We compare ceiling options, so you don’t have to.

Don’t look up!

Well – luckily most guests rarely walk into a home and insist on inspecting your ceilings or cornices.

This doesn’t mean you don’t see them daily, and worst-case scenario, need to deal with the water stains, chipped paint and cracks.

Well: Let’s talk about ceilings. We’ll be looking at three basic options

No Ceilings At All (clear all the way to the rafters)

This style has become quite popular in South Africa, because we have the privilege of a more temperate climate. (let’s ignore the snowstorms in September) committing to this kind of ceiling (or lack thereof) means some major construction. If you are going from conventional ceilings, you are basically re-building your entire roof. You need the right kind of rafters, piping and expert electrical wiring. Insulation and temperature control will also play a roll, which means that this style of ceiling, though beautiful, is more suited to living spaces where you don’t need water pipes or other types of plumbing.

If you are renovating and adding on to your home, this is obviously an easier job, but before you decide to go commando in the ceiling department, speak to your builder and measure up the pro’s and con’s!

Pro list:

• Aesthetically pleasing, clean and modern looking
• No space for vermin or dust to collect so possibly better in-home air quality.
• Adds volume to your space and can “lift up” an otherwise cramped space.

Con list:

• No space to hide wiring and plumbing
• More air volume to heat or cool (minor consideration in most of South Africa)
• No noise dampening properties at all.

PVC Ceiling Options

These are by far the quickest, cheapest and easiest way to upgrade the visuals of your ceiling. PVC ceilings usually come in “strips” that measure 30cm wide, and with lengths of 3, 6 or 9 meters. They are interlocking and simply slide in next to each other. These boards are super lightweight and the simply hammer into your existing ceiling boards. This is a quick fix, almost like a facelift and it is a great way to instantly upgrade the appearance of your home without committing to major renovations.

Pro list:

• If you are reasonably experienced, this can be a DIY project, cutting down on cost even more.
• Extremely affordable and comes in a wide range of finishes.
• Can be painted.
• Sound and temperature insulating.

Con list:

• Can be damaged by something scraping or bumping against it (luckily repairs are easy due to its modular nature)
• Doesn’t have the ultra premium feel of plastered ceilings.
• Joints are visible as thin lines (painting helps)

Plastered Ceilings (so called “rhinolite ceilings”)

This term covers many different types of finished ceiling, but the most common one is when conventional ceiling boards are installed and then plastered, sanded and painted to a seamless and perfectly smooth finish. This creates a beautifully bespoke finish and gives your space a perfectly maintained, premium look.

Pro list:

• Luxurious, premium look – nothing beats plastered ceilings for aesthetics
• All the benefits of conventional ceilings with an elegant look (in-ceiling plumbing, and electrical wiring still possible)
• Sound and temperature insulating.

Con list:

• Dust, pests and vermin can still be and issue between the refters and the ceiling boards.
• This is a time consuming, expensive and messy process, best left to t he professionals.
• The installation process is dusty. And by dusty, we mean fine, white, gets into everything, you’ll be dusting and vacuuming for ages dusty! But its pretty…

We hope this breakdown helps you to pick the best ceiling options for your space, and happy homemaking!

Find a ceiling service provider here.