Which Bathroom Ceiling Is Better To Choose

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

• Features of the ceiling in the bathroom
• Types and methods of finishing the ceiling
• Putty and painting
• Styrofoam tile
• PVC panels
• Rack ceiling
• Wooden ceiling
• Plasterboard ceiling
• Siding ceiling
• Stretch ceiling
• Spectacular, expensive finishes

All surfaces in the bathroom are exposed to constant moisture. The ceiling in the bathroom is also affected by humidity: during the evaporation of hot water, condensation comes out, which collects in droplets on the ceiling. Therefore, it is important to choose a ceiling finish in which materials will not be affected by moisture.

Features of the ceiling in the bathroom

The main factor when choosing a finishing material for a ceiling in a bathroom should be its moisture resistance. In addition to the formation of condensation, splashes of water from the shower and water vapor can fall on the ceiling. It is also possible that water pipes fog up, which can pass through the entire height of the wall from top to bottom.

The main requirements for a bathroom ceiling are:

• Moisture resistance of the material. Due to the dampness of the room, the ceiling must withstand the effects of moisture and water that can get on it during the adoption of water procedures. In addition, a reliable and waterproof ceiling will help protect the room from flooding if negligent neighbors from above forget to close the tap;
• The durability of the finish. In order not to redo the ceiling every 3 years, it is desirable that the new ceiling be able to undergo operation for up to 8 years. In this case, you will not have to spend money on new materials at any time when problems arise;
• Ease of care. Since the ceiling is higher than human height and it is not always possible to reach it with your hand, the finishing material should be practical when cleaning the room. It will be enough to occasionally wipe the ceiling with a damp hoe, because every time installing a stepladder in order to clean the ceiling is not a convenient task.
• Aesthetic appearance of the ceiling. An important factor when choosing a finish. The color scheme, texture and surface of the ceiling must match the overall bathroom interior. In the case of a harmonious combination of colors of the facing material of the walls and ceiling, the effect of calmness and relaxation will be achieved in the room, which is so necessary after a hard working day;
• Thermodynamic properties of the ceiling. The new ceiling in the bathroom must be resistant to temperature extremes. There are some finishing materials that can deteriorate when exposed to high temperatures;
• Material safety. The ceiling should be made of environmentally friendly, safe, and most importantly fireproof materials;
• Ease of installation. This criterion is taken into account at will. If there is an idea to make the ceiling luxurious, elegant, for example, in the style of classicism, then you will have to spend time and effort;
• The ability of the material to mount other elements. Finishing should involve the installation of lighting and other communications;
• Ceiling cost. The price of finishing materials is also important. There is no need to skimp on the comfort and practicality of the ceiling in the bathroom.

Types and methods of finishing the ceiling

Having studied all the requirements and factors when choosing a ceiling for a bathroom, you should decide on the material and option for the finishing work performed. Today, there are the following methods of quick and inexpensive finishing of the ceiling in the bathroom and apartment, these are all kinds of stretch ceilings. This is perhaps the most inexpensive way to save money.

Putty and painting

This method has been popular since time immemorial, and remains so today. The main advantage of this method is its significant low cost, as well as the simplicity of work. However, this option will be beneficial if the surface for finishing is sufficiently flat. If the ceiling has bumps or holes, as well as a difference in the height of the walls, then it must first be leveled. The leveling of the ceiling is carried out using the same putty: special beacons are installed, by which the level of the ceiling is measured, and layers of material are applied.

After leveling, the finishing putty takes place, and then the surface is trowelled: the ceiling is sanded with a construction mesh. Next, paint of the required color is applied to the ceiling. The paint is applied in several layers, first waiting for the previous layer to dry.

All materials for work must be necessarily waterproof. Particular attention should be paid to the selection of paint - it should be silicone or acrylic paint.

The disadvantages of this finishing method are its monotony (although if there is a fantasy, you can use several colors), a relatively short service life in case of an accident from neighbors from above, inconvenience in leaving (it is difficult to wash the paint from dirt), the inability to hide communications and install ceiling lamps, large the likelihood of developing fungus and mold.

Styrofoam tile

This finishing option has earned popularity among consumers due to the good resistance of polystyrene foam to moisture. Another significant plus is that such plates have a very beautiful figured pattern. When using such a ceiling, an impression of sophistication and chic is created.

Foam plates are of three types: injection - with a thickness of up to 1.5 cm and thermal stability; pressed - have a thickness of up to 0.7 cm; as well as extruded boards - prepared for painting. Geometrically, the plates are available in square and rectangular shapes.

Before installation, the ceiling is prepared by leveling the surface. After that, markup for the plates is performed to make it clearer how to distribute the drawing. When installing foam plates, a special waterproof glue is used, which is applied to the tiles, after which the product is pressed against the ceiling, and the excess glue is immediately removed. At the end of the finish, the slabs can be painted with moisture-resistant paint and given a look that matches the design of the bathroom.

The advantages of this material are its water resistance, sound insulation, good thermal insulation, as well as low weight and affordable price. However, there are also disadvantages, including the possibility of material burnout during prolonged exposure to sunlight. Also, you must choose a quality product, otherwise there is a risk of mold on the ceiling.

PVC panels

Many consumers opt for this method of ceiling cladding. This is due to its rich color variety, ease of installation and relative cheapness. The main advantage is also the absence of the need to level the ceiling, since the plastic panels are installed on a kind of frame and do not need additional finishing.

The installation process begins with the assembly of the frame: it can be wooden, metal, or made of another material. The frame is installed in such a way that each rail is at a distance from the other rail equal to the width of the plastic. Next, using a construction stapler, the PVC panels are fixed to the frame, while inserting each panel into the groove of the next panel.

Plastic panels are water-resistant, they allow you to integrate ceiling lights into your structure and hide communications. They are quite convenient to care for: you just need to wipe the surface of the panels with a cloth.

There are also disadvantages of such a finish: sometimes dirt forms at the joints, the frame may deteriorate due to wet conditions, the possibility of replacement will entail a waste of considerable time.

Rack ceiling

Another type of frame-type ceiling is a rack ceiling. The frame is a suspended type structure assembled from long slats. Select slats, they are better aluminum panels for the ceiling in the bathroom. Such material does not corrode metal and is resistant to moisture.

The color options are very diverse: gold, silver or just plain colors. You can assemble such a ceiling yourself, because it is easy to install and even a beginner can do it. The design may contain flexible parts that allow you to give the ceiling the most bizarre shapes. The slatted ceiling is not demanding in care: its glossy surface lends itself to wet cleaning.

Of the minuses of the rack structure, one can single out a decrease in the height of the walls, which the ceiling frame takes; visually noticeable joints of slats, which are not suitable for all interiors; high cost of materials.

Wooden ceiling

At first glance, it may seem impractical to use wood for finishing the ceiling in a room where moisture is the main guest. However, aesthetic appeal has led some consumers to opt for wood.

Such ceilings are installed as well as PVC panels - on the frame. It is important to choose wood panels that are resistant to moisture, or soak them yourself with the appropriate compounds for protection.

Consumers call their advantages a beautiful appearance, environmental friendliness, ease of use and installation. The main disadvantage is exactingness in moisture protection.

Plasterboard ceiling

A plasterboard suspended ceiling is also mounted on a frame. Metal profiles are screwed to the ceiling and fixed with special fasteners. Plasterboard for the bathroom is used moisture resistant. It is attached to self-tapping screws using a screwdriver, after cutting the sheets of material into the desired pieces.

After installing the sheets, the initial finishing is performed: the joints between the sheets are sealed with a serpyanka, all visible caps of the screws are putty. Then the entire surface of the finished ceiling is putty and cleaned, preparing for painting. Drywall is painted with water-resistant paint intended for work in such premises.

The advantages of this method are: the ability to hide communications and install spot lighting; moisture resistant drywall will not damp or rot; thanks to constructive solutions, it is possible to make the ceiling in several levels. Of the minuses, one can single out some loss of space on top of the room, the duration of the assembly and the periodic renewal of the paint coating.

Siding ceiling

Previously, siding was used to decorate houses, but today you can find it everywhere indoors. The siding is also attached to the ceiling frame. This material is molded PVC panels with high strength, and therefore, they were previously faced with houses.

Advantages of siding panels for the bathroom: resistance to temperature extremes, lack of burnout during prolonged exposure to light, fireproof, easy to maintain and not subject to corrosion and fungus. Among the disadvantages are the difficulties in the design of the joints between the panels, as well as the high price.

Stretch ceiling

This type of finish allows you to achieve the most even surface, and due to its tightness, the ceiling will be able to withstand a large amount of water in case of flooding by neighbors from above.

Stretch ceiling material - vinyl with the addition of other substances. When heated, the material melts and stretches over the frame, which is installed around the perimeter of the bathroom. After that, the material hardens and forms a durable and reliable ceiling.

Stretch ceilings are popular for their wide range of colors and patterns. They also come in glossy and matte. This finishing option is distinguished by the speed of installation, the impossibility of the appearance of fungus due to the special coating, as well as high resistance to leaks. The stretch ceiling is quite easy to operate.

Among the shortcomings, one can single out the impossibility of installation on their own, due to the fact that special equipment is needed, as well as the high cost of material and work. But these disadvantages can be covered by a rather long service life - about 15 years.

Spectacular, expensive finishes

In addition to the listed finishes, there are also elite ways to decorate the ceiling in the bathroom, for example:

• Mirrored ceiling. An expensive pleasure, however, after installing a mirrored ceiling, the bathroom takes on a stunning fabulous look. The mirrors are mounted on a metal frame with a reinforced mount. Such a ceiling requires careful maintenance.
• Glass ceiling. Also has a high cost. Fastened to the frame and can be decorated in a variety of ways. It is also whimsical to care for, because glass requires constant cleanliness.

Whichever option is chosen for finishing the ceiling, it should harmoniously fit into the design of the bathroom. Do not spare your imagination and save money, because a good and high-quality ceiling is the key to a beautiful and practical bathroom.

Video: