American homeowners spent over $320 billion dollars on remodeling in 2019. Some of that money went toward architectural details such as new ceilings.
The height and type of ceiling make a big difference in the look and feel of a building. Are you considering changing your ceilings? Are you overwhelmed by the options?
Read on for a guide to 5 ceiling types for your home or business.
1. The Conventional Ceiling
The conventional ceiling in most homes is eight feet in height. It comes in many different finishes.
Plaster
Plaster finishes have a long history. The base of the ceiling is cement plaster on top of which there’s a finish. The finishes are sand plaster, roughcast plaster, and pebbled dash plaster.
Sand plaster is so named because of its sandy look and feel. Roughcast is a sand-gravel mix that’s splattered onto wet cement plaster. The finish offers a rustic feel.
Pebbled dash plaster is like roughcast but uses tiny 6-mm pebbles in place of gravel.
Drywall
Drywall ceilings are popular because installation is fast and easy. Drywall comes in panels.
Drywall is pressed plaster covered by thick sheets of paper. It’s dried in a kiln. Once installed, you can add different finishes for texture and beauty:
- Popcorn ceiling
- Skim coating
- Mud swirl
- Smooth
- Plaster stenciling
Most people have a preference between a textured ceiling and a smooth one. It’s a matter of personal taste.
The textured ceilings are finishes such as the popcorn ceiling. The texture is sprayed onto the ceiling and covers the entire area.
Mud swirl is a compound applied in an overlapping swirl pattern while skim coating also adds a small amount of texture to the ceiling.
2. Suspended Ceiling
Suspended ceilings are common in office buildings and residential basements. A metal grid holds acoustic tile panels below the existing ceiling.
These ceilings work great for hiding plumbing and other fixtures.
3. Tray Ceiling
Looking for beautiful architectural details for a master bedroom or dining room ceiling? Try a tray ceiling.
The “tray” recesses into the ceiling and is anywhere from six inches to a foot or more deeper than the ceiling.
4. Coffered Ceiling
A coffered ceiling is boxed beams around sunken panels usually square, octagonal, or rectangular in shape. They’re decorative ceilings found in high-end homes and office buildings.
They add drama and depth. The original coffered ceilings simulated carved stone. You’ll find coffered ceilings in some famous homes such as the Biltmore Estate.
5. Wood Ceilings
Wood beams and tongue-and-groove planks also add beauty and charm to a home. Do you have a home in the mountains with vaulted ceilings and big windows?
Wood ceilings with decorative or structural beams add a dramatic accent. Don’t want an entire wood ceiling? Plaster ceilings between wood beams are also beautiful.
There Are Many Ceiling Types
There are many ceiling types from which to choose for your home or business. Keep in mind the style of residence or business when making your choice.
Conventional ceilings work well and you can add drama with a tray or coffered ceiling if you have room. Try wood and beams for a rustic look. Use suspended ceilings for covering plumbing in the office.
Looking for more design ideas? Check back on the blog!