False ceiling: Decorate, insulate and hide

Whether it is a luxurious home, a stylish restaurant, or a vibrant corporate office, the rooftop or ceiling can often become a focal point. However, what you are staring at is not the original ceiling, rather an additional layer, often designed in various colours and styles.

These are called false ceilings, drop ceilings or suspended ceilings. It has become a significant and popular part of modern interior design.

A false ceiling is basically a secondary ceiling placed below the main one, supported by a metal or wooden frame. It can be made from different materials. False ceilings help improve the look of a space, enhance lighting, and make it more energy-efficient. 

Beyond aesthetic appeal, they offer practical advantages, such as insulation, soundproofing, and hiding unsightly structural elements. They hide wires, ducts, and pipes. In fact, they were first invented for this very purpose.

Pros and cons of using false ceiling

The use of false ceilings has many advantages. 

For example,  it can help to insulate a room by creating an air gap between the main ceiling and the false ceiling, which can reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

Also, these ceilings can help to reduce noise levels in a room by absorbing sound waves. This can be especially useful in spaces with high ceilings or large halls where there is a large crowd and sound tends to bounce around.

When using a false ceiling, some precautions are necessary. It is important to use fire-resistant materials. Glass ceilings should be supported by strong beams and columns to ensure safety. Heavy or unsafe decorations should be avoided. Also, it must be ensured that electrical wires are not blocked or damaged during the ceiling work.

However, Rehnuma Tasnim Sheefa, interior designer and principal architect of Parti.studio, noted that the use of false ceilings is discouraged in modern architecture.

"In our country, the low floor height makes installing false ceilings a tough choice. Moreover, traditional materials used for false ceilings are fire-prone, raising safety concerns. Alternative materials are expensive. Also, interiors in our cities catch too much dirt and dust; cleaning them is another challenge," she explained.

But there is still a client base that prefers them. False ceilings are now mostly used in luxury restaurants and commercial spaces. Architects and interior designers suggest that the ceiling height must be 9 feet or more from the ground. 

"Being a hot and humid country, we need more lightweight material for the ceiling that promotes airflow and manages humidity. For example, PVC or calcium silicate boards are moisture resistant, making them suitable for high humidity areas," said architect Ador Yousuf. 

"Although a bit expensive, metal panels can be used as a second or third layer; they are durable and if cured properly with protective layers, these roofs can be resistant to moisture," he added. 

Inside the market of false ceilings

False ceilings come in different types. Each type has its own benefits to match different styles and purposes. "Gypsum board  PVC, metal, glass etc. are mostly used in residential and commercial spaces," Aminul Islam, manager of an interior designing service provider at the capital's Pragati Sarani road, said. 

Gypsum board ceilings are lightweight and easy to install, offering a smooth, modern look. These ceilings are prefabricated and can be installed directly without the need for molds or mixing with water. Prices range from a minimum of Tk70 to a maximum of Tk300 per square foot.

Plaster of Paris (POP) ceilings are great for creating detailed designs and patterns. These ceilings are among the most commonly used materials worldwide. POP is long-lasting and requires no maintenance. It is also cost-effective during construction. Moreover, people can easily create customised designs using molds. The price of POP false ceilings ranges from Tk55 to Tk300 per square foot.

For commercial settings, metal false ceilings, made of aluminum or steel, are usually suitable. They are strong and long-lasting. 

Metal false ceilings are easily available and customisable in any shape. They are much more durable than other types of false ceilings. However, their cost is higher than others, ranging from Tk150 to Tk2,000 per square foot.

Another commonly used one is PVC ceilings that are affordable, moisture-resistant, and perfect for kitchens or bathrooms. PVC, which stands for Polyvinyl Chloride, is water-resistant and very popular.

It is one of the cheapest options for false ceilings and is easy to install. PVC is lightweight and durable. The price ranges from Tk70 to Tk160 per square foot.

Fibre ceilings reduce noise and are ideal for places like theatres. Fibre false ceilings are made from materials like mineral fibre or fibreglass, offering lightweight, durable, and sound-absorbing qualities. They are commonly used in both commercial and residential spaces, especially in areas where noise reduction is important, such as offices or auditoriums. 

Fibre ceilings are cost-effective and easy to install, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious projects. The price of fibre false ceilings typically ranges from around Tk100 to Tk400 per square foot, depending on the quality of the material and design.

Wooden ceilings add warmth and a natural feel, often used for a luxurious or rustic style. Wooden false ceilings give your home a natural and cozy look. They are great for making any room feel more comfortable.

High-quality wooden ceilings last a long time. The price depends on the type of wood. A basic wooden false ceiling costs about Tk200 per square foot, while a high-quality one may cost around Tk1500 per square foot.

Glass false ceilings are visually stunning and attractive but are very expensive. They are usually used in commercial and industrial spaces, and false glass ceilings can give any place a premium look. The cost is much higher than other types of false ceilings. To install glass false ceilings, you need a budget ranging from a minimum of Tk500 to a maximum of Tk20,000 per square foot.