GKL ceiling: pros and cons

When the question arises about repairing the ceiling, not everyone knows which tools are best to use. There are three main ways to make the surface smooth and beautiful: level it with plaster, stretch the film (stretch ceiling), and install drywall sheets. This article will tell you about the last method.

Designers often use drywall because it can be used to create the most bizarre shapes and volumes. This material is also suitable for lovers of classics who like simple, perfectly flat ceilings. Also, the coating solves the problem of masking various communications.

To understand what this mysterious material is, you just need to carefully read the title. This is gypsum, which is pasted over with sheets of cardboard on both sides. It is with this that its advantages and disadvantages are connected.

Gypsum is a rather fragile material. When working with it, it is important to observe certain precautions. It cannot be placed on its edge, and if it falls, then, most likely, cracks and breaks cannot be avoided. But this same property allows you to easily cut sheets and create complex shapes. If such fragility is critical for you, then you better choose a more durable analogue of gypsum board called gypsum fiber sheet (GVL).

Speaking in the language of construction, this material is intended for "dry" interior decoration. that is, for its installation, no special mixtures, no glue or concrete are required. Although the sheets are not left unprocessed. They are primed, putty under painting or wallpaper.

The classification of plasterboard ceilings is carried out according to two criteria: by technical properties and by the number of levels. The first moment allows you to figure out which material is suitable for solving your problems. The second shows how many different solutions can be found using CHL for ceiling decoration.

According to technical characteristics, 4 types of drywall are distinguished:

• GKL - gypsum plasterboard. This is the simplest and most popular material. He is also considered the most budgetary.
• GKLV - moisture resistant gypsum plasterboard. It is more resistant to moisture, but do not think that it can be safely used in damp and poorly ventilated areas. With constant contact with water and steam, it can quickly deform and become unusable.
• GKLO - fireproof gypsum plasterboard. It finds its application in various premises where an increased level of protection against fire is required. The main groups include industrial premises, places with a mass gathering of people, wooden houses, boiler rooms, boiler rooms, play rooms. The material is available in gray and pink colors.
• GKLVO - moisture-resistant refractory gypsum plasterboard. As the name implies, this species combines all the positive properties of the two previous brothers. With a lot of advantages, it has one significant disadvantage - high cost. Therefore, this material is used extremely rarely in residential premises. Its main area of ​​application is production and storage facilities, where there is a high level of humidity and fire safety requirements are required.

By the number of levels, there are 3 types of plasterboard ceilings.

They represent a perfectly flat surface, suitable for lovers of classics and minimalism. It is rather difficult to distinguish the structure from the usual plastered ceiling. The advantage of this method is the ability to create different scenarios for lighting and masking communications behind the sheets of gypsum board. By illuminating various parts of the room, the desired effects are created, and the zoning of the space is carried out.

Such a structure can be attached in two ways: on special aluminum rails or directly on the ceiling. The second method is acceptable when the floor is made of boards or beams and does not have serious flaws and protrusions. The second name of such a ceiling is "hemmed", because it is sewn directly to the existing old ceiling.

This is a more complex modification of a suspended plasterboard ceiling. There are a lot of design options here. This is the construction of an additional frame around the perimeter, and the allocation of the central part with a chandelier, and all kinds of smooth curved or broken lines that differ in height.

An important aspect here is the height of the ceilings. The first level will "eat" 5-7 cm, the second will be even lower by 5-10 cm. If you have high ceilings, as in old "Stalinist" houses, or the room has impressive dimensions, then you can safely mount a two-level suspended ceiling. In other cases, it is better to consult with the designer or choose another coating option.

For those who are not used to being content with standard solutions, designers can offer unimaginable layouts with multiple levels. Sometimes 2 levels are not enough to solve certain design or technical problems. Then structures with a more complex configuration are constructed. It is very difficult to carry out such an installation on your own; professional knowledge and skills are required here.

It is impossible to list all possible forms of plasterboard ceilings. The flight of imagination of designers and customers creates such whimsical patterns and decorations that they simply do not lend themselves to systematization.

There are several main areas that are relevant today:

• Classic. These are single-level or simple two-level ceilings, the geometry of which obeys the traditional canons. Classics are correct lines, restrained colors and no "flashy" details.
• Patterned. Shape and lines can be created both by different colors or finishing materials, and by levels. These options are great for zoning space. The patterns can also be used for decorative purposes. A flower, butterfly or soaring bird can freshen up any interior and create a romantic mood.

• Curly. If you want to change the geometry of the space, creating different geometric shapes on the ceiling can help. You should not get carried away, more does not mean better.

• With spotlights. The variety of shapes and patterns allows you to create stylish interiors and provide uniform lighting throughout the room. The main advantage of spotlights is that they do not overload the space. During the day they are practically invisible, and in the dark they create a soft enveloping light.

• With LED backlight. Such lighting can even be installed on a single-level ceiling. One option is to hide the lighting above the baseboard. The "floating" ceiling is created in this way. The same technique allows you to visually increase the space, make the ceilings higher.

The choice of a specific ceiling model depends on the purpose of the room, its style and area. Although there are universal options in the form of a single-level or two-level ceiling with a frame, which are suitable for both the hallway and the bedroom.

• Kitchen. When arranging the ceiling in the kitchen, it is important to take care of a good hood. If steam is constantly entering the structure, it may deform. To some extent, moisture-resistant drywall can solve the problem, but it will not last long with constant contact with hot steam.

• Hallway. Often there are no windows in the corridor, so the problem of lighting is especially acute here. If you use only one light bulb in the hallway, as provided in most typical apartments, then an already small room will look visually smaller and "gloomy".

• Room. It is impractical to advise a certain design or shape of the ceiling for a room, since everyone has their own ideas about comfort, beauty and style. It is only worth noting that this material is ideal for both the nursery and the bedroom, since it is absolutely non-toxic and is able to pass air. If you suddenly do not like the shade, you can easily repaint the coating.

• Attic and basement. The use of drywall in such rooms can be complicated by high humidity. The problem can be solved if you use an improved type of CHL (GVL). Due to certain additives, it is more resistant to moisture. Also, good thermal insulation and a reinforced ventilation system can solve the problem.

A few tips for using a plasterboard ceiling:

• Don't be afraid to experiment in your own apartment. If you have chosen drywall as the material for the ceiling, then try to find a form that will emphasize all the advantages and hide all the disadvantages of the room.
• Remember that it is almost impossible to install such a ceiling alone. At the very least, you need the help of a friend to hold and serve the right tools. By the way, they will also have to be purchased.
• The thickness of the plasterboard for the ceiling should be 9.5 mm. This size is optimal (sheets are light enough to withstand the corresponding loads).

• Drywall is a fragile material. Do not place it on its edge or drop it. The material should also be stored horizontally.
• Choose drywall based on the characteristics of the room. For living rooms with a fireplace, a fireproof option is required, for a bathroom - a moisture resistant one.
• Do not use drywall in a new building in the first 2 years of operation. After the house “shrinks”, the slabs can move, leading to cracks in the flooring.
• If you intend to carry out various communications (pipes from the hood, cables, etc.), hide them behind the ceiling before starting installation. It can be an additional box or a second level.

There are many good examples of plasterboard ceiling designs.You can completely repeat the design you like or use it as a source for inspiration. What it will be - with clear geometric shapes, with floral patterns, multi-level with a complex composition or elegantly turning into an arch - it's up to you. Here are just a few beautiful examples showing what drywall can become in the skillful hands of a master.

For information on how to install a two-level plasterboard ceiling in the kitchen, see the next video.