The Pros and Cons of a Plywood Ceiling

Plywood Ceiling

First, the obvious question that people may ask is Can you use plywood to make your ceiling? The answer, in some cases, is yes. Plywood can be used in many different ways and situations—it really depends on what kind of ceiling you want and how sturdy you need it to be. Before moving forward with making your own plywood ceiling, however, it’s important to know the pros and cons of using this type of material. Here are a few things to think about before getting started.

What is a 'Plywood Ceiling'?


Before you decide whether or not to use plywood for your ceiling, you should understand what it is. In essence, plywood is a sheet material composed of multiple layers pressed together under great pressure. The resulting wood composite (or laminate) can be very strong in both directions; but is most commonly used as exterior siding or interior walling due to its rigid nature. As an interior material, plywood can be an excellent choice if you're looking for something that's easy to install and gives off a clean modern look.

Plywood's Benefits


Relying on plywood for your ceiling can save you both time and money. As one of the most versatile construction materials, plywood is easy to work with, light weight, inexpensive, sturdy, mold resistant and can be used for many different types of applications. The only real downside to using plywood in place of drywall is that it must be painted or stained prior to installation. In other words, it's not as durable as drywall but still a good choice if you want something easy to install.

Its Drawbacks


While Plywood Ceiling is inexpensive and easy to work with, it can have some drawbacks. The first issue with using plywood for ceilings is that you’ll need to use standard drywall screws in order to hang it from your ceiling joists (if you choose not to use nails). This can create problems, especially if you live in an area where wood-boring insects are common. Another drawback is that plywood absorbs moisture easily, so cracks will form between panels when they expand or contract at different rates due to fluctuating humidity levels. Also, plywood isn’t always available in larger sheets—and may be hard to find locally if you need a large amount.

Where Is It Used?


There are many reasons why plywood ceilings are an attractive option for homeowners. It’s lighter than traditional drywall, cheaper than many other hard-surface options like tile or stone, and it offers decent sound insulation. So, where can you use it?

How Does it Hold Up Over Time?


Although plywood is strong, durable, and affordable, it does not hold up well over time. It can warp over long periods of humidity or dryness and generally doesn’t age very gracefully. However, if you are looking for an inexpensive solution that will be hidden once you install your ceiling tiles or decorative wall panels then plywood may be a good option for you. If your budget allows it, I would highly recommend hiring a professional to put up sheets of drywall instead as it holds up much better in moist conditions as well as humid climates.

DIY or Hire Professionals


While plywood makes for an affordable and functional ceiling solution, it isn’t something that most DIYers tackle on their own. The ceilings may look great in your small Craftsman bungalow when you first finish, but things change. A plywood ceiling will develop cracks over time, particularly if you opt for unfaced lumber or if there’s any moisture in your attic space. You can add layers of texture to hide some dings, but eventually you’ll need to invest in repair work or a new ceiling altogether. If your remodel is small or local plumbers dc area does not carry enough weight for you to remove plywood panels yourself, it’s best to hire professionals to get things done right.

Some Photos to Inspire You!


Floor to ceiling tile may be stunning, but it comes with some serious issues. Tiles can fall, but plywood won’t -- a major plus in case of an earthquake or other disaster. Another bonus is that you can easily install lighting into a plywood ceiling if you want to create different moods for various parts of your home. If you prefer natural materials, consider using 3/4-inch oak strips as your beams. The same thickness would create too much contrast on ceiling tiles, but looks great with oak (or another type of wood). Or try painted metal trusses; they have become incredibly popular for kitchens and living rooms, especially when paired with rustic beams (see Photo 1 above).

Archives

Copyright © 2021 Deez Design | All Rights Reserved.