Stretch ceilings are a fairly new typearrangement of the premises, but they have already gained popularity. Such ceiling decoration brings novelty and originality. Unlike suspended structures, tension systems are not so bulky. Two-level stretch ceilings are another step in improving the design.
Unlike suspended ceilings, stretch ceilings do notbulky, look very stylish, do not require much maintenance. Currently, various designs of stretch systems are offered. They differ in their appearance and style. Two-level stretch ceilings allow you to expand the boundaries of the usual and create something unusual.
Design features of stretch ceilings
A stretch ceiling is a simplea system consisting of a frame (baguette) on which the fabric is stretched. There are two main types of such ceilings - made of welded polymer film (PVC film) and seamless fabric. Vinyl fabric is obtained by preliminary welding of strips of PVC film 1-5 m wide and 0.15-0.35 mm thick. Seamless ceiling is made of knitted textile fabric based on polyester thread impregnated with a polyurethane mixture. Such fabric is sold in widths up to 5 m.
Scheme of a two-level stretch ceiling.According to the texture, the canvas is divided into glossy, matte and satin. The glossy surface has a mirror reflection. The use of such material allows you to create a visual effect of increasing the space of the room. The disadvantage is that all joints and connections are too visible. Matte canvas is considered classic. On such ceilings, wandering glare and reflections are not observed. All shades of color are conveyed well. Satin canvas is very similar to matte, but it is smoother. The whiteness of such a ceiling seems dazzling. The canvas is stretched onto a baguette fixed to the wall or ceiling. The baguette (profile) can be made of plastic or aluminum. When stretching PVC film, a harpoon or wedge method is used and, accordingly, harpoon and wedge baguettes. Fabric ceilings are made using a cord method (cord baguette) or by fixing in a clip-on profile. Plastic overlays and inserts are used for decoration. Baguettes are divided into wall and ceiling baguettes according to the method of fastening; in addition, a connecting baguette is used. Its design consists of three main parts: a fastening frame (the baguette itself), a tensioning element and a lining. The tensioning element is made in the form of a harpoon, a glazing bead (wedge) or a clip. In addition to the tensioning function, this element acts as a web retainer. When making a two-level ceiling, hidden ceiling profiles (T-shaped or H-shaped) are additionally used. Return to contents</a>
Features of the design of two-level tension ceilings
Layout diagram for a two-level ceiling.Two-level stretch ceilings have different purposes. They show their advantages most effectively in large rooms with high walls. Firstly, this is how the room is zoned, the second level is usually located in the corner. Secondly, different levels create different perception effects. Using different color combinations, you can achieve the visual effect of increasing the volume. Different color combinations create an impressive range. The shape of the second level of the stretch ceiling can be different - circle, oval, polygon, etc. Two-level stretch ceilings can affect the redistribution of lighting flows, backlighting. Return to contents</a>
Marking for the installation of stretch ceiling with their own hands
To do this, you must first do the markings.walls and ceilings. The marking starts from the wall. To do this, you need to specify the actual height of the wall (in practice, the height of the ceiling is not the same at different points in one room). Therefore, the height of the wall needs to be measured with a tape measure at least in three points (at the corners and in the center of the wall). The initial mark is placed in the corner where the wall height is the lowest. The mark is placed at a distance of 4-5 cm from the ceiling surface. A similar mark is placed in the second corner of the wall, but taking into account its actual height.
Installation diagram of a two-level stretch ceiling.The suspended ceiling canvas after tensioning should be located parallel to the floor. A construction cord (twine), rubbed with a dye of any color, is pulled between the marks. With its help, a straight line is beaten off between the marks. All walls are marked. This line, passing along the entire perimeter of the room, determines the line of placement of the canvas. The next stage is marking the ceiling for installing the second level. A line is drawn on the ceiling corresponding to the position of the second level. If its angular location is planned, then it is necessary to make additional markings on the wall for the wall baguette of the second level. To do this, stepping back 4-5 cm from the previously drawn line, draw a parallel line. Return to the table of contents</a>
Baguette installation
First, you need to install the wall baguette.The baguette design is determined by the material of the canvas - for PVC film, a harpoon or wedge baguette is used. The selected baguette (usually 2.5 m long) is alternately placed against the wall in accordance with the mark and marks are made on the wall through the holes in its frame. According to the marks, holes with a diameter of 8 mm are made using a hammer drill or an electric drill, into which dowels are inserted. Baguettes are fastened with screws into the installed dowels along the entire perimeter of the room, and the second-level wall baguettes are fastened in a similar way (if necessary). Then hidden profiles are fastened to the ceiling in a similar way along the marking line of the second level. It is better to buy ready-made rounded (oval) profiles, but if necessary, they can be made by bending straight profiles. To do this, use a hacksaw for metal to make cuts on the side surfaces of the profile at a distance of 10-15 cm from each other, and then bend the profile according to the template. Return to contents</a>
Installation of the first level cloth
Installation diagram of the first level of a two-level systemceiling. Two-level stretch ceilings begin with the formation of the first level. Regardless of the size of the second level, the first level covers the entire surface of the ceiling. When making a ceiling from PVC fabric, two conditions must be met: the room temperature when stretching the fabric must not be lower than 30º (optimally - 40º) and the PVC fabric is heated to 60º before stretching using a heat gun or heat fan. Fastening the PVC fabric in the baguette begins with the base corner (mark on the fabric). Then the corner opposite the diagonal is fastened. Then other corners of the fabric are fastened to the baguettes. Fastening the fabric begins from the sides, and then - the corners. When pushing the corners of the fabric into the baguette, you can use a screwdriver. Then, every 8-10 cm, the canvas is pushed into the baguette using a spatula or screwdriver, gradually pulling it manually. After the entire perimeter has been covered, the excess canvas can be cut off with a knife. When the material and the room cool to normal temperature, the wrinkles are completely smoothed out. The gap between the wall and the canvas is closed with a plastic overlay, which simply snaps onto the baguette. Return to contents</a>
Installation of a second-level cloth
Installation of the second level begins with fasteningceiling baguette to the hidden profile using self-tapping screws. This forms a frame for stretching the second level ceiling sheet. Then the sheet cut to size is stretched inside the installed baguette. Excess sheet is cut off. A decorative plastic coating is applied over the back of the baguette frame. The gap between this coating and the sheet is covered with a plastic overlay. Return to contents</a>
Required Tools
Two-level stretch ceilings require the following tools for installation:
Tools for installing stretch ceilings.
- perforator;
- electric drill;
- a powerful building hair dryer or a heat gun;
- scissors;
- knife;
- scissors for metal;
- vise;
- Screwdriver;
- putty knife;
- scapula angular and straight;
- screwdriver;
- pliers;
- a hammer;
- putty knife;
- roulette;
- line meter.
Modern apartment design styles require new onesapproaches. Two-level stretch ceilings allow you to solve these problems. In addition, with certain difficulties, but you can install such ceilings yourself.
The stretch ceiling looks beautiful and aesthetically pleasing,In addition, it is a durable structure that, for example, can save your house from flooding from above. In order to level the plane, it is enough to make a single-level structure. But in order to create a more original ceiling, it is worth installing several levels. It is quite possible for everyone to do it themselves. The main thing is to observe some technological nuances and recommendations of experienced specialists.
PVC film forms a smooth, durable surface, but is easily damaged by sharp objects and deteriorates at low temperatures.
In order to clearly understand what should beit will work out, you need to make a ceiling plan with all the dimensions and explanations. At the design stage, it is worth having an idea of the final result. This will allow you to think through all the details and moments of work that will arise during the installation process at the very beginning. By making a structure in several levels, you can hide all the irregularities and defects of the concrete ceiling. Different levels of the structure will allow you to zone the room, if there is such a need. For this, you can use different shapes, textures, colors. The suspended ceiling can also be equipped with any number of lighting fixtures. A two-level stretch ceiling must be made in the same concept with the overall interior of the room. If the interior does not involve too many different structural elements, you should not overload the ceiling with them, since it can visually compress the space. A large number of elements and very complex ceiling shapes will be justified only in a large spacious room. Return to contents</a> 
The frame for a two-level ceiling is installed using metal profiles.
PVC film installation diagram This will prevent the formation of fungus. In order to carry out preparatory work, before , it is worth preparing such tools as:
Construction of a two-level stretch ceiling insection. The first thing that begins the installation of the frame is the marking. In order to make the correct marking, it is recommended to use a laser or water level. Using such tools will give the most accurate result. It is enough to make marks in the corners of the room, after which they must be connected to each other with a chalk line. After the marking is made along the perimeter of the room, you can begin to attach the guide profile. The U-shaped profile is attached to the wall using dowels. This type of profile will also be used to create a box on the ceiling. If it is necessary to make a curved shape, the profile is cut every 3-4 cm, which will allow you to make a curved line from it. After the profile is fixed, drops (a section of the profile) are attached to it. They are lowered to the level at which the horizontal, guide profile is fixed. They will form the lower plane of the two-level structure. The profiles are fastened together using self-tapping screws, which are called "klopik" in the construction industry. These screws are screwed in with a screwdriver. When creating a structure from a metal profile, it is necessary to take care of its strength and reliability. This is due to the fact that a profile for installing a PVC sheet will subsequently be attached to this structure. Considering that the film will be stretched, the metal profile structure must be able to withstand such loads. After the entire structure of profiles is mounted, you can proceed to the next stage. It consists of conducting electrical wiring. All locations of lamps should be thought out at the design stage. All wires should be fixed to the ceiling so that they do not touch the drywall and especially the stretch film.