Do-it-yourself Installation Of A Two-level Plasterboard Ceiling, Detailed Instructions With Photos And Videos

2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 07:54

• We create a metal ceiling frame on our own
• The first way to install a frame from profiles
• The second, more common way to install the frame
• Plasterboard cladding and finishing works
• Features of the design of gypsum plasterboard ceilings in the kitchen

Drywall is a very popular material for decoration. It is popular because every normal owner with his own hands can assemble his own, unique ceiling. To do this, it is enough to have a small set of power tools at home and know the techniques of working with drywall and metal.

New technologies and your creativity will help make your apartment unique. A two-level plasterboard ceiling opens up ample opportunities for realizing the most daring fantasies. If desired, it can be given a wide variety of forms, and the use of spotlights along with a conventional chandelier will turn an ordinary ceiling into a work of art.

In addition, such a ceiling, if properly installed, will last for decades without major repairs. And you won't get bored, you just need to make minimal changes. For example, change the color scheme or move the fixtures to another location.

We create a metal ceiling frame on our own

The frame for a two-level plasterboard ceiling can be easily assembled independently, even if there is no experience of such work. Most of the men in our country are natural-born builders, however, many are unaware of this. And you need to get an assistant - it is difficult to do such a volume of work alone.

The most basic rule for complex work is not to do anything "by eye". Only drawings and sketches, only accurate measurements, only correct markings will avoid mistakes when performing work.

A two-level plasterboard ceiling can be made in two ways:

• At the beginning, the first, highest level is made over the entire ceiling area. Then the second level crate is attached to it;
• the second, lower level is set. Then the frame of the higher part of the future ceiling is mounted.

Let's see this in more detail.

The first way to install a frame from profiles

The first method is quite easy to use and understandable. Marking and installation of a single-layer frame around the entire perimeter of the ceiling is not difficult. But there are several subtleties in the location of the ceiling profiles. They will help make the structure strong and reliable, at a reasonable cost of effort and money.

To make such a frame of a two-level plasterboard ceiling, you will need guide ceiling profiles (PN and PP) and ceiling profiles (PP). The guide profile is attached to all walls of the room. In this case, the marking line should not deviate from the selected horizontal. It is best to mark the line with a laser level and a chopping paint line. The minimum indentation from the former ceiling to the line of the future is 6 cm. The PNP is positioned so that the markings pass from below. The profile is attached to the wall using dowel-nails Ø6-8 mm with a distance between them 40-60 cm.

The ceiling profile in the crate is divided into longitudinal and transverse. They form rectangular cells, usually with sides 60x50 cm. The longitudinal is the basis of the structure and is located parallel to the long walls of the room. It is attached to the ceiling with straight hangers, which take up most of the weight of the gypsum board sheets. The suspension is fixed to the ceiling with wedge anchors for reliability.

The distance between the centers of the longitudinal profiles is 60 cm if the ceiling area is large. One end of the PP is inserted into the guide profile and attracted to it with a self-tapping screw. The other is fixed by a straight suspension closest to this end. The horizon is controlled by a laser level. The metal parts of the frame are connected with 9mm self-tapping screws. When the length of the profile is not enough, the missing section of the PP is attached to it with a straight extension. This piece, of course, is fixed in the guide profile and to the ceiling for at least one suspension (depending on the length of the segment).

Transverse profiles are PP segments, the length of which is 0.5-1.0 cm less than the distance between the longitudinal profiles. They are attached to the frame using a single-level connector (crab) with a distance of 50 cm between the centers. The crab is fixed on all sides for reliability. The resulting skeleton looks like this:

For narrow rooms and corridors 2.5-3 m wide, it makes sense to arrange the longitudinal profiles transversely at a distance of 40 cm. In this case, it is enough to lay only one line of transverse profiles in the middle of the ceiling (see photo below).

The resulting structure of a two-level plasterboard ceiling must be reliable. To test its strength, try to loosen the frame. If there is any slack, tighten the screws to the end or add a few more pieces in the problem area.

The second level is created in this way. A guide profile is attached to the wall as for the first level; the distance is equal to the planned height, but not less than 6 cm. A new level line is drawn on the assembled crate. Along this line, the guide profile is attached with self-tapping screws PSh. Then, pieces of PP are inserted into this profile and fastened with screws; their length corresponds to the height of the 2nd level of the ceiling. From below, their ends are closed with another PNP with fixation with self-tapping screws.

The installation of a two-level plasterboard ceiling ends with the connection of the guide profile attached to the wall and the border of the new level with parts of the ceiling profile of the required length. One end of the segment is inserted into the PNP, and the other with metal scissors is cut 3 cm along the fold line. The side petals are folded back. Then all three resulting petals are attached with self-tapping screws to the profile of the level border.

Often to create a wavy border of the second layer, instead of the usual profiles, an arched one is used. In this case, the ceiling height will increase by the width of the arched profile.

Electrical wiring is being laid to the future location of lamps and chandeliers. The wires are hidden in special dielectric corrugated tubes, which are attached to the hangers with plastic clamps. It is not recommended to lay open wiring inside the PCB! The frame for a two-level plasterboard ceiling is ready.

The second, more common way to install the frame

Installation of ceiling battens according to the second method is often used by professionals.

In this case, the second level of the plasterboard ceiling is first made. Accordingly, on the walls with the help of a level, the lines of the future ceiling are applied in those places where, according to the plan, it will have to pass along the wall. A border line of the second level is drawn on the ceiling, along which the guide profile is attached with wedge anchors.

The PP profile is cut in the required quantity into parts, the length of which is equal to the height of the future low part of the ceiling. Then the assembly of the frame is carried out as described above for the second level. In the event that the width of the level is more than 40 cm, it is recommended to install transverse pieces of the ceiling profile on the crabs (see photo).

Then the first level is done. Its installation does not differ much from that described above for the first method of making the frame. The only difference is that the PNP for this level is not attached to the wall, but to the profile sections at the border of the second level. If this border is curved, many craftsmen pre-fix a strip of drywall on this surface, as in the photo below.

The entire frame must be checked for strength. After installing the gypsum sheets, it must be able to support a decent weight. It depends on the durability of the frame how many years this ceiling will serve you.

Then electrical cables and wires are laid, if necessary, ventilation is installed. We turn to finishing the ceiling with plaster sheets.

Plasterboard cladding and finishing works

GCR in practice is often divided into three main types:

• arched (thickness 6.5 mm);
• ceiling (thickness 9.5 mm);
• wall (thickness 12.5 mm).

The ceiling is so named because it is thinner and, accordingly, lighter than the wall. Therefore, it will be less of a hassle with it. Sheathing a two-tiered plasterboard ceiling is not very difficult. Only wavy lines will take a lot of time and patience, it will be difficult here without experience in working with GCR. But it is not in vain that they say: "It is not the gods who burn the pots." A 6.5 mm thick strip of arched drywall lends itself well to bending.

There are two ways to do this. In the first method, crosswise cuts are made on a strip of gypsum board. In this case, the outer side of the strip remains intact. The steeper the radius of curvature, the closer these cuts are to each other.

Then the strip is screwed into place with plaster screws with a small pitch of turns. This method is used for sheathing of small width, for example, a wavy difference between levels. For outer radii, the slot in the drywall is not made straight, but V-shaped.

The disadvantage of this method is the lack of smoothness of the radius. To give clarity to the curvature, the surface will have to be carefully putty.

The second way is as follows. One side of the sheet of the desired width is pierced as often as possible with the tip of a construction knife. Then the surface of the cardboard is wetted with water. It is advisable to place the strip on a curved surface so that it bends slightly under its own weight. When the plaster is slightly damp, the plate is set in place, gradually bending and fixing with screws. Naturally, there should be an undamaged side of the strip outside. The bend line will be smooth, but installation will take longer. Details about bending a sheet of drywall.

A simple two-level plasterboard ceiling is sheathed quickly enough. There are several points to be aware of when working with drywall:

• a gap of 1-2 mm should remain between the sheets to compensate for possible movements due to temperature and humidity changes in the room;
• if a sheet of drywall is cut, you need to make a chamfer at the edge with a knife or a special plane;
• it is necessary to dock the gypsum board only in the middle of the profile - this will ensure reliable fastening of the sheet;
• the screw head is slightly recessed into the surface of the plaster for subsequent plastering;
• the distance between the screws for fastening is 30-35 cm, and to the edge of the sheet - 2 cm.

The surface of the mounted drywall and the seams of the joints are primed. Putty with a special putty for seams.

After drying, the seams are rubbed with a thin layer of putty. A special tape is applied to the wet layer and sunk into the primer with a spatula. The screw heads are also putty. Holes for the fixtures are cut last.

This completes the installation of a two-level plasterboard ceiling. The finish depends on the selected material. Usually, the surface is covered with several layers of putty, cleaned with nets until a perfectly flat surface is obtained and painted with water-based paints with the addition of a color tint. Possible gluing of various materials for the ceiling and 3D photo wallpaper, covering with fabric. It all depends on your imagination.

Features of the design of gypsum plasterboard ceilings in the kitchen

A two-level plasterboard ceiling in the kitchen is usually sheathed with waterproof gypsum board. This precaution will not be superfluous, because the hood removes vapors not 100%. Such drywall is slightly higher in cost, but it is offset by the increase in the life of your ceiling.

The design of the ceiling in the kitchen largely depends on the choice of style, as well as the size of the room. In small rooms it is better to place the second level around the perimeter of the room. It will look good to highlight the "dining" area with spotlights.

It is desirable to finish the ceiling in beige and cream tones. These colors will visually expand the boundaries of the kitchen. A bright chandelier will complement this effect.

Do-it-yourself installation of a two-level plasterboard ceiling will become a source of pride and self-confidence for you for many years.

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