Stretch Ceiling FAQs

Stretch ceilings are a type of ceiling treatment that involves using a stretchable and flexible material, typically a PVC-based membrane, to create a smooth and seamless surface across a ceiling. This material is stretched and secured within a perimeter track system installed along the edges of the room. The resulting ceiling has a sleek, modern appearance and can be customized in terms of colour, texture, and even printed designs.

To rapidly create a long-lasting, good-looking, sustainable ceiling! Due to their ease of installation, strength, durability and low-maintenance, stretch ceilings have significant advantages over other ceiling options, especially for certain types of buildings (read the next FAQ for more). They can very quickly and cost-effectively hide an unsightly existing ceiling as they fit below original ceilings. Because they fit below original ceilings they can reduce heat loss in a room, even more so if you fit insulation in the gap between the stretch and original ceiling.

Stretch ceilings can be used anywhere but due to their advantages in terms of strength, durability, low-maintenance, and hygiene, you will very commonly find them in schools and nurseries, indoor playgrounds, hospitals and other medical facilities, care homes, sports and leisure centres, swimming pools, bars and restaurants. Read more about businesses that often use stretch ceilings.

Unlike other ceiling options, stretch ceilings are 100% recyclable. They last longer, coming with a 10 year guarantee, and require less materials and resources to manufacture, transport and install. You can also add insulation above them to save energy. Energy Efficiency research carried out by the University of Brighton in 2020 found the U-Value of the additional insulation created with Easy Ceiling stretch ceilings was 0.233 W/m2K.

So, yes, we would say stretch ceilings are sustainable and energy efficient.

Read more about the sustainable credentials of stretch ceilings.

Both stretch ceilings and false ceilings are created beneath an original ceiling. But that is where the similarities end.

False ceilings are typically created using plasterboard fitted to the room via timber battens or metal framing.

Stretch ceilings as we have explained elsewhere in this FAQ are PVC elastic canvases fitted to a room via an aluminium perimeter track.

PVC stretch ceilings offer a number of advantages over plasterboard including speed and ease of install and sustainability. Read more about the differences between stretch ceilings, plasterboard and other ceiling options.

Stretch ceilings come in a wide choice of colours. You can opt for traditional matt, slightly gloss satin or a dramatic gloss finish. Let more light in with a translucent ceiling. Or why not create an impact with a printed ceiling of your logo, favourite artwork or motif. You can even create shaped, tiered or multi-level ceilings. You can even create shaped, tiered or multi-level ceilings. With New Vision ceilings you do not have to decide on one specific look for your ceiling, you can have two, actually many more when you consider additional lighting effects. See more design options.

Stretch ceilings are highly recommended for swimming pools because they are very resistant to moisture and humidity. This resistance helps prevent issues like mould, mildew, and water damage, ensuring a long-lasting and visually appealing swimming pool ceiling. The stretch ceiling also acts as vapour barrier, keeping the air above dry and therefore safeguarding the roof structure of your indoor pool. Read more about swimming pool ceilings.

Stretch ceilings are designed to be compatible with various lighting options. Recessed lights, LED strips, or other light fixtures can be integrated into the stretch ceiling seamlessly. For recessed lights, openings are measured and cut into the stretch ceiling membrane at precise locations. The light fixtures are then installed into these openings, creating a flush and integrated appearance.

Other fixtures and fittings, such as ventilation grilles, speakers, sprinklers, or other decorative elements, can also be integrated into stretch ceilings. Similar to lights, openings are measured and cut to accommodate these elements. The fixtures are then installed, and the membrane is stretched around them, concealing the edges and creating a cohesive look.

If maintenance or access to the space above the stretch ceiling is required, certain stretch ceiling systems allow for easy removal and reinstallation. This is particularly useful in commercial spaces where access to wiring or utilities may be necessary.

Read more about how stretch ceilings can integrate with lights, fittings and fixtures.

Stretch ceilings are designed to be compatible with various lighting options. Recessed lights, LED strips, or other light fixtures can be integrated into the stretch ceiling seamlessly. For recessed lights, openings are measured and cut into the stretch ceiling membrane at precise locations. The light fixtures are then installed into these openings, creating a flush and integrated appearance.

Other fixtures and fittings, such as ventilation grilles, speakers, sprinklers, or other decorative elements, can also be integrated into stretch ceilings. Similar to lights, openings are measured and cut to accommodate these elements. The fixtures are then installed, and the membrane is stretched around them, concealing the edges and creating a cohesive look.

If maintenance or access to the space above the stretch ceiling is required, certain stretch ceiling systems allow for easy removal and reinstallation. This is particularly useful in commercial spaces where access to wiring or utilities may be necessary.

Read more about how stretch ceilings can integrate with lights, fittings and fixtures.

The price for the material and installation of our stretch ceilings starts at £60 per square metre. This cost is similar to a plasterboard ceiling. However with plasterboard you will need to allow for lots more time for the install and extra costs for clearing the rooms, disposal of waste and cleaning the premises. See our comparison of stretch ceilings with other ceilings.

It is very easy. Unlike traditional ceilings, stretch ceilings do not crack. The canvas is waterproof and can hold up to 100 litres of water per square metre of ceiling in the case of technical failure or flooding, thereby protecting your property from damage. See the video below for a variety of strength tests. They are easy to clean to, just use a damp cloth!

Generally, the installation process for a stretch ceiling is faster than other traditional ceiling methods. On average, a professional installer may take a day or two to install a 100sqm stretch ceiling. However, larger or more intricate installations could take longer. It’s essential to consider factors like preparation work, the type of stretch ceiling material being used, and any additional features or designs that may require more time. For accurate information specific to your project, it’s recommended to consult with our professional team.

We are often contacted by builders and interior decorators who want to add stretch ceilings to their portfolio of services. Or maybe you just have an appetite to DIY your stretch ceiling install? We provide training courses for beginners at our Sussex factory and can supply full product information and ongoing technical support.

We offer a 10-year guarantee but stretch ceilings can last much longer, often over 20 years in our experience. It’s more than likely you’ll want to change the design (which is very simple to do) before you have to replace it due to wear and tear.

See the previous question, we offer a 10 year guarantee, but stretch ceilings can last much longer, often over 30 years in our experience. But it is easy to change your design if you want to and stretch ceilings are 100% recyclable!

We did mention in stretch ceiling cons that they might not be suitable for rooms with low ceilings as they fit below the original ceiling of a room. However we do have a super-mirror canvas which can solve the problem of low ceilings as it helps make any room seem taller and wider.

Technically speaking it is possible to paint stretch ceilings, although it is hard to paint on PVC elastic. But really, we wouldn’t recommend it! Stretch ceilings are almost always supplied finished. They have almost unlimited design options and there are a wide variety of colours to choose from. If you do want to change ceiling colour or design it is so much easier to replace the ceiling than paint it!

Yes, Easy Ceiling’s stretch ceiling canvases come with a fire safety classification in accordance with EN 13501=1:2002 and NF EN 13501-1+A1:2013. See this film for what happens when a canvas catches fire.