Explainer
What is a stretch ceiling?
A PVC membrane, heated and stretched over an aluminium frame. Not plaster. Not paint. Fitted in hours.
How it goes up
A new ceiling in four steps
The old ceiling stays where it is. A new surface is fitted just below it.
Step 1
Fit the frame
A slim aluminium profile is fixed around the walls, just below the old ceiling.
Step 2
Warm the membrane
The PVC sheet is gently heated so it becomes flexible and ready to stretch.
Step 3
Clip into place
The membrane is stretched across the room and secured into the frame on every side.
Step 4
A smooth ceiling
As the membrane cools, it pulls tight to create a flat, finished surface.
Simplified cross-sections, not to scale. The new ceiling sits below the existing one.
Compared
Stretch vs plaster & paint
| Stretch ceiling | Plaster / paint | |
|---|---|---|
| Mess | Little to none. No sanding or dust | Dust, drips, scraping |
| Time | Usually a few hours | Days, with drying time |
| Moisture | Unaffected by steam | Can peel, crack or grow mould |
| Old stipple | Covered, left in place | Has to be stripped or skimmed |
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