The 2 main types of panels to use on your ceiling are cladding, which create a seamless look on unfinished ceilings, and decorative tiles, which are thinner, attach to finished ceilings, and can have three-dimensional decorative designs on them. Some plastic panels have 3D patterns while others are flat and look similar to hardwood. Get whatever style you prefer or whatever matches the aesthetic of the room.
For example, if your room is 8 by 10 feet (2. 4 m × 3. 0 m), then the total area is 80 sq ft (7. 4 m2). If you don’t have a square or rectangular room, then measure it in separate rectangular sections. Then, add the section areas together. For example, if you have a breakfast nook attached to your kitchen, find the kitchen’s area first and add the area of the nook.
For example, if the panel has an area of 4 square feet (0. 37 m2) and the room is 80 sq ft (7. 4 m2), you would divide 80 / 4 = 20 tiles. Get 1 or 2 extra tiles to account for any mistakes or tiles you might have to cut.
For example, if your room is 15 feet (4. 6 m) long, round it down to 14 feet (4. 3 m). Subtract: 15 - 14 = 1 foot (30 cm). Add 2 feet (61 cm): 1 + 2 = 3 feet (0. 91 m). Divide by 2: 3 / 2 = 1 1⁄2 feet (0. 46 m). So your border tiles would be 1 1⁄2 feet (0. 46 m) wide around the edge of your tiles.
Avoid using a wide-toothed saw since it will leave rough edges on the ends of your cladding.
You can also use scissors to cut out holes for ceiling vents and other fixtures that need to come through your tiles.
You can cut holes for fixtures before or after you install the panels on your ceiling.
The trim pieces may come with the panels, but you may need to buy them separately. Cladding uses a tongue-and-groove system, which means it looks seamless once you install it on your ceiling. Cladding gives your room a clean appearance, but its work best for unfinished ceilings.
The trim will hide the cut edge of the first panel, so it’s okay if it still looks a little rough.
The last panel might be a tight fit, but you can bend it slightly to help get it into the right position.
If you had to cut out any spots for vents or light fixtures, place a bead of adhesive around the cut edge so it doesn’t come loose later on. PVC ceiling panels are shaped like tiles, so they’re really nice if you want a decorative or repeated pattern going over your entire ceiling. These tiles are cheaper, but you have to apply them to a finished ceiling or use a drop-down grid. Place your first tile starting in the center of your ceiling and build outward towards the edges. That way, your ceiling design looks balanced and you leave room for a border.
Avoid using a roller with a longer nap since it could leave a texture on your ceiling.
PVC is fire-retardant, but it will still sag and melt if it has prolonged exposure to heat sources.
