Laminate on the ceiling has long ceased to be exotic. This recognized flooring material has also proven itself to be excellent as a ceiling cladding material. Its decent protective abilities and appearance attract the attention of many owners of private houses and apartments. You can sheathe the ceiling with your own hands, for which it is enough to understand the principles of material selection and the rules for its installation.
Material features
Laminate is a multi-layer tiles (panels) based on wood fibers, impregnated with resins and pressed under high pressure. Its structure includes the following elements:
The basis of the material is a central layer of MDF or HDF boards with synthetic impregnation. It sets strength characteristics, durability and dimensions.
Decorative layer. It is superimposed on top of the base, made of paper on which a picture or monochrome background is applied. This layer provides a color scheme, imitation of natural materials, and other decorating possibilities.
The outer sheath consists of a high-strength acrylic or melamine clear film. The decorative layer is clearly visible through it, while the coating reliably protects the base from moisture, abrasive loads and other external influences.
Under the base there is a lower, protective, paper layer with a water-repellent impregnation. It is necessary to protect the base from the side of the ceiling and to improve adhesion during installation.
On the side of the panels, a longitudinal profile is formed for the locking connection according to the "tongue-and-groove" system. This element allows you to fasten the strips together, tightly joining, without a gap. For finishing the ceiling, a conventional flooring laminate is used. There are no special ceiling models. The specificity is as follows. There are no durability requirements for the ceiling laminate, and therefore inexpensive material of the 2nd class is quite suitable for this type of work (21-23). There are no increased requirements for the lock connection. Panels with the Lock-lock system ("tongue-and-groove") are simpler in design and easy to assemble. It makes little sense to purchase more complex models with a Click-lock. It also saves on finishing costs. The slipperiness of the coating does not matter. At the same time, there is a requirement for maximum lightness of products (minimum thickness) and requirements for appearance increase, i.e. To. the ceiling is always in sight.
![laminate]( "laminate")
![laminate]( "laminate")
![laminate]( "laminate")
![laminate]( "laminate")
![laminate]( "laminate")
![laminate]( "laminate")
![laminate]( "laminate")
![laminate]( "laminate")
What attracts in the material
Laminate on the ceiling in an apartment or a private house attracts with such positive qualities:
A wide range of models, differing in color and surface structure, which makes it possible to combine with various interior styles.
Ease of maintenance during operation. Laminate can be cleaned with a damp cloth using standard detergents.
Fire safety. Due to impregnation, the material does not support combustion, but only melts and deforms.
The ability to additionally play the role of insulation and sound insulation.
Ease of installation. Can form a flat, uniform surface over a large area.
Increased durability.
Affordable price.
Like any material, the laminate also has certain disadvantages:
Insufficient moisture resistance. It is not recommended to use it in rooms with high humidity.
In floods, material can swell and deform. This fact requires the fulfillment of the main condition: during installation, apply reliable waterproofing.
At the initial stage of operation, phenolic ingredients can be released, which creates unpleasant odors and is harmful to humans. With periodic ventilation after 30-40 days, these vapors stop, and the laminate becomes completely safe.
The decision to use laminate flooring for finishing the ceiling must be made on the basis of specific conditions, taking into account the positive and negative sides.
In city apartments, it does not look like when it comes to living rooms and bedrooms, but it fits well into the interior of the hallways. The material is especially harmoniously combined with the interior in a wooden house, because. To. you can imitate valuable wood species at no extra cost. Laminate is very popular when creating interiors for summer cottages and country houses.
Criterias of choice
When choosing a laminate for your ceiling, consider the following factors:
Dimensions (edit). Laminate is produced in the form of standard products with standard dimensions. The most commonly used panels are 14x120 cm. For large rooms, you can choose lamellas measuring 20x200 cm. Also on sale are square tiles 40x40 cm. This parameter is selected taking into account the dimensions of the ceiling and optimal cutting of the material with minimal waste when cutting. Laminate is available in 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 mm thick. Panels with a thickness of 6-7 mm are quite suitable for the ceiling.
Colour. When choosing the color of the laminate, an important nuance should be considered. The light color of the ceiling visually expands the entire room, and the dark background visually lowers the ceiling. It is important that the ceiling color scheme is in harmony with the design of the entire room and with the furniture. Do not make the floor and ceiling the same color. The most popular laminate ceiling colors are bleached oak, Karelian birch, light walnut, ash, pine.
Design solutions. Laminate ceiling fits into modern design styles - hi-tech, modern. When imitating natural wood, the laminate is suitable for options such as rustic style, country and Provence. If you purchase material for valuable wood species, then you can decorate it in the Empire style. Stone imitation suitable for gothic.
Manufacturer. The quality and durability of the coating is guaranteed only by trusted laminate manufacturers. Kronospan stands out among Russian companies. Among foreign manufacturers, the following companies can be distinguished: Kronostar and Klassen (Germany), Berry-Allok (Belgium-Norway), Pergo (Sweden).
It is necessary to purchase a laminate immediately for the entire ceiling. It should be remembered that in different batches the material may differ in shade, which means that if the calculation is incorrect, it is very difficult to buy an identical laminate. It is recommended to make a stock of 12-15 percent when assessing the need.
Installation features
When a decision is made to lay a laminate on a ceiling, how to fix it becomes an important issue. There are 2 main ways:
Glue fastening, t. e. gluing panels directly to the sub-ceiling. This option practically does not reduce the height of the room and does not require the cost of additional materials for the manufacture of the frame. The main disadvantage is the need for careful leveling of the base surface and the dependence of reliability on the quality of the glue. In addition, there is a problem of fixing electrical wiring.
Suspended ceiling or fixing the laminate to the frame (lathing). The frame is assembled from a metal profile (for example, for drywall) or a wooden bar. The panels are fixed to the crate with self-tapping screws. The main disadvantage is a decrease in the actual ceiling height by 4-6 cm. Advantages - no need for careful alignment of the base, masking of large irregularities in the ceiling, the possibility of laying insulation and sound insulation, as well as communications and electrical wiring in the cells of the frame.
Regardless of the choice of installation method, it is necessary to prepare the laminate for installation. It must be acclimatized under operating conditions. For this, the packaging is removed, the material is left indoors for a period of at least 2-3 days.
Adhesive technology
The process of gluing the laminate to the ceiling is divided into 2 stages - preparation of the base (or installation of a rough ceiling) and fixing the laminate. Alignment is provided by plastering the ceiling or sheet materials (plasterboard, plywood, fiberboard, chipboard, etc.). NS.). First, all the old coating and loose plaster are removed. Then all defects are sealed with putty. After that, the alignment is provided by plastering along the beacons or by fixing the leveling sheets.
Substrate preparation is completed by applying a primer. It is necessary for any alignment method, i.e. To. improves adhesion of the adhesive to the ceiling. The primer is prepared using the same adhesive that is used to fix the panels. It is applied to the entire surface using a roller and a paint brush.
After the final hardening of the primer, the laminate finish begins. Usually a two-part vinyl based adhesive is used. When working with it, it is important to remember about its toxicity and flammability and take appropriate protective measures (use a respirator, goggles, gloves).
Laminate panels are laid parallel to the stream of light from the window.
Before installation, it is recommended to lubricate the locking dowels (spikes) with a sealant - this strengthens the connection and increases the service life. The adhesive is applied as a strip of the floor to the edge of the panel. Bonding starts from the far corner of the ceiling and is carried out in rows. An expansion gap of about 8-10 mm should be left between the panels and the wall. Subsequently, it is closed with a ceiling plinth. After laying the next rows, adjacent panels are tightly inserted into the lock connection. For good adhesion of the glue, each element is pressed and held by hand for a certain time specified in the passport for the composition.
Frame technology
Laminate suspended ceiling is made in the following order:
Surface preparation. With frame technology, careful alignment of the base is not required. It is necessary to remove the old coating and plaster peeling. Areas with mold and fungi must be eliminated. For this, treatment is carried out with a solution of copper sulfate.
Markup. The position of the guiding U-shaped profile is marked on the walls. In the lowest corner of the room, a mark is placed at a distance of 3-6 cm from the ceiling (depending on the laying of communications and the installation of insulation). The height of this point from the floor is measured, which is transferred to other corners. Corner marks are connected by lines along all walls. The position of the suspension attachment points is marked on the ceiling. They are arranged in rows with a pitch of 50-70 cm.
Installing the guide profile. Along the marking line, a U-shaped profile is attached with dowels along the entire perimeter of the room.
Installation of ceiling C-profiles. First, at the marked points on the ceiling, suspensions are fixed. Metal profiles are installed on them parallel to each other. Installation step - 50-60 cm. The profiles are positioned perpendicular to the subsequent placement of the laminate panels. Their ends are connected to the guide profiles.
Panel mounting. The laminate is fixed to the crate with self-tapping screws. Installation begins from the far corner and is performed in rows perpendicular to the wall with a window. Adjacent panels are joined in the lock, for which the spike is tightly inserted into the groove.
Do not forget about the expansion gap (about 10 mm) along the wall. The horizontality of the formed ceiling surface is controlled by the building level. Cutting of panels is carried out with a grinder with a stone disc or a hacksaw for metal.
Tool
To install the laminate on the ceiling with your own hands, you need to take care of such a tool in advance: a hammer drill, an electric drill, a grinder, a screwdriver, an assembly knife, a hammer, a screwdriver, pliers, files, a roller, a paint brush, a spatula, a tape measure, a building level (preferably a laser type), square, metal ruler, line for marking.
Reviews
The popularity of the use of laminate on the ceiling is confirmed by the numerous positive reviews of those who tested the technology in their homes and apartments:
Sergey (g. Samara). “I had a nightmarish ceiling on the loggia. I could not align it in any way. Smart people advised to apply laminate. I made a wooden crate with my own hands and mounted the panels. Now I have a chic "oak" ceiling on my loggia ".
Alexander (g. Permian). “I always wanted to make a beautiful, but cheap interior at the dacha. Thought: if the laminate looks great on the floor, why not apply it to the ceiling. Picked up the thinnest class 21 material, t. e. cheap, and lined the ceiling with it in all summer cottages. I recommend to everyone - a beautiful view and will last 100 years ".
Anton (g. Tver). “I heard about the laminate on the ceiling, but there were doubts. Finally made up my mind. I purchased German light-colored panels and assembled them with my own hands in the hallway and on the balcony. I must say that the result turned out to be simply excellent ".
Conclusion
Laminate can look great on the ceiling. It is inappropriate in a chic living room, but looks very good in other rooms. The material captivates with its practicality, durability and beautiful appearance. Such a coating can be mounted by any person independently, observing certain rules and listening to the recommendations of specialists.
