Installation
How a stretch ceiling is installed
A tidy, staged process, from the first measurement to the final check, designed to protect your room and your schedule.
Process
From first conversation to finished ceiling
A clear, staged process keeps the installation tidy and the result true to the design.
Consultation
We discuss the room, the look you want and how you will use the space. Share photos, drawings or inspiration if you have them.
This is also the time to talk about lighting, acoustics and budget range.
Site visit and measurement
We measure the room, note beams, bulkheads, air-conditioning and electrical positions, and check available ceiling height.
Accurate measurement is essential because the membrane is made to the room.
Design and lighting plan
We propose the ceiling type, finish, layout and lighting positions. For printed ceilings, artwork is prepared and reviewed.
Samples or proofs are recommended where colour accuracy matters.
Fabrication
The membrane is made to your measurements, and profiles and lighting components are prepared.
Timing depends on the ceiling type and complexity, and is confirmed in your quote.
Installation
Perimeter profiles are fixed, lighting is installed, and the membrane is tensioned into place.
Installation is planned after wall work and painting so the room stays clean.
Finishing and handover
We check the finish, test the lighting and controls, and explain how to care for the ceiling.
Ask about the warranty and care information that applies to your materials.
The manufacturer's procedure
The six steps in brief
The profile and wooden frame go in first. The film is then fixed at its corners, heated, clipped into the profile and flattened.
- 1
Install the profile and wooden frame
Fix with nails at about 10 cm intervals.
- 2
Fix the four corners of the film
The film is held at its corners before heating.
- 3
Soften the film edges
A heater makes the edges pliable.
- 4
Insert the harpoon into the profile
The harpoon edge of the film clips into the profile.
- 5
Flatten uneven parts
The heater is used again to remove ripples.
- 6
Finish and check
The ceiling is inspected once it is taut and flat.
Boxing
What holds the lights and the film
Aluminium edge profiles come in H, F, W and M forms. Lit ceilings are built over a wooden or aluminium box.
Layer by layer
How a stretch ceiling comes together
Step through the layers to see the general idea. This is an illustration of the concept, not a drawing of a specific product.
Illustration of the general concept. Exact build-up is confirmed per project.
Before we arrive
Getting your room ready
- Complete wall plastering and painting where possible.
- Finish electrical and air-conditioning provisions, and tell us where fixtures and lights need to go.
- Clear the room of furniture or protect it, and keep the area free for access.
- Share any concerns about ceiling height, beams or existing services during the site visit.
Timelines, mess, noise and ceiling height needs vary by ceiling type and room. We confirm these for your project. More answers are in the FAQs.
What goes above the ceiling depends on the type you choose: translucent ceilings need a lighting void, acoustic ceilings an absorbing layer, and 3D form ceilings a shaped frame. See architectural lighting for light options.
Inside the ceiling
Materials, components and care
A customer-facing guide to the parts of a stretch ceiling and what to know before you commission one.
Membrane types
The membrane is the visible surface of the ceiling. The main families are listed below. Material properties vary by manufacturer, so we confirm them for the product chosen.
- Plain (matte or satin) membranes for a clean, flat finish
- Glossy lacquer and mirror membranes for reflection
- Translucent membranes that diffuse light from behind
- Printed membranes that carry artwork
- Perforated and acoustic membranes that let sound or light pass through
To be confirmed for your project: Thickness, fire classification, width and life expectancy of each membrane type.
Perimeter profiles
Profiles are slim rails fixed around the edge of the ceiling. The membrane is tensioned into them. Different profile types allow for a visible edge, a hidden edge, a shadow gap or a light line.
- Fixed at the chosen ceiling height along the walls
- Available in several forms depending on the edge detail you want
- Some profiles can carry LED light
To be confirmed for your project: Profile materials, finishes and load limits.
Translucent diffusers
In an illuminated ceiling, the translucent membrane acts as the diffuser. The more evenly the light sources are spaced behind it, and the further they are from it, the more uniform the glow.
- Source spacing and distance affect evenness
- Membrane tint affects colour of the light
- Dimming gives control over brightness
To be confirmed for your project: Light transmission of each translucent membrane and recommended source spacing.
Lighting integration
Light can sit in the void behind a translucent membrane, run through slim profiles, or be recessed into an opaque ceiling. We plan the lighting with the ceiling, including drivers and servicing access.
- LED panels or strips behind translucent membranes
- Linear and profile lighting along edges and lines
- Recessed spotlights through reinforced openings
- Fibre-optic light engines for starry effects
To be confirmed for your project: Light source ratings, heat limits near the membrane and driver locations.
Installation readiness
The room should be structurally finished, with wall work complete and services positioned. The void behind the ceiling needs to be suitable for the chosen design.
- Wall finishing and painting completed where possible
- Electrical and air-conditioning provisions in place
- Access to the room and a clear working area
To be confirmed for your project: Minimum void depth for each ceiling and lighting arrangement.
Measurement
Because the membrane is made to size, measurement is done on site by our team. We record the room dimensions, corners, obstructions and light positions, and note any irregularities in the walls.
- On-site measurement before fabrication
- Positions of lights, vents and fixtures marked
- Ceiling height and void checked
Maintenance
Stretch ceilings are generally low-maintenance. Dust gently with a soft dry cloth, avoid abrasives, and keep sharp objects away from the surface. For gloss, mirror, printed or lit ceilings, ask us about care specific to your membrane.
- Gentle dusting with a soft, dry cloth
- No abrasive pads or strong solvents
- Contact us for repairs instead of attempting them yourself
Specifications, certifications and warranties depend on the products selected. We provide them in writing with your quote. Questions? Contact us.
Start a project
Book a site visit and measurement
Tell us where your project is and what you have in mind, and we will arrange a visit.