions. Then, with the same step, secure the cross members.
If you plan to install a backlight on the ceiling of the first level, then it's time to do the wiring.
Next, you need to sheathe the frame with sheets of drywall using self-tapping screws. The distance between them should be no more than 20 centimeters. The fastener head should not be deeply buried or protrude beyond the plane of the sheet.
To complete the second stage of the construction of a two-level ceiling in the hall with your own hands, it is necessary to draw markings in those places where it is planned to install metal profiles. If you planned to install a curvilinear frame, then you should first make cuts on the profile with special scissors for metal or a hacksaw.
Next, you need to attach the guide profile to the concrete, and then connect it to the intermediate profiles and the ceiling of the first level. If necessary, wire along the resulting frame to highlight.
After the construction of the second level is fully assembled, you can proceed with the fastening of drywall. As soon as the last GKL sheet is firmly attached to the ceiling, it is necessary to make cutouts on it for the installation of fixtures, and then putty all the bumps and seams. After the surface has completely dried, the surface should be carefully leveled and the surface sanded.
At the final stage of manufacturing a two-level ceiling with do-it-yourself lighting, water-based paint should be applied to the external surface of the drywall. To achieve a better result, usually several layers are applied.
Pay particular attention to corners and other hard-to-reach spots.
Second installation method
To make a two-level ceiling with DIY lighting from drywall, using the second method of manufacturing the structure, you must first make a second-level ceiling, and then start working on the first.
This method is a little more complicated than the first, but you will need much less sheets of drywall, which saves a significant part of the money on repairs.
Installation of lighting on the ceiling
Many novice masters ask how to make a two-level ceiling with their own hands with lighting, and what type of bulbs to choose? It is preferable to install LED light sources in residential premises. A wide selection of colors for these bulbs allows you to emphasize the original design of the room.
In stores that sell lighting, you can find LED lamps for 24 and 12 volts. Neon lights are also quite popular, they are designed for voltages up to 100 Volts. They emit quite bright light, so the recommended installation step for such devices is 5 meters.
Installation of a two-level stretch ceiling
Stretch ceilings have long gained incredible popularity. The secret of their success is an affordable price, various colors and materials, reliability and quality of the coating. The wizard to install such decorative elements may not be limited to simple smooth white paintings. Thanks to modern materials, it is possible to create complex suspended multi-level structures in an apartment, as well as use canvases with various patterns.
Many people doing repairs at home ask themselves how to make a two-level ceiling with their own hands and what installation methods exist. Three main installation options for this design can be distinguished:
- Option 1: using translucent and perforated canvases. At the same time, it is worth remembering that first you should conduct wiring on the ceiling, install LED strips or small lamps. In this case, you should choose lamps that do not heat up much during their operation, so that the rubber sheet does not melt.
- Option 2: installation of an opaque perforated canvas. The holes in it can be cut out in a simple or complex shape, they just place a light source, for example, a large chandelier, which is adjacent to the ceiling.
- Option 3: use a translucent canvas that only partially transmits light. Such material is usually used to imitate the celestial sky, foliage, planets or other interesting drawings on the ceiling.
If you want to make a two-level ceiling with your own hands, consisting only of paintings, then you should pull such material first on the first level, and then on the second. After completion of work, a rather large load is placed on the wall, so large self-tapping screws should be fastened to the wall so that the structure does not break.
Stretch ceiling in conjunction with drywall
Installing a two-level ceiling in the kitchen with your own hands from drywall, in the center of which a stretch canvas will be located - a rather difficult task. Before starting work, you should carefully study the step-by-step installation instructions for such a design:
- The frame is first mounted on the concrete ceiling, on which sheets of drywall will subsequently be attached.
- Then you need to lay on top of the room all the wires for lighting. It is best to use LED strip, which subsequently will perfectly illuminate the stretch part of the ceiling.
- Further, the frame of the first level must be sheathed by GCR. It will be used not only as a decoration of the first tier. A stretch ceiling will also be attached to it, which will be located on the second level.
- After this, you should dilute the wiring on the second tier. It is preferable to use LED strips that are hidden under the ceiling. They illuminate the room above through a stretch film.
- At this stage, it is necessary to eliminate all irregularities on the drywall sheets using putty, and then proceed to painting the ceiling.
- Now it's time to pull the rubber film on the ceiling. Typically, such work is carried out by professional teams, since it is impossible to carry out such work without experience and the necessary equipment.
Plastic Panel Ceiling
DIY two-level ceiling made of PVC panels is a great design idea for your home. Decorative items such as plastic panels are easy to connect to each other with their mounts. It is very strong, durable, PVC is not afraid of moisture, a sharp temperature drop, it is not afraid of corrosion.
To install such a ceiling, the master will need a minimal set of tools, namely a powerful construction stapler, staples for it and a dowel with self-tapping screws for plastic.
Decorative PVC panels are classified according to the type of connection into suture and seamless. The latter after installation look much more attractive, as it seems that the ceiling consists of a single sheet of plastic.
DIY two-level ceiling made of plastic panels is usually done in rooms where it is constantly wet (bathroom, balcony and toilet). Less commonly, such material is used in bedrooms and in the kitchen.
Advantages and disadvantages of PVC panels
To decide to install a two-level ceiling with your own hands, you should find out what are the advantages and disadvantages of this finishing material:
- Low cost, high quality, many color options. You can collect a beautiful picture from several panels.
- Installation is incredibly simple, even a person without experience in construction can handle it.
- The ceiling does not require special preparation for repair work. It is enough to build a frame from profiles.
- Plastic flood is not terrible. If moisture gets on it, just simply dry the panels slightly.
A number of disadvantages of plastic ceiling decoration:
- Even at expensive seamless ceilings, joints are noticeable at the joints of the plates, if you carefully look at the ceiling.
- In a severe flood, the ceiling may break under the load of water flows.
- Plastic melts easily with strong heating, consider this when choosing the type of lighting in the room.
Repair work
Before you start assembling a two-level ceiling with your own hands, you need to prepare a concrete base for it, namely, to remove partially exfoliated layers of paint, loose plaster, dirt, old wiring and lighting fixtures. If there is mold, you need to get rid of it. Wipe the ceiling with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris that is not visible to the eye. After completing the cleaning work, allow the ceiling to dry out a bit.
The frame for plastic panels is usually built of two types: wooden and metal. The first is ideal for rooms without high humidity. The cost of a wooden frame is low, the installation process does not take much time and effort.
The fastener of metal panels consists of metal profiles. It is best used in the bathroom and toilet. It will cost the builder a little more, and during the installation process you will need care and accuracy, because the profiles can be easily bent, thereby spoiling them. If you install the metal frame correctly, then it will serve you for more than a dozen years.
Wooden blocks or metal profiles must be attached to the ceiling using suspensions, screws, dowels and corners. If the ceiling area is curved, has differences and significant irregularities, then first you need to draw a pencil on the wall where the PVC panels will be placed. Use the building level for this job.
Then you need to install fasteners for PVC panels. Take UD and CD profiles across the room. The step between them should be up to 0.1 meters. Otherwise, the plastic may sag.
After the frame is completely ready, proceed to the wiring. It is best to use several small lamps installed at a certain distance from each other, or an LED strip to illuminate the room. Halogen lamps for fixtures can withstand extreme temperatures and high humidity. It is advisable to put them in the restroom and on the balcony. LEDs are suitable for the kitchen or bedroom.
Plastic ceiling trim is identical to the technique of fixing PVC sheets to the wall. After fastening near the wall of the first board to it, it is necessary to fit the second from the side, and then fasten them together with latches. Press the still loose part of the side panel to the frame with a metal self-tapping screw. To prevent the hardware head from being visible, the mounting location should be located in the lower protrusion of the groove of the plastic plate. Then fasten the panels to all profiles or planks of wood.
It is important to purchase stainless steel screws or with a special protective coating that protects against moisture. Otherwise, traces of rust may appear on the fasteners from the water, which will spoil the appearance of the ceiling.
When assembling the rest of the PVC panels on the ceiling, fasten them only on one open side. The opposite side of the panel will be held by the latch of the adjacent lining.
The last tile, most likely, will have to be cut off on one side. Before installing it, measure the distance from the attached panel to the nearest wall with a tape measure or ruler. It is best to take several measurements in different places, because often the walls in a house have significant curvature.
Having removed the dimensions, cut a piece of plastic tile, and then install the resulting piece on the ceiling. The edge, which was closer to the wall, fasten with screws in three places.
At the final stage, you should attach a plastic skirting board to the corners of the wall so that it touches the PVC panels.
To hide the vertical part of the step that connects the second and first level of the ceiling, cut strips from the remaining parts of the plastic decorative panels. Joints can also be hidden by gluing a baseboard onto them.
After the glue has dried, you can proceed with the installation of lighting devices and connecting them to the network.