Ceiling Cladding | Buying Guide
Everything you need to know about Ceiling Cladding
PVC Ceiling Cladding is often the initial introduction to PVC panels for most people. More and more homeowners are choosing ceiling cladding for their new ceiling as it is the ceiling you fit once and it will remain as fresh as the day it was installed for years to come.
Ceiling Panels come in a number of styles ranging from the traditional White Gloss to the more contemporary matt and wood grain finishes. No matter which decor you choose this is a ceiling that wont fade, wont grow mould and doesnt need maintenance.
We have created a ceiling cladding buying guide to help you choose your next ceiling. If you were ever curious as to the benefits of cladding, ceiling cladding is a great place to start.
Ceiling Panel dimensions
PVC Wall Panels come in a variety of sizes but the most common length is 270cms and the two common depths are 5mm and 8mm.
You would typically purchase the panels in a pack of four, so four 250mm wall panels would give you 1 Metre of wall coverage. There are other widths available such as 400mm and 500mm but the most common width is 250mm.
The panels interlock with atonhue and groove joint and this offers a flush finish and waterproof join.
Are Wall Panels as waterproof as a Shower Panel?
Yes. All PVC panels share the common feature of being 100% waterproof regardless of dimensions.
5mm or 8mm?
A 5mm PVC panel is more suited to a ceiling application as they can be vulnerable to damage. For using PVC panels on the wall we would recommend a 7 or 8mm panel, just that bit more robust.
How to calculate number of PVC Ceiling Panels required
Calculating the number of panels required can often lead to confusion but there is a simple formula to use.
Width of Wall / Width of Panel
If we look at the graphic, for a 3 Metre wall we would divide 300cms by 25cms to give us a total of 12 panels required.
If the panel was 500mm we would require 6 panels.
Calculating when there is a window is straightforward, you take the measurements for each block and calculate number of panels for each respective block. If you look at blocks B and C we would use the offcuts from cutting below the window to fit the block above the window (C)
We have created a more comprehensive guide – please use the link below.
Types of Ceiling Cladding
Celing Cladding has a number of profile options, there is the ever popular two strip format, silver edge and inset format and the regular 250mm panel that is available in white matt, white gloss and timber effect options.
An increasingly popular option is White Ash, it offers a subtle grain pattern and silk finish which gives a perfect flat white ceiling that you dont have to paint…ever.
Ceiling Panel Trims
There are a number of ceiling panel trims you can choose from and like all trims, not strictly essential but they make a huge difference to the installation.
We recommend using the trims you fit retrospectively (after you have fitted the wall panels), this makes fitting a lot easier.
The two most common ceiling trims are the quadrant trim and the coving trim. The coving trim is normally fitted before you fit the ceiling panels but it is easier if you remove the rear tab and fit it like a Scotia trim.
How many will you need?
These trims are typically 270cms so generally speaking you will need four.
Note – when buying trims
Ideally you want to buy all the trims you require from one supplier. You do this because if you purchase white trims from two different suppliers you will have two shaes of white.
How much Adhesive do I need for Ceiling Panels?
When using an adhesive to fix your panels to the wall we tend to use a simple guideline – a solvent free adhesive such as PinkGrip SF for surfaces such as brick, masonry or plasterboard and a good quality silicone adhesive when fixing shower panels to a non porous surface such as tiles.
How much adhesive for a 250mm wall panel?
As a rule we recommend half a tube of adhesive, this may increase if the wall is irregular.
How much adhesive for a Shower Panel?
We recommend one and a half tubes of adhesive for a shower panel. Again, this isnt a hard rule as it will depend on how true the existing wall is.
How do you apply adhesive to a PVC Wall Panel?
Either dot and dab or a z pattern, it doesnt really matter just so long as you get an even covering and avoid high or low spots.
What do I need for a 2M x 2.5M Ceiling?
This is the most common bathroom ceiling size in Britain, please see our guide below.
You would require…
8 X 250mm Ceiling Panels
4 panels to a Metre, reduce the length to the required 250cm
4 X Quadrant or Scotia Trim
You can choose either or neither. Trims offer an aesthetic final touch but you can use a bead of sealant.
4 x Adhesive
You would require Four tubes of a good quality solvent free adhesive.
1 x Silicone Sealant
Silicone sealant for fitting the cladseal, internal corner and running down the sides of the screen.
How to Fit Ceiling Cladding
Read our extensive guide on How to Fit Ceiling Cladding. We cover all the basics, how to prepare, how to fix to the ceiling and how to install the finishing trims
Ceiling Panel Delivery – More important than you may think
PVC Wall Panels are incredibly strong and robust WHEN they are fitted to the wall. They are neither strong or robust when in transit. This is one of the largest parcels you can get delivered to a residential property and its not as straightforward as it should be.
Why is delivery problematic?
Its a 3 Metre parcel and the few couriers that do delivery do not like delivering them…at all. Damages are a big problem, both at the hubs and in transit.
How do you get panels delivered?
Try and choose a cladding supplier that delivers using their own vans and own drivers, it makes all the difference.
Any recommendations?
Read our guide on delivery, we have all the industry tips to ensure your panels arrive in good order.
What Tools & Accessories are required to fit PVC Wall Panels?
Where to buy Ceiling Panels
We recommend the Panel Company for ceiling panels. Large range, competitive prices and the best delivery network in the industry.
Glen Coulson
Glen is one of our expert bloggers in bathroom design, cladding and all things DIY. If he isn’t fitting PVC panels, he’s talking or writing about PVC Panels and really should get out more.
Read his posts for the latest coverage of style trends and easy to follow guides.