Drywall is a versatile material,which can be used at any stage of construction work. With its help, you can align the walls, ceiling, build shelves. At the same time, the shape of the structures can be the most intricate and complex. But the main advantage of this building material is the ease of its installation, regardless of the complexity of the configuration. So, it is quite possible to do it yourself from plasterboard. This requires a clear project, correct marking, and precise adherence to the fastening technology.
A two-level ceiling allows you to create a unique room design.
Required Tools
In order to install drywall yourself, you will need the following tools and materials:
Tool for working with plasterboard.
- stepladder or construction goats;
- sheets of plasterboard;
- aluminum profiles of various shapes;
- hangers and special cross-shaped fasteners;
- self-tapping screws, dowels, spring suspensions;
- Roulette, ruler, plumb line, twine for marking and pencil;
- construction knife;
- scissors for metal cutting;
- electric drill or perforator;
- Screwdriver;
- plaster for sealing hats and joints sheets;
- perforated self-adhesive tape;
- roller, which is equipped with needles, allowing you to perform bending of gypsum board;
- spatulas.
Return to Contents</a>
Stages of work execution
There are several basic steps, providedcompliance with which the installation of two-level plasterboard ceilings will be performed qualitatively and the coating will last for a long time. Each subsequent phase of work should be started only after the previous one has been completed. These include:
Installation diagram of the frame for a suspended plasterboard ceiling.
Return to Contents</a>
Preparatory stage
Scheme of a two-level plasterboard ceiling.Once the ceiling cleaning work is completed, you can begin to develop the project and choose the principle by which the frame will be installed. There are 2 main ways to install the frame:
- First, a framework of level 1 is installed, and then the next one is mounted to it;
- on long spring suspensions fasten the 2 level directly to the ceiling, and then on the marking mount the frame 1 level.
This choice depends on the complexity of the finaldesign, skills and the availability of skills of the person performing the work, and is determined by the geometry of the room. For example, for a small room it is not advisable to make a complex ceiling configuration, as it will look cumbersome. And in rooms of a strictly rectangular shape, when choosing two similar figures as a two-level ceiling, which are located one inside the other, it is necessary to take into account that the small rectangle should only be in the center of the large one. Another mutual arrangement or a shift to one side can lead to an imbalance in the interior of the entire room. Return to the table of contents</a>
Ceiling marking and frame assembly
Types of metal profiles for plasterboard.The entire appearance and durability of the do-it-yourself plasterboard ceiling depends on how accurately and correctly this stage is performed. Therefore, it should be treated responsibly and all markings should be carefully checked. Marking begins with setting a zero starting point on the wall, from which all further markings will be performed. Using a water level, points are drawn along the entire perimeter, and then lines are drawn using a cord. If the two-level structure consists of several geometric shapes, then the grid is applied to the entire ceiling using a cord. The distance between parallel lines that make up the grid is 50 cm, on perpendicular lines - 60 cm. These dimensions must correspond to the direction of fastening the sheet. That is, the plasterboard sheet must be fixed in the middle (self-tapping screws are attached to the perpendicular profile) and at the edges (self-tapping screws are screwed into parallel guides). And the application of the curly part can be transferred to the ceiling using a template made of cardboard.
Types of profile fastening for plasterboard.The first level frame is installed according to the applied markings. The corresponding types of aluminum profiles are attached to the walls and ceiling with dowels. When installing the profile to the ceiling, hangers are used, the unnecessary ends of which must be bent. In addition, when installing the figured part of the structure, it is necessary to use metal scissors. With their help, slots are made on the profile, which allow it to be bent at any angle into the required shape. The transverse profiles are fastened with self-tapping screws using a screwdriver. The second level frame depends on the method of its installation that was initially chosen and on the configuration of the final structure. If its installation was planned for the first level, then this is done after the first tier is sewn up. Return to the table of contents</a>
Laying of communications
All engineering communications thatare provided in the room and pass along the ceiling (lighting, ventilation, air conditioning), must be laid in special boxes. They must be attached directly to the ceiling, which will avoid damage during framing work. Wiring that provides power to lighting fixtures mounted directly in the suspended ceiling can be attached to hangers. It cannot be placed inside the profile - when covering the frame with plasterboard, it can be damaged. The ends of the wires to which built-in lamps will be attached must be left long enough, securely insulated and attached to hangers close to the terminals. Return to contents</a>
Sheathing and finishing work
When installing plasterboard sheets, useself-tapping screws, the heads of which are slightly countersunk. In order to sheathe the figured part of the ceiling with a sheet of plasterboard bent according to the template, it is necessary to process it with a roller with spikes. It will make many small holes, which will allow you to bend the sheet of plasterboard a little. This will allow you to seal them later. After completing the installation of the plasterboard sheets of level 1, you can proceed to installing the frame of level 2. It is done similarly to the first, on hangers. Self-tapping screws and a screwdriver are used. After the frame is assembled, it is sheathed with plasterboard. For a large ceiling area, the sheets should be laid in a checkerboard pattern. The step between the screws along the long side of the plate is 40-50 cm. This will allow you to securely fasten it. Holes must be made at the places of future fastenings of built-in lighting fixtures. The wires that were previously left should be pulled out and the lamps should be attached. The joints and screw heads are putty with a special compound, using a spatula. After everything has dried, the finishing puttying is done with the finishing compound. After grouting and installing the bulbs in the lamps, the installation of a two-level plasterboard ceiling with your own hands is complete.</ ul>
