A striking example of a modern, practical and aesthetic suspension system is the Armstrong ceiling (photo below) based on cellular slabs. You need to understand that Armstrong refers to the products of the company of the same name. Its popularity is so high that today almost all systems hanging type out of ignorance, many people call it that way.

Materials for making the structure

Before looking at the pros and cons suspension systems company, it is worth understanding what the design is. It was Armstrong that came up with the idea to combine different variants materials for the production of modules. Using a standard frame based on metal guides and hangers as a basis, manufacturers invite customers to choose the finish to their taste.

You can choose from the following options:

• mineral fiber;
• basalt fiber;
• polycarbonate;
• natural wood;
• become;
• aluminum, etc.

You can also try to diversify the design using texture. The ceiling in the apartment will look original using slabs:

• with embossing;
• geometric pattern;
• with perforation;
• with decorative elements.

Absolutely special option- These are Armstrong designer ceilings, made to order in a single version.

Advantages and disadvantages of systems

The popularity of designs has not faded for several decades, which means there is something that inspires confidence among consumers. Scroll positive qualities ceilings Armstrong brings clarity to this issue. So, the designs are popular due to:

• the possibility of constructing an inter-ceiling zone for masking communication systems, electrical wiring, ventilation with constant access to them if necessary;
• no need for preparation rough foundation for installation of the system - the ceiling will mask surface defects;
• the possibility of quick installation and equally simple and time-consuming dismantling if necessary;
• high reflectivity of the slabs, which allows saving on energy consumption;
• excellent sound insulation ( suitable option for decoration of public premises);
• the ability to decorate the canvas with additional accessories and practical lighting fixtures;
• high level of safety and environmental friendliness.

The seemingly virtually flawless system has several drawbacks.

These include:

1. Reducing the ceiling height in the room by at least 8 cm, and in some cases more. Despite the fact that almost all types of suspended ceilings suffer from this, you need to be prepared for the fact that the Armstrong design will only be appropriate in a room with initially high ceilings.
2. Exposure to moisture. Armstrong systems and similar systems will not protect the premises from floods. The mineral fiber included in the boards will not cope with the test, so if emergency situation The ceiling must be completely or partially replaced.
3. Despite wide choose finishing materials for cladding systems, embossing and options with slab sizes, their design component is inferior to the same stretch ceilings, the advantage of which is the implementation in several levels with hidden and open lighting.
4. Low level of strength. Armstrong ceilings are not as resistant to mechanical damage as they seem. If it is not metal or wood, it can be easily damaged during installation or dismantling work.
5. The environmental friendliness of mineral fiber boards is questionable. We can only talk about the complete safety of the ceiling if it is finished with aluminum or wood. Artificial materials include mineral fiber, starch, water-based paint and cellulose - all this is not the best option to be close to a person.

Traditionally, the Armstrong suspended ceiling and its analogues with a similar design are presented in several slab options, each of which has its own characteristics.

Types of ceiling systems - useful to know

All variants of Armstrong suspended structures, despite differences in functionality and content, have visual similarities. Nevertheless, ceilings are conventionally divided into several types:

1. Budget option - Tatra, Baikal, Cortega and Oasis slabs. This great choice for those who value strength and naturalness combined with reasonable cost.
2. Prima class slabs. The most resistant to moisture, they are noticeably more expensive than the previous option, but can be used in rooms with high level humidity (bathroom, kitchen). During use they do not lose their shape and retain their rich color.
3. Soundproofing boards. A specialized ceiling option for rooms with high noise levels, often for public purposes. Ceiling covering suppresses all types of noise.
4. Plates of the Bioguard series. Suitable for installation in rooms with increased hygiene requirements - hospitals, kindergartens, schools, canteens, food shops etc.
5. The most expensive and unusual designer ceilings Armstrong, which are ordered according to individual sketches.

Among the presented slab options, you can choose suitable ones for any interior style. At the same time, not only the materials at the base of the slabs and classes, but also the types of edges can influence the final decision. There are three types: Microlook, Tegular and Board.

The latter is quite rightly beyond competition due to its versatility and even some neutrality. Installing ceilings with slabs of this type is simple - it will not be reflected in the drawing. As for the first two options, with their help it will be possible to assemble a ceiling with clearly marked boundaries between the elements.

In conclusion, it remains to be noted that Armstrong ceiling systems, developed just a few decades ago, are firmly entrenched in Russian market for a reason. There are a lot of objective reasons for this and technical characteristics that have been tested by time and active use.

The designs fit perfectly today not only into office interiors, but also trading floors and restaurants. With a skillful approach, they can be used to decorate ceilings in apartments in an original way, practicing the installation of functional and economical lighting based on fluorescent raster lamps.

Suspended ceilings of the Armstrong type are a universal finish, suitable for offices and shops, as well as residential premises. This ceiling looks beautiful, is installed quickly, and is relatively inexpensive. I would like to say right away that manufacturers often say that Armstrong is a new word in design, but this is not so.

Cassette (tile-cellular) ceilings were widely used back in the Soviet Union, although not in residential, but in industrial premises. Under such ceilings it was possible to successfully hide any communications - wiring, ventilation.

Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of Armstrong ceilings.

Peculiarities

Armstrong suspended ceilings can be divided into five main classes. To understand what materials you will be dealing with, ask the seller for a manufacturer's certificate. It must indicate all the technical characteristics of the ceiling tiles.

Such coatings are divided into the following types:

• Economy class. Mineral-organic plates that do not have such advantages as moisture resistance or thermal insulation are used as plates. True, they cost a little. Most economy class models have a wide range of colors and look neat and beautiful. The main thing is not to use them in damp areas.

• Prima class ceilings. Excellent technical characteristics - moisture resistance, durability, strength, combined with a variety of colors and reliefs. Such plates are made of metal, plastic, acrylic and other durable materials. Manufacturers provide a guarantee of at least 10 years for such products.

• Acoustic. Such ceilings with slab thicknesses up to 22 mm are needed where it is necessary to provide noise reduction. These are reliable, strong ceilings with for a long time services.
• Hygienic. Made from special moisture-resistant materials with antibacterial properties.
• Special category – designer ceilings. They can be very different and from materials with a variety of textures.

Armstrong ceiling tiles also differ in the installation method: classic way when the slab is inserted from the inside into the frame and modern version when the slabs are installed externally (they snap into the frame with light pressure).

Advantages and disadvantages

Armstrong ceilings have many advantages:

• a huge variety of panels for suspended ceilings allows you to choose suitable color, texture, thickness and size for any room;
• this finish is perfect for a large room;
• the ceiling will do an excellent job of insulating the room, since light insulation can be installed in the space between the main ceiling and the suspended ceiling;
• The moisture resistance of the ceiling depends on the quality of the tiles. Most Prima class ceilings are not afraid of humidity;

• if your ceiling is not perfect and has cracks, seams, height differences and other defects, then Armstrong finishing will great solution Problems;
• Wiring, ventilation and other communications are easiest to hide in the Armstrong ceiling design;
• you can install a suspended ceiling yourself;
• if any of the tiles are damaged, you can replace the element yourself;

• the overwhelming majority of finishing materials used in Armstrong ceiling construction are easy to clean and even washable;
• tile panels are environmentally friendly and safe for humans. Neither plastic nor mineral panels emit harmful substances, do not smell and are not destroyed by exposure to heat or sunlight;
• the design does not exert unnecessary pressure on the floors;
• Armstrong ceiling has good sound insulation characteristics.

Of course, this finish also has some disadvantages:

• In terms of style, it is not always suitable for decorating an apartment or private house, as it looks “office”;
• Using cheap materials will mean that the panels will not last long. They are easily scratched or damaged by any accidental impact;
• the ceiling structure will inevitably “eat up” part of the height of the room.

Device

The ceiling structure is a suspension system consisting of a frame, suspension system and tiles. The frame is made of light alloys, total weight will depend on the area of ​​the room (than larger area, the heavier the structure), but in general the load on the floors is very small.

The structure can be mounted on almost any ceiling.

The height of the room plays a big role.

remember, that Armstrong ceiling will “eat” at least 15 centimeters of height.Designers recommend using suspended ceilings in rooms with a height of at least 2.5 m. If they are a necessity in a small, low room (they hide wiring or ventilation), then be sure to consider using mirror panels. Mirror panels visually increase the height of the room.

Specifications The elements of the suspended frame are as follows:

• load-bearing profiles type T15 and T24, length according to GOST 3.6 meters;
• transverse profiles type T15 and T24, length according to GOST 0.6 and 1.2 meters;
• corner wall profile 19\24.

The suspension system consists of:

1. Spring loaded spokes(strings) to support profiles with which you can adjust the height of the frame. Standard knitting needle (strings) of two types - knitting needles with an eye at the end and knitting needles with a hook at the end.
2. butterfly springs with 4 holes.

After installing the frame and suspension system, you can attach the most important part - the slabs (finishing). Plates can be of different sizes, but the most common are standard ones square area 1 m².

Fastening

The ceiling consists of a set of elements (profiles and panels) that are easy to connect with each other. Therefore, for such a ceiling, size does not matter; difficulties can only arise with non-linear shapes of rooms. Correct fastening aluminum or galvanized profiles to the walls and ceiling - the key to the durability of the entire structure. There is nothing complicated here, but some details are worth dwelling on in more detail.

The set of tools you may need is small: pliers, perforation drill, metal snips, dowels and hammer. The profile length usually does not exceed 4 meters. By the way, if you require profiles of shorter (or longer) length, then you can almost always order them from the seller or manufacturer, in this case you will not have to bother with cutting or extending.

It is important to understand that different materials The basic ceiling also dictates the choice of different fasteners.

Thus, stone surfaces or silicate blocks require the use of dowels of at least 50 mm. For concrete or brick floors, 40 mm dowels with a diameter of 6 mm are suitable. WITH wooden floors easier - hanging frame for such a ceiling it can also be secured using self-tapping screws.

Fastening the plates is not difficult even for a novice craftsman. Before installation, it is recommended to check all angles between the guides (they must be exactly 90 degrees). After this, the panels are installed, inserting them into the hole edge-on. Next, we give the panels a horizontal position and carefully lower them onto the profile.

note that if the edges of the slabs are visible, this indicates errors when installing the frame. Unfortunately, it often happens that slabs need to be cut.

The installation of such slabs must be done at the final stage of work, when all the others are already in cassettes. Make sure that the wall edge is smooth, and if necessary use ceiling plinth. It will add completeness and neatness to the entire structure.

Frame installation and assembly

Most often, installation is carried out by companies that sell suspended ceilings, since they include this service in the cost of the entire structure. However, many home craftsmen undertake to install the Armstrong ceiling with their own hands.

We are offering to you step by step instructions installation of a suspended ceiling, which will help you easily master the preparation technology and quickly assemble the structure:

• Before installing the ceiling, it is necessary to complete all work on laying communications.
• Begin the installation by marking out the starting point. For this, from the very low angle down, mark the distance corresponding to the height of the suspended structure. The minimum indentation is 15 cm. It all depends on the size and number of communications that will be hidden inside the suspended structure.
• Now you need to install an L-shaped profile with a 24X19 section along the perimeter of the walls. To do this, we make markings using a chop cord. This is not difficult to do yourself - the cord needs to be smeared with a special coloring element (you can use regular graphite), applied to the marks in the corners and “beat off”. Now we can see the level of our new ceiling.

• The starting profile (corner) is attached to the wall with dowels, which must be selected depending on the material they will be installed in - concrete, brick, wood or stone. The distance between dowels is usually 500 mm. We cut the profile in the corners using a hacksaw.
• The next step is to determine the center of the room. The easiest way is to pull ropes from opposite corners. The intersection will be the center of the room.
• We set aside 1.2 meters in each direction from the center - load-bearing profiles will be installed in these places.
• Fastening of supporting profiles of section T24 or T15 to the ceiling is carried out using hangers. The length of the supporting profiles is standard - 3.6 meters, but if this length is not enough, the profiles can be connected using special locks.
• After the supporting profiles are secured, we begin installing the transverse ones. For this purpose in load-bearing profiles There are special slots where you need to insert the transverse ones. By the way, they can be either short (0.6 m) or long (1.2 m).

Frame construction in the form of cells with cells is ready, you can install the tiles. The technology for installing tiles is generally simple and is described above; only the installation diagram for ceiling tiles has special features closed type. For such ceilings, special profiles are used (with a hole in the bottom flange of the profile).

The edges of the panels are inserted into it until a characteristic click is heard. The slabs can be moved along the profiles.

If you need to install lamps in a suspended ceiling, then you should determine the need to install lamps of that particular type (rotary or fixed), their power and general style premises. If you decide to use rotary lights, then do all the wiring yourself. lighting It is recommended to “assemble” before installing the slabs. However, today there is big choice built-in lighting fixtures - they replace a certain number of panels. Installing pre-fabricated recessed lights is simple and generally similar to installing tile trim.

Material calculation

You should start by calculating the length of the wall corner. We add up all the lengths of the walls where the corner will be attached. Don't forget to add protruding parts and niches. The amount must be divided by the length of one corner. For example, if the perimeter of the room is 25 m, and the length of one profile is 3 meters, then the number of corners we need will be equal to 8.33333... We round the number up. Bottom line - we need 9 corners.

The drawing of the guides (main and transverse) is of great help in the calculations - you can see the direct location of the elements.

It’s good if the frame of the suspension system accommodates a whole number of cells, but this rarely happens. Sometimes designers use a "trick" with components different sizes, placing, for example, large identical panels in the center of the room, and panels along the perimeter of the walls small size. But if you are hanging the structure yourself, then you will simply have to place the trimmed elements at one or both ends of the room.

In order to decide where your “incomplete” cells will be located, you need to divide the ceiling area into squares directly on the diagram. Standard cells – 60 sq. cm. Count the number of squares you have, including “incomplete cells”. Subtract the number of panels in which the lights will be installed.

Now you can calculate the number of guides that will be located across the room, starting from the wall. If you see that the length of the room is not divided by an even number of guides and you are left with a small piece, then you must try to place “incomplete cells” on the side where they will not be noticeable.

If working with a drawing causes difficulties, it will help simple formula. It is necessary to calculate the area of ​​the ceiling (multiply the length by the width).

For each ceiling element we will need an individual coefficient.

The coefficient for tiles is 2.78. For the main profile - 0.23, and for the transverse profile - 1.4. Suspension coefficient – ​​0.7. So, if the area of ​​the room is 30 meters, then you will need 84 tiles, and their thickness does not matter.

The ceiling plays a big role in the overall decoration of the room, so you need to choose it for the bedroom especially carefully. Without design skills, it is quite difficult to choose harmonious combination all decorative elements, especially to consider how this or that design will fit into the interior.

Bedroom ceiling design

More often to decorate the bedroom choose soft, pastel shades , avoiding bright and saturated colors. But, using the advice of professionals, you can risk creating unique design, which is based on the combination color palette and skillful selection of materials.

A very important factor in bedroom ceiling design is the lamps built into suspended ceilings.

In addition, the main points that should be think about it in advance - these are lighting fixtures and their location, as well as space zoning. With a skillful approach, one can distinguish certain areas rooms and hide others with the help of lamps and the design of the ceiling itself.

Options for finishing the ceiling in the bedroom

Another important factor is the choice of material. At the moment there are many different options for finishing the ceiling in the bedroom.

Among the most common methods are:

• tiling;
• wallpapering;
• suspended ceiling;
• whitewash;
• painting;
• suspended ceiling.

Co comparative characteristics The main finishing options can be found in the table:

	Whitewashed	Suspended rack and cassette	Hanging plasterboard	Tensioners
Material properties
Structure	Uneven, rough, dirty surface	Joints of materials, smooth surface	Smooth, rough, does not get dirty, is not afraid of sharp objects	Rovnaya, durable surface, afraid of mechanical damage
Moisture resistance	Does not protect against flooding		Gives significant water leakage	Protects well from flooding - holds water on the surface. Withstands pressure of up to 100 liters of water per 1 m2 of area
Soundproofing	No	Weak	Average	Average
Temperature	Any	Any	Any	Fears low temperatures, at high temperature melts.
Construction properties
Possibility to change color or pattern	Not possible, just re-plaster	No, just replace the racks	Can be repainted	It is impossible to repaint, only change the entire canvas
Variability of design	No	Limited range of shapes	Manifold	Manifold
Seams	No	Structural joints of materials are not masked	The joints of plasterboard boards are not visible after plastering and painting.	The joints of stretch ceilings are not visible
Minimum distance from the main ceiling	No	5 cm	7 cm	3 cm
Installation
Clean installation	Numerous contaminations	Construction debris, damage to wallpaper, dust	Construction waste, damage to wallpaper, dust, especially when filling seams	Only a small amount of dust possible
Exploitation
Lifetime	2-4 years	5-8 years	5-10 years	About 20 years
Care	There is no possibility of wet cleaning	Wet cleaning required	Dry cleaning, cleaning stains from painted surfaces is difficult	Almost no maintenance required
Problems of long-term use	Cracks, peeling plaster	The appearance of gaps between the slats	Cracks in seams, peeling paint, putties	Possible partial loss of elasticity and color
Possibility of repair	No	Eat	Eat	No. Canvas replacement only

Suspended ceiling makes it possible to avoid preparatory stage(leveling), and, therefore, repairs can be completed faster, spending a minimum Money and energy.

This best option, especially since installation is easy to do yourself, without involving specialists.

Types of suspended ceilings for the bedroom

Most often, suspended ceilings are installed in the bedroom such as:

• hanging from plasterboard;
• rack and cassette;
• Armstrong suspension systems.

Rack and cassette

Slatted suspended ceilings are often installed in kitchens and bathrooms because they have a high level of moisture resistance. But it is also good for a bedroom. Cassette and slatted ceilings will look especially impressive if the bedroom is decorated in country style.

Installation principle slatted ceilings next:

• mark the room around the perimeter;
• assemble the frame;
• install adjustable hangers;
• mount the mounting profile;
• install decorative slats;
• install lamps;
• install baseboards.

Using slats different widths, you can form an original linear pattern on the ceiling

When assembling the frame, first of all, it is mounted corner profile, which is attached using self-tapping screws. Fasteners are installed in 35 cm increments.

Armstrong system

The universal suspended ceiling Armstrong is mounted similarly to a slatted one. The main differences lie in the choice of components and decorative panels.

Suspended plasterboard ceilings

Suspended plasterboard ceilings are one of the most common finishing options, especially since their price is relatively low and they are easy to install with your own hands.

Drywall, moreover, provides an excellent opportunity to create structures of several levels or arches. But it is important to consider the height of the room. Experts recommend installing multi-level structures, if the height of the wall is at least 3 m, because in general, such the design reduces the room from 3 to 15 cm.

Of course, you can try to implement such a project in low rooms, but for this it is important to choose the right ceiling layout. So, you can limit the project by creating only a small step with lighting or focus attention by creating a second level or decorating only, for example, the area above the bed. Thanks to such unique niches, the space in the room acquires clear visual boundaries.

Another original solution is to create not a convex, but a concave shape of the levels. In this case, a suspended plasterboard ceiling will visually add volume to the room.

Do not forget about the play of light. So, if the bedroom is small or dark, it is recommended to choose suspended ceilings in light colors or gloss.

The principle of installing a suspended ceiling made of plasterboard, if you do the work yourself, is as follows:

• preparation of a drawing, showing the number of levels, location of lamps;
• calculation required material;
• installation.

Plasterboard ceilings allow you to create multi-levels and relief, which is a sin not to use for a bedroom

Tips for installation and subsequent finishing:

• When installing the frame, it is better to use a galvanized profile (initial 27 x 28 mm, ceiling 60 x 27 mm). Standard length - 3 m;
• It is recommended to use direct type hangers, which significantly facilitate the process. More complicated options are often unreliable;
• when placing profiles perpendicularly, they must be secured with cross-shaped connectors (crabs);
• When fixing horizontal lines to the wall, it is better to retreat a couple of centimeters from the places where the cornices will be attached. It is more practical to place the sheets of drywall so that their joint falls on the center of the profile of a smaller size;
• after installation, you should treat the surface with putty, covering the seams, and let it dry for 24 hours;
• Treat these areas with grout, after which you can begin painting.

Prices for arstrong ceilings, cassette and rack structures

Cost per different types suspended ceiling varies depending on the region, footage and materials.

On average, prices for suspended ceilings are as follows if you contact the company:

• the price of dismantling the Armstrong type is about 70 rubles per 1 m2, respectively, installations are 450-490 rubles;
• installation of rack or cassette systems is somewhat more expensive - 500-550 rubles;
• installation of a plasterboard structure of one level - 450 rubles per 1m2, several levels - from 750 rubles.

It should be taken into account that prices are based on a room height of less than 3 m. If this value is greater, a reduction factor is introduced for all work. On average, it is 1-1.15.

Fastening of any suspended structure is carried out relatively quickly. A team of workers can install 12-15 m2 per day.

However, those who cannot afford to contact the company because of the high price should not refuse original idea decorate the ceiling hanging structures, and install it yourself.

More information about installing an Armstrong-type suspended ceiling in a bedroom with your own hands can be seen in the video:

Today construction is developing by leaps and bounds. A huge variety of types are offered floor coverings, materials for finishing walls and ceilings.

IN Lately Armstrong ceilings are becoming more and more popular. Due to their relatively low price, availability, ease of maintenance and assembly, they are widely used in office buildings, hospitals, shops and other public spaces.

Armstrong suspended ceiling

Armstrong is an English company with representatives in twelve countries, including Russia.

Like many European companies, Armstrong cares about the environment, and therefore uses mainly recycled materials to produce its materials.

Another advantage of Armstrong suspended ceilings is the ease of assembly, which you can even do with your own hands.

What are Armstrong suspended ceilings?

Armstrong is a ceiling system consisting of durable metal frame, which is attached to the surface of the ceiling, and slabs that are laid on this very frame.

Armstrong ceiling slabs are made from high-quality materials that are absolutely harmless to humans: metal, wood, glass, mineral fiber and plastic. These panels can be smooth, perforated or embossed. Often when installing an Armstrong structure regular slabs alternate with ventilation grilles and lamps. The frame of this design consists of five elements.

1. Wall corner - the frame is adjacent to the walls of the room, installed along the perimeter of the walls.
2. The guide profile bears most of the load; it is responsible for the evenness and direction of the holes for the cassettes.
3. A long jumper connects the profile guides to each other, creating a cellular structure.
4. A short jumper connects long, adjacent jumpers.
5. The suspension is attached to the ceiling and serves as the basis for the profile. It consists of a loop knitting needle, a hook knitting needle, and a butterfly spring, through which you can quickly adjust the ceiling level.

Advantages of Armstrong-type suspended structure

1. Thanks to the fastening, which looks like two spokes equipped with a spring mechanism, the ceilings of this brand are very durable, despite their lightness, and never sag.
2. Due to the easily adjustable height of Armstrong structures and the ability to mount them at almost any angle (within reason, of course), you can hide behind the cassettes fire alarm, wiring and other photo systems.
3. The Armstrong ceiling will fit into any interior due to the wide variety of shapes and textures.
4. It has high sound insulation and a low price.
5. Suitable for rooms with high humidity, kindergartens and schools, due to moisture resistance, environmental friendliness and non-flammability.
6. The lineup This brand has antibacterial panels that will help reduce the amount of foreign microelements in the air.
7. Some models of Armstrong slabs have greater light reflectivity.

You can calculate the amount of material for a suspended structure of this brand by hiring a specialist, using a special program, or yourself, which, by the way, will not take much time.

Correct calculation of the required material is very important, this will allow you to avoid overpaying for excess.

The first thing you can do is measure the length of the room where you will install this type of suspended ceiling. Thanks to this, you will know the footage of the wall corner that you will need to purchase.

The guide profiles, 3.6 meters long, are located at a distance of 1.2 m from each other and from the wall.

The number of long (1.2m) and short jumpers is the same. Long jumpers are installed perpendicular to the profiles.

Installation of a suspended structure with your own hands

The first thing you need to do when installing an Armstrong suspended ceiling is marking.

To do this, you need to decide at what distance it will be suspended armstrong from the floor slabs and mark this distance using a tapping cord and a hydraulic or laser level.

Then mark the places where the frame will be attached. Having found the center of the ceiling plane, set aside 600 mm from it and through these points draw two parallel lines along and across the ceiling. These will be the central guides. From each of these lines, measure 1200 mm and again draw parallel lines at a set distance, repeat the procedure along the entire plane of the ceiling. You should get a solid drawing.

To determine the installation location of the hangers, starting from the corner of the walls, at the previously noted distance of attaching the suspended ceiling from the floor slabs, measure 1.2 m with a tape measure and mark. We repeat this action until we mark the entire perimeter.

Now you can do the installation itself. To do this, using a hammer drill or screwdriver, we attach the corner according to the markings made earlier. At the corners we join the corners, cutting them at an angle of 45 degrees.

The next step is to install the guides. The profile must be placed on the hooks of the hangers, its ends must fit into the corner. If the guide profile is too long, cut off the excess part; if it is short, increase the missing part.

Let's install long and short jumpers. To do this, you just need to snap the jumper into the slot of the guides. First we install long, then short jumpers. Each jumper will need to be secured in the middle with a suspension.

All. Now we simply insert solid slabs or with embedded light bulbs into the resulting cells.

Your wonderful suspended ceiling is ready.

A striking example of a modern, practical and aesthetic suspension system is the Armstrong ceiling (photo below) based on cellular slabs. You need to understand that Armstrong refers to the products of the company of the same name. Its popularity is so high that today, out of ignorance, many people call almost all suspended systems that way.

Before looking at the pros and cons of the company’s hanging systems, it’s worth understanding what the design is. It was Armstrong that came up with the idea to combine different types of materials for the production of modules. Using a standard frame based on metal guides and hangers as a basis, manufacturers invite customers to choose the finish to their taste.

You can choose from the following options:

• mineral fiber;
• basalt fiber;
• polycarbonate;
• natural wood;
• become;
• aluminum, etc.

You can also try to diversify the design using texture. The ceiling in the apartment will look original using slabs:

• with embossing;
• geometric pattern;
• with perforation;
• with decorative elements.

A very special option is Armstrong designer ceilings, made to order in a single version.

The popularity of designs has not faded for several decades, which means there is something that inspires confidence among consumers. The list of positive qualities of Armstrong ceilings brings clarity to this issue. So, the designs are popular due to:

• the possibility of constructing an inter-ceiling zone for masking communication systems, electrical wiring, ventilation with constant access to them if necessary;
• there is no need to prepare a rough foundation for installation of the system - the ceiling will mask surface defects;
• the possibility of quick installation and equally simple and time-consuming dismantling if necessary;
• high reflectivity of the slabs, which allows saving on energy consumption;
• excellent sound insulation (suitable for decorating public spaces);
• the ability to decorate the canvas with additional accessories and practical lighting fixtures;
• high level of safety and environmental friendliness.

The seemingly virtually flawless system has several drawbacks.

1. Reducing the ceiling height in the room by at least 8 cm, and in some cases more. Despite the fact that almost all types of suspended ceilings suffer from this, you need to be prepared for the fact that the Armstrong design will only be appropriate in a room with initially high ceilings.
2. Exposure to moisture. Armstrong systems and similar systems will not protect the premises from floods. The mineral fiber included in the slabs will not cope with the test, therefore, in the event of an emergency, the ceiling must be completely or partially replaced.
3. Despite the wide selection of finishing materials for cladding systems, embossing and options for slab sizes, their design component is inferior to the same stretch ceilings, the advantage of which is their implementation in several levels with hidden and open lighting.
4. Low level of strength. Armstrong ceilings are not as resistant to mechanical damage as they seem. If it is not metal or wood, it can be easily damaged during installation or dismantling work.
5. The environmental friendliness of mineral fiber boards is questionable. We can only talk about the complete safety of the ceiling if it is finished with aluminum or wood. Man-made materials include mineral fiber, starch, water-based paint and cellulose - all of which are not ideal for human use.

Traditionally, the Armstrong suspended ceiling and its analogues with a similar design are presented in several slab options, each of which has its own characteristics.

All variants of Armstrong suspended structures, despite differences in functionality and content, have visual similarities. Nevertheless, ceilings are conventionally divided into several types:

1. Budget option - Tatra, Baikal, Cortega and Oasis slabs. This is an excellent choice for those who value strength, naturalness, combined with reasonable cost.
2. Prima class slabs. The most resistant to moisture, they are noticeably more expensive than the previous option, but can be used in rooms with high levels of humidity (bathroom, kitchen). During use they do not lose their shape and retain their rich color.
3. Soundproofing boards. A specialized ceiling option for rooms with high noise levels, often for public purposes. The ceiling covering suppresses all types of noise.
4. Plates of the Bioguard series. Suitable for installation in rooms with increased hygiene requirements - hospitals, kindergartens, schools, canteens, food processing plants, etc.
5. The most expensive and unusual designer ceilings are Armstrong, which are ordered according to individual sketches.

Among the presented slab options, you can choose suitable ones for any interior style. At the same time, not only the materials at the base of the slabs and classes, but also the types of edges can influence the final decision. There are three types: Microlook, Tegular and Board.

The latter is quite rightly beyond competition due to its versatility and even some neutrality. Installing ceilings with slabs of this type is simple - it will not be reflected in the drawing. As for the first two options, with their help it will be possible to assemble a ceiling with clearly marked boundaries between the elements.

In conclusion, it remains to be noted that Armstrong ceiling systems, developed just a few decades ago, have firmly established themselves in the Russian market for a reason. There are a lot of objective reasons for this and technical characteristics that have been tested by time and active use.

The designs fit perfectly today not only into office interiors, shopping malls and restaurants. With a skillful approach, they can be used to decorate ceilings in apartments in an original way, practicing the installation of functional and economical lighting based on fluorescent raster lamps.