How to fit PVC Ceiling Panels
How to fit PVC Ceiling Panels
Ceiling Panels – the easy to fit and low to no maintenance ceiling that will look as good as the day it was installed for years to come. Available in a range of styles and well within reach of a DIY installation.
We look at the most popular methods for fitting ceiling panels and give a number of tips to make it as easy and fast as possible.
How to calculate number of PVC Ceiling Panels required
Orientation of the ceiling panels
We must first consider the orientation of the panels on the ceiling. do you want then to go across the ceiling or down the length?
For a 2M width and 2.5M length ceiling it is better to go with the length to save on waste. If you went across the 2M width you would lose 70cms off each panel.
But it really is a personal preference.
Calculating the number of ceiling panels required can often lead to confusion but there is a simple formula to use.
Width of ceiling / Width of Panel
If we look at the graphic, for a 2 Metre ceiling we would divide 200cms by 25cms to give us a total of 8 panels required.
If the panel was 500mm we would require 4 panels.
What You Will Need | Tools & Preparation
Fitting Ceiling Panels is relatively straightforward and requires basic DIY tools – outlined below:
- Tape Measure
- Stanley Knife
- Mitre Block
- Set Square
- Fine Toothed Saw / Chopsaw / Jigsaw
- Solvent Free Adhesive
- Silicone Sealant
- Screws / Pins / Staples
Before You Start
Clean the ceiling thoroughly and ensure any mould or residue is thoroughly cleaned before starting to fit the panels. Also make sure the wall is sound with no loose plaster or flaking paint.
Cut the Ceiling Panels to Length
Start by cutting the panels to length. It would be a good idea to take three measurements of the length of your ceiling. If the ceiling isnt a uniform width (they rarely are) I would recommend cutting the panels individually as you go, opposed to all at the same time.
Transfer the ceiling length measurement then cut choosing your preferred tool.
What is the best tool for cutting ceiling panels?
There isnt a best tool for cutting ceiling panels. The four most common tools will generate a very similar cut – the electric saws can be more aggressive but used correctly they are very similar.
The best advice is to use the tool you feel most comfortable with but considering you are cuttting a 200 or 250mm PVC panel, cut slowly as there is little resistance to the cut.
Read our comprehensive guide on how to cut PVC Panels
Apply Sealant | Fit First Panel
The fitting method will depend on the existing ceiling you will be fitting ceiling panels to.
The most common ceiling is plasterboard with a painted or artex finish. For this type of ceiling you would use a solvent free adhesive
Apply the adhesive in a Z pattern the full length of the ceiling panel. Use a dot and dab pattern if your existing ceiling is irregular.
How much adhesive per ceiling panel?
For a typical 250mm ceiling panel you would require 0.5 tube of adhesive.
Why is trim choice important for the first panel?
If you choose coving or end cap trims you would first remove the tongue from the first panel. If you choose quadrant or scotia trims you do not need to remove the tongue from panel #1.
Fit Ceiling Panel #1 > Fix with screw or pin
After applying the adhesive to ceiling panel #1 lift and fit to the ceiling pushing firmly across the width and length of the panel. Ideally you will have a second pair of hands for fitting ceiling panels as it makes it a lot easier.
When you have pushed the panel firmly in place (you will get some grab from the adhesive) secure the panel in place with three small screws. Screws will get sufficient bite into plasterboard so you wont need plugs. If you are securing to plywood or wooden battens you can use pins or staples.
Fit remaining panels | tongue & groove
After fitting the first panel it is now a matter of repeating the process until the ceiling is complete.
Repeat Panel #1 Process
Apply sealant to panel #2 in a Z pattern or dot and dab depending on existing ceiling surface then lift to push into panel #1. Push the tongue of #2 into the groove of #1 and apply even pressure across the width and length of the panel to ensure the adhesive bonds to the existing ceiling.
Fit three screws along the groove of panel #2, this will secure the panel in place until the adhesive fully cures. The screws will be covered by the next panel.
Continue the same process with the remaining panels until the ceiling is complete, ensure each panel is pushed tightly into the groove of the previous panel before fitting the screws.
When fitting the ceiling panels it is important to think about what trims you use. Do you need trims? No, you can just use a bead of sealant but trims make a big difference to the finished job. Most suppliers will attempt to sell you trims but this is an add on that is recommended.
We look at the options available for ceiling panels below
What Tools & Accessories are required to fit PVC Wall Panels?
Ceiling Panel Trims
Fitting Ceiling Panel Trims
There are two types of ceiling panel trims you can use – trims you fit before the ceiling panels and trims you fit after the ceiling panels.
Trims to fit before the ceiling panels are fitted…
The trims to fit before fitting ceiling panels are the trims one must slot the panel in first. The two main types are end cap and coving.
Trims to fit after the ceiling panels are fitted…
The trims to fit after fitting ceiling panels are easier to fit in that you do not have to slot the panels in place as you would with the former.
The two main types are Quadrant and Scotia / Coving (modified),
We recommend these trims as they are easier to fit but it really does depend on personal preference.
Ceiling Panel Trims | Quadrant Trim
The Quadrant Trim is arguably the most popular ceiling panel trim due to its minimal aesthetic and simplicity to fit.
PVC Quadrant Trim | Colour Choices
Available in Gloss Black, White and Chrome – you would select the colour to match (note – whites don’t match) or contrast with your wall and ceiling panels. Most popular choice is white by far but bear in mind that the white wont be the same white as the ceiling panel.
PVC Quadrant Trim | Fitting
Cut to size and use mitre cuts for the internal and any external corners. To cut the trims use a fine toothed saw or a chopsaw.
Straightforward to fit, just add a bead of silicone sealant to both flat surfaces and then push up to the ceiling and wall. I would typically use masking tape to hold the trim in place until the sealant fully cures.
Ceiling Panel Trims | Scotia / Coving Trim
The Coving trim is another popular trim for ceiling panels. Obviously this is a concave profile where the Quadrant Trim is a Convex profile, it really comes down to personal preference.
What is the difference between a coving and scotia trim?
Technically its the rear tab on the coving trim – that is the only difference. The Coving trim has a rear tab where the panel slots into whereas the scotia trim does not. Scotia trims are more common in Aluminium than PVC but they are available.
Do you need the rear tab on the Coving trim?
No. Most fitters remove it with a stanley knife.
PVC Coving / Scotia Trim | Fitting
Cut the trims to size using mitre cuts for the internal and external corners. use a fine toothed saw or chopsaw.
Fit with a bead of silicone and push up to the ceiling and wall panels applying pressure throughout the length. Fix in position with masking tape until the silicone cures.
Where to buy Ceiling Panels
We recommend the Panel Company for ceiling panels. Large range, excellent reviews, 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.