False Ceiling Designs: Top 6 Types of False Ceiling Materials

POP Ceilings

Did you know that Plaster of Paris (POP) false ceilings are originally made from Gypsum? Yes, POP is made from the heating of Gypsum. POP (Plaster of Paris) is a powder that solidifies when mixed with water to form a desired shape. These are applied to chicken meshes, fibre boards or wooden boards to form a particular design and shape. Once dried, they are fixed to ceilings. POP False ceilings are highly durable and long-lasting. They also have room insulation properties that help maintain the temperature of the room against heat or cold.

When designed, carved, and paired with appropriate lighting, POP ceilings don’t disappoint.

Advantages of POP Ceilings:

• 20-25% cheaper than gypsum boards and is cost-effective.
• Can be easily moulded or sculpted into desired shape and size.
• It is low maintenance and highly durable.

Disadvantages of POP Ceilings:

• POP is messy to work with as it requires mixing of the powder and creation of a shape manually.
• Not everyone is skilled to create POP ceiling designs because it is not easy to mould by non-trained professionals.
• Wear and tear with cracking may appear if the quality of the mix is not good or the craftsmanship was not up to the mark.

Gypsum Ceilings

Gypsum ceilings are factory-made boards that are very popular amongst home designers. Installing gypsum boards is a seamless and quicker process than POP because it doesn’t involve a messy procedure and is in a ready-to-install shape. Gypsum boards are more expensive than POP false ceilings because they’re cut to different sizes and are made at the factory.

Advantages of Gypsum Ceilings:

• Gypsum boards have a non-combustible core that makes it fire-resistant. They are also sound-proof and lightweight and aid thermal insulation.
• Gypsum boards are ready-to-install and designs can be easily executed.
• Gypsum boards are highly durable and are strong.
• For a sleek and professional finish, go for gypsum boards. They can also be paired with laminates, wood, and other metal finishes.

Disadvantages of Gypsum Ceilings:

• While installation is easy, in case of leakage or damage to the original ceiling, removal of gypsum boards is a difficult process. The board will have to be destroyed to access the actual ceiling.
• Gypsum is not moisture-proof or algae-resistant. So, it is not recommended for humid and moist areas.

Also Read: Gypsum False Ceiling – Creative Solution for Your Interior Design

Wooden Ceiling

A rustic and nature-inspiring aura comes only from wood paint. Wood brings in elegance and warmth, seamlessly to any room. The best part about this type of ceiling is that it can be used as a plank, beam or in any shape with other complementary materials. A hybrid ceiling can be made with wood and other materials like gypsum, glass, metal etc.

Lastly, finishes in veneer, varnish, melamine, and lacquers make wood appear even more glossy and sophisticated.

Advantages of Wooden Ceiling:

• Wooden panels can be painted over for a modern, pop-based look.
• Superior quality wood can make the false ceiling last a long time.
• Wooden panels are available in different designs and finishes.
• Wood can be easily installed on original ceilings with screws and nails.

Disadvantages of Wooden Ceiling:

• Wooden false ceilings attract termites and white ants.
• Wooden false ceilings are expensive compared to other materials.
• Wood is high maintenance because it is susceptible to cracking and wear and tear very easily in the long run.

PVC False Ceiling

One of PVC’s biggest advantages is that it’s water-resistant. Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) false ceilings are budget-friendly, creative, and versatile for home designs. It is a durable and lightweight, factory-manufactured material. It can also be cut, shaped, and sized as per your requirements. This type of false ceiling material can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and garages.

Advantages of PVC False Ceiling:

• It is a water-resistant, termite-proof material.
• It is cost-effective compared to other types of false ceiling materials.
• Since it is ready to install, it does not involve a complicated installation process.
• PVC sheets are durable and lightweight making them perfect as they are with no need of finishes.

Disadvantages of PVC False Ceiling:

• PVC does not have a natural look.
• It is made of plastic and falls prey to heat damage. It is not fire-resistant and is not suitable for hot areas.

Metal Ceiling

Metal false ceilings are readily available and manufactured in various shapes and sizes. Various metals like iron, steel and aluminium are used to construct it. This type of false ceiling material is perfect for commercial spaces and lofts. Since these are manufactured and pre-made, they are comparatively easier to install.

Advantages of Metal Ceiling:

• Metal ceilings are strong and durable and can resist wear and tear in the long run perfectly.
• They are low maintenance and do not fall prey to cracks or warping with passage of time.
• Metal ceilings are fire resistant, making it perfect for commercial spaces.
• Metal ceilings have a glossy finish, giving it a sophisticated look in commercial settings.

Disadvantages of Metal Ceiling:

• Maintenance cost for metals is high because they fall prey to rust.
• They must paint with a protective coating to avoid corrosion.
• They are expensive compared to other materials.

Glass Ceiling

Glass is used in interior design as an element of luxury and sophistication. You may see that glass is commonly seen in commercial space and the reason is that glass is fire-resistant. Glass cannot be constructed, this type of ceiling material is found in planks and can be tailored to your desired size, shape, and design.

In residential spaces, you may see stained glass in prayer rooms as a decorative false ceiling design idea.

Advantages of Glass Ceiling:

• Glass has fire-resistant and moisture-resistant properties.
• It gives us the illusion of a larger space.
• Glass makes a space look rich and sophisticated.
• This type of ceiling material is readily available.

Disadvantages of Glass Ceiling:

• Glass is extremely fragile and a high maintenance material.
• For glass installation, only skilled professionals and labourers can be called.
• Because of its rich aesthetics, it is a costly type of ceiling material.
• Glass attracts dust sooner and needs to be cleaned very regularly.

Also read: 10 Fabulous false ceiling room design For Modern Homes