Creating figured plasterboard ceilings with your own hands

It can be a fun project to turn a plain ceiling into a distinctive focal point. Any room can benefit from the chic addition of depth and character provided by figured plasterboard ceilings. By utilizing appropriate equipment and a little ingenuity, you can accomplish a polished appearance without employing a contractor.

Although this project may initially seem overwhelming, it is completely doable if you break it down into manageable steps. Plasterboard allows for flexibility and creativity, whether your goal is a simple geometric design or something more complex.

This post will teach you the fundamental techniques and advice needed to make your own figured plasterboard ceiling, which will add a unique touch and make your room stand out.

Step	Description
1. Design	Sketch the ceiling shape and plan where to install lights and fixtures.
2. Frame Construction	Build the metal frame according to your design, securing it firmly to the ceiling.
3. Plasterboard Installation	Cut plasterboard to fit the frame and screw it in place.
4. Finishing	Fill joints with putty, sand the surface, and apply primer before painting.

Variants of curved ceilings

Currently, it is common to differentiate between various categories of design:

1. Two-level. The most popular variation, can be arranged even in small rooms. In addition, all processes are carried out exclusively with your own hands.
2. Multi-level. Such figured ceilings are more difficult to make: you will need to make accurate calculations, any errors will lead to serious problems during cladding. Some experience or extreme accuracy is required to carry out the work.

Designs can take many different forms, but the more intricate the structure, the more meticulously the groundwork is done.

Image gallery: Decorative plasterboard ceiling designs (16 images)

Making a figured plasterboard ceiling yourself gives you the flexibility to personalize the design to suit your taste, making it a useful and artistic way to improve your area. Even if you’re not an experienced builder, you can still produce a professional-looking result with a few simple tools and materials. Because it only requires precise planning, secure installation, and precise cutting, DIY enthusiasts who wish to give their home a unique touch can easily complete this project.

Drawing up a diagram

An accurate plan ensures that there won’t be any flaws when the job is finished. Procedure algorithm:

1. The dimensions of the base and the parameters of stationary objects and objects are taken: door and window openings, furniture, decorative elements placed above the middle of the room.
2. All data is reflected in the diagram. The main rule is to maintain the scale, since the indicators are then transferred to the ceiling surface.
3. The desired configuration is determined. For this, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the existing options.
4. The dimensions of the created figure are calculated. At this stage, each segment must be built.
5. According to the resulting composition, the placement of the frame parts is noted, the location of hidden and open lighting is immediately thought out.
6. The final structure is transferred to the room plan to fit the interior items. If possible, a graphic projection is made.
7. Next, you need to draw a final version that will include all the nuances.

To prevent errors, it is advised to follow the steps step-by-step and slowly.

Be aware of this! When you’re new, it’s better to turn down complicated setups.

Surface preparation

It is necessary to perform preliminary work because it enables you to find and fix hidden issues with the base. Method:

1. The ceiling is cleared of all unnecessary things, the lamps are removed, the wires are insulated. If necessary, a new wiring is installed.
2. The condition of the surface is assessed. If there are no serious defects, there is no need to remove the coating. It is also necessary to inspect the base for mold and mildew and treat the areas if they are found.
3. Cracks and fissures are sealed. To do this, they are expanded, cleaned and filled with putty. In old houses, special attention is paid to the junction of the walls and ceiling.
4. The surface is evenly treated with an antiseptic and dried well.

Additionally, everything superfluous must be taken out of the room. Goats are constructed, supplies and equipment are bought in advance, and a practical stepladder is chosen.

Marking and creating a frame

Depending on the selected shape, this process is only done once all surface preparation is finished. Using plasterboard to construct a base level is the easiest way to do this. The first tier is not built into the structure if alignment is not needed.

Technology for installing foundations:

1. The first segment is marked, the ceiling guide fixation lines (PGF) are determined on the walls.
2. PGF is mounted along the perimeter of the room, hangers are attached.
3. A horizontal profile (PP) is installed with a step of 40 cm.
4. All frame parts are aligned and screwed to the exposed elements.
5. The lintels are laid and joined using a crab or directly. The same principle is used to install embedded parts for the suspended lathing of the lower level. This is especially important with a serious load on the base.

Gypsum boards are used to sheathe the prepared portion.

Semicircle

Step-by-step instructions for creating a lathing for such a shape are as follows:

1. The radius of the figure is determined, the center of the circle is installed according to the plan.
2. A rail is prepared, into one end of which a sharp self-tapping screw is screwed. It will act as a compass. A distance is measured from the installed screw according to the radius of the figure, a hole is drilled at this point, which should ensure reliable installation of the pencil.
3. The center of the circle is determined: a circle is drawn and divided into two halves. The required semicircle is left.
4. According to the data obtained, a frame is built. A guide profile is set along the circle and the side line. To bend it, the edges are cut, the part is formed according to the marking. A ceiling profile is attached to the PNP with a step of 10-15 cm. It is pre-cut into fragments, which are calculated based on the height of the future figure. Guides of the desired shape are screwed to the lower edge of the PP. The result is a structure resembling half an orange slice. The inner part is filled with ceiling profiles of different lengths, they form radius rays. They are additionally fixed to the hangers to the base.

If you mark the plasterboard correctly, it won’t take long to create a semicircle on the ceiling.

Ellipse

It is required to mark the surface in order to create an oval-shaped rounding:

1. The center of the future figure is determined – A, which most often coincides with the center of the ceiling. Perpendicular lines are laid crosswise.
2. The distance to the created structure is measured from the walls, dots are placed on each section of the marking. Two intersecting lines should be obtained: long – KB and short – CS.
3. Considering that A is the center, then AK = AB, and AC = AS. These are segments of different sections of the figure.
4. To construct an oval structure, the size of AB is determined.
5. From point C, a distance equal to the parameters taken is set aside. It is taken into account that the line descends to segment AB, that is, point D should appear on it.
6. Result: CD = AB.
7. The same line is lowered from C to AK, point N is obtained.
8. A triangle NCD is formed, into each vertex of which a screw is screwed.
9. A thread is pulled in the direction N–C–D.
10. A groove is cut on a simple pencil, a twisted thread is tucked into it from point C.

You can draw an ellipse by using this device to draw equal, rounded sections. The wall guides are set first, but the lathing is mounted using the same method as in the previous version.

Wave

There are two techniques you can use to create a lovely curved shape:

• Stencil. This method is suitable for complex configurations. To create a template, a sheet of fiberboard is used, processed according to a pre-designed scheme. The advantage of this option is that it is possible to create complex patterns, and the disadvantage is labor intensity for large room sizes.
• The second method is similar to the solutions for a semicircle and an ellipse, but all convex and concave shapes are set by projecting circles of different sizes. Their alternation creates a curving line. Complex transitions are formed independently.

1. If the figured element adjoins the wall, then the guides are set at the required level.
2. A separate section of PNP is cut and bent along the applied line. With a lack of length, the details are joined, vertical fragments of the ceiling profile are fucked to them.
3. PP are fixed to the wall guide, which should have the size according to the shape of the wave. Elements are connected to the placed PP, for this a bent fragment of PNP is used.

Suspensions are used to enhance ceiling profiles that are exhibited horizontally when necessary.

Guidance! After the frame is formed, electrical cables are installed on the accessible details for the backlight. It is recommended that they be placed inside a particular corrugation.

Work with drywall

The last steps won’t be tough if the crate is assembled correctly.

The bend of the sheet

The hardest part of the process is sheathing the side plots of the projecting figures. There are various methods:

• The desired part is measured and cut off. On the reverse side, facing the inside of the structure, numerous cuts are made, the front part of the cardboard is not damaged. When bending outward, the grooves should have a V-shape.
• The second method is simpler: the back side is rolled with a needle roller, then wetted and bent directly on site. Care must be taken, excessive moisture will destroy the plate.
• The third method involves creating a stencil along which the bend will be performed.

Fastening the plasterboard

Following these guidelines will determine how the plasterboard is fixed:

• Special self-tapping screws designed for flashing a metal profile are used for fastening.
• The step for placing the mounting points, provided the surface is flat, is 10–15 cm, for curved bases it is selected individually. Indent from the edge is 15 mm.
• Large sections are laid first. If several parts are used, a gap of 3–5 mm is left between them.
• The side fragments of complex figures are sewn last, this allows you to trim the excess to the desired size immediately on the spot.

It’s advised to use a special screwdriver attachment to limit the immersion because the screw heads need to be recessed flush.

Making a figured plasterboard ceiling yourself is a satisfying project that can greatly improve any room’s aesthetic appeal. Even complicated designs can be precisely realized with the right preparation and equipment.

It takes time and careful attention to detail to make sure that every component of the ceiling is correctly aligned and fastened. Don’t hurry the installation process; instead, take your time to measure and cut precisely.

Lastly, keep in mind that the final details, like painting and filling joints, are just as crucial as the actual construction. Not only will a professionally finished ceiling look great, but it will also give your house long-term value.

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