Polystyrene tiles both decorate and insulate. Although they can be used in any room they are especially suited to kitchens and bathrooms where they combat condensation. They are an ideal covering for a poor, though stable ceiling. Sizes are normally 300mm and 600mm square. A clean, dry, sound surface is needed so any paper or … Read more
False or Suspended Ceilings If the functional use of colour does not bring the high ceiling of an old-fashioned house low enough, or if you wish to conserve room heating, you can fit a false (suspended) ceiling. Measurements given here will have to be revised to suit the size of the room. The softwood wallplates … Read more
Pattern Staining Unless a house is entirely centrally heated and the heating kept on night and day so that the walls are never allowed to drop below the temperature of the room, you are bound to get condensation on ceilings; and this is aggravated in homes where a young married couple are both out at … Read more
Suspended illuminated ceilings are available in various kit forms, all of which use more or less the same components and installation procedures. Although more traditionally associated with kitchens and bathrooms, illuminated ceilings are equally suited to other rooms in the house. Besides creating improved lighting economically by giving a maximum amount of soft, shadow-free illumination, … Read more
Installing a suspended timber ceiling is a task you may decide to undertake if you have an older house and feel a ceiling height of 3m (or 10ft) or more is excessive. Alternatively your home could be part of a large house which has been divided up and the relation of room height to room … Read more
It is very rare for a ceiling to be made of anything except plaster or plaster board. Even when the ceiling itself is formed from concrete the lower face is always covered with a plaster board or plaster and therefore, from the home craftsman’s point of view, nearly all ceilings may be treated alike. It … Read more
Lath and plaster. Laths (battens) are nailed to ceiling joists at intervals. Plaster containing hair to bind it is pressed up and keyed into place between laths. A final skim of plaster is applied. Plasterboard. There are various types in combinations of plaster, fibre, heavy paper, some with aluminium backing. The board is nailed to … Read more