False ceiling: height, drop and types
By the Inbecto team · Updated
A false ceiling usually drops 6 to 12 inches below the slab; 8 to 12 inches when it hides cove lights. Keep the finished ceiling at least about 8.5 ft high (9 ft is more comfortable) and fan blades at least 7 ft above the floor. Gypsum board is the usual choice for homes, PVC for damp areas and 2 × 2 ft grid tiles for offices.
Heights
| What | Size |
|---|---|
| Drop below the slab, plain | 4 to 6 in |
| Drop with cove lights | 8 to 12 in |
| Finished ceiling, at least | about 8.5 ft |
| Finished ceiling, comfortable | 9 to 9.5 ft |
| Fan blades above floor | at least 7 ft, 8 to 9 ft is best |
Types
| Type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gypsum board | Bedrooms, living rooms | Smooth finish, quick to fix, the usual choice |
| POP (plaster of Paris) | Curves and mouldings | Made on site, slower, needs skilled work |
| PVC panels | Bathrooms, balconies | Does not mind damp, cheaper, looks plainer |
| Grid (2 × 2 ft tiles) | Offices and shops | Tiles lift out to reach wiring and AC ducts |
| Wood or metal | Feature areas | Costs more, often used over a gypsum base |
How false ceilings are priced
False ceilings are priced by the square foot of ceiling area: the room's length times its width. Cove profiles and lighting troughs are usually added by the running foot along their length, and lights by the point.