What could be more effective than a flawlessly smooth surface of a stretch ceiling? - Obviously, the question will be followed by a statement about the marvelous property of multi-level ceiling structures to transform the interior and in every possible way decorate the life of ordinary inhabitants, inexperienced in matters of design delights, with their unusual appearance. But, contrary to expectations, we will not praise two-level stretch ceilings without any arguments, we will consider only design features, the feasibility of arrangement and some design options. Information on how to make a two-tier stretch ceiling, will undoubtedly be useful to those wishing to evaluate the possible scope of work.
Various kinds of training videos will give only a general idea of how two-level stretch ceilings are made - video editing involves processing and restructuring the footage. But the addition of printed explanations, most likely, will clarify the situation and help to establish one's own opinion. It will help you get acquainted with how two-level stretch ceilings can be implemented in the interior of the photo collection - examples of interesting color combinations and play of textures, perhaps inspire the feat of creating a ceiling structure of incredible beauty in your own home. So let's get started...
A two-level stretch ceiling, in contrast to a single-level one, which is a straight plane and is realized by a canvas (fabric or PVC) stretched between the fastening profile (“baguette”), is a more complex structure from a combination of stretch ceiling elements and various frame elements.
You can combine different versions of the ceiling with plasterboard structures, which allows you to realize various design ideas.
Consider the most common arrangement two-level ceiling when the upper plane is represented by a stretch ceiling, the lower one is plasterboard.
Installation sequence
First of all, you need to measure the room, draw the required configuration on paper. When calculating the height of the structure, it is important to take into account the height of the recessed fixtures and their subsequent location. From the drawing, you need to transfer the desired shape to the ceiling, and only after that proceed with the installation.
Installation of a reliable frame
First, we make a frame of metal profiles for plasterboard structures. The plane of the structure to be constructed must be strictly horizontal, marking accuracy is required. Using a water or laser level, marks should be marked in each corner of the room. From these marks, with the help of a chopping cord, a continuous line is drawn around the entire perimeter of the room.
A U-shaped profile is attached along the allotted line with dowels and a perforator. The same profile is installed on the ceiling according to pre-laid markings. The shape of the box can be curvilinear and straight. To fix the profile along a curved line, it should be cut with metal scissors at intervals of 3-4 cm so that it can be bent to the required curvature. To the profile fixed to the ceiling, we fasten the descents from the segments of the profile of the required height. The lower edge of the drops must be at the same horizontal level with the wall profile. Together they will form the lower plane of the structure. Fixing interval - 25-30 cm.
We assemble a box from two U-shaped profiles and sections of the profile, twisting it with metal screws in such a way that we get a design similar to a rectangular pipe. This design must be attached to previously installed omissions. All fastening work on the profile is carried out with self-tapping screws of the “klopik” type using a screwdriver.
We fasten the installed box to the wall profile with a wide supporting profile. Strict correspondence of verticals and horizontals is mandatory; angles can be checked using a level. Thus, the entire frame is assembled around the perimeter of the room. A baguette for a stretch ceiling will subsequently be screwed to the box. When cooling, the stretch ceiling film is strongly stretched, the box design must be strong, designed for a load that can withstand the tension of the PVC film.
The next step is laying the electrical wiring for the backlight. Next - sheathing the frame with drywall. We cut out the sheets of the desired size and mount them on the box, fixing them with drywall screws. After installing all the drywall elements, it is necessary to reinforce the corners with a perforated corner, which is fixed to the gypsum putty.
All seams and recesses from self-tapping screws should also be puttied. After the putty has hardened, the box is polished with a special grinding float. We mark the location of the built-in lamps and drill holes using the appropriate nozzle (“crown”), then the surface of the box is primed and painted (or pasted over with wallpaper). Thus, the ceiling of the lower level is performed. Installing a stretch ceiling is much easier to perform.
Stretch ceiling installation
To the previously installed drywall box, attach a mounting plate (“baguette”) for attaching a stretch ceiling.
Installing the mounting plate (baguette)
If it is planned to install spotlights or a chandelier, then appropriate preparation for installation is required (described in detail in one of the sections of the site). Installation of a stretch ceiling structure requires certain qualifications and the use of appropriate equipment; theoretically, it is possible to make a two-level stretch ceiling with your own hands, but it is better to entrust its installation to experienced performers.
Nevertheless, let's consider the process in more detail: PVC film is made according to previously taken measurements by the manufacturer. A special harpoon-type fastener is attached to the edges of the canvas. The packed cloth arrives to the customer cut according to the measurements. Before installation, the panel is unpacked and fastened in the corners on special mounting braces. After that, the air in the room is heated with a heat gun up to 60°C.
Heat gun heats the room
At this temperature, the PVC sheet becomes elastic, which allows you to attach it to the baguette. After cooling, the plane of the ceiling is leveled.
Heated PVC film is mounted in a baguette
The next step is the installation of fixtures.
When developing a project, several important points should be taken into account: functional expediency and the desired aesthetic effect. With the help of a two-level ceiling structure, you can hide the irregularities of the ceiling and effectively arrange additional lighting. The possibility of zoning space with the help of ceiling structures should also not be discounted. A few words about the aesthetic component: the choice of shapes and color combinations when arranging a multi-level stretch ceiling should be determined by the general concept of interior design. So, indoors, with a concise interior in terms of layout and color scheme, the arrangement of a ceiling structure in the shape of a fancy curl, much brighter than other elements of the interior in terms of color combinations, will be an overkill.
Finally, a few tips on choosing colors, patterns and textures. Undoubtedly, two-level stretch ceilings with photo printing are spectacular and unusual in their essence. But focusing on the ceiling (an unusual shape and pattern attracts the eye) can only be justified in a spacious room with high ceilings. When choosing a pattern and texture, consider the property of gloss to “glare” and reflect the surface. The color selected in the shade catalog will be slightly darker than desired on the ceiling.
The beauty and durability of the entire structure depends on how the installation of two-level stretch ceilings is carried out. It is better to entrust this responsible work to specialists. But it won’t hurt you to know the nuances of installing a ceiling in two tiers in order to control the correctness of the work.
Features and varieties
Any coatings in 2 levels are carried out with the construction of a small frame on the base ceiling. This design is necessary to fulfill the edge formed by the height difference on the ceiling. Also, three types of fastening profiles for tension panels are fixed on the frame:
- Wall baguette
- Ceiling profile
- Baguette-chipper
The durability of the entire ceiling structure, the degree of tension of the coating depends on the strength and reliability of fixing these fasteners. If the baguettes are not firmly fixed, they may move away from the plane of the frame and sag the ceiling. On the video on the network you can see how the installation of two-level stretch ceilings is carried out. But it does not always become clear from it how to properly build a frame, and in what places to strengthen it for attaching baguettes.
There are several types of two-level stretch ceiling coverings:
- Ceilings with vertical edge rectangular shape(more often used lowering the height around the perimeter of the room).
- Structures in which the vertical plane of the height difference has a curved shape.
- 2-level coatings with illumination in the lower tier.
Depending on the type of coating chosen, various elements are used to make the frame. Next, we will consider in more detail the installation processes of each type of structure of a two-tier stretch ceiling.
1st option
Installation of two-level stretch ceilings with a decrease along the perimeter of the room and a rectangular vertical edge. To make such a ceiling, you will need to stock up:
- level
- Drill
- wooden blocks
- plywood
- Dowels and screws
- Ruler and pencil
- Baguettes (ceiling, wall, chipper)
- Tension panel for two levels
- Spatula without sharp corners
- Heat gun (if film panels are used)
- Clamps for hanging ceiling
We carry out installation work in the following sequence:
- Preparing the concrete ceiling We clean it from exfoliated plaster, close up holes and cracks, disinfect places of mold and fungus. Also at this stage, wiring is laid to the installation sites of the fixtures, the bases for them are mounted.
- Now the future ceiling is broken down on the walls and ceiling of the room. To do this, use the level and mark the reduction of coverage. On the concrete ceiling, draw a line for the location of the vertical edge.
- We build a frame from timber and plywood. To do this, we fix a wooden beam with screws and dowels, not a base ceiling according to the markup. We attach a structure made of timber and plywood to it. We additionally strengthen the places for installing baguettes with a bar.
- We mount the fixing profiles for the stretch ceiling. To do this, we fix wall profiles according to the level on the walls of the room. We install the same elements at the right distance from the concrete ceiling, fixing them to the frame. Under them, we put ceiling baguettes on the frame and lower along the edge wooden structure we mount baguettes-chippers.
- Now we begin to install the stretch ceiling of the lower tier. If you use a film coating, you need to hang it on clips in the corners of the room and heat it up to 60 degrees with a building hair dryer. Only after the material has acquired the desired elasticity, it is stretched and tucked into the profile using a rounded spatula.
- The canvas of the upper tier is installed in the same way.
- At the last stage, lighting fixtures are installed and decorative tapes are mounted on the cracks near the walls.
2nd option
To perform the installation of structures of two-level stretch ceilings, you need to stock up on almost the same tools and materials with a slight difference. So, for the frame, you will need not timber and plywood, but special notched steel profiles that can bend along a curved line.
The installation process up to the frame construction stage is carried out similarly to the method described above. To make a frame, you need to fix a steel profile to the base ceiling, bending it in the shape of a line of difference in the heights of the coatings. For fastening we also use dowels and screws. However, the fastening step should be more frequent than in the first case. It depends on the curvature of the line.
All subsequent stages of work are done in all ways in the same way. The place where the baguettes are attached to the vertical edge from the profile does not need to be further strengthened, since the steel frame is already quite strong.
3rd option
Very often, stretch ceilings are illuminated not only in two-level structures, but also during the construction of a larger number of tiers. The installation of multi-level stretch ceilings is no different from the construction of 2 tiers, with the only difference being that you have to make a frame for each jump in height.
For work, you need to take the same tools. And for the construction of the frame you will need a ceiling tire and steel corners. Work on the construction of a two-level stretch ceiling with lighting is carried out in the following order:
- The preparatory stage is performed in the same way as in the two methods described above.
- At the stage of constructing the frame, a marking tire is attached to the concrete ceiling. Then the corners are attached to the bus so that a shelf-like structure is formed, in which the LED cord will be laid. The laying of the cord and its connection must be carried out before the stage of tensioning the covers.
- Tension panels are being installed. Light fixtures are being installed.
If you want to order the installation of two-level stretch ceilings, please contact us. We will do it efficiently and quickly. You can also buy good stretch ceilings from well-known manufacturers from us.
Two-level stretch ceilings, installation of structures (video):
Two-level ceilings - the design is spectacular and useful. With its help, the easiest way is to change the proportions of the room, divide the room into zones, give a stylistic feature. As a rule, multi-level structures are constructed from drywall. Recently, however, stretch ceilings have become increasingly used.
Two-level ceiling: design options
The film web is made of PVC film. It has all the necessary positive qualities, among which, however, mechanical strength and hardness are not listed. Therefore, a two-level ceiling structure means several options.
Two-layer tension with backlight - is a conventional tension system, but made in two layers. The design is formed solely for the sake of an interesting lighting solution, and therefore is performed only with backlighting.
Luminaires are mounted on the base floor. Below their level, a perforated opaque canvas is fixed. The second layer is installed even lower and is a translucent color film. The result is a surface flickering with lights of the same or different colors. The photo shows such a solution.
Stretch fabric on the frame - in this case, a frame is mounted from several levels. A fastening system for the web is installed on it, and then the film is stretched, sequentially for each level. This design is very difficult to perform and is extremely rarely built with your own hands.
Combination with a drywall element of the second level - this option is possible to implement independently. As a rule, a drywall element frames the ceiling surface around the perimeter - in whole or in part. The film fastening system is placed on the side of the box, and then the canvas is stretched and fixed according to the instructions.
The manufacture of a stretch ceiling, regardless of the method of installation, is carried out only professionally. The pattern and stitching of fabrics requires special technology and equipment, which is completely inaccessible to amateurs.
Installing the film with your own hands is possible, although not desirable. Firstly, a heat gun is needed for installation, and secondly, manufacturing companies provide a guarantee for their product only in case of professional installation.
Stretch ceiling with lighting
In the first version, the luminaires are simply fixed to the base floor and do not come into contact with the two-level structure in any way. The advantage of this method is the ease of installation of lighting, the disadvantage is the great difficulty in replacing the lamp.
In the second case, mounting with lighting is possible only on the sides of the frame. Typically applied LED Strip Light because it is lightweight and does not get hot.
In the third option, the backlight of any plan is mounted on a drywall box.
Lamps are not installed in the stretch fabric.
Installation of a drywall element of the second level
The technology for the construction of a drywall construction is quite simple, but requires careful calculations and attention during operation. It is recommended to order a stretch fabric after installing the drywall construction in order to avoid mistakes.
A mark for the second level ceiling is made along the perimeter of the room. Its height should, at a minimum, include the distance from the stretch fabric to the base floor - at least 5 cm, and the amount required according to the instructions for mounting fixtures.
The markup starts from the lowest corner of the room. The resulting line must be exactly horizontal - checked by the building level.
The UD profile is fixed according to the markup.
On the ceiling surface, the contour of the element of the second level and the scheme for fastening the longitudinal and transverse elements are marked. A two-level ceiling requires a reinforced frame. Therefore, according to the instructions, the distance between the guides is reduced to 20–30 cm, and the suspensions are installed twice as often.
A UD profile is fixed along the contour to the ceiling. In it, in increments of 30–40 cm, segments of a CD profile with a length equal height second level. A UD profile is fixed to the lower ends with segments. Together, the elements form the side of the second level part.
The wiring is out. Then the guides are cut to size and installed according to the two-level design scheme. The result is a three-dimensional frame for the plasterboard part of the ceiling, as shown in the photo.
The frame is sheathed with sheets. The technology is somewhat different than when finishing a single-level version. The difference is the number and dimensions of the elements, since the frame is sheathed with two layers of plasterboard ceiling sheets with overlapping seams. The material is fastened more often - in increments of 10-15 cm.
If the element is curved, then the side parts must be bent according to the template. To do this, drywall is wetted and placed on any base of the appropriate diameter. With a small bending radius, a drywall strip can simply be cut with inside and bend.
Holes are cut out for fixtures in sheets of material.
The plasterboard box is puttied, the seams are sealed, the surface is sanded and can be painted as desired. Lighting devices are installed and connected. Before installing the stretch fabric, this part of the ceiling must be completely finished.
First level installation
On the sides of the box and on part of the wall, if provided for by the project, a wall profile is attached. If the element is curved, it is recommended to choose systems with plastic profile because it is easier to bend.
The canvas is fixed diagonally to the corners. Then it is pulled along another diagonal, fixed around the perimeter. Tension is produced under heat. Otherwise, the film will simply tear.
Upon completion of the work, a decorative plinth is mounted at the junction.
The video details the installation of a two-level ceiling.
A two-level stretch ceiling is a truly original and unique decorative design that can hide defects in the main ceiling surface, hide from prying eyes ugly pipes and other communications, as well as to make the interior of the room elegant and individual. It is quite possible to equip with lamps, as well as spot or LED lighting.
Stretch ceilings can be mounted on the basis of a couple of methods. The first technique assumes that structures that have a special configuration are attached to the ceiling in advance. It is between these structures that the tension of the film occurs. The second technique is not so complicated and is based on the preliminary fixation of the baguette, which allows you to subsequently stretch the canvas. The advantage of the second technique lies not only in its simplicity, but also in the fact that it does not imply a reduction in the volume of the room, which is an extremely important factor in a typical apartment of a multi-storey building.
The design and lighting of the stretch ceiling deserves separate words. If you wisely install spotlights and diffused light sources on the ceiling, you can achieve a visual increase in the volume of the room. In addition, the light helps to zonal division of the room. It will decorate a stretch ceiling with two levels in various ways. It is possible to combine color, material and even texture. As a rule, independent work on the installation of a stretch ceiling takes a maximum of two days.
Of course, it is necessary to take into account the fact that in a situation where you decide to install the ceiling on your own, the film manufacturer disclaims any responsibility for the result. The stages of work must be strictly observed, because otherwise it will be necessary to completely remove the structure and start work again, or reinforce the frame. For perfect tension, care must be taken to ensure that even the smallest detail of the ideal is fixed in place.
So, do-it-yourself installation of a two-level stretch ceiling should be carried out using the following tool:
- and a screwdriver;
- Heat gun;
- Ladder;
- Building level;
- Special blades with which the canvas is fixed.
With the help of a perforator, the profile is securely fixed on the wall, and the heat gun makes it possible to heat the fabric sufficiently to ensure perfect tension.
In the process of self-assembly, you should pay special attention to the most dangerous moments, including taking measurements, cutting fabric or film, as well as working with a gas heat gun. The accuracy of taking measurements is necessary, because the slightest mistake will nullify the possibility of obtaining a perfectly flat surface.
At the first stage, it is necessary to take measurements and draw up a sketch, on the basis of which the work will be carried out. Measure the diagonal and perimeter of the room, calculate the area, and mark the points where the lighting fixtures will be installed.
The ceiling is fixed using a special profile. Before fixing the profile, it is necessary to outline the line along which it will pass. In the event that it is planned to install a bulky lamp on the ceiling (chandeliers, for example), then about 5 centimeters should be left from the main surface of the ceiling to the film. The fixation of the baguette profile is carried out by the “dowel-nail” system. This fastener is able to hold the film firmly for several years. After the baguette is installed, the wires are connected and the locations of the fixtures are determined, you can proceed to direct installation.
In the process of stretching, corner hangers should be used. After that, the heat gun is launched, the task of which is to heat the film to a 70-degree mark. The heated canvas becomes very elastic and pliable, due to which it is fixed without problems in the guide profile. When the canvas is stretched enough, holes can be made in it for installing lighting devices. The fastening of lamps and canvases is based on special latches. At the final stage of installation, two-level cornices are installed.
A spectacular ceiling is one of the key elements of the decor of a room; it depends on a well-thought-out design whether the room becomes an integral composition or loses harmony in the interior. Today, with their own hands, they have become an interesting and easy solution for achieving structurally complex tasks with a minimal loss of room height. They are used almost everywhere, from the bedroom to a small office.
Stretch ceilings are conditionally referred to as suspended structures (although only conditionally!), where fabric or PVC film is used as a material, which is installed 1.8-4 cm below the existing ceiling, which allows you to hide surface defects. With the help of these materials, both laconic even canvases and two-level tension structures with backlight are created.
Stretch ceiling
Woven suspended ceiling is made of polyester impregnated with polyurethane. It is also called seamless. The maximum width without a seam is 5.15 m. Such a ceiling has a matte, even surface, but the color palette is not too rich.
The material is stronger to mechanical damage than PVC and is laid without preliminary cutting and heating, but not so moisture resistant (when flooded, it will not be able to hold water for a long time). Fabric canvas is harder to clean, so it is suitable for the bedroom or hall, but it is better not to use it in the kitchen and bathroom.
Film suspended ceiling is made of PVC film. It, in addition to matte, has a glossy, lacquer or surface or metallic. The widest models are from Chinese suppliers, there are Belgian, German, French and domestic films, but they are narrower.
Such ceilings look bright, elegant, visually increase the height of the room, and create a beautiful effect due to specularity - an excellent design option for any room: hall, kitchen, corridor or bedroom. However PVC ceilings It is not recommended to mount in rooms where the temperature drops below +5 °C. But PVC sheets are waterproof, fireproof, tensile and easy to clean.
You can make a single-tier stretch ceiling, but two-level compositions look more interesting and elegant.
Two-level stretch ceilings Characteristics
Two-level stretch ceiling:
- It has high level strength and long service life;
- helps to hide electrical wiring;
- protects the room from flooding from above (the canvas retains water until dismantled, and after drying it can be reinstalled);
- allows you to zone the space of the room, highlighting certain areas;
- can be equipped spotlights, chandelier, cornices, hidden alarm, additional hidden lighting;
- does not accumulate static electricity, which means that dust does not settle on it;
- has a minimum thermal conductivity, so it does not accumulate condensate;
- universal in use, except for the bedroom and living room, it is installed in bathrooms and in the kitchen;
- high-strength - up to 100 kg \ m 2;
- quick and easy to clean;
- compared to plasterboard and tile models, it is much easier to install, while without dirt, debris and dust;
- does not deform during service;
- does not require preliminary work on leveling the main ceiling;
- when using a suitable profile, it can create curved lines of any curvature;
- affordable (when compared with drywall or slabs).
Installation of a two-level stretch ceiling is carried out at the final stage of repair. The variety of models makes it possible to emphasize a part of a room with prints, graphics, three-dimensional structures, waves, lines or domes. On the territory of the bedroom, with the help of such a ceiling, a unique starry sky or a flower garden is created, and in the bathroom - sea waves.
Two-level PVC ceiling structures Fastening
Stretch ceilings have a wedge or harpoon fastening system. The first do not require unfastening, they are disposable, the second, if necessary (if you are flooded from above), unfasten, drain the water and fasten back. The glazing method of fastening is also used.
For two-level stretch ceilings, a plastic or aluminum profile is used. Which one to choose? Plastic is cheaper, aluminum is more reliable. But they differ in other indicators:
- The plastic profile is attached only to the wall, but thanks to its flexibility, it is completely unpretentious to the degree of its evenness and hides the curvature. Plastic baguettes are invisible and visible. The latter decorate the perimeter of the ceiling, do not fade under ultraviolet light, are durable, do not deform and easily take the necessary shape. Such baguettes are good for small arches, vaults, waves and domes. In the price position it is cheaper than aluminum counterparts.
- Aluminum profile. Fix both on a wall, and on a ceiling or at the same time in two planes. It is preferable for rooms with a non-standard layout and complex transitions on the ceiling. Using such baguettes, two-level ceilings are mounted in hard-to-reach places. Aluminum frames are also needed in rooms where the area is over 30 m 2 (the plastic will not withstand tension and will come off). The installation speed of aluminum parts is higher, since the fastening step is 50 cm, while PVC is up to 10 cm. The service life is unlimited.
Stretch ceiling profiles The most acceptable option for two-level stretch ceilings for residential premises is PVC film, as it is easier to operate, easy to fix, and due to the variety of colors, it will harmoniously complement any design idea.
Installation steps
- room measurements;
- Creation of a drawing indicating all the parameters;
- Marking of attachment points, including in places where it is planned to install lighting;
- Cutting and stitching the canvas;
- Installation of guide, main and additional baguettes;
- Heating PVC film with a hair dryer or with a heat gun;
- Fixing the canvas on the profile;
- Elimination of defects;
- Lighting installation.
As you can see, there is nothing super complicated in the works. But if there are doubts about your competence regarding installation, it is better to hire craftsmen (especially for installing PVC film ceilings, since not everyone has a heat gun or a hair dryer at home).
Two-level ceiling structures in the interior of rooms
In the kitchen, two-level ceilings will appeal to every hostess. With their help, visually divide the room into working area and dining area, brightly illuminating the space above the stove top and creating a cozy atmosphere around the dining table.
Stretch ceilings in the interior Stretch ceilings are suitable for the living room with various kinds illumination and canvas drawings. With their help, they emphasize an exclusive chandelier, expensive curtains or an extraordinary layout of the room.
Two-tier design 
Stretch ceiling in the living room Carefully consider the design and installation of a two-level stretch ceiling, if one is to be chosen for the bedroom. After all, in this room you will see it every day, and it is here that competent lighting zoning is most needed.
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