A false ceiling, also known as a drop or suspended ceiling, is a great way to enhance the beauty of your home or office. It is typically suspended from the main ceiling. False ceiling not only improves the overall look, but also conceal unwanted stuff such as excessive wiring, for commercial interiors, or your residence.
Deciding on the right type of false ceiling can be confusing due to the numerous options available in the market. Among them, Gypsum boards and plaster of Paris (POP) are two of the most preferred materials used to make a false ceiling. They have similar properties, like being bulky, providing heat insulation, and being fire-retardant. False ceilings made of POP and Gypsum have their pros and cons.
Read Also: Benefits of Having Suspended Ceilings in a Home
The Pros and Cons of Pop Vs. Gypsum Ceilings
Plaster of Paris (POP)
POP stands for Plaster of Paris. Gypsum powder is made from a type of mineral. When mixed with water, it forms a paste that hardens into a solid shape. This modeling property makes it a popular choice for creating false ceilings due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness.
To apply Plaster of Paris (POP), start by cleaning the ceiling surface to remove dust and debris. Next, install a metal framework or grid to support the POP structure. Prepare the POP by mixing the powder with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions until you have a smooth, lump-free paste. Evenly apply this paste onto the metal framework using a trowel or spatula. For detailed designs, consider using molds or stencils. Allow the POP to dry completely. Once dry, your POP false ceiling is ready.
Pros:
• POP is durable with minimal wear and tear.
• It can be easily applied to corners.
• Any desired shape or design can be achieved.
• POP is significantly cheaper than gypsum boards.
Cons:
• You need to hire skilled and experienced people for efficient work and good POP designs, otherwise, it will give an unpolished finish.
• A POP false ceiling can be time-consuming
• It is dusty and can make the site look messy.
• The making charges are comparatively higher.
• It may result in wastage because of excessive mixture.
• The POP ceiling can only be installed only when it is dried.
Read Also: Difference Between Gypsum & Fiber Ceilings
Gypsum Board:
A gypsum false ceiling is created by using a gypsum plasterboard, which is screwed to a metal frame. Gypsum plasterboards typically come in sheet form, making installation easier and requiring less work. These sheets have built-in joints that are finished using a jointing compound.
Gypsum boards are more durable than plaster of Paris (POP). The hydrophobic properties of gypsum boards make them ideal for false ceilings. These boards are made in a factory and erected on the job site using meta frameworks. Gypsum boards are typically made in sizes!
Standard Dimensions:
- Length: 8 feet (2440 mm)
- Width: 4 feet (1220 mm)
Thickness:
The thickness of gypsum boards varies based on the intended use and required strength.
- 1/2 inch (12.7 mm): For general wall and ceilings
- 5/8 inch (15.875 mm): Used for exterior walls and fire-rated assemblies.
- 3/4 inch (19.05 mm): Used for areas requiring higher sound insulation.
- 1 inch (25.4 mm): Primarily used for specific applications where exceptional strength and fire resistance are needed.
Pros:
• Installing gypsum false ceilings is fast and easy.
• The cleaning process is seamless and effortless
• It leaves less residue and dust which means organized construction site.
• Gypsum plasterboard has significantly more strength compared to POP.
• It adds a modern, contemporary look to your interiors.
• It is attached to the ceiling without much joints.
• They are of good quality because they are manufactured and pre-built by the companies.
Cons:
• Although it is easier to install, the un-installation and repairing is quite tedious, and often results in breaking the major portion or the whole thing.
• Moisture may seep into the false ceiling if roofs and air conditioning is not kept in check.
• It may also lead to fungal growth or cause the ceiling to lose its shape. But there are moisture-resistant boards available to fix this problem.
• Gypsum boards cost a little more than POP
• With time, a gypsum false ceiling may develop cracks around the joints.
Conclusion:
False ceilings have taken center stage in modern-day home constructions. It is an efficient method to make your home look aesthetically pleasing and clutter-free. Now that you know the pros and cons of both gypsum and POP, you can choose the right set of false ceilings based on your requirements. But even then, you would need to get in touch with experts to install suspended ceilings. They will carefully assess which type of false ceiling would best suit your home conditions.