Ceilings Perth are an overlooked part of a room that can affect how you feel both physically and mentally. Whether simple or elaborate, ceilings can add beauty and drama to your home.
Once upon a time, plaster ceilings were adorned with borders, cast-plaster ornaments and specialty papers. Could they be ripe for decorative rediscovery?
Wood ceiling beams give a home character and charm that’s difficult to duplicate. A popular choice is a solid-wood beam, but a variety of alternatives are available to suit a range of taste and budgets.
Historically, exposed beam ceilings were a staple of log-home construction. Today, the rustic look of this design style is a desirable addition to both traditional and modern homes. The most obvious advantage of beam ceilings is that they provide a dramatic architectural feature, adding height to the room and making it appear larger. Wood beams also add warmth and texture to the space, enhancing the beauty of natural materials.
Solid wood beams are available in a variety of textures, finishes and colors. They’re often hand-hewn, band saw or smooth-finished. Reclaimed wood beams are another option, and they’re often used to create a more eclectic look in contemporary homes. Wood beams should be regularly sealed and stained to protect them from moisture and sun damage.
To achieve the look of a real timber beam, a homeowner could take down the drywall and expose the ceiling joists. However, it’s rarely worth the effort and expense. A much easier and more affordable alternative is to install faux wooden beams. These three-sided beams are fabricated to look like the real thing, but they’re hollow inside so they can conceal wires or pipes that would otherwise need to be hidden behind drywall.
The most common types of hammer beams are made from squared off boards and connected by nails or screws. These beams are typically used to support the roof of a home or mezzanine, and they can be painted or stained. They’re also used to make a vaulted ceiling more visually interesting by creating a straight line across the center of a room.
Because they’re crafted from wood, exposed beams should be periodically sealed and stained to prevent damage from moisture, sun and insects. Regular maintenance also includes regular inspections to catch any signs of water damage and structural problems, such as warping or cracking. These repairs should be made quickly to avoid the potential for more extensive damage and costly repair bills down the road.
Ply and Batten Ceilings
Plywood might not be the first material that comes to mind for a ceiling, especially when there are so many other options such as gypsum board, plaster of Paris, vinyl and fiber-cement. However, this material offers unique advantages that make it worth consideration.
For example, the fact that it is manufactured by bonding wood veneers from hardwood and softwoods, such as ash, maple, mahogany, Douglas fir, pine plywood, cedar and spruce, means that it is incredibly strong. It also resists impact damage, water and chemicals (though it might not be as resistant as natural wood).
Another benefit of plywood is its flexibility. It can be shaped and cut into different forms and sizes to suit the specific requirements of each design. In this sense, it can create a ceiling that is truly unique and fits the aesthetic of each space. This is precisely what was done in the West Coast Eagles’ home base facility in Lathlain, where a slanted plywood false ceiling was used to create a statement design that reflects the brand and national standing of one of Australia’s most successful AFL teams.
When laying a ply and batten ceiling, it is important to follow recommended spanning guidelines and fastening techniques in order to ensure that the ceiling stays in good condition for as long as possible. As each project is unique, it’s best to seek detailed advice at the outset from a qualified timber specialist.
There are a number of ways to secure ply and batten panels, including a traditional split batten system, which is typically brad-nailed onto the wall. However, for projects that require a more concealed finish, there are now a number of screw fixing systems available. These systems are easier to install and provide a more durable solution than a split batten.
Another option for securing ply and batten ceilings is to use a no-glue nail system such as the Z-Clip. This system is easy to install, has a low profile and is reversible, meaning that the panel can be removed or replaced at any time without damaging the timber.
Suspended Ceilings
Suspended ceilings consist of a network of grids and beams that are suspended from the structural ceiling. They can be installed over a range of materials from plasterboard and drywall to wood and metal. They’re popular in commercial spaces because they can hide complex services like electrical wires, insulation and plumbing pipes while providing a clean look to the interior ceiling of the space. They can also be used in residential spaces to improve the look of a room while adding functionality.
They’re also easy to install as they can usually be completed within a matter of days, depending on the design and size of the project. This makes them an ideal option for busy businesses or households that want to add a new ceiling without disrupting day-to-day activity. This type of ceiling can be a good solution for those looking to make their living or working space more comfortable by improving acoustics, as well as reducing the temperature in a room during the summer.
There are many different types of suspended ceilings on the market today, but they all consist of the same basic components. The framework or grid system is suspended from the ceiling with a series of T-bars and cross runners. Ceiling tiles or panels are then laid into the grid system, which is available in a variety of materials, colours and textures.
Many of these tiles are sound absorbing, which helps to reduce noise reverberation and provide an acoustic barrier between rooms. This is particularly useful in offices, hospitals and other business premises where high levels of conversation and distraction can occur. Some panels are even designed to combat sound transference between rooms, which is useful in theatres or auditoriums.
These ceilings can be customised to suit your style and aesthetic, with various tile shapes, sizes and textures available. They can be finished in different colours to help them blend in with the surrounding environment and meet your specific design requirements. They can also be installed in a variety of ways, including being modular and demountable for easier maintenance and access to the space above.
Drywall Ceilings
Drywall ceilings, also known as wallboard or gypsum board, offer a smooth and sleek finish that complements contemporary interior designs. Drywall panels, which consist of a hardened gypsum core wrapped in paper, are fixed to walls and ceilings with glue or drywall screws. Construction workers can hide unsightly pipework, wires or other structural elements with this type of ceiling, which is ideal for modern construction and remodeling projects.
While a drywall ceiling offers a sleek look and a versatile aesthetic, it can be susceptible to moisture damage, making it less than ideal for areas prone to leaks or high humidity. Additionally, drywall is difficult to install correctly, so mistakes often show up as visible seams.
A drywall ceiling can be made from different thicknesses, ranging from 1/2 inch thick to 5/8 inch thick. The thicker option is designed for sturdier residential ceilings and commercial applications where fire resistance is an issue. The thinner option is more flexible and can be used on curved or other uneven ceilings. The thickness of a drywall ceiling will determine its ability to withstand impact and sound.
Prior to installing a drywall ceiling, it is sometimes necessary to add insulation. A vapor barrier can be placed under the drywall, and a layer of insulating foam can be added over the drywall. This helps prevent the drywall from becoming damp, which can cause mold growth and other problems.
When framing a ceiling for drywall, it is important to install the sheets perpendicular to the joists. This will help reduce the chances of butted seams, which are typically harder to conceal than tapered or corner joints. When a damaged drywall ceiling needs repair, it is essential to first mark off an outline of the damaged area and remove any existing drywall that has fallen over the edge of the joists.
After repairing or replacing the damaged drywall, it is essential to cover any screw holes with a layer of joint compound, which can be spread with a drywall knife or trowel. This compound will fill the holes and can be sanded down before painting.