Ceiling Guide

Plasterboard Ceiling Planning Guide

Plan the board, suspension, access and finishing details together for a clean and serviceable ceiling.

Decorative PVC gypsum ceiling tile pattern

Plasterboard ceilings offer a continuous finished surface, but they require more planning than a simple sheet order. The ceiling must accommodate suspension, lighting, air-conditioning, inspection points and movement at the perimeter.

Four decisions before ordering

  • Confirm the ceiling level and the support grid.
  • Map heavy fixtures and service openings.
  • Choose board thickness and edge treatment for the finish.
  • Define access requirements before closing the ceiling.

Board versus lay-in ceiling tile

FeaturePlasterboard ceilingLay-in tile system
SurfaceContinuous, jointed and finishedModular and replaceable
AccessRequires planned panels or openingsTiles can be lifted individually
DesignFlexible shapes and bulkheadsFast grid-based installation

Finish quality starts at the frame

Uneven framing, poor screw placement and uncontrolled movement can show through the finished surface. Align the support, board joints and joint treatment method before installation begins.

For service-heavy interiors, compare a continuous plasterboard ceiling with PVC gypsum, mineral fiber or GI ceiling tiles before selecting the final system.