If you thought that ceilings are made the same each time, you might be surprised at just how many designs are possible. While the precise dimensions and designs are unlimited, we will present to you the major ceiling types that are seen around the world. The rest, as they say, are permutations or variations of the major types of ceilings.
How Many Different Types of Ceilings Are There?
There are twelve main types of ceilings used in engineering and architecture. The main types of ceilings include coffered ceilings and the tray ceiling.
- Vaulted ceiling – A ceiling is called vaulted when portions of it are raised. If there several points that are lower, creating spaces that are darker than the rest of the ceiling as a whole, you can say that you’re looking at a vaulted ceiling. At first, a vaulted ceiling might look somewhat irregular, but it isn’t. The architectural intent always makes sense, and there’s always a reason why vaulted ceilings look the way they do.
- Cathedral ceiling – Cathedral ceilings are highly symmetrical, and the lines always meet in the middle. The sides of the ceiling measure alike, and the points are equidistant from one another. Cathedral ceilings are a classic, but they make it almost impossible to have a second floor.
- Coffered ceiling – A coffered ceiling utilizes crown moldings that create equal divisions across the ceiling. The resulting series of beams are symmetrical and brings a refreshing and beautiful take on a bare ceiling.
- Tray ceiling – A tray ceiling is aptly named because it looks like two trays on top of each other. Tray ceilings are excellent for framing a room and making the ceiling look higher than it is.
- Shed ceiling – The shed ceiling is a variation of the vaulted ceiling, but it only has one ‘leg’ or raised side.
- Cove ceiling – As the name implies, a cove ceiling creates the illusion of having a cove at home. In contrast to a vaulted ceiling, the ceiling rises very gradually until it reaches the highest plane. The rising movement happens from both sides of the room.
- Beamed ceiling – A beamed ceiling utilizes exposed beams. The number of beams depends on the architectural intent of the house.
- Barrel vault ceiling – A barrel vault ceiling looks exactly like the top half of a barrel. There’s a curve that gradually rises from either side of the room. Instead of straight lines, it’s a single, large curve.
- Dome ceiling – A dome ceiling is another “gradual rise” ceiling that involves a portion of the room or the entire room.
- Groin vault ceiling – A groin vault ceiling may well be the most dramatic of all ceiling types. Several domes heighten and emphasize the central dome at the center, which rises above the rest of the smaller domes.
- Tall ceiling – A tall ceiling refers to any ceiling that exceeds eight feet in height.
- Regular ceiling – A regular ceiling is what we see in common houses. There are no elevated parts, and the straight angle of the ceiling continues unabated.
What Material Can Be Used for Ceilings?
There are various types of ceilings and different materials used for designing and building ceilings.
- Wood – Wood is the classic choice for ceilings. They’re warm to the sight and can be designed in so many ways. The lightweight nature of beams and planks makes them easier to work with, too. The downside of wooden ceilings is they are not waterproof, termite-proof, and one strong earthquake can undo all the artistry in a few minutes. Wood is also prone to catching fire quickly.
- Gypsum – For regular ceilings, gypsum boards are ideal. The boards’ seams can be concealed effectively, and a gypsum ceiling is truly a sight to behold. However, gypsum boards are a bad idea for exterior ceilings because of how they are put together. A gypsum board is essentially crushed gypsum bound by paper. Both components are susceptible to moisture.
- Vinyl – Vinyl boards are waterproof, beautiful, and are suitable for both external and internal spaces. The disadvantage of utilizing these boards is that they are expensive, and the pricy nature of vinyl boards will make it tough for homemakers to use them if they are on a tight budget.
- Fiber-cement – Fiber-cement boards are durable and applicable for both the inside and the outside of the house. Fiber-cement boards are also protected against termites, and they don’t swell with the presence of moisture, either.
What Is the Most Popular Ceiling Texture?
Among the ceiling types we see, one texture stands out as the most common and the most popular. They call this texture the popcorn texture. The texture of a ceiling is also called the finish, so if you want to change your ceiling’s texture, ask your handyman about the different finishes that can be applied to your home.
What Is the Cheapest Ceiling Material?
When your budget has just about had it from all the expenses, you don’t have to invest in the most expensive ceiling materials. As long as the material is durable and fits the new installation’s design intent, there’s nothing wrong with buying cheaper ceiling materials. The cheapest by far is regular drywall.
If you are not into fancy ceilings and would like to stick to tried and tested methods of getting the seam lines out, then you’re good to go with drywall. Drywalls provide a classic and rustic look, and you can paint your ceiling if you want to squeeze more aesthetic value from it.
If you have a modernist streak in you, you may also want to try the ceiling-free route. Painted beams are popular with cafes and restaurants, and they do make space look bigger and more spacious than they truly are. Who knows? A modernist look might suit your home if you are experimental. Otherwise, we recommend sticking to the drywall.
