Ceiling Types

Published by: Donna Kshir
Published on: 2010-01-10 15:26:13

To most of us, when we think of the ceiling in our Connecticut home, it is just that: a ceiling. It's a basic boring, large, white, flat surface that provides shelter over our heads. However, architects and designers are striving to make our homes distinctive from a creative designer's point of view; a ceiling is not just shelter, but an opportunity to create a unique, stylish and attractive element in our homes. There are numerous ceiling designs, but each one is associated with positive and negative aspects.

A conventional ceiling is a basic, standard or Plain Jane version of a ceiling. It is basically no more than a wall laid on its side covered with drywall or plaster. It usually stands 8 feet high to fit the standard construction size. Conventional ceilings are functional and have the advantage of being easy to build, but they are pretty basic and there is nothing distinctive about them.

A suspended ceiling is another version of a conventional ceiling. A suspended ceiling is a flat ceiling built underneath an existing ceiling. Suspended ceilings are great at hiding old ceilings, wiring, plumbing or mechanical fixtures. A suspended ceiling consists of metal grid work suspended from the existing ceiling or to the floor joists from the floor above, with ceiling panels built of lightweight acoustic material laid into the grid.

Suspended ceilings are known to have an industrial look, but there are decorated panels available for those who want a more stylish or decorative look in their room.

A cathedral ceiling is a high sloping ceiling that is attached directly to the roof trusses and rises to the top of the house. A cathedral ceiling provides a dramatic design and a wonderful element to any home, as well as provides an open and spacious feel to any home.

Although cathedral ceilings are visually attractive, they too come with practical problems. Due to the ceiling panels being attached directly to the roof trusses, the trusses need to be at least 12 inches wide to allow proper insulation and ventilation behind the ceiling. In those cases where the trusses are too thin in width, it is almost impossible to properly insulate your home.

Another problem tends to be the height of the ceiling. It is difficult and can be quite expensive to paint or change lighting fixtures. In addition, high ceilings and the large volume of air can create issues when trying to move air for heating or cooling your home.

A shed ceiling is somewhat similar to a cathedral ceiling, as the ceiling line slopes upward at one end. The raised angle of a shed ceiling is not as steep and is commonly built with an attic for insulation and ventilation purposes. A shed ceiling does not have the same drawbacks as a cathedral ceiling, but due to the angle of the incline being so steep, the same concerns or issues can arise when it comes to insulation and ventilation.

Vaulted ceilings angle or arch up from the walls towards the ceiling to provide height, as well as an open and spacious feeling.

A tray ceiling resembles a serving tray turned upside down. Tray ceilings have a flat center with the sides sloping in from the walls to join the level ceiling surface. At times, tray ceilings are built in a series of stepped square edges going from the wall to the flat part of the ceiling.

Cove ceilings have a rounded concave surface joining the walls and the flat ceiling.

All of the above ceiling types provide a transitional and dramatic element between the vertical walls of a room and the horizontal ceiling. Used as decorative elements, ceilings provide increased volume and height to any room.

Before you consider making any structural changes to your home it is best to consult a structural engineer or architect. Keep in mind, if the original floor plan or design of your home does not include high ceilings, changing the original ceilings will more than likely require structural changes to your home.

To find a ceiling contractor in Connecticut, browse our directory.

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