Stretch ceilings of the best quality. What material to choose for stretch ceilings

You won’t surprise anyone with a stretch ceiling now - people quickly recognized that this is one of the fastest and easiest ways to decorate a ceiling surface. To change the gray concrete ceiling beyond recognition, it is enough to contact any company engaged in the manufacture and installation of such structures. But there are those who are used to doing everything with their own hands - it’s more reliable, and you know what materials you use. It turns out that the stretch ceiling is not only PVC film. There are also fabric options for this finish. How to choose the right material for stretch ceilings and what quality can it have?

The history of stretch ceilings

We are already used to stretch ceilings. They first appeared in the 60s of the twentieth century in France, and came to Russia in the 90s. It is from those years that the history of modern stretch ceilings begins. It should be emphasized that in the twentieth century they began to use PVC film for the manufacture of canvases - this material was proposed by one of the specialists of the French company Barrisol. Showcases were decorated with such a film, stretched between two aluminum profiles. And then they began to use it for the design of ceiling surfaces.

On a note! In fact, the first stretch ceilings appeared much earlier than you can imagine. Back in Ancient Rome (and some sources claim that in Ancient Egypt as well), ceiling surfaces were hidden behind draped silk or linen fabric, and in Armenia a special cloth was impregnated with chalk and stretched under the ceiling of the dwelling.

Modern stretch ceilings have long been used only for decoration of office space. But now these designs are also used for the design of residential premises. Stretch ceilings have become wildly popular due to their special qualities and advantages, when compared with standard finishes.

The main advantages of stretch ceilings:

• the ability to hide well all the flaws of the ceiling surface;
• before installation, it is not necessary to thoroughly clean and prepare the ceiling;
• fast installation speed even if the ceiling is mounted with several levels (from 2 to 6 hours);
• PVC ceilings are able to withstand flooding, withstanding huge masses of water and protecting the property of the owner of the premises from it;
• long service life - according to some reports, such ceilings retain all their qualities for decades;
• ease of care;
• the possibility of installation after other repairs in the room.

Now stretch ceilings according to the type of material used are seamless fabric and vinyl film.

For reference! There are also antibacterial stretch ceilings, the material of which is impregnated with special antiseptic substances and perfectly resists ultraviolet radiation. Such a canvas is used in medical institutions.

Material for ceilings of this type is made of polyester yarn. The fabric has a knitted weave. It is not very dense and somewhat resembles a kind of grid. That is why such ceilings are called "breathable" - they perfectly pass air through themselves, helping to create a comfortable microclimate in the room.

Prices for stretch ceilings

stretch ceiling

After manufacturing, the canvas is impregnated on both sides with a polyurethane mixture, wrung out and dried. It is supplied, as a rule, in rolls up to 5 meters wide - this is more than that of PVC sheets. That is why in apartments fabric stretch ceilings often do not have seams and are called "seamless". But the canvas is cut out very simply even for the most intricate types of layouts.

Fabric stretch ceilings are both ordinary white and colored. Drawing drawing by means of a photo printing is also possible.

Seamless fabric ceilings have other advantages:

• antistatic;
• high strength;
• easy care (can be washed, vacuumed);
• frost resistance;
• temperatureless installation;
• soundproofing;
• the possibility of painting with acrylic paints.

Important! The main disadvantage of using fabric for ceiling decoration is its high price. A PVC film ceiling will cost much less. However, due to the above advantages, it is worth considering the option of installing such a ceiling.

PVC stretch ceiling

You do not meet with a fabric stretch ceiling as often as with its counterpart from a vinyl film. The material is produced on special equipment, the width of the roll is no more than 3 meters.

But PVC ceiling can be installed in a wide room. Using a special HDTV machine, you can connect two narrow bands and get a wide one. In this case, the seam will be almost invisible.

The main advantages of a PVC film ceiling:

• water resistance and the ability to withstand large volumes of water;
• cheap (but the quality is preserved);
• ease of cleaning.

• instability to cold weather (which is relevant only for outdoor premises, balconies, loggias);
• easily damaged by any pointed object;
• the risk of running into a negligent supplier selling low-quality canvas.

PVC ceiling can have absolutely any color, and you can also apply photo printing on it if you wish. It can have not only glossy, but also matte or satin texture.

Prices for fabric stretch ceilings

fabric stretch ceiling

Able to mirror everything that is under it. Due to this, the room visually increases. It also has a ton of color variations. The main disadvantage is a more noticeable seam when connecting two canvases.

- it's a classic. It is ideal for any room design, does not glare, and therefore does not distract attention to itself.

satin ceiling very smooth to the touch, looks like a matte material. It is able to slightly reflect light, due to which it seems just dazzling white with a slight shade of mother-of-pearl.

On a note! Interestingly, multi-level multi-colored stretch ceilings are now in vogue, which are obtained by soldering several pieces of material of different colors (usually no more than 3 types). Often, by combining glossy and matte textures, it is possible to achieve an interesting “eye trick” effect due to the fact that the matte canvas clearly highlights the main level of the ceiling, and the gloss, in turn, deepens and enlarges the space, creating a kind of new level of ceiling height.

Video - Materials for stretch ceilings

Prices for satin stretch ceilings

satin stretch ceiling

The choice of color, texture and type of material for a stretch ceiling should be based on the basic requirements for the room where the structure will be installed. In addition, you need to soberly assess the state of your budget and wishes for the overall appearance of the room.

Fabric ceilings are more expensive than film ceilings. The reason for this is that these two types of material differ in maximum width, manufacturing costs and quality. However, do not forget about the obvious advantages of a fabric ceiling - in a bedroom or a children's room, it will be most appropriate, as it is able to pass air. But in the bathroom, kitchen, pool room and other wet areas, such a ceiling should not be installed - it absorbs odors, quickly gets dirty, does not tolerate high humidity, and stains that appear due to moisture are very poorly washed. But on the other hand, it is frost-resistant and is the only option for a stretch ceiling for a loggia or balcony. For the same reason, PVC ceilings are not used in country houses where there is no constant heating.

The white matte ceiling is considered a classic - it will not spoil the impression of any room, no matter what style it is decorated in. It is very easy to pick up wallpaper and furniture for it. The matte ceiling will not be striking, but it will emphasize and make other interior items more expressive.

On a note! A matte ceiling is best suited to design styles such as classic, country, Greek, Renaissance, and so on.

For the corridor, kitchen, bathroom and even the living room, a PVC film ceiling is suitable. It is easy to clean, and it needs to be cleaned very rarely, since it is not inclined to collect dirt.

If in the bedroom it is recommended to use a gentle and non-irritating matte canvas, then in the living room a glossy PVC film will look much better. Due to the reflection in the ceiling, the room will visually appear larger. And with a little imagination, you can create a real looking glass.

Matte stretch ceiling prices

matte stretch ceiling

On a note! Gloss is a great option for decorating the ceiling in a room with a modern design (for example, high-tech, pop art).

- this is a cross between a modest matte and juicy glossy canvases. Delicate mother-of-pearl with a slight sheen will look great in almost any interior, but is best suited to something delicate and goes well with silk wallpaper.

The Starry Sky ceiling is made of both PVC film and fabric. To do this, a lighting system is mounted above the material, part of which is represented by optical fiber. However, experts note that for this purpose it is better to purchase a fabric cloth, since in this case it will not be necessary to pierce it to install the entire lighting system, which means that all material properties will be preserved. Another advantage of choosing fabric to create a starry sky ceiling is that there are no visible dots at the puncture sites. During the day, the ceiling covering will be perfectly smooth, but at night you can turn it into space with the touch of a button.

Stretch ceiling "Starry sky"

Attention! If you suddenly want to change the location of the "stars", then with a fabric canvas it will turn out very simply. It is removed, the optical fiber is swapped and then hung in place. If the star ceiling was created from a PVC film using punctures, then you can change the pattern of the "luminaries" only with the condition of a complete replacement of the ceiling.

Pay attention to the manufacturer

The quality of canvases for stretch ceilings is highly dependent on the production technology and the quality of raw materials. The price of the material directly depends on this. Cloths produced in different countries of the world differ significantly from each other.

Table. Comparative description of paintings produced by various countries.

Producing country	Characteristic
France	Ceiling coverings supplied by French manufacturers are considered the standard. And no wonder, because France is the country where modern stretch ceilings first appeared. The canvas from France is dense, durable, with a beautiful sheen. The disadvantage is a very high price.
Germany	It also produces very high quality canvases for ceilings. They are cheaper than French ones, but almost as good as they are in quality. And German canvases are famous for their rich variety of colors.
Italy	The Italians came up with a material that practically does not have to be looked after. But he did not lose his main positive qualities from this.
Russia	Economy class ceiling stretch coatings. It looks great (a person who does not know for sure that the material was created in Russia will not distinguish it from the European one), but such a ceiling serves less than Italian or German.
China	With Chinese canvases it is more difficult. Among them there are materials of excellent quality, and those that are better not to buy at all.

Important information! You can distinguish a good Chinese canvas from a bad one by smell: a quality one stops emitting a specific smell within 1-3 days after installation. If it smells longer, then the material is environmentally unsafe.

When choosing a material for a stretch fabric, pay attention to the following factors.

1. The seller must have certificates confirming the environmental safety of the material.
2. Consider also the width of the roll, as some European manufacturers do not have wide options.
3. If you buy a glossy film, then look at how it shines. High-quality material has good specularity.
4. For some types of films, the manufacturer's logo can be imprinted or printed on the border.

Brief instructions for installing a stretch ceiling

You can install a stretch ceiling with your own hands, but this is a troublesome business that does not tolerate haste. It is easy to damage and ruin the canvas, and you will regret the money spent. If you are not sure that you can handle it, then it is better to hire craftsmen. For those who plan to independently install the ceiling, instructions are given.

Step 1. To begin with, prepare the room - remove excess furniture from it, as well as those items that cannot stand high temperatures (a heat gun will be used to install the PVC sheet).

Step 2 Mark the walls in the corners, and then along the perimeter in order to make it easier to attach the baguette to the ceiling. It is desirable that the final design is perfectly flat, so you need a level. Remember that you must leave space between the ceiling and the canvas for a chandelier, lamps and other communications if necessary.

Step 3 Using dowels with a step of no more than 8 cm, fix the profile according to the marking.

Step 4 Turn on the heat gun and warm the room well (at least 40 degrees).

Step 5 Start assembling the canvas. First, with the help of special fasteners, fix one corner of the canvas, usually it has a special mark and is called the “base”.

Warming up the canvas stretched over the "crocodiles"

The next corner to be fastened is diagonally opposite the one that is fastened. Warm up the film gradually. Secure all corners.

Step 6 Using a special spatula and locks for stretch ceilings, begin to fix the material along the walls.

Step 7 Cut out holes for lights.

Step 8 The final stage is the installation of masking tape in the groove between the ceiling and the wall.

On a note! The fabric ceiling is installed without additional heating, which is its undoubted plus. It is enough just to strengthen the mounting profile and pull the canvas over it.

Video - Installation of a stretch ceiling

How many people, so many opinions, so everyone decides for himself what material to use to install a stretch ceiling at home. However, remember that sometimes not only the beauty of the apartment depends on the right choice, but also the health of you or your loved ones.

If you ask yourself which ceiling covering is considered the most popular and even fashionable today, it is easy to conclude that these are stretch ceilings. The people fell in love with them for the high speed of installation, the absence of dirty installation processes, the huge variety and the ability to create a unique design in the apartment. Stretch ceilings can be matte and glossy, fabric and film, plain or patterned - the scope for imagination is huge. Let's try to figure out how to choose the right stretch ceiling, so as not to spend a lot of money and not be disappointed in your choice.

No. 1. Stretch ceilings: advantages and disadvantages

The basis of the stretch ceiling is a thin and durable canvas, which can be made of fabric or polyvinyl chloride. A fragment of the required area and shape is cut out of the canvas and stretched onto a pre-installed frame. The finished surface is perfectly smooth and neat, and the entire installation process lasts a few hours. With a tension structure, you can close the entire ceiling or part of it, placing accents or exercising. A stretch ceiling can be, and even a variety of colors and textures cannot be listed at all. The design looks especially impressive in combination with spot and LED lighting.

Despite the wide variety, all stretch ceilings have such general benefits:

Now as regards cons. First of all, this. It cannot be said that such a design will cost too much, but still more expensive, for example, or installation. Another nuance - the design will steal a little height, about 5 cm. Do-it-yourself installation will not work - you will need the help of specialists.

Probably, a stretch ceiling can be called the most versatile way of finishing both in terms of variety and the ratio of pros and cons. Now let's move on to the most interesting - the analysis of existing offers on the market, in order to finally decide which stretch ceiling is better to choose.

No. 2. Stretch ceiling materials

Stretch ceilings are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and fabric. Both options are good in their own way, but we note right away that the fabric construction will cost more. Fiberglass ceilings are much less common.

PVC stretch ceilings

PVC ceilings are also called film. They are more popular than fabric ones, and there are a number of reasons for that. The main advantages of film stretch ceilings include:

disadvantages:

• the presence of seams when finishing the ceiling of a large area. Most manufacturers produce a film 1.5-3 m wide. As a rule, this does not become a problem, but if it is necessary to tighten a large ceiling with one sheet, then seams cannot be dispensed with. The segments of the film are firmly welded to each other, and the junction will not be very noticeable. By the way, on matte and satin ceilings, the seam is even less striking than on glossy ones. Recently, some European companies have begun to produce a film 5 m wide, relieving the design of the main disadvantage. Another way out is to use two-level structures, because in this case the total area will be divided into two sections;
• the strength of the film is inferior to the fabric, it can be easily damaged by any sharp object. It is clear that no one will throw knives at the ceiling, but you should be extremely careful when washing;
• film ceiling afraid of negative temperatures, so it is used only in heated rooms.

PVC stretch ceiling is installed using a heat gun. The maintenance of the structure is minimal and consists in periodic wiping with a sponge. Do not use abrasive or alcohol based cleaners.

Fabric stretch ceiling

The fabric ceiling is mounted in a cold way - it is not required to heat the material with a heat gun.

Main Benefits:

disadvantages:

Fiberglass stretch ceiling

To be precise, this is not quite a stretch ceiling. Quicker, it's something between a tension and suspension structure. The material is obtained by bonding thin glass threads with resins.

pros:

• decent moisture resistance of fiberglass;
• resistance to fire and temperature extremes;
• high strength;
• the ability to repaint the ceiling, thereby changing the interior of the room.

Minuses:

• the ceiling needs to be painted;
• a short-term warranty for such a ceiling (5 years against the standard 10 years for fabric and PVC ceilings).

Fiberglass stretch ceiling is still very rare. Not every company involved in the installation of stretch ceiling systems will be able to offer such a service.

No. 3. Stretch ceiling texture

According to the texture, stretch ceilings are divided into:

• glossy;
• matte;
• satin.

Matte surface can be called a classic. Such a ceiling will not be conspicuous and distract attention, it will successfully fit into any. Reflections are not visible in the matte surface, and outwardly such a ceiling can be mistaken for perfectly painted or smooth. Matte can be fabric and film ceiling.

Glossy ceiling like a mirror surface, everything perfectly reflects, therefore it is capable of visually. However, you should be careful with the ability to reflect: firstly, not all family members may like it, secondly, this is not appropriate in every room, and thirdly, with a glossy ceiling, it is more important than ever to avoid numerous glare. Usually only part of the ceiling is covered with a glossy film. A shiny lacquer surface will be appropriate in such interior styles as hi-tech, minimalism and modern.

satin ceiling- it's something between a glossy and matte surface. It gives unobtrusive and very blurry reflections, creating an atmosphere of comfort in the room. Such a ceiling is appropriate in any interior.

No. 4. Stretch ceiling color and design

Tension structures give perhaps the greatest scope for the flight of design ideas among all ceiling finishing materials. How to choose a stretch ceiling with a huge abundance of different options? First of all, you need to focus on the chosen style of interior. It is also important to decide whether the ceiling should become the highlight of the room or just be neat and not attract too much attention.

According to the design of the stretch ceiling is:

• plain. The canvas can be painted in almost any shade, from snow-white to deep black. The choice depends on your own preferences, design features and the nature of the room. In and it is better to use pastel shades, and ceilings of bright colors will look great in the kitchen and in the hall;
  
• photo printing today it is possible on the surface of any texture, any pattern, ornament and even a photo can be applied to the canvas;
  
• stretch ceiling "starry sky" looks great at night. The effect is achieved by numerous small light sources. The most popular option is to use fiber optics;
  
• illuminated ceiling also looks very impressive, giving the impression that the sun is shining directly above the ceiling. In this case, a translucent canvas is used, over which a backlight is mounted;
  
• multilevel ceiling involves combining canvases with different textures or colors, and their location at different heights;
  
• 3 D stretch ceiling can be considered a special case of a multi-level ceiling. Arches, arcs, waves, flowers and other three-dimensional objects are formed from the canvas.
  

Separately, it is worth noting the wealth of options lighting when using a stretch ceiling. In addition to the already mentioned “starry sky” and an ordinary chandelier, you can decorate the ceiling with spotlights located along the contour of the canvas or in the canvas itself. Another interesting option is achieved by installing the ceiling frame at a small distance from the walls, and the gap is used to install the LED strip. As a result, it turns out floating ceiling effect.

No. 5. Stretch ceiling and room type

The choice of material, texture and some other characteristics of stretch ceilings depend on the characteristics of the room:

No. 6. Stretch ceiling mounting system

Only professionals should install stretch ceilings - you can’t do it with your own efforts. It is not necessary for the customer to know all the nuances of the technology, but it is better to study the key points in order to control the work of specialists.

The most important point is the type of fastening system used, the aesthetics, maintainability and price of the structure depend on it. The main options include:

Fabric ceilings are still sometimes mounted using the Clipso system. In this case, the profile has spacer cams, which are clamped due to the force of the stretched fabric. Installation of such a system is more expensive, but it allows you to maximize the height of the room - between the canvas and the main ceiling is only 8 mm

No. 7. Stretch ceiling manufacturers

It's no secret that the quality of the product and the eminence of the manufacturer are in direct proportion, and stretch ceilings in this case are no exception. To get a durable finish, it is better to buy material from reputable companies, even though it will cost a little more.

While the palm is held by European companies (which is not surprising), French-made ceilings are especially popular. These are quality expensive materials. To save money, you can consider buying Chinese and domestic materials, but here you have to be more careful, picky and attentive.

The most stretch ceilings include:

On the market there are several brands that are positioned as European, but in fact, the production is carried out in China. Such manufacturers do not have official websites and quality certificates, and if you dig, then their owners are our compatriots. Registration at the factories is indeed European, only now they are located in sleeping areas. Yes, they are normal houses. Here is such a simple scheme of playing on our confidence that a ceiling with a European name is already 100% quality. A vivid example is the manufacturer Cerutti (aka CeruttiST), which positioned itself as Italian, and then Swiss. This also applies to Polyplast ceilings, which are passed off as Belgian. In general, before choosing a stretch ceiling and buying it, find out more about the manufacturer.

No. 8. What else to look for when choosing stretch ceilings?

The accumulated user experience and expert advice allow us to give a few more recommendations on which stretch ceiling is better to choose:

Do not get carried away with overly complex design solutions, as an intricate ceiling can quickly get bored. A universal option is a ceiling with a matte surface and a neutral color.

Materials and new modern technologies are always good. However, with a large choice, the buyer has to solve the dilemma of how to choose the right stretch ceiling. It is important not to make a mistake and not create additional problems. Consider the main points that require consideration when choosing a stretch ceiling.

Materials and requirements for them

The Russian market has stretch ceilings from Chinese and French manufacturers. By the way, following them, domestic companies also started producing films for stretch ceilings. Before choosing a high-quality stretch ceiling, you should familiarize yourself with the product documents: international certificates of quality and environmental safety (in more detail: ""). For example, Chinese stretch ceilings are distinguished by their low cost. But at the same time, the building material of the product can be made from low-quality raw materials.

Tip: The quality of a product is very often linked to the cost of the product. So, good and reliable stretch shelves can hardly be purchased below 450 - 500 rubles per square meter. Before choosing a ceiling structure for 250 rubles, you should think about its quality.

Room features

The choice of material depends entirely on the room where the installation of a stretch ceiling is planned.

There are two types of stretch ceilings:

• PVC film ceilings - most often used in large areas: bars, offices, restaurants, shopping centers. The material is non-flammable, easy to wet cleaning and does not cause difficulties during installation.
• Ceilings made of seamless polyester - used in residential areas. The coating is composed of a white polyester fabric impregnated with polyurethane. Among the positive aspects of the material, one can note its environmental safety, easy washing and resistance to dust collection. As a rule, the release is carried out in the form of rolls with a width of five meters. When installing polyester ceilings, you do not need to heat the surface. This greatly simplifies installation and saves installation costs.

Ceiling design and its features

The stretch ceiling structure incorporates a frame and a canvas. At the same time, the elements must be of high quality and excellent reliability. Before choosing the right stretch ceilings, read the installation specifications. You should also ask the seller to provide you with an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certificate issued by the International Organization for Standardization for building and finishing materials.

Problems after fabric welding at the facility:

• At the end of the installation work, construction debris will remain in the room;
• In terms of quality and reliability, the weld is inferior to factory conditions.

Before choosing a stretch ceiling, you need to study all the guarantees of the manufacturer and the company that installs the ceiling structure. Remember that a completely high-quality ceiling can only be obtained when manufactured at specialized factories. This procedure does not take much time, and the customer receives a completely finished design in protective packaging.

The quality and strength of the stretch ceiling frame elements is the key to successful operation. It is recommended to purchase products only from specialized firms with a certain reputation in the market.

Stretch ceiling fixture and its options

1. Harpoon installation system - in case of defects on the ceiling, it is very easy to replace it.
2. Wedge-shaped fastening - it is impossible to reinstall, and in case of damage, the entire structure is replaced.

Stretch ceilings: design and style

Today you can find a large selection of stretch ceilings. They differ in color and texture. The canvas for the ceiling usually comes in two types: matte and glossy. You can also find a special decorative film. Stretch ceilings with a satin finish are popular. They are distinguished by natural plaster, which, however, is not real (more details: ""). In terms of visualization, it is very effective and harmonious. Considering the general style of the interior design of the room, the selection of the ceiling covering is also carried out. Note that light colors and gloss visually enlarge and brighten the room. The matte surface is ideal for interior design of a bedroom or nursery.

Stretch ceilings - how to choose

Tip: Stretch ceilings - how to choose, every buyer should know. Keep in mind that glossy and semi-gloss ceiling films stand out and harmonize only in illuminated rooms. With insufficient light, the room will be too gloomy, as the ceiling will “crush” it even more with darkness.

Patterns and drawings on the film of the ceiling structure are always very beautiful. It is still recommended to apply drawings exclusively on matte surfaces. This is due to the uneven light and shadow on the ceiling.

Stretch ceiling lighting

It is recommended to decide in advance on the ceiling lighting options. Glossy canvases usually require built-in spotlights. Alternatively, use side lighting. Ceilings that have a matte decor are perfectly combined with lighting fixtures such as a chandelier, sconce (wall lamp), recessed light and side lighting (read: ""). It is important to ensure proper lighting with the best light output for each fixture.

Thus, stretch ceilings of different colors and textures allow you to make any room as efficient and harmonious as possible with the interior. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the photo and video materials, from which the principle of selecting stretch ceilings will become clear.

The stretch ceiling completely transforms the room, giving it a more aesthetic appearance as a result of a combination of unique combinations of colors, patterns, textures and levels of location. This can explain the ever-growing popularity of this type of ceiling finish. Today the market offers many different technological solutions for the installation of stretch ceilings using materials from Russian, European and Chinese manufacturers. And so the question of which stretch ceilings are better is irrelevant.

The simplest structures are assembled during the day and can be installed during repairs or as an independent type of work.

The main advantages of stretch ceilings include:

• simple and fast installation;
• beautiful appearance;
• the ability to hide defects in floor slabs and hide part of utilities;
• long service life;
• simple care;
• affordable cost.

However, a large number of proposals creates certain difficulties for consumers. Therefore, this article discusses questions about how to choose the right stretch ceiling and what indicators should be decisive in this case.

Main selection criteria

The appearance of the ceiling, service life and cost are determined by factors such as:

• type of canvas and its texture;
• color, pattern and overall design;
• the number of spatial levels;
• fastening system;
• material manufacturer;
• installer qualifications.

All this must be taken into account when deciding which stretch ceiling to choose for your house or apartment.

Multi-level ceiling construction.
Multi-level tension structures allow you to achieve remarkable design results at the expense of cost.

Type of fabric and texture

Material manufacturers make sheets from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester and fiberglass.

Polyvinyl chloride films

Due to its relatively low cost, PVC film ceilings are especially in demand among customers. The thickness of the material used can be in the range of 0.15-0.35 mm with a web width of up to 5100 mm. Among the main advantages of such a finish are:

• a variety of color shades;
• a wide choice of textures, from glossy or matte, to imitation of marble, wood and metal;
• elasticity and strength;
• water resistance;
• affordable price for all segments of the population;
• the property does not attract dust and unpretentious care (you can wash it with a simple aqueous solution);
• absence of harmful and toxic substances.

However, the number of disadvantages of a PVC film is not much less. This is:

• the presence of glued seams on the surface of the ceiling;
• in the event of a puncture, traces of subsequent decoration remain visible;
• very careful care is required, tk. the canvas is very easy to damage;
• the appearance of yellow spots in places exposed to sunlight or intense lighting;
• fragility at air temperatures below +5°C.

The negative impact of glossy reflective surfaces on the psycho-emotional state of a person is also noted.

Comparison of PVC film and fabric.

Synthetic polyester fabrics

These canvases have a thickness of 0.25 mm with a web width of up to 6 meters. To increase strength and increase elasticity, they are impregnated with polyurethane. The material has no connecting seams and is produced only in a matte texture. Among the main advantages are:

• much higher density;
• ease of installation;
• possibility of operation in the temperature range from -40°C to +80°C;
• fire safety;
• ability to pass air;
• soundproof properties;
• the possibility of multiple painting and artistic painting.

The main disadvantage of polyester sheets is their high cost, which is at least 3 times higher than that of PVC. In addition to this material:

• able to absorb and retain odors;
• does not allow wet cleaning;
• not re-installed;
• lets moisture through.

As a result, polyester should not be installed in kitchens, bathrooms and other areas with odors and moisture.

Fiberglass

When deciding how to choose high-quality stretch ceilings, you should pay attention to fiberglass. These canvases are the strongest, most durable and reliable. They retain moisture and are able to recover after changing shape.

True, they are painted and painted only after the installation is completed, which significantly complicates the work. In addition, it should be noted the high cost, due to which they are in very little demand from the buyer. Therefore, they are rarely found on sale, and deliveries are made only on order.

Fiberglass in a roll.

surface texture

Possible types of surface can be divided according to texture into the following groups:

• smooth;
• embossed;
• perforated.

Smooth glossy surface have PVC films with high reflectivity. In most cases, such ceilings resemble a slightly tarnished mirror. This quality visually expands the space, making the room wider, but it is difficult to perceive psychologically with a large number of objects and furniture in the room.

Glossy PVC ceiling.

Matte surfaces made of PVC, polyester or fiberglass are considered a classic option for decorating the ceiling in residential premises of any size. Matte canvases can have a variety of color shades or patterns. Built-in lamps and other design elements look good on them.

Matte ceiling.

Volumetric embossing has only polyvinyl chloride films satin texture. Therefore, such a texture can be considered an intermediate option between a glossy and matte surface. At the same time, such materials are quite expensive, but still popular.

Web fastening systems

The appearance of a stretch ceiling largely depends on the quality of its installation and the fastening system used. To tension and fix the material, 2 types of fasteners are used: harpoon and wedge.

Harpoon- a special profile that is welded along the edge of the PVC film and hooked to another profile attached to the floor slab. A separate type of harpoon system is a gapless mount, in which the stretched canvas is closely adjacent to the wall.

Advantages of the harpoon system:

• fast execution of installation work;
• the possibility of fixing in hard-to-reach places without rearranging the furniture;
• imperceptible bypass of heating risers;
• low cost.

Disadvantages:

• large expenditures of time for cutting the canvas and welding the harpoon;
• sagging of the suspended ceiling over time.

Usually sagging of the canvas begins after 3-4 years. It is possible to restore the shape of the surface by heating with an industrial hair dryer only for a short time, no more than a year.

Since it is impossible to weld polyester and fiberglass to a plastic profile, these materials are used to tension wedge system. The fixation of the canvas in this case occurs when inserting a profiled glazing bead wrapped with a canvas inside a baguette attached to the wall or ceiling. The materials of the wedge system are more expensive than the harpoon system, but it can be assembled many times and is used for any type of tension fabric.

Advantages of the wedge-shaped system:

• no preparatory work required;
• the possibility of adjusting the web tension, both during the initial installation and during operation;
• the presence of a plinth insert, which additionally performs a decorative function;
• installation of any kind of canvases.

Disadvantages:

• complex installation in places with limited access;
• visible bypasses of heating risers;
• the need for experience in installation work.

Comparing the two systems, we can say that the wedge-shaped system has the best operational and installation qualities. In addition, wedge fastening can be applied to any kind of material. However, the services of installers will cost more.

Material manufacturers

The dishonesty of individual sellers of stretch ceilings is, unfortunately, an obvious fact. Deception of the buyer is most often associated with the real origin of the material. Wherein:

• cheap canvas from China is sold as a Russian product of the middle price sector;
• medium-priced Russian and Chinese materials are sold as expensive ones from Europe;
• sale of stretch ceilings from non-existent product brands;
• certificates are forged or other false documents are presented.

It is almost impossible to find out the manufacturer exactly, since mandatory certification has been canceled since 2010 and now no one will be punished for a fake. Most manufacturers do not put any inscriptions on the material and even the packaging. They are written in cutting workshops or dealerships.

Therefore, the solution to the issue can only be an appeal to trusted suppliers who are well known in companies performing installation work. You can order a really high-quality ceiling from them.

Comparison of manufacturers.

The choice of stretch ceilings for different rooms

Features of operation and duration of stay of people must be taken into account when choosing a specific ceiling design.

Living room or hall. Usually this is the largest room in the house or apartment, in which there are guests, family members gather, and everyone should like the look of the stretch ceiling. Therefore, it is recommended to use neutral calm colors. The canvas is best matte or textured like satin.

Satin ceiling.

Bedroom and children's. In these rooms, it is best to use polyester fabric, which will provide improved ventilation and the possibility of any color and design options. Photo printing on the canvas will look very good.

Matt ceiling with photo printing.

Kitchen and bathroom. The peculiarity of these rooms is high humidity and odors. Therefore, the best option would be to use a PVC film that is not affected by moisture and, when reflected, will visually increase the space. It is easy to wash if necessary. In addition, the film is able to protect the room from water from above during flooding. In the kitchen, a marbled texture or a high sky looks very stylish.

Hallway. With a small hallway, you can use any type of stretch ceilings. The main criterion for choosing is your imagination and financial capabilities.

Finally

A lot depends on who will do the stretch ceilings. You must be confident in the competence and professionalism of the performer. He will help you with the right choice of material, but the design decisions and the choice of colors should be left to you.