Drawing of a plasterboard ceiling with lighting. How to make a backlight on a two-level plasterboard ceiling. Do-it-yourself plasterboard ceiling with neon lighting

Starting the renovation, we want to transform our apartment, give it more beauty and modernity. On the sites you can find a huge number of offers. But if the man in the house is a craftsman, why not do the repairs yourself? It has long been known that the main things in the interior are the ceiling, floor and window.

Today we will talk about the ceiling. In the modern world, a large number of design solutions for its design have appeared. One of these types is a backlit plasterboard ceiling. We will talk about how to make a do-it-yourself plasterboard ceiling with lighting.

Drywall has a porous structure, is considered environmentally friendly, breathable, safe for human health, restrains sounds (which is important in concrete houses), aesthetic, inexpensive, flexible in work, creating the impression of comfort and neat beauty. It is used both for the design of ceilings, and for the decoration of walls, artificial fireplaces.

Illuminated plasterboard ceilings attract attention with their beauty, sophistication, and the ability to fantasize. They can be different in design: single-level, multi-level, figured, suspended with open illumination and hidden. See a photo of the ceiling with lighting below.

Types of installation of drywall sheets

Drywall is a type of dry plaster, represented by large sheets: inexpensive but of high quality. There are several types of installation of a plasterboard ceiling with lighting: frame, fastening on wooden bars, adhesive attachment to the base. Whatever installation method you choose, you will need for work:

  • level or tape measure, chopping cord;
  • fasteners (dowels, self-tapping screws made of wood and metal, U-shaped suspensions, metal profiles of the type UD, CD);
  • perforator, screwdriver, paint knife, planer, scissors for working with metal;
  • putty.

Before making a plasterboard ceiling with lighting, you should decide on the type of lighting, the location of the lamps, connect the wiring, make niches of the desired diameter, working with a drill with a crown. When using a 12 V light bulb, you will need to install a step-down transformer.

Frame method

The frame method of mounting suspended ceilings with plasterboard lighting should be performed as follows:

  1. Determine the height (usually in concrete houses it is 2.5 meters).
  2. Using the level, put a point on any wall that will be 40 mm. below the ceiling (including fixtures). Now make marks on each wall.
  3. From two opposite walls, draw two strips of a UD-type profile at a distance of 40 cm from the wall. These are guide strips. Here you will lay the longitudinal profile. You should get a base in the form of identical squares. Drill holes in the profile if there are none.
  4. If the house is concrete, 6 mm dowels are needed. Brick buildings use special fasteners.
  5. Suspension mounts should be fixed to the ceiling. Mark out. This is necessary for the strength of the drywall in the frame.
  6. Drywall is fixed to the frame using self-tapping screws, which are marked so that they are at a distance of 13-15 cm.

The size of the self-tapping screw is related to the thickness of the drywall sheet. The length of the self-tapping screw should be 6-7 mm more than the thickness of the sheet. Do not place a self-tapping screw near the edge of the sheet. Hats of self-tapping screws should be "drowned" in sheets, but not very deep. You should retreat 10 cm from the wall. For this work, you need a screwdriver.

So you have completed the main work on the manufacture of a plasterboard ceiling with lighting with your own hands. We will talk about the choice of lighting a little later.

Mounting on a wooden beam

Illuminated plasterboard ceilings can be made on the basis of a wooden lattice. This type of installation makes it possible to make imperceptible surface irregularities. The frame made of wood is made in the same way as that of metal, the markings are the same. There is no need for a guide. The thickness of the rail made of wood is more than 80 mm. For work, dowels are needed with a flat base or hanging mounts with obvious irregularities. It is not excluded the use of nails (from 80 to 100 mm.)

Fastening without frame

For the installation of plasterboard ceilings with lighting without a frame, you need to make a "gypsum mastic". To prepare it, you need: pour 3 liters of cold water into 0.5 kg of glue, stirring so that there are no lumps. Leave this glue to swell for 10-15 hours. After the mixture has swollen, add 1 kilogram of lime dough to it, mix thoroughly. Then you need to put the resulting pasta to boil over low heat for about 5 hours. Stir constantly. Cool and pour in water (about 10 liters) and mix.

This is a recipe for a strong composition, thanks to which the drywall will hold, creating a single canvas. But, before you start pasting, you need to put marks on the ceiling. To do this, it is necessary to divide the area into parts equal to the width of the drywall sheets. Apply a primer to the surface. Spread glue on the sheets first along the edges, and then in the middle. You need to start gluing, aligning the corner. Make sure that the sheet lies perpendicular to the short wall.

After completing the installation of a plasterboard suspended coating, it is necessary to glue the joints with special chamfers with a sickle. To do this, you need putty and a spatula. Putty needs to be processed and the holes from the fasteners.

So we examined the assembly of a plasterboard ceiling with lighting. This work can be done with your own hands, without turning to professionals.

Types of plasterboard ceilings with lighting

In our time, you can find magnificent designs of illuminated ceilings: single-level, multi-level, figured, suspended. We have already talked about single-level gypsum plasterboard ceilings with illumination. Of course, they are the most typical in high-rise buildings.

Curly ones can be semicircular, oval, vaulted, having a three-dimensional round shape, etc. This is a great decoration for any room.

Suspended plasterboard ceilings are used in the design of attics, verandas, balconies, etc. The way to decorate an attic or veranda with a hanging plasterboard surface is economical and simple. But it requires the right choice of material:

  • water-repellent drywall boards are impregnated with a hydrophobic substance (the marking in this case is green);
  • the refractory group has a red marking;
  • gypsum boards with water-repellent and fire-resistant functions. There are also acoustic panels for sound absorption.

Multi-level models are possible in old houses with high heights, pipes that need to be hidden, plumbing outlets, etc. Most often, such ceilings are found in shops, offices located in old buildings.


Particularly widespread are double or two-level and three-level plasterboard ceilings with lighting in the bedrooms.

In the bedroom

Two-level ceilings are successfully used in bedrooms. Illuminated plasterboard ceiling in the bedroom gives freedom of imagination, design finds, lighting options, changes the space of the bedroom. The illuminated plasterboard ceiling in the bedroom creates additional volume, a sense of space, and flight.

When decorating bedrooms, columns and arches are made that can turn a bedroom into a design miracle. Also, most often, hidden plasterboard ceiling lighting is used in bedrooms.

A three-level option for making a plasterboard ceiling with lighting in the bedroom is also possible. It looks great, but requires space and the right height. Making it yourself is much more difficult.

Backlight

Before you make a backlight in a plasterboard ceiling, be aware that there are two options for this: with open lighting and with hidden lighting. Chandeliers, lamps, LED or neon lights, etc. can be chosen as lighting. The options are fashionable now: neon and LED.

The design of the plasterboard ceiling with open lighting is based on the fact that the lighting fixtures are built into the holes of the plasterboard coating, specially prepared for this purpose. When working independently, keep in mind that lighting fixtures should not weigh more than 10 kg.

The design of a plasterboard false ceiling with hidden lighting involves the placement of fixtures in niches between the levels of plasterboard. In this case light is directed to the ceiling and reflected that creates a comfortable, intimate atmosphere. The scheme of the plasterboard ceiling with lighting is presented below.

Hidden backlight

Illuminated plasterboard ceiling in the bedroom is often decorated with hidden lighting. This is one of the modern interior solutions. It is not used for full lighting and is often a decorative element, creating a quiet intimate atmosphere in the bedroom. For this design, choose fluorescent or LED lamps. This is an economical option.

LED tapes are practical, easy to install. When choosing a power supply, consider noise, heat, power consumption in relation to the power supply, voltage, buy a tape from well-known manufacturers, check the controller for compatibility. Plasterboard ceilings with a hidden suspension can be done by hand, you just need to carefully read all the tips on this matter and study the drawings.

Do-it-yourself installation of a plasterboard suspended ceiling with neon, LED or fiber optic lighting is real. The main thing is to decide on the appropriate type of lighting, follow the safety rules when connecting and follow the instructions provided.

Types of plasterboard ceiling lighting


Depending on the installation location in the suspended plasterboard ceiling, the backlight is emitted:
  • open. Mounted easily. For fixtures, you need to either make holes or hang them from the structure. In this case, it is important to consider that the total weight of all fixtures should not exceed 10 kg. At the same time, the power of the devices can be any, since the coating does not burn and does not deform, unlike a stretch fabric.
  • Hidden. In this case, the lighting elements are installed in the interlevel space. The installation process is more complicated, but such lighting looks much more spectacular.
For equipping a plasterboard ceiling with lighting, the following are used:
  • LEDs. Economical, easy to install. They are affordable, and their main advantage, of course, is the ability to adjust the color and intensity of lighting. There are products for contour lighting (30-60 LEDs per 1 meter) or for brighter lighting (120 LEDs per meter).
  • neon. They are durable (service life is about 10 years), economical, have low heat transfer, and are produced in a wide range. They are much more expensive than LEDs.
  • Optical fiber. It features a long service life, low energy consumption, the ability to create various lighting effects, and fire safety. Fiber optic lighting is expensive, and it is quite difficult to mount it on a suspended structure.
According to functionality, there are several types of illumination of suspended plasterboard structures:
  • General. It is carried out using ceiling tires, lamps and pendant lights.
  • Zonal. In this case, with the help of bright lighting, the working area is separated, and the recreation area is separated with soft and subdued lighting.
  • decorative. Allows you to place the desired accents in the room. Installed to implement creative design solutions.

Most often, when making a plasterboard ceiling with do-it-yourself illumination, they choose the option of hidden, decorative, LED lighting.

Installation technology of plasterboard ceiling with LED backlight

In order to properly install the LED backlight, you need to select a suitable tape, calculate its power, arrange the wiring and mount a niche between the levels. Fastening the tape itself is an easy and fast process. To do this, simply remove the protective paper from the back.

Selection of materials for plasterboard ceiling


To carry out the work, we need drywall with a thickness of 8 to 9.5 mm. If you plan to install in a room with high humidity, then we choose special GKL of a greenish tint. You will also need to stock up on ceiling and guide profiles, fasteners and suspensions.

As for LED strips, when buying them, you also need to take into account some of the nuances:

  1. Product type. For contour lighting equipment, SMD-5050 LEDs are suitable.
  2. Colour. Lighting can be monochrome or color. In the second case, you need to purchase an additional RGB controller. When doing this, do not forget to take into account the appropriate color temperature. It can be from 2700 to 10000 K.
  3. Voltage. Basically, diodes are produced for 12 V, but there are models designed for 24 V consumption.
  4. moisture resistance. If the installation of a plasterboard ceiling with LED lighting is planned in a room with a high level of humidity, then special models with silicone insulation are installed. The basic equipment consists of an LED strip and a power supply. Additionally, you can purchase an RGB controller and a remote control for easy adjustment.

Preparatory work before installing a plasterboard ceiling


Before starting installation, you need to decide on the type of construction, make a drawing and prepare the base ceiling. To do this, we clean the surface of the old finish, remove poorly adhering plaster and stains of mold, fungus, rust. We close up large cracks with cement-based putty. We prime the coating and wait for complete drying.

At this stage, it is worth doing the design. The plan is best drawn up in 3D format. Be sure to take into account the fixing step of the ceiling profiles when determining the places for fixing the corrugated pipe with wiring. This is necessary first of all so that the place of installation of future chandeliers does not coincide with the intersection of the profiles.

Installation of the first level of plasterboard ceiling


First you need to apply markings on the surface, according to the scheme of the plasterboard ceiling with backlight.

We carry out work as follows:

  • Determine the lowest corner of the room and measure 10 cm down.
  • We stretch the chopping paint cord and, using a hydraulic level, draw a line along the perimeter of the room.
  • We apply the marking of the boundaries of the levels on the ceiling.
  • We apply the starting profile to the wall so that its lower edge is at the level of the line.
  • With a pencil we mark the places of fasteners through the holes of the profile.
  • We make holes with a puncher and attach a guide profile.
  • We fix the ceiling profile to the guide profile and attach it to the ceiling in 40 cm increments using suspensions (spacers).
  • We cut out jumpers from the ceiling profile and mount them using special "crabs".
At this stage, you need to do the wiring. Since the LED lighting of the plasterboard ceiling plays a rather decorative role, additional lighting will be required. All communications will be hidden in a suspended structure.

When laying wires, you need to consider the following nuances:

  1. Place the cables in a plastic corrugated sleeve.
  2. Wiring cannot be pulled directly on the structure. It must not come into contact with metal profiles.
  3. Use wires that can handle the intended load.
At this stage, if necessary, mineral wool can be laid in the inter-profile space. It has excellent heat and noise insulation characteristics. Please note that when working with this material, it is recommended to use protective equipment (gloves, respirator, goggles).

After wiring, the upper tier can be completely sheathed with drywall. To do this, we fix the first whole sheet with self-tapping screws in the corner of the room, maintaining a distance from the walls of 5 mm. We fix the second on the opposite side of the wall. To cut semicircular shapes from a whole sheet, we use a special knife and a cardboard template.

The caps of the fasteners should be buried in the base. In the future, they can be covered with putty. However, do not overdo it so as not to damage the material.

Installation of the second level of the plasterboard ceiling


At this stage, a niche for the LED strip is equipped. We work in this order:
  • We mark from the first level a segment equal to the width of the eaves.
  • We fix the guide profile on the ceiling along the installation contour of the second level.
  • Using scissors for metal, we cut the details from the ceiling profile. The length of the segments should be equal to the height of the second tier.
  • In the previously attached guide profile, we install blanks that will be used as suspensions.
  • From below, on the fixed segments, we fix another guide profile.
  • We fix the ceiling profiles in the middle of the second level structure.
If installation of the frame of curved sections is required, then notches are made in advance on the guide profile, which allows it to be bent in the desired direction.

Before proceeding with the installation of the GKL, you need to remove the wires, then cut out the desired shape from the drywall sheets and attach it to the frame with screws. For sheathing semicircular horizontal surfaces, we cut out from a whole sheet of drywall or make up from separate segments.

For mounting on semicircular vertical surfaces, we use arched drywall (its thickness is 6 mm). We sprinkle it with water, bend it to the desired shape and attach weights for secure fixation. After drying, fix on the frame.

To hide the LED strip, the edges of the niche can be smeared with PVA glue in several layers. This will give the sheets the feel of wood. You can also simply glue a strip of drywall onto liquid nails.

Features of finishing plasterboard ceiling


To prepare the coating for finishing, it must be processed as follows:
  1. We glue the seams at the junction with the walls and between the sheets with a sickle.
  2. We first putty the gaps, then the places of the recesses of the self-tapping screws.
  3. On the PVA glue we fix the fiberglass with an overlap.
  4. At the intersection of two squares of fiberglass, draw a line with a clerical knife and remove the remnants.
  5. We apply a layer of finishing putty up to 1.5 cm thick.
  6. We overwrite small irregularities and roughness with fine-grained sanding paper.
  7. We remove dust with a sponge or vacuum cleaner and primer with an acrylic compound.
After that, you can begin to fix the decorative trim and finish the structure.

Mounting LED lighting on a plasterboard ceiling


The diodes are connected at the last stage. Remember that before work it is necessary to de-energize the room. It is also recommended that you first connect the tape and check its operation. Only after that you can fix it in a niche.

In the process, you must adhere to the following rules:

  • We cut the LED strip only in the marked areas. Otherwise, it may be damaged.
  • To connect several separate tapes, we use special LED connectors or a regular soldering iron.
  • We bring one edge from the power supply to the 220 V wire, and the second to the tape. Please note that the power of the unit should be 20-30% more to prevent burnout.
  • We connect the tape, observing the polarity, to the RGB controller. It must not be mounted on metal parts without an insulating gasket. Please note that the red wire corresponds to the plus, and the blue or black wire to the minus.

When installing a backlit plasterboard ceiling, please note: if long sections are connected in series, the voltage at the ends will be low, and the glow in the section will be uneven. For this reason, it is desirable to connect tapes with a length of five meters or more using a 1.5 mm wire.

How to make a plasterboard ceiling with fiber optic lighting


If you opted for a fiber optic system, then the installation procedure is slightly different here. The most popular type of such lighting is "Starry Sky".

On suspended structures, it is equipped as follows:

  1. We apply the markings for fastening fiber optic strands to the base surface before mounting the ceiling.
  2. We fix the suspensions with screws.
  3. We mark up the installation of the frame and attach the profiles according to the appropriate scheme.
  4. We sheathe the GKL frame with self-tapping screws, not forgetting about the wiring output near the projector and the installation of the switch.
  5. We drill holes in drywall sheets with a diameter of 1.5-2 mm and a frequency of 60-80 per 1 m 2.
  6. We glue 1-3 fibers into each hole.
  7. We collect the reverse ends of the threads in the optical port of the projector.

Finishing the ceiling with such lighting can be done using acrylic paint. It is suitable for indoor use as it does not contain chemical thinners.

Do-it-yourself plasterboard ceiling with neon lighting


Neon lamps can be attached to an already mounted single-level plasterboard ceiling using ceiling plinths (fillets).

If you plan to carry out the installation at the stage of equipping the GKL structure, then follow this procedure:

  • We fix suspensions for the profile to the first tier of the suspended cover.
  • We attach a ceiling profile to the suspensions, and a guide along the perimeter of the room on the walls.
  • We fix the cut-out drywall on the installed profiles with self-tapping screws, equipping a 10 * 15 cm box.
  • To increase the clarity and sharpness of the backlight, set the side in a vertical position. If you want the glow to be as diffuse as possible, then skip this step.
  • Install step-up transformer. It is enough for five to seven meters of illumination.
  • We check the performance of the lamps and fix them in a niche.

Please note that such a backlight performs a decorative role, therefore, it is also necessary to consider in advance the placement of the main light sources.


Watch a video on installing a plasterboard ceiling with lighting:


Having figured out the question of how to make a backlit drywall ceiling, you can begin to select materials and translate your ideas into reality. Use the instructions given to perform the work not only correctly, but also in compliance with all safety rules.

If you are reading this article, then you are probably thinking about installing a plasterboard ceiling with a good lighting system. What's more, you want to install a backlit plasterboard ceiling without the help of dubious craftsmen and without overpaying for the installation service. This is a smart decision - it remains only to purchase the material and find an understandable installation manual. You can solve the first problem in the store, our website will help you with the second one.

It is difficult to disagree with the statement that illuminated plasterboard ceilings are a beautiful and practical design technique. This type of finish allows you to create stylish combinations, adjust the lighting to your liking, change the spatial perception of the entire room.

You will want to install a drywall ceiling because:

  • the ceiling covering is leveled;
  • the base does not need special preparation before the installation procedure;
  • installation of the structure allows you to hide any communications from wires to ventilation ducts;
  • this is an amazing opportunity to implement unusual multi-level projects and “play” a little with lighting.

Lighting Options

Among the shortcomings, only a slight decrease in the height of the ceiling can be distinguished. The installation procedure itself is not difficult. It will only require you to be able to work with wiring.

Be careful! Incorrect connection of fixtures and incorrect connection is a danger to life.

That is why it is so important to follow the installation instructions. This will protect the room from short circuits and fires.

Before making a plasterboard backlit ceiling, be sure to pay attention to the following points:

  • professional designers recommend installing fixtures in various areas. Several sources are much better for the eyes than one;
  • the lighting grid is thought out in advance. For example, in the kitchen it is imperative to illuminate the table, in the bedroom - a bed and shelves for books, in the corridor - a mirror and a hanger.

Good placement of lights in the kitchen

  • to emphasize the style and original design of the room, LED ceiling lighting can be made in the form of northern lights, starry sky or sun glare;
  • make sure that the lighting circle is correct;
  • if the plasterboard ceiling lighting is designed correctly, the proportions of the room can be significantly adjusted. Thanks to the directional light, the room seems larger and looks more spacious.

Starlight variant

  • when installing a lighting system in different areas, it is desirable to make switches for each of them;
  • any installation work begins with the development of a detailed project. It indicates not only the location of the fixtures, but also the size, type, and so on.

Interesting layouts of spotlights


Video instructions for installing spotlights

5 types of fixtures

It's time to find out which lamps we will use to illuminate the ceiling:

  • point. A budget option. Optimal for night illumination, space zoning (we reviewed it above);
  • chandeliers. The option is good because it does not need to replace the wiring. However, a plasterboard ceiling with lighting in the form of a chandelier is not the best solution. He will take another 5-10 centimeters.

Chandelier as the main element of lighting

  • daylight lamps. Differ in simplicity of installation, reasonable price. With a stable voltage in the network, they will last a long time;
  • fiber optic lights. Made a real sensation in the market. Helps create an incredible effect of the sky with stars. The only downside is the prohibitive cost. Fiber optic luminaires can only be installed in a room with a high ceiling;
  • LED strips. Recently, they have been used to create lighting. They are inexpensive, they shine brighter than light bulbs, the consumer has the ability to control the backlight remotely. Yes, and the installation of the LED strip will not cause difficulties - it is attached with a sticky side.

Fiber Application

LED strip as an additional lighting element

Create a masterpiece with LED strip

Of course, spotlights, chandeliers and fiber optics are very interesting, but the best option for lighting a plasterboard ceiling is, of course, LED strips. Here we will dwell on them in more detail. True, for this, as a rule, it is necessary to design a two-level structure from GKL.

First level installation

Installation of a plasterboard ceiling with lighting includes the construction of a frame, a metal profile is used. The procedure consists of 5 steps:

  • stepping back about 10 cm from the ceiling, you draw a horizontal line around the perimeter of the room. A laser level or hydro level will help to make it even;
  • the starting profile is attached to the wall along the line.

Scheme and names of required profile types

  • you will need to insert the main profile into the starting profile, and then attach it with suspensions;
  • you can make the structure more rigid. To do this, install jumpers between the profiles using crab connectors.

Creating a Level 1 Wireframe

  • after the jumpers have been connected, the frame is sheathed with sheets of drywall (gypsum board). To secure the fastening, use self-tapping screws.

Sheathing the frame with plasterboard sheets

Video instruction for installation of the 1st level (2 parts)

Mounting the frame of the 2nd level

From drywall on the ceiling, you built the first level. It's time for the second one:

  • at the 1st level, the border of the second is drawn;
  • having allocated space for the cornice (usually 5-6 centimeters), the starting profile is fixed.

Markup of the frame of the second level

  • segments of the main profile are cut with scissors for metal. They are fixed in the starting guide, perform the function of suspensions. The starting profile is fixed with hangers.

Assembling the frame of the 2nd level

  • the main profiles are inserted into the ceiling, wires are output. The frame is sheathed with material;
  • at the end, putty is applied to the plasterboard ceiling, the seams are processed.

Sheathing the frame with plasterboard sheets (do not forget to extend the lighting)

Video instruction for installation of the 2nd level (2 parts)

Organization of illumination and installation of the tape

During the installation of LEDs, the following installation rules should be observed:

  • the tape is cut only in the designated places;
  • the connection of elements is carried out only with the help of connectors;
  • the power supply must have a minimum power reserve of 20% or it will quickly burn out.

You should also remember the location of the LED strip

To make a plasterboard ceiling with lighting with your own hands, you need to accurately calculate the power of the PSU. Working with the tape, he will play the role of a transformer. Let's imagine that you are just installing a backlit plasterboard ceiling in your bedroom. The tape has a length of 6 meters and a power of 9.5 watts. Multiplying the power by the length, we get 57 watts. Don't forget about extra power in reserve. Applying a factor of 1.25, we get a value of 71.25. Thus, you need to stock up on a 72-75W power supply.

The beautiful interior of the house consists not only of beautiful things, but also of the light range, which emphasizes the subtleties of the interior, makes the room cozy and inviting for relaxation. Two-level plasterboard backlit ceilings create the right composition of rays, sometimes dividing the room into recreation and work areas.

Design and decoration of a two-level ceiling with neon lighting

  1. This design hides all the "undulations" that are very difficult to align without GKL.
  2. Before you do, you do not need to perfectly align the base.
  3. Hiding a lot of wires and ventilation.
  4. With the help, the suspended plasterboard structure looks rich, unusual.
  5. With independent installation, there is a significant savings in money (the price of the work of the masters is 350 rubles per square meter), and pride in the “beauty” made by oneself.

When installing, pay attention to the following:

  • Different types of light emitters are installed in zones, this will dissolve the overall brightness, which is often striking;
    The option of placing light emitters on a two-level ceiling
  • drawn on paper separately, before starting the design:
    • Kitchen - the countertop and stove stand out brightly, the dining table is highlighted separately;
    • Bedroom - with the help of light, a part at the head is highlighted, as well as a mirror;
    • Living room - you can highlight the area in which there are indoor flowers, a sofa for relaxation with rays;
    • Children's - looks great "Starry sky";
  • When combining different types of backlight, a separate switch must be connected to each node.
  • Types of backlight

    If the owner decided to repair, then before proceeding with the installation, you need to study the design work in the photo. Backlight selection:


    Illuminated plasterboard ceiling design

    There are open and closed lights. Open - in plain sight. directly into the finished product. Closed - a specially created niche in which the device is hidden so that only the emitted beam remains in sight.

    Drawings, sketches

    After choosing a product according to design photos, you can proceed to drawings and diagrams.

    Drawing with dimensions and names of elements for installing a two-level plasterboard ceiling When drawing up a drawing, the dimensions of the room are taken into account. If the room is small, then do not pile up. To begin with, a drawing is applied where the light sources are located. After that, the entire base floor is measured, the height of the walls, the indentations along the walls (the height of the tiers).

    All received figures are entered into the drawing plan. All data are drawn with actual dimensions. Circles and semicircles are drawn with a radius.

    Sometimes the drawing does not fit, some individual parts are drawn on another paper with detailed dimensions (for example, curvilinear shapes). All attachment points and wiring must be marked on the drawing.

    Training

    Before applying all the details of the drawing to the base coat, it must be prepared for this.

    Dimensional drawing of a two-level ceiling structure

    After the preparation is completed, the next step is to transfer the drawing to the base.
    Straight lines that are drawn on the walls, for guides, must be clearly even. For this, a level is used. You can use a stretched thread.


    They will be even and not deviate from the intended points in different corners. After determining the center (this cannot be determined by the chandelier, it hangs not in the center), you can proceed to the curvilinear elements. It can be ovals, circles, semicircles, waves and chaotic wavy shapes. Such figures are best drawn with a homemade compass. Wiring definition. It is necessary to put dots or crosses where the diode will be fixed. Also define fasteners with points. When applying dots, it is required to observe the exact distance at which the repetition takes place (for example, every 30 cm).

    Material and tool

    Everyone must be in the same place. Set of tools:

    Scheme of marking and fixing profiles to the ceiling

  1. You will need a meter or tape measure, as well as a pencil.
  2. Should be long.
  3. You will need a puncher.
  4. Screwdriver Set. Both flat and curly screwdrivers of different lengths.
  5. with blade set. A clerical one may come up, but it is not so reliable.
  6. Scissors for cutting metal.
  7. needed for grinding the edges of the sheet.
  8. An angle will be needed to mount parts at an angle of 90 degrees.
  9. Thread for precision.
  10. Crowns for making holes for lights.
  11. A set of spatulas.

Necessary materials:


Installation instructions for a two-level plasterboard ceiling

In the design of frames for a two-tier ceiling, there are design methods.

  1. The first method of the device: the metal product is completely sheathed with drywall, and markings for the second tier are applied to this plane.
  2. The second way is more complicated and confusing, but economical. The crate is created without sheathing.

For a better understanding of how to work when creating a metal crate, the first option will be considered. The video shows in detail the step-by-step process of installing a two-level plasterboard ceiling with backlight.

Installation of the frame of the first level

In the production of the first level, there are methods by which the crate is mounted. The first option is simpler - transverse:

  1. Fastening the NP to the wall, according to the intended markings. Fasteners are installed every 50 cm.
  2. Hangers are attached to the marked crosses. The distance between them is 50 cm.
  3. PP is attached to them with small self-tapping screws. The ceiling profile is connected to the rail on the wall.
  4. For evenness of the surface, a nylon thread is pulled, sagging PPs are regulated by suspensions. Their ends are bent, and the PP is pulled up.
  5. The thread should be stretched along the NP on the wall. If the tips of the suspensions look out, they need to be unbent in different directions.

After the first tier is created, the laying of wires begins. They must be placed in a corrugation for insulation.


Wires should not come into contact with metal, in order to avoid short circuit and fire. At each point of the proposed electrical appliance, the wire is set to 15 cm. The wiring is led out to the switch point at one end, and to the electrical box - the other end.

The second option is to install a cell frame

The cellular frame is a kind of grid, which is installed as follows:


In this way cells are formed. If the PP sags, it is pulled up with suspensions. Jumpers are made of PP by cutting. One jumper 60 cm. Crabs are attached to the rest of the parts with small self-tapping screws. In some cases, before attaching the profiles, a sealant is glued to the “back”.

Installing the second level frame

If there is a complete sheathing of the base, points and dimensions from the drawing are applied to the plane. There may also be wiring elements. The second tier is mounted on the principle of the first. The main thing is to observe accuracy and gradualness.

An example of a second-level mounted frame When creating curved shapes, do not forget about . For this, the details of the metal product are exposed 10 cm outside the metal structure.

Installation of ceiling lighting around the perimeter with step-by-step instructions

When installing electrical appliances, you must follow the instructions for use.
Each device has its own nuances during assembly and use. It is necessary to pay attention to Volts and Amps. If required, a stabilizer or electricity converter is installed.

LEDs

They are mounted before sheathing in a niche made for them. There are certain rules:

  1. Before gluing the LED, it is checked for functionality.
  2. To cut the tape, you need to find the places marked for this.
  3. A soldering iron is used to connect the pieces of the tape.
  4. There is a block in the LED assembly. The first end of the block is connected to the main wiring, the second - to the tape.
  5. Red wire "+". Polarity respect.
  6. Do not glue LEDs to metal.

Optical fiber

This order:


Neon


Drywall fixing

After the production of the crate is completed, sheathing with gypsum material takes place. It is convenient to cut the material with a construction knife - this is a soft material. When cutting a figured part, accuracy is observed. If you need to bend a drywall figure, then you need to make cuts along the edges,. The second option is the wet method - passing over the figure cut out of the sheet with a needle roller, wet the part, put it in a special form and leave for 10 hours. Fasteners for sheets are installed with a certain distance. Self-tapping screws are a little "recessed" into the drywall coating so that the "hats" do not stick out above the plane.

It is difficult to imagine a modern home without light. The traditional large chandeliers in the middle of the room are slowly giving way to illuminated ceilings in several places. Such illumination is made, including on plasterboard ceilings, because their design feature is most suitable for such purposes. Usually, the backlight is divided into hidden and open. We are interested in the second option. The fact is that in this article only simple suspended ceilings will be considered, where there can be no hidden lighting.

Unlike multi-level structures, anyone can make a simple plasterboard ceiling with lighting.

A single-level ceiling can be made with your own hands, with a minimum of knowledge

  1. GKL is very easy to work with. Even a complete novice in this business will be able to quickly grasp the essence and do everything on their own at the simplest level.
  2. Many lamps on the ceiling make visible all the irregularities on it. However, drywall is even, so there is nothing to be afraid of.
  3. If a short circuit occurs, the fireproof drywall will not ignite.
  4. It is possible to give as much light to certain parts of the room as needed.
  5. A single-level design can be assembled by anyone, unlike frilly multi-level ceilings. No need to think through boxes and niches. There is also no need to calculate the correct frame design for all ceiling levels for a long time.

Design features in different rooms

Making a simple single-level plasterboard ceiling with lighting with your own hands is not so difficult. This design is relatively simple, because only one frame is made for it. Also, it is not customary to use LED strips and neon tubes, which are usually used for hidden lighting.

Plasterboard ceilings with lighting for the living room are usually made multi-level. In these cases, make a hidden backlight. If a single-level design is used, then care must be taken that the lamps are at an equidistant distance from the center of the room. At the same time, the light should not hit the eyes, so there should not be any lamps above the TV.

With the living room, due to its large size, there are two options: with a chandelier in the center and without it. If there is a chandelier in the center, then it is better to make the lamps along the edges not very bright and place them in zones so that the light from them is directed to certain parts of the room. If there is no chandelier, then brighter lamps are needed to compensate for the lack of a central light source.


When planning a place for fixtures on the ceiling, you need to consider the possibility of using sconces.

The ceiling in the kitchen of plasterboard with lighting is needed to illuminate specific places. The greatest emphasis should be placed on the dining table and work surfaces (stove, cutting table, sink). That is, the light should be directed to those places where the most time is spent.

The plasterboard ceiling with lighting in the bedroom is done in such a way as to create an atmosphere of comfort. In other words, the light should be dimmed, but there should be a lot of it. Looks beautiful set of spotlights located above the bed. You can also think about additional lighting above the desk, bookshelves and closet.

Be sure to provide several switches for such lighting. This will turn on the lighting for the currently needed areas of the room.

A properly executed drywall suspended ceiling with backlighting with your own hands will be able to adjust the proportions of the room. If the light is directed along the walls, then this will visually expand the room.

Choice of lighting option

When the choice is made in favor of a single-level ceiling and there is an idea in which room and where the light sources will be installed, you need to think about the fixtures themselves. There are several factors to consider when thinking about how to make a backlit plasterboard ceiling:

  • financial component. It is necessary to calculate in advance how many fixtures you need, and what budget you have for this;
  • What will the lighting be used for? It's one thing when it comes to backlighting, which will complement the light from the chandelier, and quite another thing if the light in the room comes only from lamps;
  • installation complexity. You need to choose a lighting that you can install yourself. Do-it-yourself plasterboard ceiling with lighting will significantly save repair costs. There are some lighting fixtures that require a professional to install, so you need to be careful when choosing;
  • the possibility of insulation work. This applies not only to the possibility of insulating the cavity above the lamp and its sound insulation, but also to isolating the place where the device is attached to drywall. Some lamps get too hot, which can create a certain danger.

The selected luminaire should be mounted so that it can be easily removed for repairs.

What fixtures are best for a plasterboard ceiling? Traditionally, fluorescent lamps, conventional chandeliers, spotlights, LEDs, fiber optic lamps, as well as pendant or overhead lamps are used for these purposes. The choice of option depends on the taste preferences of the owner of the apartment where the repair is being carried out.

Fluorescent lamps are inexpensive and have a long service life.. They are very economical, but they are not combined with plasterboard suspended ceilings in the apartment. But to use them in the office just right

Ordinary chandeliers are classics. They are quick and easy to mount, and one chandelier gives a lot of light. But for such lighting, a plasterboard ceiling is not needed.

The most suitable option are spotlights. Built-in lights in the plasterboard ceiling will not cost much. They are easy to install, which means they are a suitable option for self-assembly in a single-level structure. Often such lighting is not used as the main one, although there are no obstacles to using spotlights and nothing else.


The backlight does not have to be in a straight line.

LED lighting in the form of ribbons is used mostly for decoration.. A plasterboard ceiling with LED lighting is done in order to create light accents on various areas of large rooms.

Fiber optic luminaires are a new and expensive product in the lighting market.. Their cost and price for installation are above average. Often, it is not possible for a beginner to carry out the installation of fiber-optic lamps on their own.

It is best to use LED spotlights. They look good and consume little energy.

Average heat output compliance indicators
Incandescent lamp (W)LED lamp (W)
45 4
50 6
65 8
80 10
100 12
125 15
160 18

Work order

The scheme of work is very simple. It is necessary to mark the ceiling, create a metal frame, make wiring, sheathe everything with drywall and insert lamps.

Wireframe creation

The first step is to mark on the ceiling the places where the lamps will be installed. It is advisable to draw a diagram for yourself, indicating all sizes. After that, a place on the wall is determined where the profiles around the perimeter will be attached. You need to know how far the suspended structure will recede from the ceiling. Its height depends on whether additional insulation or sound insulation will be used. If not, then you can retreat by standard 8 cm. Otherwise, you need to calculate the thickness of the insulating layers.


After creating the frame, wiring is done

When the lower level is determined, on which the illuminated plasterboard ceiling will be, you need to make marks on the walls. Along these lines, UD profiles will be attached to all walls parallel to the floor plane. Installation is carried out using dowels. When the guides are attached to all four walls, then CD profiles are inserted into them in increments of 40-50 cm. They go from one edge of the wall to the opposite, parallel to each other. So far, they do not need to be fixed.

Suspensions are attached to the ceiling (they play the role of load-bearing structural elements) in increments of approximately 50 cm. They must be located above each CD profile. This profile is attached to them with metal screws. The hangers themselves are attached with dowels.

Wiring for fixtures

The easiest way is to make wiring for fixtures, powering it from a chandelier. This is easily done using a conventional terminal block. Recessed plasterboard ceiling fixtures can also be powered from another node. To do this, the wire is laid from the outlet. But in this case, you need to ditch the wall, and this is a completely different level of repair, affecting the entire room, and not just the ceiling.


Lamps can be powered from 220V, which is very convenient

All wires must be hidden in the corrugation. It protects the wiring from mechanical damage, and is also an additional means of fire safety. This is an elementary protective measure, which for some reason is neglected by many.

If a wooden frame for drywall is used or there are other wooden structures that will be located near the wiring, then the corrugated sleeve is not used. In this case, it is necessary to take a more expensive metal hose or metal pipe.

The cross section of the wire should be 0.75 mm. If you use LED spotlights, then 4 W for each will be enough. The wiring should not hang or lie on something. It needs to be attached to the ceiling. To do this, special clips are attached to the ceiling, into which the corrugation with the wire is very easily clamped. The wire for the fixtures is connected to the wire from the chandelier.


An example of how wires for fixtures should be drawn

A plasterboard ceiling with lighting will have special holes where the fixtures will be mounted. In the designated places for the fixtures, two clips are attached, and they are also mounted along the entire path of the wire. After that, the wire is fixed under the ceiling, and where there is lighting, tongues (a loop of wire) descend below the level of the false ceiling. After that, the wire is led to the place of the next lamp, where a loop is again made, and so on, until all the points are over. At the end, the wire is cut so that it also hangs below the level of the frame.

Final stage of work

Sheets of drywall are hemmed to the frame. They are fastened with self-tapping screws in increments of 15-20 cm. It is important not to forget where the wiring for lighting is connected. The previously created scheme with all sizes will help with this. If it is available, it will be easy to make holes in the right places so that the prepared lamps in the plasterboard ceiling are in place.

The hole itself is made using a drill with a special nozzle. There are crowns that allow you to cut a circle of a given diameter in drywall (to fit the purchased spotlights).


Excellent option for connecting a lamp

The loop is pulled out and a lamp is attached to it. You can fasten them by means of the usual twisting of wires, which are then necessarily insulated. But if the wires are stranded, then it is undesirable to twist them, since such fixation weakens over time, which leads to sparking and burning. It would be ideal to use a terminal block to connect all the wires.

The lamp itself has special clips with which it is attached to the ceiling. At the end, it remains to check whether everything was connected correctly, after which you can proceed to the finishing work.

If you have already assembled a plasterboard suspended ceiling, and then wanted to make a backlight using spotlights, then this is feasible. It is not advisable to do this, but for lack of a better option, you can resort to the method shown in the video.