Stretch ceilings
Our solutions
When we think about the layout or renovation of a ceiling, several options are available to us. The plasterboard ceiling, often associated with new constructions or classic renovations. Suspended tile ceilings, common in offices and technical rooms. In private homes, plaster often covers concrete or bricks.
The stretched ceiling offers a more recent solution and is increasingly popular among craftsmen. Flexible, adaptable, and discreet, it allows for covering an existing ceiling without major intervention while providing a perfectly smooth and flawless finish. Its quick, dust-free installation appeals to both individuals and professionals looking for a neat, functional, and modern ceiling that is easy and quick to install.
The stretch ceilings: designed to last, made to adapt
The SWAL stretch ceilings
Cold-stretched ceilings. Simple, quick, and effective.
This stretch ceiling system, which can be installed without heating, combines ease of installation, a smooth finish, and adaptability to all types of rooms, whether damp or not.
The heat-stretch ceiling. Shimmering and elegant.
Made of PVC fabric, heat-stretched ceilings decorate and enhance interior spaces with a decidedly stylish and contemporary touch.
Acoustic stretch ceilings. Aesthetic, high-performance, and comfortable.
It transforms your rooms into calm and pleasant environments. It promotes concentration and well-being in your home every day.
The printed stretch ceiling. Creative, personalized, and unique.
Printed stretch ceilings transform surfaces into personalized graphic media, for unique, tailor-made decoration. A ceiling that reflects your personality.
What is a stretch ceiling?
A stretch ceiling is a custom-made fabric or PVC canvas that is attached to peripheral profiles that keep it taut to create a perfectly flat, smooth, and uniform surface without joints or irregularities. This quick and clean technique avoids the heavy and messy steps involved in traditional plaster ceilings, such as framing, installing panels, plastering, and sanding, while offering great flexibility since the fabric can be removed and replaced.
Highly valued in renovation projects, it effectively covers old or damaged ceilings without heavy work or dust, while offering the possibility of modernizing spaces thanks to a wide range of customizable finishes: matte, satin, glossy, printed, backlit, or even acoustic.
In offices or technical rooms, where modularity and access to installations are essential, tile ceilings remain common, but they have a visible modular appearance that can be unattractive. In contrast, stretch ceilings stand out for their uniform and elegant finish, ideal for environments where design is important. What's more, with SWALtex™ Acoustic fabric, acoustic comfort is optimized, making workspaces more pleasant and conducive to concentration.
Stretch ceilings can be adapted to a variety of contexts, whether to create a personalized atmosphere in a home, improve acoustic comfort in a professional space, or diffuse soft, diffused light. The choice of stretch ceiling depends on the conditions of the location. For example, ceiling height, humidity levels, or the presence of specific equipment can influence the material and technique to be used, such as hot or cold stretch ceilings.
Two techniques, two approaches: hot and cold stretch ceilings
There are two main techniques for installing a stretch ceiling, which differ in terms of the material used and the tensioning method: cold stretch ceilings and hot stretch ceilings.
Cold-stretched ceilings are made using polyester fabric that is stretched at room temperature without the need to heat the room. This newer, more contemporary method is suitable for a wide variety of locations, including those that remain occupied during installation, as it does not emit any odors or heat. It also offers excellent long-term stability. This type of stretch ceiling also offers possibilities in terms of printing and technical treatments, particularly acoustic treatments.
Heat-stretched ceilings use thermo-expandable PVC fabric. The room is heated to a high temperature (around 40°C) to make the fabric pliable, allowing it to be stretched perfectly over the profiles. This process produces a very taut, uniform finish without any creases. It is popular for its quick installation and lacquered finish.
Each technique has its advantages depending on the project, the constraints of the location, and the aesthetic or functional requirements. But one thing is certain: there is a stretch ceiling that will suit your project. Whether it's renovating an old building or treating a new one acoustically, for its design or its customization capabilities, stretch ceilings can do it all. For all these reasons, they are a popular solution among architects and building professionals.
Stretch ceilings offer numerous advantages that make them a popular solution for both renovation and new construction projects. They are quick and clean to install, avoiding the inconveniences associated with traditional construction work: no dust, no moisture, no drying time. The result is a perfectly smooth and uniform surface with no seams, thanks to the use of very wide fabric panels.
This solution offers a wide range of finishes, from matte to glossy, including printed, acoustic, and backlit options. This diversity allows the ceiling to be adapted to all styles and needs, whether aesthetic or technical. Stretch ceilings are also a flexible solution: they can be removed and replaced, which facilitates maintenance and renovation.
However, like any solution, stretch ceilings have some limitations. They cannot support heavy loads directly, which means that specific reinforcements (sub-structures) are required for the installation of spotlights or pendant lights. A stretch ceiling can be installed quite easily by any skilled DIY enthusiast. To make this process easier, :link1[our dedicated training courses] enable you to acquire the necessary skills and ensure successful installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A stretch ceiling has no limit to its lifespan. It can easily last more than 20 years. Unlike a plasterboard ceiling, which can crack or yellow over time, the stretched fabric retains its smooth, uniform appearance for many years. The fabric will never crack, either due to structural movement or humidity. The materials used are resistant to moisture, impact, and light, making it a durable solution for homes, public spaces, and professional environments.
Another advantage is that virtually no maintenance is required. Simply cleaning it occasionally with a soft cloth is enough to keep it looking impeccable. It is therefore a sustainable solution that is economical in the long term and retains its new appearance throughout its lifetime.
Yes, without a doubt, it is possible to install a stretch ceiling yourself. We have over 20 years of experience in this field, and SWAL has had thousands of stretch ceilings installed by untrained individuals who are not craftsmen. All the necessary equipment is available in our online store. All you need is to be careful and have average DIY skills. All the tutorials are available online on our website. If you would like to learn how to do it, our various training courses are open to everyone: whether you are a beginner or a professional looking to improve your skills, they can be adapted to your level and your projects. Wall installation, ceiling installation, corners, finishing touches... each step is explained and practiced, with real materials and personalized support. You will leave with a solid foundation for installing our cold-applied fabrics effectively, and with greater confidence for your future projects. And if you prefer to entrust the installation to professionals, our experienced teams can also work on your projects.
- the type of fabric (standard, acoustic, printed, backlit, etc.)
- the surface area to be covered
- the complexity of the installation (corners, obstacles, ceiling height)
- and whether or not the installation is carried out by a professional.
- From $70/m² supplied and installed for a standard stretch ceiling
- Up to $120/m² (or more) for technical or decorative versions (custom printing, acoustics, integrated lighting, etc.)