Armstrong ceiling: types and sizes of plates

A neat and beautiful ceiling makes the whole room attractive. In this regard, when repairing it is he who pays special attention - the ceiling should not only harmoniously fit into the surrounding space, but also last a long time. However, the finishing of ceilings is usually associated with certain difficulties - you have to deal with cracks and unattractive seams, level differences, the effects of leaks and conspicuous communications.

Modern manufacturers of ceilings of this type position the finish as “American design innovation”, but this is certainly not the case. Tiled-cellular structures have been widely used in the Soviet Union and Europe since about the mid-60s of the last century. True, in industrial premises, and not in private houses or apartments.

Modern technology has allowed the production of ceiling tiles from materials that are suitable for any premises according to all characteristics - from a small kitchen to finishing an office or school room. Therefore, today we can confidently say that Armstrong finish is perhaps the most versatile ceiling finish.

The design looks like a system of profiles, forming square or rectangular cells. The cells are plates and lamps, and the profiles themselves are attached to the ceiling-based with suspensions. Suspension system will successfully hide irregularities, wiring or ventilation, protect from noise (in this case, plates with special characteristics are selected), will allow to warm the room.

Installation of such structures is carried out quickly and does not require special preparatory work. Profiles and plates are relatively inexpensive (of course, if we are not talking about exclusive design development). However, before starting repair work, we recommend that you consult with a specialist who will help you assess the ceiling-based on the following criteria: whether it will withstand the additional load and which one; whether it is necessary to remove old plaster and repair cracks; what building materials are overlappings made of.The finishing materials chosen by you will depend on this, as well as the appropriate weight of the profile, the size of the dowels and so on.

Production of ceiling panels in recent years is developing particularly rapidly. A variety of innovative materials and their unique properties, an abundance of color variations and textures, the ability to highlight the ceiling from the inside - all this allows you to choose the option that best complements the interior and is right for you.

Suspended tile designs have many advantages, we'll talk about them a bit later. The main advantage of which you must mention - the "completeness" of the ceiling. This means that you will present the design of the ceiling even before its installation, and upon completion of the work no additional fitting or tint will be required.

Consider the main advantages of Armstrong suspended structures:

• The size of the room does not matter - Armstrong can be installed in both small and very large rooms.
• Ceiling tiles are very light for the most part, thus avoiding unnecessary load on the flow basis.

• Only Armstrong will best hide serious defects in ceilings.
• Armstrong is indispensable where it is necessary to hide communications - it will successfully “cover” various cables, wiring, and exhaust. In addition, if the communications need to be repaired, then it will be enough for you to remove the required number of tiles without disturbing the entire ceiling structure.
• Damage to one trim element will not lead to the need to dismantle the entire structure - it is easy to replace the ceiling tile.
• Assembling and installing the Armstrong ceiling does not require any special knowledge and abilities of any home craftsman. Special tools are also not required - the usual construction equipment will do.

• The materials used to make ceiling tiles are very diverse. You can easily find the best ratio in terms of price / quality.
• The textures and colors of the finishing panels are very diverse and the selection of finishes that are suitable for the interior style is not difficult.
• In the space between the main ceiling and hanging, you can lay insulation and combine beautiful finishes and insulation - ideal for rooms of country houses.
• If necessary, you can choose panels with good sound insulation qualities - that is why Armstrong is often mounted in clubs and recording studios.
• Most modern finishing panels are suitable for installation in rooms with high humidity.
• Modern finishing materials do not attract dust and, if necessary, are easy to clean and wash.
• All finishing panels are specially certified and safe for humans. They do not emit any harmful substances, and the insignificant odor characteristic of a new plastic disappears within one or two days.
• Finishing panels are not susceptible to temperature changes, do not collapse and do not change color under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

There are cluster ceilings and some disadvantages:

• Armstrong finish is not suitable for all styles of interior. For example, for classic interiors, it is better to choose a simple matte stretch ceiling.
• In home interiors, it can look "rustic". To avoid this, use the original textures of the panels and a spectacular lighting.

• Unfortunately, low-quality ceiling tiles can change color when exposed to sunlight or begin to crumble from exposure to heat or cold.
• The ceiling tile can be damaged by an accidental blow or scratch (children's pistols and slingshots, toy helicopters and airplanes, an accidental champagne cork or just unsuccessfully thrown object).
• Suspended construction will inevitably "eat" 15-25 centimeters room height.
• Unfortunately, the construction will not allow to perform some curvilinear figures - only straight lines or diagonals.

Ceiling suspended structures are used all over the world, so you can always ask the seller for certificates of conformity with generally accepted standards.

Standard specifications for an Armstrong harness include:

• The size of one tile is from 600 square meters. mm, also, there are on sale tiles of 1200 x 600 mm.
• Tile thickness ranges from 0.8 to 2.5 centimeters.
• The weight of a square meter of construction depends on the weight of finishing materials and can vary from 2.5 kilograms to 8.

• Depending on the characteristics of the finishing material, the moisture resistance of the ceiling varies from 70 to 100%.
• The Armstrong design undergoes special certification (you can ask the relevant documents from the seller or the manufacturer) and has a high degree of environmental friendliness, so these ceilings are absolutely safe for humans. These structures are approved for installation in children's educational and medical institutions, which indicates their high quality.
• Reflectivity is up to 90%, that is, all Armstrong ceilings have good light reflectance.
• The sound absorption coefficients depend on the materials of the plates and range from 0.2 to 0.5.

• Armstrong has a low degree of flammability. This is a fire-resistant ceiling, as most of the materials from which the plates are made are non-combustible. Due to the diversity of materials, the fire characteristics can also be different and are determined by an indicator called the “fire resistance limit” (this is the time that the material stands up to the fire).
• According to GOST, Armstrong systems are designs of a low hazard class and can be used in premises of various purposes.
• If the ceiling plates are subjected to additional treatment with special compounds (this is done from the inside), then they can withstand corrosion and moisture for a long time.Ceiling plates with three types of edges: “Microlook”, “Tegular”, “Board” are on sale, as the strips of the suspension system can be of different widths and different shapes (straight straight edges or edges of “steps”).

The main differences in suspended ceilings are differences in the material of the finishing plates. Manufacturer's certificates must indicate their main technical characteristics. Today on sale you can find several types of designs such as Armstrong.

• Economy class ceiling implies cheap and simple materials - mineral-organic plates, rather thin and fragile, are used as a ceiling finish. Their production does not use moisture resistant material, so any leakage or excessive moisture will damage the finish. However, the economy class designs have their advantages, such as a variety of assortment, a wide palette of colors and the light weight of the plates themselves.
• Special characteristics of the plates moisture resistant ceiling allow you to use the cassette ceiling in swimming pools, rooms, baths and saunas, on loggias and unheated verandas.
• Color and grid panels, options with unique ornaments and lighting - the design project will allow to realize your wildest dreams. True, the cost of this design will be slightly higher than the standard version of Armstrong.

• Suspended systems "Prima" They have excellent characteristics and are suitable for use in wet areas. Durable and durable panels are made of durable materials - metal, plastic and so on.

• Suspended acoustic ceiling necessary for rooms with sound insulation. The thickness of the sound insulation plates reaches 22 mm, so these suspension systems are very reliable.
• For the manufacture of hygienic ceiling mineral panels with antibacterial coating are used. Such a ceiling is washable and is widely used in medical institutions.
• Rack ceiling It is mounted similarly to the Armstrong suspension system; the only difference is that the structural elements of the new ceiling are not metal panels, but metal (aluminum) rails.
• Raster ceiling - it is a cellular suspended structure, and the size of the cells can be completely different.In addition, the cells can be of different shapes - square, rhomboid or polygons. Armstrong design can also be attributed to the raster. A special type is the ceiling panels, which are small open cells (metal grid).

Different designs are designed to meet different needs, but any Armstrong ceiling can be said to be easy to install, versatile, durable, and fireproof.

In addition to differences in the characteristics of ceiling tiles, you may encounter a different way of installing them. So, the most common is the standard way in which the tile is simply embedded in the frame, but there may also be a more modern way - installing trim elements by snapping it out.

The composition of the suspended structure remains unchanged when installed in any room, only their number changes. To install the structure, you will need the following profiles: supporting, transverse, corner wall profile. The components of the suspension system of the frame of the new ceiling are strings (or knitting needles) for supporting profiles and a butterfly spring for fastening suspensions.And, of course, the most important part of the design is plates or cassettes.

In fact, Armstrong is a constructor consisting of elements that are interconnected and form a kind of grid of profiles and panels. This design is universal and can be used in large and small spaces, and difficulties arise only when working with nonlinear rooms (in these cases, the design must be combined with plasterboard or plastic suspended ceilings).

The success of the Armstrong installation is the correct and smooth fastening of the profiles to the walls and the ceiling. First of all, you need to pay attention to the fact that the base ceiling and walls can be made of various materials - wood, concrete, stone, brick. This means that we will need to fasten the profiles with dowels of various sizes. For example, stone walls or silicate surfaces dictate the choice of dowels at least 50 mm.

The easiest way to work with wooden floors - the frame lattice is usually attached with conventional screws.With the installation of the main elements of the finish - plates, even the novice master will cope. The main thing is that the whole structure should be even (for this you need to check all the angles between the guides). Next side we start the tile in the lattice, give it a horizontal position and gently put on the profile.

The use of ceiling plinth will help to give complete construction to the whole structure.

Do not forget about lamps and other communications! All these works must be completed before installing the ceiling, and installing a lighting device, we recommend immediately connecting it to the wiring, in order to avoid removing the panels and reinstalling them.

Speaking about the materials used in the construction of Armstrong suspended ceilings, we are primarily talking about the materials used for the manufacture of plates, as the profile variations are quite a bit - it can be aluminum or galvanized.

So, in the design of Armstrong today we can meet the following panels:

• Metallic. The appearance and price of such finishes can vary greatly. The lightest and most durable, besides perfectly giving in to coloring in bright colors, are aluminum. A more budget option - galvanized steel or nickel-plated tiles (the appearance is not worse than aluminum, but heavier). Metal panels are extremely durable - manufacturers give a guarantee on some models up to 50 years. In addition, modern technologies allow to produce metal panels with polymer coating, mirrored and matte, perforated, corrugated, so that you can easily choose a reliable and beautiful option.

• Tree still popular as a finish, we only note that square wooden tiles, mounted on the Armstrong type, are quite rare. These panels are expensive and require the installation of a high-quality, not metal, frame. However, modern plastic successfully imitates wood. If you still prefer an eco-friendly wood finish, then a striking substitute for wood panels will be a cork or bamboo panel. They became popular relatively recently, but have already received a lot of positive feedback,as they are not only elastic and durable, but also have a lot of other advantages, for example, heat and sound insulation properties.

• Mineral panels or mineral fiber are compressed sawdust with the addition of polymeric binders. A huge plus of this modern decoration is that it can imitate different textures - wood or various types of stone, which allows us to diversify our interiors.
• PVC finishing (plastic ceiling). High quality ceiling and wall finishing materials are made of plastic today. A huge number of variations of textures and colors allow you to carry out the most daring projects, for example, to use panels with photo printing in the interior. The low price and good technological characteristics (plastic is extremely waterproof, does not change color from time to time, is not afraid of temperature changes) gave plastic panels a "green light" in the finishing works in country houses.

• Gypsum. Gypsum decoration will be especially in demand where it is necessary to portray chic stucco or imitate stone vault. Gypsum is not combustible, according to all its characteristics it is safe for humans, it allows you to create an ideally white surface in the spirit of palace interiors.
• Glass ceiling. Translucent squares of glass or plexiglass, illuminated from the inside, look noble and elegant. Glass constructions fit perfectly into the interiors of modern apartments, and they will be appropriate in any room - from halls and cabinets, to kitchens and bedrooms.

After installing the suspended ceiling, the height of the room will inevitably decrease by at least 15 centimeters. If your ceilings are low, and a suspended ceiling is still needed, it is best to use glossy and mirror panels, due to which the height of the room will visually increase.

The weight of the structure depends on the materials to be used.So, you can use aluminum profiles or stainless steel profiles: aluminum construction will be much easier.

The materials from which the ceiling tiles are made also have different weights. The mass of glass or acrylic panels is very significant, and plastic or aluminum - very light. On average, a square meter of construction weighs about 4.5 - 5 kg, but it can reach 8 kg. In addition, the coating weight will also determine the thickness of the finishing material - it can vary from 0.8 to 2.5 cm. The standard dimensions of Armstrong ceiling tiles for a ceiling are 600 square meters. mm and square shape.

There are standard sizes and profiles. The length of the carrier profile according to GOST is 3.6 m, the minimum length of the transverse profile is 0.6 meters.

The range of Armstrong ceiling panels is getting wider every year. Today, manufacturers offer us elegant embossed panels, perforated panels, panels with geometric patterns that can be folded into the overall picture,panels with additional decorative elements (for example, mesh ceilings), black-and-white models with and without perforations, mirror and color panels.

Each panel design option has its advantages. So, the perforated ceiling looks great in any room, regardless of their size. It can be successfully combined with color and black-and-white panels, while the perforation will give the standard design originality, decorate the strict interior of the office, clinic or educational institution.

Mirror ceiling also remains at the peak of popularity. Speaking of such panels, it should be noted that they are made, of course, not of glass, but of polystyrene with a special film that imitates a mirror surface (not necessarily smooth, but ribbed). By the way, the mirror panels are quite flexible, so they can even trim curved portions of the ceiling. Mirror panels are easy to maintain, do not attract dust, and are easy to clean, so they are suitable not only for decoration of residential premises, but also for beauty salons, clubs, and so on.

Colored panels are increasingly used in the interiors of modern kitchens.They look especially good if they are combined in color with furniture and other finishes (or contrasted with them). The classic combinations: black and white, brown and beige, yellow and blue, white and red, green and white delight the eye and add to the room an attractive brightness.

A few words about acrylic transparent ceilings. A transparent ceiling will increase the space, make even a small room visually higher, and most importantly, the soft light passing through the panels will add coziness to the bedroom, living room or office. Ceiling panels are most often made of acrylic glass (Plexiglas), but silicate glass can also be used. The ornament applied on acrylic panels or imitation of a stained-glass window looks beautiful.

Any glass panels are fragile finishing materials, so when working with them, care is needed.

Armstrong's suspended ceiling structures can be used in a wide variety of areas, from small apartments to large public buildings.These suspension systems have proven themselves in schools, clinics, shopping centers and offices - repairing the ceiling does not require many years, and the replacement of individual elements is not difficult.

In residential areas with a tiled ceiling, people often experiment. For example, lighter tiles can be placed around lighting fixtures - this will add to the placement of light. An interesting option - chaotic color spots on a white, silver or black background. In the interiors of modern halls and kitchens, a contrasting “chessboard” or any other tiled “pattern” looks spectacular (its complexity is limited only by the size of the room).

The combination of plates of various textures also allows you to turn a standard ceiling into a unique one. Thus, the combination of acrylic panels with lighting and conventional panels will allow to change the amount of light in the bedroom at will, highlighting the entire ceiling or its individual sections.

According to the owners, this is an economical and quality product. Armstrong allows you to quickly tidy up the ceiling, even if initially it was completely unattractive - the plaster crumbled, there were cracks "

According to experienced users, Armstrong is the ceiling that you will manage to install on your own. No special tools are required, no special skills are needed either - the main thing is to follow the instructions.

When choosing panels, give preference to more expensive moisture-proof models.. Even water vapor can deform economy-class panels. After installing the ceiling with plastic panels for some time, you can smell a specific smell. It is best to spend the first three or four days after installation of the structure in the country or just to ventilate the renovated room.

White ceiling is always in fashion - strict classic panels emphasize the elegance of the interior of a city apartment.

If you have a vacation home, this is an excellent opportunity to try Armstrong finishes. Changing temperatures and high humidity will not damage the beautiful and modern ceiling. The light finish of the ceiling and walls is perfectly combined with both wooden details and metal elements.

A small room will appear larger if you choose two-color glossy panels for decoration and arrange them in a chaotic manner. Modest office interiors will benefit from bright accents of positive colors - in such a room and work faster and more fun.

Modern technologies allow Armstrong to be made of plastic, which in appearance will be absolutely indistinguishable from a wooden ceiling. At the same time it will be fireproof and moisture resistant, and, importantly, it is very light.

To make the ceiling even more original, some designers suggest placing Armstrong hanging structures in two levels. This may be necessary in the rooms of meeting rooms, hotel halls, office rooms, where the ceilings are quite high,and the room must be given a certain comfort.

The combination of black and white trim panels has long been recognized as a classic.

Glass panels, illuminated from the inside, are a great way to add light where there is little. A great option for rooms without windows is to imitate “windows” on the ceiling, using panels featuring blue sky and white clouds.

Armstrong suspended structures are suitable not only for offices or high-tech interiors. They will perfectly fit into classic interiors with antique furniture. The main thing is to choose the right finish, for example, beautiful plaster or mineral panels of white color.

For information on how to properly assemble the Armstrong ceiling, see the following video.