Styrofoam ceiling tiles: the use of a facing coating for interior decoration. Styrofoam ceiling tiles: varieties and features of use Styrofoam tiles how to highlight a pattern

If we talk about the arrangement of the ceiling plane, then at the moment there are a lot of options in this regard. Tension and suspension systems, as well as structures made of wood, have gained particular popularity. But, perhaps, the most widespread distribution is behind foam plastic ceiling tiles. Such material is relatively inexpensive. And if we add to this the possibility of arranging such a ceiling with our own hands, then we can say with confidence that there is no price for a foam ceiling! In addition, you can glue the tiles straight or diagonally. And the design solutions that exist today cannot be counted on the fingers!

Ceiling tile features

The easiest way to make your ceiling modern is to stick foam tiles on it. Ceiling tiles are ubiquitous in living spaces, even as more consumers opt for stretch ceilings.

There are different types of foam ceiling tiles, each of them has advantages over the other. The shape of the tiles are rectangular, square, diamond-shaped and hexagonal. But the most popular are products of the traditional square shape. Their front surface is laminated or simple, smooth or embossed, painted to look like wood texture, stone, fabric imitating wood carving or stucco molding. Laminate tiles are best used in the kitchen, but for bathrooms and other wet areas it is better to choose waterproof panels.

Also, there are three types of foam plastic ceiling tiles: injection, 9-14 millimeters thick, which is made by casting and sintering raw materials in a mold, pressed (stamped), which has a thickness of 6-7 millimeters, and extruded, pressed from an extruded strip and painted or coated with a film with standard dimensions of 50 by 50 centimeters for square tiles and 100 by 16.5 centimeters for rectangular.

As for the care of the foam tiles for the ceiling, it is not whimsical in principle. To do this, you will need a regular sponge, which you are used to washing dishes every day, as well as soap and water. But remember that this technique is only suitable for laminated tiles, but ordinary foam panels on the ceiling should be wiped with a dry cloth or simply vacuumed. In no case do not wipe such a ceiling with solutions in which gasoline or solvent is present, since in this way the pegoplast tile can be damaged.

Production of foam boards

The technology for the production of foam panels provides for two different methods for obtaining this material: stamping and extrusion. The first solution involves the manufacture of panels using special stamps, the source for this purpose is a foam blank.

Such materials have a high grain size and are usually produced in white. But such tiles, if necessary, can be coated with special water-dispersion paints or laminated, which gives the material a more refined look and significantly improves its consumer properties.

The material in the second case is also foam, but previously melted. Tiles are made from molten material by vacuum thermal forming. Materials obtained in this way are less porous, therefore they are more resistant to mechanical stress and are able to extend their useful life.

In addition, at the stage of production of tiles in this way, it is customary to add different dyes to the working composition to obtain products of any color range. But it should be noted that the production of tiles by this technique requires high precision in order to manufacture products with the correct geometric characteristics.

When choosing tiles, it should be borne in mind that the extruded material has a more pronounced glossy structure, is easy to clean, and can be used in almost any room. But such tiles, due to the glossy structure, cannot be subjected to the staining process, and their assembly seams are more visible.

Stamped ceiling foam tiles are distinguished by higher noise and heat insulation properties, which is explained by the greater porosity and thickness of the material, and also differ in the correct geometric dimensions. This allows you to make a ceiling with almost invisible mounting seams. But the appearance of such products is inferior to the first solution.

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

The advantages of plates for creating foam ceilings are as follows:

1. Styrofoam ceiling tiles can be glued to almost any surface, from bare concrete to wood chip boards.
2. Since the temperature of batteries or radiators in apartments is not more than 80 degrees, you can install such tiles without problems near them.
3. Under normal conditions, the useful life of foam tiles for the ceiling is calculated in years and decades, because this material is not afraid of dampness.
4. Ceiling plates are quite dense, therefore they have excellent heat-insulating and sound-proofing properties.
5. The light weight of the material allows the use of adhesives for these purposes, which are not very durable, and therefore expensive.
6. Ceiling panels are well cut, so their installation does not take much time.
7. Styrofoam is a lightweight and environmentally friendly material.
8. The price of foam tiles for the ceiling is extremely low, and you can save even more without resorting to the service of finishers.
9. Ceiling tiles give the room a more aesthetic appearance and in some cases are able to visually enlarge it.

With all the advantages, foam ceilings have many disadvantages. The cheapest tiles are not very durable, they turn yellow over time from sunlight, and some of them do not tolerate moisture. However, this drawback can be easily corrected by turning it into a virtue, because foam tiles can be painted with ordinary water-based paint.

But the main drawback of foam ceilings is vapor impermeability - the foam is able to create the effect of a thermos in the room, depriving the walls of the ability to absorb excess moisture. When combining such a ceiling, for example, with vinyl wallpaper, the risk that a fungus will live in the room will increase several times.

Expanded polystyrene is hardly flammable, but it melts easily. With water heating pipes, such material can also be glued closely. But the contact of panels with lamps, especially with powerful light bulbs and an open top, is highly undesirable. It is better to play it safe and place the lamps at a distance of at least 20-30 centimeters from the surface of the foam ceiling.

In addition, it should be remembered that foam tiles are easily injured, this applies even to blunt objects. Consider this fact when transporting material from the store and when performing work on tiling the ceiling. It will also be quite difficult for you to achieve the impression of the integrity of the surface due to the formation of a large number of seams and joints.

Calculation of the surface for tiles

First of all, before gluing the foam ceiling, you should stock up on the necessary materials. To this end, it is necessary to measure the area of ​​​​the ceiling base and buy materials with a stock adjustment. The calculation of the surface on which you will glue the foam squares is carried out in the following way.

If there is a room with dimensions of 3 by 2 meters, then the pasted surface is 6 square meters. To form one square meter, 4 tiles measuring 50 by 50 centimeters are required. The result is 24 pieces. But it is strongly recommended to add two more tiles to the resulting number of tiles, since the room does not always have the correct shape and exact dimensions.

It often turns out that after the sticker procedure, there may be space left on some sides, which you will fill with the material purchased in stock. And then - you don't want to go to the store to buy one or two tiles. Keep this in mind when getting the estimated number.

Choice of foam adhesive

In addition to the foam tiles themselves, you need to stock up on adhesives that are needed to fix the material to the ceiling. For pasting squares, you can use "Moment - liquid nails", because it has a thick consistency and hardens for 15-25 minutes. It is not recommended to use glue from the Chinese manufacturers "Dragon", as it is too liquid, its adhesive properties are very low, and the squares will need to be held in outstretched arms for a long time - a real mockery of oneself.

For 24 squares of ceiling, you will need approximately 350-400 milliliters of glue. If you buy a composition in a package for a gun in a container of 450 ml, then it will also be quite enough for a ceiling plinth. Yes, and it turns out cheaper than 2 tubes of 250 milliliters.

For an uneven ceiling, finishing putty is considered the best adhesive - it is with its help that foam tiles can be glued with high quality and the ceiling can be leveled without resorting to the use of any kind of spacers and supports.

Professional craftsmen always do this. To make glue for ceiling tiles with your own hands, you need to mix ordinary dry finishing putty in water, and then add PVA building glue to the resulting mass. This glue is required in proportions of 200 grams per 1 kilogram of putty.

Required Tools

In view of the simplicity of finishing work, for self-assembly of foam tiles on the ceiling, you will need a minimum amount of tools: a paint cord for drawing the axis of the ceiling, ordinary scissors or a mounting knife for cutting tiles, a spatula for applying finishing putty, measuring tools, a fly brush and rags for wiping tiles and removing excess glue.

Surface preparation

The next step is to prepare the ceiling surface for work. Keep in mind that foam tiles can be glued to almost any flat surface that has been previously cleaned of debris and dirt, as well as old finishes (wallpaper, tiles, whitewash).

However, before performing the work itself, it is necessary to prime the base surface using a deep penetration compound. This procedure is required to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens in the cavity of the foam panels and to improve the adhesion of materials. Pay special attention to large depressions and irregularities, if any.

Ceiling markings

Next, mark the ceiling, which will accurately indicate the location of the tiles on the plane. For marking, you will need a marking cord - an ordinary rope made of natural material, which is tinted with a powder-type dye. Dye and cord can be bought at the market or at the nearest building supermarket.

When marking, it is recommended to take into account the type of arrangement of panels on the ceiling - longitudinal or diagonal rows. Moreover, in the latter version, the operations will be more time-consuming, but they will visually enlarge the ceiling surface.

To mark the ceiling, attract a friend. Pull the cord with a little effort from one corner of the room diagonally to the other. Pull the lace a little from the ceiling and release, thereby getting one of the diagonals. The same must be done to obtain the second diagonal. After these operations, you will get two diagonals that intersect in the middle, this will be the center of the room.

Then, using a tape measure, measure the same distance from the resulting center along four lines going to the corners. For example, one and a half meters from the center to the corners, then make marks. Next, take the marking cord and beat off the lines along the marks to make a rectangle or square on the ceiling. After that, measure the resulting sides of this figure, the opposite lines should be equal in length (an error of 1-4 millimeters is allowed).

If the opposite sides of the geometric figure differ from each other by more than 6 millimeters, then you should again measure the segments from the center so that they are the same. After all, using a tape measure, you need to find the middle of the sides of the resulting rectangle or square. With a marking cord, make lines through the center according to the marks. Along these axes, you need to glue the tiles.

Many developers prefer to stick foam ceiling cards diagonally, as shown in the photo of the foam ceiling. In this case, you need to place the axes a little differently - they should pass from one corner to another and be placed at an angle of 90 degrees relative to each other. If the angle is fuzzy, then at one moment the cards may fail.

Applying adhesive to the surface

The rules for gluing foam boards may vary slightly, depending on the adhesive used. Glue must be applied completely or dotted on the protrusions that are on the back of the panel or in the corners and in the middle.

In order not to close the marked axes, it is better to apply putty or glue directly to the tile - this is done using a comb, which is used for tiling surfaces. If there are irregularities up to a centimeter on the ceiling, give preference to a tool with a large tooth, at least 12 millimeters. If this is not enough, then additionally smear the ceiling - this must be done carefully so that the axes do not wear out. The ceiling and tiles must be applied in the opposite direction.

If you are using a special ELTITAN type adhesive, then the tiles must be allowed to stand for 10-15 minutes before laying. It is convenient to apply glue immediately on 3-4 panels, so that by the time the glue is applied to the next batch of tiles, you can already glue the first of them. It is advisable to apply a thick layer of mastic for a porous ceiling.

Ceiling paneling

After marking the ceiling, you can proceed to pasting the squares onto the surface. If the squares have a relief, you need to see if the same pattern is present on all the squares. If it is the same, then it will be necessary to glue the panels in a certain pattern, and if the image is different, then you can glue products without such a pattern.

So, you need to start gluing from the resulting center of the room, since often in the process of gluing tiles, many are faced with a failure of the seams between individual tiles. Gradually fill the entire surface. Installation of the foam ceiling is recommended to be carried out with de-energized electrical wiring and be sure to wear gloves so as not to stain the panels. Glue the first tile so that one of its corners is located exactly at the center point where the 4 center tiles will meet.

At this point, there may be fasteners for the lamp, in which case the corners of the tiles must be cut off. The place of cuts will be covered in the future with a chandelier plate or a ceiling rosette. The edges of the panel must be aligned along the previously marked perpendicular lines. Press the tile firmly when sticking to the ceiling, but make sure that there are no dents left.

You need to arrange the following tiles in parallel rows, do not allow the formation of gaps between the edges. You should be guided by the triangular arrows that are on the back of the panels, they should look in the same direction.

The last rows of panels, most often, need to be cut with a knife to the desired size, and after fitting, apply glue. After filling this space with squares, small gaps remained on the ceiling from the sides; to fill them, you will need the spare square that you purchased. Measure how wide a strip is needed, cut it out and glue it like an ordinary square.

Do not glue the entire surface at once. The glue dries quickly, so you need to wash it off, otherwise you will have to scrape off the glue along with the pieces of foam tiles. It is necessary to gradually seal a small area, seal the seams and wipe off the remaining glue with a damp cloth. The gap between the end panels and the wall must be closed with a ceiling plinth.

Sealing joints between tiles

Most failures in the seams of foam tiles are due to their different sizes - to prevent this, it is better to stick the panels at a small distance between them - 1-2 millimeters. Subsequently, close these seams with the same putty. It is recommended to paint the glued ceiling tiles with neatly sealed seams immediately after drying with water-based paint in order to completely hide all the flaws in the work. Styrofoam can be repainted up to 5-7 times.

In principle, ceiling tiles without seams are possible. To ensure that the coating looks like a single whole, and water does not penetrate between the seams, it is recommended to fill all the gaps between the panels with a sealant. The silicone sealant is temperature and water resistant. After filling the seams, it is recommended to smooth it with your fingers or a trowel, and remove the excess with a damp cloth.

Foam friezes sticker

The final touch of gluing the foam tiles to the ceiling is the sticker of the foam friezes. They, like tiles, have a wide variety of shapes, textures and colors. For small rooms, it is recommended to choose narrow skirting boards with a small discreet image. For large rooms it is better to take massive ones. Friezes must be glued from the corners, adjusting the length of the wall and making an insert between the previous strip and the segment already glued from the corner.

You can stick friezes before or after wallpapering. In the first case, high accuracy is required already during the procedure for fitting the wallpaper itself, or the use of a wallpaper decorative frieze. Now you can glue the ceiling socket by cutting a hole for the chandelier in the middle.

It is also possible to cover the foam ceiling with paint. Light colors will look best. At the same time, you can paint the ceiling plinth. At the end of the work, tightly close the doors and windows in the room to prevent the movement of air currents.

We told you about the features, advantages and price of plastic tiles on the ceiling. There are many foam panels for the ceiling: rectangular and square, thin and thick, with and without seams, white and multi-colored. You can’t count them all, but they are united by a fairly simple installation procedure.

When it comes to cheap, low-labor, and beautifully refurbished ceilings, foam ceiling tiles can be a good solution. They are not very demanding on the surface to be pasted over, they are light, they have the property of absorbing sound. Tile manufacturers will please with a wide range. It will be possible to play with the design, choose the most suitable for the room: type, color, pattern, thickness of ceiling tiles.

Types and characteristics of foam ceiling tiles

Firstly, the types of foam tiles can vary in shape:

• square, with a side length of 50 cm - this tile is most common;
• rectangular, in the form of panels - used much less frequently, as a rule, for decoration in non-residential public premises;
• diamond-shaped;
• hexagonal.

Secondly, according to the method of manufacture:

• pressed or stamped - such tiles are obtained by compacting foam boards with an industrial press. Their average thickness is 7-8 mm;
• injection - cast in molds using high-temperature conditions. In this way, thicker foam tiles (up to 14 mm) are obtained;
• extruded. In the production of tiles of this type, a decorative film (2.5-3 mm) can be used.

Also, tiles can vary in color, texture (smooth, embossed). Can be laminated or plain.

Styrofoam ceiling tiles are also characterized by its positive and negative properties.

The advantages include:

• heat and sound insulation
• moisture resistance
• fungus and mold resistance
• not susceptible to decay
• low price.

The tile is able to hide small flaws on the surface. It does not require any special skills or special tools to stick it.

Of the shortcomings, it is worth pointing out, first of all, a fire hazard.

Important: There are types of tiles that are difficult to ignite and do not burn. This information can be seen on the packaging. In any case, it should not be allowed to melt, because this will cause the tile to deform and release into the air toxic substances formed when exposed to high temperatures.

Styrofoam ceiling tiles do not like direct sunlight. With their prolonged exposure, the foam turns yellow and loses strength. A large number of joints can also be attributed to the disadvantages of tiles, as the feeling of integrity of the ceiling surface is lost. The exception is seamless tiles.

Styrofoam ceiling tiles without seams
Thanks to this type of tile, you can get a smooth monolithic ceiling. Docking seams are masked due to the special shape of the edges of the tiles. Such tiles are made by pressing (stamping). The size is usually 50x50cm. White color. The foam in these tiles is very soft, which allows you to tightly connect the tiles together and make the joint almost invisible. For seamless foam tiles, there is a laying technology. It is recommended to use fast drying adhesive.

Styrofoam Ceiling Tile Dimensions

• The standard dimensions for a square tile will be 50x50 cm, there is a small tile - 30x30 cm.
• Rectangular tiles are made 100x16.5 cm.
• The thickness of foam ceiling tiles, as noted above, can vary from 2.5 to 14 mm.

How to glue foam ceiling tiles

In order to independently glue the ceiling with foam tiles with high quality, you should use the instructions for its installation, where all its stages will be revealed step by step.

Instructions for installing foam ceiling tiles

1. Preparatory stage. It includes cleaning the ceiling from old coatings, leveling strong drops and priming the ceiling surface. It is also necessary to prepare tools: a sharp knife (clerical), a ruler, a tape measure, a beating, a pencil and a clean rag. It is important to choose the right glue.

Please note: as a rule, tile adhesive is transparent and viscous enough inconvenient in practice. It assumes that the surface is perfectly flat and requires some time to press each tile. It is much more convenient to use a quick installation of white or finishing putty.

2. Markup. It is necessary to find the center of the ceiling - at the intersection of its diagonals. Additionally, lines should be drawn that will connect the midpoints of the walls opposite to each other. They should intersect at right angles at the same point.

   Advice. If the center does not coincide with the light source (chandelier), then it is better to move the center of our markup there and glue from it. A chandelier hanging somewhere on the side of a tile will catch your eye and make your ceiling cheaper.

   Through the center, with the help of a masking cord, two perpendicular lines should be beaten off, along which the first tiles will be aligned.

3. The first tiles converge at the corners in the center of the markup, the corners are cut off near the cord of the chandelier, which will then be covered with its glass. Next, the foam tiles are glued in a spiral around the center. It is important to observe that the rows run parallel to each other, preventing the tiles from shifting. At the junction with the walls, the tiles are cut to size with a knife before applying glue to them, so that it is possible to try on and correct the cut. As a rule, a small gap is allowed near the wall, which is then hidden by the ceiling plinth.

Important. If there is a pattern on the tile, make sure that it is correctly positioned and not disturbed.

4. Seam sealing. If the installation of the tile was carried out using putty, then it immediately fills all the gaps, its excess is washed off with a clean rag. When using other types of joint adhesive, silicone sealant is well suited, the excess of which is also removed with a damp cloth.

Finishing the ceiling with foam tiles, as we have seen, is a convenient, not complicated and fairly budget option. Additional decor in the form of a socket for a chandelier and a ceiling plinth will give the ceiling a complete look.

Little trick. From yellowing of the tiles and for additional masking of the joints, staining can be applied.

Painting foam ceiling tiles

Not all types of ceiling tiles can be painted. For example, laminated tiles are hardly suitable for this purpose. It is worth painting with acrylic paint or water-based paint.

The paint is easy to tint in any shade. When choosing a paint, it is important to take into account such indicators as haze (gloss), hiding power, consumption, and the presence of antiseptic additives.

It is better to paint with a roller from the window, with movements perpendicular to the window line. In the corners, joints, ceiling plinth and socket, as well as problematic and unpainted places, pass with a brush. To prevent dripping from the plinth onto the wall, it is better to stick masking tape along all the plinths along the top of the wall while painting.

Styrofoam ceiling tiles price

Depending on the type of foam ceiling tiles, prices for it may vary. From 10 rubles / pc for the simplest white non-laminated tile up to 150 rubles / pc (seamless tile)

Where to buy styrofoam ceiling tiles?

You can buy ceiling tiles in large hypermarkets of building and finishing materials, in construction markets or in online stores.

In Moscow:

• KUBik, store of goods for repairs: Moscow, Fergansky proezd, 10A, building 3;
• Online store kubikstroy.ru: Moscow, Novocherkassky Boulevard, 13.
• Network of hypermarkets of goods for home and garden Leroy Merlin: Moscow, st. Upper Krasnoselskaya, ow. 3a, shopping center "Troika";

In St. Petersburg:

• Network of hypermarkets of goods for home and garden Leroy Merlin: St. Petersburg, st. Kollontai, 3;
• Construction hypermarket "MOYDOM" St. Petersburg, Kolpino: st. Oktyabrskaya, 8, shopping mall "OKA".
• "Stroitel" a network of stores for goods for repairs: st. Aircraft designers, 7, 9;

Video

Thus, it can be noted that with the help of foam ceiling tiles, it will be easy and simple to make cosmetic repairs, and most importantly, inexpensively. With a little effort, you can get a beautiful, warm, even ceiling with good sound insulation.

The cheapest and easiest way to finish the ceiling is to install foam tiles. At cost, such works can be equated to traditional whitewashing, but unlike it, the design is much more efficient, as it opens up huge opportunities for creative ideas. This material has a rich texture and color, imitates various surfaces and is decorated with beautiful relief patterns. Depending on the style of decoration, you can choose classic white tiles or colored panels with stucco.

The process of installing such a ceiling is not complicated, so you can do it yourself without having special skills for this.

Distinctive features

Foam tiles are very popular in ceiling design, as they are a budget material, thanks to which you can quickly and stylishly decorate any coating. It is well suited for decoration of residential premises, offices and suburban outbuildings.. Tiles are produced in various sizes from ecological raw materials, and a special processing technology makes the material resistant to high humidity and sudden temperature changes. Today, the construction market is represented by a chic selection of PVC tile modifications, so it will not be difficult to purchase a suitable option, in addition, the product can be painted and ideally hides all the flaws in the ceiling.

By finishing in this way, interesting patterns can be obtained on the surface of the ceiling, they are evenly distributed over the entire base, but often form seams, therefore, for a perfect finish, it is recommended to purchase a special seamless tile. Its panels are characterized by a snow-white shade and look beautiful in spacious rooms.

In addition to all this, foam tiles have other advantages:

• low price. Compared with the installation of complex suspended structures and decorative plaster, the material allows you to beautifully decorate the ceiling without significant financial costs.
• Easy to install. The panels are lightweight and can be fixed with mounting adhesive. In addition, the material is quickly cut and acquires the desired size or shape. Installation work is carried out without the formation of dust and debris.
• Easy Care. The product is not afraid of water, so wet cleaning is suitable for it.
• Good heat and sound insulation.

In addition to the positive properties, the ceiling tiles also have disadvantages, namely:

• A room covered with foam panels requires high-quality ventilation, as stuffiness and heavy air can form in a closed room.
• Installation of tiles is carried out on a pre-prepared ceiling, so its surface must be carefully leveled and primed. This, of course, will entail additional costs, but if visible defects are not eliminated, then the finishing material can repeat all the bulges.
• No matter how well the tile is laid, joints cannot be avoided. Therefore, all seams must be sealed.
• Styrofoam panels are easy to cut, but can crumble and break. Such cut out elements can fail in further operation, since their integral structure will be violated and they will differ significantly from their industrial counterpart.

Kinds

Foam tiles are a unique finishing material, as they are produced in various shapes. To date, on sale you can find square panels 50 cm long and rectangular. Hexagon and diamond-shaped tiles are also very popular; they look unusual in design and create original patterns.

Depending on the production technology, the following types of material are distinguished:

• stamped. The panels are produced from polystyrene blocks by special stamping. Such tiles have a low weight, low density, their thickness does not exceed 8 mm. Products are characterized by a relief structure and are inexpensive. Since the panels are not covered with a protective film, they are exposed to mechanical stress and are afraid of wet cleaning. In addition, during installation, small gaps may occur between the plates, which must be sealed.

• extruded. Panels are made by pressing polystyrene raw materials. They are characterized by high density and a thickness of 3 mm. Additionally, the material is covered with a protective layer, which provides it with protection from damage and dust. As a rule, such tiles imitate wood and marble, they are reliable in operation, but due to the presence of connecting joints, they cannot be painted.
• injector. Products are produced under conditions in which polystyrene is baked in molds. This type of panels, unlike the previous options, is characterized by high strength and thickness. In addition, the patterns applied to the surface of the material have an unusual geometry and relief. When installed, decorative tiles look solid and their seams are almost invisible. Such a ceiling does not burn, it can be washed with detergents and painted in any color.

The seamless ceiling tile also deserves special attention, thanks to which the surface looks monolithic and even.

The edges of the panels have a special shape, so the joints that appear during its installation are originally "hidden" and become invisible. For this type of tile, there is a separate laying technology and its fastening is carried out using glue that dries quickly.

How to choose?

The ceiling plays a huge role in the design. Not only the atmosphere of the room, but also the appearance of the space depends on its decor. Therefore, you need to choose the finishing material for the ceiling correctly.

In order for the tiles to look beautiful in the room and reliably serve for many years, it is recommended to pay attention to the following points when buying them:

• Shape and edges. The material should have clear lines and borders. You can not choose tiles with deformed and curved edges, as this can lead to many problems during installation.
• Material structure. The panels must have a uniform density around the entire perimeter. It is not allowed to use products that have crumbling edges and dents or waves.

• Picture. Preference should be given to tiles with clear patterns.
• The size. Each panel in a set must be the same width and length.
• Design. Traditionally, the material is produced in white colors, but in order to save yourself from future painting, you can immediately purchase panels of the desired color. Wood or natural stone coatings also look beautiful. In addition, PVC tiles can be matte and laminated, it is recommended to pre-examine its samples, and only then give preference to one or another option.

It is also advisable to study customer reviews before choosing a decorative product and purchase tiles only from well-known and well-established manufacturers who can provide appropriate quality certificates.

Mounting Features

Styrofoam is considered one of the most affordable materials that can quickly and easily decorate the ceiling. In order for the tile to look aesthetically pleasing, it must be installed correctly, adhering to certain technologies.

The process of pasting foam panels begins with preparatory work, which consists of the following steps:

• Wall covering. It is performed before installing the tiles, as the glue can stain the decorative coating. If the decoration of the walls in the repair is not provided, then they are simply covered with a film.
• Dismantling and cleaning. All light sources are removed and electrical wiring is isolated. The old coating is removed and stains from rust, fungus, grease and soot are eliminated.
• Puttying. A thick cement mortar is being prepared and the cracks are smeared.
• Padding. It can be made both from ready-made mixtures, and you can prepare them yourself from water and PVA glue. It is advisable to cover the ceiling with a primer, which includes antifungal components.
• grinding. The surface is checked for evenness and, if necessary, an additional starting putty is applied, after which the base is polished and fixed with acrylic.

Ceiling tiles are glued to any surface. To fix it, you must first select a convenient scheme and only then proceed with the installation. Most often used diagonal, parallel and combined placement of panels.

Parallel the installation starts from a noticeable corner in the room and looks like this:

• Glue is applied to the tiles. They cover the perimeter of the wrong side and make additional fixation in the middle. At the same time, you need to control the layer of glue, because if it is thick, then traces may remain, and the seams will become much more noticeable.
• The canvas is pressed to the base of the ceiling and smoothed. The next panel is attached in the same way, but its patterns should be a continuation of the first tile and look symmetrical.
• After the row is completed, measurements of the seams and the distance to the wall should be made.
• The final stage will be the decoration of the ceiling with skirting boards, which are selected from the same material as the tiles. They are also fixed with glue.

As for the diagonal installation, it starts from the center of the ceiling. In the event that a chandelier is planned to be placed in the center, then the edges of the panels are cut, and the resulting hole can then be easily closed with a plug.

Installation work in this case is carried out as follows:

• The ceiling is marked, along which the first panel is attached in the very center. Moreover, its angles must strictly correspond to the middle of the lines.
• The second tile is installed along the applied axes, then the work is continued in the same way until completion. The installation of the extreme row will be carried out from the cut parts.

With combined placement of ceiling elements glue is applied simultaneously on the surface of four plates, after which they are immediately attached to the base. All work must be carried out strictly according to the markup, and the extreme row is laid out from pre-cut blanks. This technique is considered difficult, so it is not recommended for beginners.

For information on how to properly glue the ceiling tiles, see the following video.

What can be painted?

Styrofoam ceiling tiles are produced in various colors and textures, but many craftsmen prefer to purchase material with a white surface, after which it is additionally decorated with paint. It is worth noting that the painting of foam panels allows not only to give the material an aesthetic appearance, but also is characterized by many positive characteristics. It acts as a protective layer and strengthens the structure of the product. Besides, painted tiles do not get dirty so quickly and are easier to clean.

In order for the work to be done efficiently, it is necessary to choose a good paint that will change the appearance of the panels and extend their life. Usually for ceiling tiles, paint with a high degree of adhesion is used resistant to moisture and detergents.

In addition, dyes must be made from components that do not dissolve the foam.

• Acrylic. The mixture belongs to the water-dispersion group, it is made from polymer and acrylic resins. It dries quickly, has no smell, is easy to work with and does not harm human health. After such painting, the surface of the ceiling is covered with a vapor-permeable film, so the material "breathes". In addition, this type of paint does not fade, is not afraid of temperature changes and is represented by a huge selection of color palettes.
• water emulsion. It is an emulsion, which includes water, various polymers and coloring pigments. It is inexpensive, evenly distributed over the surface, dries quickly and leaves no marks or streaks from a brush or roller. The only thing is that this paint cannot be applied in a thick layer, otherwise the film will begin to peel off and crack. Also, tiles painted with this solution will absorb dust and grease much faster. It cannot be washed with detergents, therefore it is not recommended to paint in the kitchen, where there is a constant accumulation of soot and grease.

It is worth noting that foam tiles can not only be painted, but also whitewashed. This option is most suitable for rooms with high humidity.

How to wash?

Any decorative coating gets dirty over time and needs to be cleaned. Styrofoam tiles are no exception to this. As a rule, it is cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, but if after such cleaning there are traces of grease and soot, it is recommended to wash it.

Many people are afraid to wash ceiling panels, as they believe that this can disrupt the structure of the material and ruin the finish. Actually it's not like that the foam is well tolerated by contact with water and withstands the chemical attack of detergents.

As for the kitchen, it will require more effective means that can cope with a film of fat. In this case use detergents that wash dishes or laundry solutions. But they often contain bleaching elements and can harm the appearance of the ceiling. It is undesirable to wash the panels with powders, especially for products with a laminated and glossy surface.

If there is a desire to make repairs in the apartment, but there is no big money for materials, then you should pay attention to foam ceiling tiles. A wide selection of textures and colors allows you to find the best option for every taste. Ease of installation will allow you to glue the tiles yourself.

Peculiarities

Everyone has been familiar with polystyrene since childhood, the full name of which is extruded polystyrene foam or styrofoam. It is very popular in the construction industry. Today, various building materials are made from foam plastic due to its unique structure. It consists of a huge number of small air cells.

Polyfoam is characterized by lightness of construction, ease of processing, and is also distinguished by the ability to create any shape of the product. Another important feature of this building material is that it perfectly retains heat. The versatility of polystyrene is manifested in the fact that it is used in the creation of many building materials.

Basically, foam tiles for the ceiling are represented by a square shape. Standard sizes are 250x250, 300x300 and 500x500 mm. On sale you can find rectangular options, which are commonly called panels. This option is used for finishing ceilings in public areas that are not intended for living. The standard size is 1000x165 mm.

Modern manufacturers of foam ceiling tiles offer this material in other forms, sometimes you can even find irregular shapes. This diversity allows you to create amazing compositions on different topics.

The foam plastic is presented in white and complemented by an ornament on the front side. Such tiles are usually used to finish the ceiling for painting using a water-based composition. To ensure excellent paint absorption, this material has a matte finish. This option costs very little, so it is often used for subsequent painting.

The foam board is up to 14mm thick, but standard sizes range from 2.5mm to 8mm. The lightness of the material is one of its main advantages.

So, to cover a ceiling of 20 m², you will need about 4 kg of foam tiles.

When calculating the required number of tiles with a size of 500x500 mm, the ceiling area should be rounded up to a larger figure, which is divisible by five. Since in the last row the tiles will have to be cut. If diagonal laying is used, then another 15% should be added to the total number of tiles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Extruded polystyrene foam, like other materials, has advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantage of foam ceiling tiles is that they can be easily glued to any surface. The light weight of the material, as well as the ease of cutting, contribute to quick and easy installation.

This material is characterized by excellent heat and sound insulation properties. It can even be used for arranging children's rooms, since it is safe, because it does not contain harmful substances.

Many people prefer this finishing material because it is inexpensive, and the mounting adhesive is also affordable. If you choose the right finishing material for the ceiling, then it will last for many years. When using large tiles, ceiling lining can be done very quickly. Since the foam tile has a small thickness, the height of the ceiling after its installation practically does not change.

Styrofoam tiles are paintable. White material can acquire any shade. Tiles can be painted up to seven times.

Ease of installation allows you to do everything yourself without special skills and abilities.

But besides the advantages, foam tiles also have some disadvantages that you should familiarize yourself with before deciding to work with this material.

The main disadvantages of polystyrene include its fragility, so you need to be very careful with it. A significant disadvantage is vapor permeability. The ceiling can no longer absorb excess moisture. It is quite difficult to mask the seams between the tiles. You should not buy very cheap foam, as it is prone to yellowing quickly.

Kinds

Modern manufacturers offer three types of foam board, which differ in properties and method of manufacture.

stamped

It is made from polystyrene blocks using the stamping method. Its main characteristics are light weight, low density, as well as the presence of a relief print. Its thickness varies from 6 to 8 mm.

This tile is the cheapest, so its properties are significantly lower than other types of foam tiles. It does not have a protective coating, is afraid of exposure to water and is characterized by fragility. Such a ceiling must not be washed, so you can only use a dry version for cleaning or wipe the surface using a damp sponge.

This type of tile cannot boast of a clear shape, so gaps of different sizes may appear during installation.

extruded

It is made from polystyrene mass through the use of a pressing method. It has a high density. Its thickness is basically only 3 mm. It has a protective coating, so it can be washed even with water. Since extruded tiles have a smooth surface, they can imitate wood, marble or other materials.

The main advantages are long service life, beautiful appearance and excellent strength. If we talk about the shortcomings, then it is worth highlighting the fact that the tile cannot be painted, has an uneven surface from the inside, and noticeable connecting seams are formed during installation.

injection

It is of the highest quality. It is produced using the method of baking polystyrene in molds. Its thickness is 14 mm. The peculiarity of this type lies in the increased strength and clarity of the relief print geometry. The joints of the tiles during installation are of high quality, which guarantees the creation of an integral surface.

Injection tiles are fireproof because they do not burn. It can be washed with various detergents. If desired, it can be painted.

This option is suitable even for finishing the bathroom.

How to choose?

To make the ceiling look beautiful and even, you need to follow the advice of experts when choosing it:

• Tiles must have smooth edges., then its installation will not take much time, and there will not be large gaps between the tiles. If it is distinguished by curved or deformed edges, then it should not be purchased at all.
• It is necessary to check the material for strength. It is enough to press a little on the edge of the tile. If it crumbles, then the material of such low quality should not be bought.
• It is necessary to pay attention to the uniformity of the structure and density of the foam. It should not have waves or dents.

• An important criterion is the quality of the print. The drawing must be clear and legible.
• Before buying tiles should be checked for quality. It is necessary to lift it by one edge and shake it slightly. If the edge has not broken off or deformed, then it can be used to finish the ceiling.
• If you want to create a single canvas without joints, then you should use the seamless option. It has a smooth edge without edging. But here you need to competently approach the process of gluing, each tile must be precisely fitted to the next one.

• Don't buy foam tiles online, since the material in the picture and in reality is not always the same. It is better to look at samples in order to understand what the material looks like, how it feels to the touch.
• Many buyers leave positive feedback about foam tiles. Therefore, remember that even among inexpensive materials you can find a decent option for repairs.

Surface preparation

First you need to pay attention to the condition of the ceiling surface, on which foam tiles will be glued in the future.

It is necessary to carry out preparatory work:

• If there are level differences of more than one centimeter on the ceiling, then you should start by leveling the ceiling.
• If wallpaper was pasted on the surface, it is necessary to dismantle it, and also carefully treat the ceiling with a primer.
• To remove whitewash from the surface, it must first be washed off and then primed.

• If the ceiling was painted with oil paint, then it must be thoroughly washed with soapy water, then remove all swollen paint.
• The ceiling painted with water-based paint must be moistened abundantly, then dried using a heater or a draft, and after 30 minutes the paint can be removed from the surface with a spatula.

For gluing tiles to the ceiling, you can use one of the methods: parallel, diagonal, offset (reminiscent of bricklaying) and combined (due to the use of tiles of different colors).

In order for the elements to be arranged evenly and in a certain order, first you need to make a markup on the ceiling:

• It is necessary to stretch two perpendicular lines using a masking cord. It needs to be pulled like a string. Each line will divide the surface into two equal parts. The geometric center will be located at the point where they intersect.
• To make laying in a parallel way, it is enough to create a markup of two lines. To be sure, you can also draw parallel lines at a distance equal to the width of the tile.

• To use the diagonal method, additional markup should be made. From the geometric center, you need to draw lines to the perpendicular lines of the first marking, while maintaining an angle of 45 degrees.
• The first tile should be glued in the center of the ceiling. There are cases when work can be started from the most noticeable corner of the room.

Sticking technology

The process of gluing foam tiles to the ceiling is quite easy and simple:

• Glue must be applied to the tile, namely: in the center and along the edges. If desired, the entire surface can be smeared with glue.
• The tile should be pressed firmly against the ceiling surface and wait about 30 seconds.
• Gently you need to remove your hands. If the tile is held on the ceiling, then you can move on to the next one.

• The last row of tiles is often smaller than its standard height, so it must be cut with a sharp knife to create the required size.
• When the entire ceiling is glued, it is worth moving on to working with cracks. To eliminate them, you can use acrylic sealant or putty. If the tile is glued to the putty, then the joints can be sealed immediately during the gluing process.
• After finishing all work, it is necessary to allow the tiles to dry completely, so the ceiling should not be touched during the day. After drying, if desired, you can start painting the tiles.

How can you wash?

Ceiling tiles can be cleaned of dust with a vacuum cleaner or a soft, fluffy brush. But sometimes you just need to wash it.

To clean the foam tiles, you can use those detergents that are at hand, but it is better to give preference to liquid products. It can be liquid laundry detergent or dishwashing detergent.

The powder usually contains abrasive particles that will not damage the surface of the tile, but may leave streaks after washing.

It is worth being very careful with stamped tiles, because it has a low density, so it can only be washed as a last resort. Injection and extruded tiles are not afraid of contact with water, as well as the mechanical impact that occurs when washing.

Foam tiles are washed in the same way as a stretch ceiling. You need to take a soft cloth or sponge, pre-moisten it in a soapy solution, which consists of detergent and water. The solution must be distributed between the relief recesses. To wash the foam, you can use a damp sponge or flannel.

This type of finish is rapidly gaining popularity. The coating looks aesthetically pleasing, beautiful and fits most interiors. Therefore, if you want a beautiful ceiling finish, but not so much money, foam tiles will be an excellent way out.

The tile on the ceiling is, in fact, a skillful imitation of gypsum stucco.

This coverage has its advantages:

• Acceptable price;
• Possibility of coloring;
• Variety of shapes, colors and sizes;
• Possibility of installation alone;
• Ease of installation;
• Ease of coverage;
• Thermal insulation and noise reduction.

And the disadvantages can be identified:

• fragility;
• Pronounced geometric pattern;
• Fire hazard.

Basically, a foam coating is used for temporary ceiling decoration, but tiles are also quite suitable as a permanent option. If the geometric pattern does not suit you, then you can stop at a seamless variation of the foam ceiling. Another advantage of the tiles is their small thickness, which is very important if the height of the walls does not allow you to install something monumental.

Manufacturers of foam decor are ready to provide customers with a choice of tile patterns, sizes and a huge palette of colors, which will allow them to match the ceiling with any color scheme of the interior.

But manufacturers also reserve the right for the buyer to repaint the tiles at will in any other color, using a brush and acrylic paint of the desired shade.

What is the tile on the foam ceiling

There are three types of foam tiles.

• extruded;
• stamped;
• Injection.

Extruded tiles are obtained by extruding polystyrene. As a result, it turns out to be a shade of dirty spring snow, so the tile is covered with a film on top using a press. This tile is the most expensive, but at the same time the most durable. Stamped tile is also called pressed. Unlike other types, it has the lowest price, however, it will require a mandatory edging in the form of moldings at the junction of the wall and ceiling. Made from expanded polystyrene. The advantage of polystyrene foam tiles is that they can be painted with water-dispersion paints.

Injection tiles are obtained when high-quality raw materials are sintered in a special mold.

This coating is not afraid of moisture. During installation, the borders are almost invisible, it is possible to apply a deep relief on the tile, so the ceiling will look like a solid stucco work of art. Usually, additional decor is added to the foam ceiling in the form of fillets and moldings from a similar material. It turns out an excellent imitation of the classic style with a hint of vintage.

Interestingly, tiles can have different textures. For example, stone, wood carvings, fabrics and plasters. Laminate tiles are perfect for the kitchen area, and the finish with a moisture-proof coating will decorate the bathroom.

Expanded polystyrene tiles can have not only the strict shape of a square or rectangle. Designers have long come up with such forms of tiles that after laying and installation, the entire ceiling looks like a seamless structure.

Finishing the ceiling with foam tiles: how to do it

Among the disadvantages of such a material is a high exposure to ultraviolet rays. Over time, the tile turns yellow, and it will be possible to fix this only by replacing it. Therefore, experts still recommend immediately after installing the plates to cover them with a layer of paint of a suitable shade.

But even if time has been lost, the foam board ceiling can be refreshed with water-based paint. It will be evenly distributed over the entire surface, and will not leave stains behind.

The coloring technology is as follows:

1. For staining, use an airbrush (spray gun), or a brush and roller.
2. In order not to spoil anything important with paint, it is worth covering the furniture and the floor with a film.
3. Safety glasses are a must.
4. Coat all joints and gaps with putty or sealant.
5. Check if the tiles need replacing.
6. Mix the paint, then pour in the color a little bit, without stopping to stir the composition thoroughly, until the desired shade is obtained.
7. If the tile has a relief, then it is better to paint it with a brush;
8. For uniform color and elimination of gaps, it is recommended to paint the ceiling in at least two layers.
9. Experts advise painting the ceiling so that the first layer is across the light, and the finish one is in the light. That is, you need to apply the last layer in the same direction where the light from the window falls.
10. It is necessary to be as careful as possible so as not to stain the walls.

How tiles are glued to the foam ceiling

Installation of ceiling tiles is just one of those works that it is quite possible to do on your own without any special physical costs. There is only one huge minus - if the ceiling is very uneven, then it will first have to be sheathed with some kind of leveling material, for example, drywall.

Of course, for the correct finishing of the ceiling with tiles, there is its own technology:

1. Calculation of the number of tiles. Usually, their size is 50 to 50, but there are other non-standard options. If you get a remainder, then it must be divided by two so that there are inserts of the same size along the edges.
2. Surface preparation consists in removing old coatings, puttying and cleaning. If the ceiling is uneven, then it will have to be sheathed.
3. The ceiling must be coated with a primer.
4. Marking the ceiling so that the tile lays down without a mismatch of seams. You should not draw a grid, you can select it with an ordinary rope.
5. You need to stick the tiles from the middle to the edges of the ceiling, on PVA or liquid nails, and it is not necessary to treat the entire surface of the tile with glue.
6. It is better to smooth and press the tile with a soft cloth or sponge so as not to damage the pattern.
7. You need to cut the tile with a sharp wallpaper or construction knife.
8. If moldings will be used, then the glue must be used the same as for the tiles on the ceiling.

You can glue the tiles in one of three ways at the choice of the tenants of the room: diagonally, in even rows and in a checkerboard pattern. The exception is seamless tiles - with any method of gluing, a solid canvas is obtained. The adhesive composition is applied to the tile in the center and along the edges, because this is enough for the gluing to be uniform. If the ceiling has been primed, then the tile will stick even stronger.

Ceiling made of foam tiles (video)

Styrofoam ceiling tiles are an ideal solution for high-quality, beautiful and budget repairs, where not only money, but also effort is spent minimally. The coating will please the eye with the clarity of forms, so you should definitely try this technique to update the design of your room.