PVC vs. POP: Which False Ceiling is the Best?

Tired of having a poorly insulated basement? Or maybe the acoustics in your living room are not as desired. Whatever your reason for installing a false ceiling, you have a big decision ahead of you. Which material will you use to install your false ceiling: PVC or POP?

If you want to install a false ceiling in your home, a PVC false ceiling is a leading material that you can choose. Compared to a POP ceiling, PVC ceiling panels or tiles are more durable, water-resistant, and affordable – making them the ideal choice for most homeowners.

With so many options to consider, you need to fully understand the pros and cons of each material before making your final decision.

What Makes a False Ceiling?

A false ceiling is a secondary ceiling that hangs down from the original ceiling of the room to create the illusion of a lower ceiling. A false ceiling is typically mounted with wooden or metal brackets about 20 cm below the original ceiling of the room.

Often, these are used to hide cables, plumbing pipes, and ductwork, to create a more aesthetically pleasing space or improve the heating, cooling, and sound performance of a home. However, false ceilings can also be simply integrated into a room for their cosmetic appearance if you want to achieve a dropped ceiling design.

Regardless of the size of your home, a false ceiling can be configured – but they work best in rooms that already have somewhat higher ceilings to avoid reducing headroom too much.

What is a PVC False Ceiling?

As one of the most popular choices for false ceilings, you have probably seen a PVC false ceiling without even realizing it! PVC is an extremely durable yet lightweight plastic material that is cut or trimmed into panels or tiles and used to create a suspended ceiling.

These plastic panels are available in a variety of sizes and colors, making it very easy for you to assemble everything you need for your project.

What is a POP False Ceiling?

Also known as Plaster of Paris, a POP false ceiling is one of the most common types of false ceilings you will find on the market, as it is easy to install. POP false ceilings are made by using a mixture of POP powder and water, which is applied to the coating of chicken wire.

This mesh is then connected and suspended from a framework system to create a POP false ceiling – taking about a month before it is finished!

What are the Benefits of a False Ceiling?

Although the ceiling may not be the most glamorous part of room design, it plays a crucial role in how well the systems of your home function. Over the years, false ceilings, also known as dropped ceilings, have become much more common in homes – especially in basements. This is because there are numerous benefits, such as:

• Improved Acoustics: If you have a large room, you probably deal with a space that echoes or makes it difficult to hear the person sitting directly across from you. By adding another layer to the ceiling, you help improve the acoustics in the room. This can be extremely beneficial for homeowners who have rooms where sound is of utmost importance – living rooms where everyone is constantly talking, a home theater where your family enjoys movie nights, a music room where kids practice their instruments, and more!
• Lowers High Ceilings: Sometimes, homeowners choose to install a false ceiling for cosmetic reasons. If their space is extremely open with high, lofty ceilings, their furniture and decor can appear too small for the room! To avoid having their furniture look out of place or buying a new living room set, they install a dropped ceiling to bring the space to more normal proportions.
• Added Insulation: One of the biggest benefits of a false ceiling is the impact it can have on your home’s energy bills! If you live in a region of the country where summers are particularly hot or winters are particularly cold, you know how expensive your monthly utility bills can get. A false ceiling contributes to the insulation of the room as it creates a gap between the two layers – the false ceiling and the original ceiling. This gap traps air, which insulates the room and helps keep it cooler or warmer, depending on your needs.
• Hides Unsightly Cables: False ceilings are particularly popular in finished basements as they make it very easy to hide unsightly cables along your ceiling. You can conceal the cable mess above the false ceiling, and the lighting in your room can be integrated directly into your new dropped ceiling (with the cables completely hidden and not visible).

Advantages of PVC False Ceilings

Now that you know what a false ceiling is and the benefits it offers, it’s time to look at the different materials you can use to make your false ceiling. A common choice is PVC false ceilings, which can be installed as panels or ceiling tiles, making them highly versatile for your specific situation. Let’s dive right into the advantages of using a PVC false ceiling in your home.

• Durable: When making adjustments to your home, whether functional or cosmetic, you want them to be worth the cost. There’s nothing more frustrating than installing something only to have it wear out faster than expected, ultimately costing you more money in the long run. With a PVC false ceiling, you don’t have to worry about that as it is extremely sturdy and durable. You can expect your PVC ceiling to stay in place over the years with minimal damage, warping, or bending.
• Affordable: Cost is important, and affordability is key – but as a homeowner, you don’t want to compromise on quality for cost (especially with something that will be overhead!). Thankfully, no compromises need to be made here! PVC false ceilings are an affordable option for most homeowners, making them very comparable to other materials like POP ceiling.
• Easy Installation: Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or hiring a ceiling installer, you want to choose a material for false ceilings that is easy to install and won’t leave you and your family out of commission for a while. A PVC false ceiling is very easy to install, so easy that you can probably do it with the help of your family or friends! Although the material is robust, it can be easily trimmed and cut to the desired size with minimal mess.
• Lightweight: When working with materials above your head, they can become extremely heavy as your arms tire. That’s a significant advantage of a PVC ceiling – it is lightweight! This makes it easy to trim and cut it yourself, transport, and install (if you choose to).
• Low Maintenance: No homeowner wants to install something that requires endless maintenance over the years. How annoying! PVC false ceiling panels or tiles are low maintenance and do not require painting after installation. Keep them looking fresh by occasionally wiping them with a damp cloth, but otherwise, they will look as good as the day they were installed!
• Waterproof: Depending on where you install your false ceiling, waterproofing can be extremely important. If, for example, you install it on your porch or in a sunroom, these are more susceptible to rain and moisture. Regardless of where you install your PVC false ceiling, you don’t have to worry as it is made of waterproof material and is unlikely to develop mold.
• Versatility: While white panels are one of the most commonly used PVC ceiling materials, PVC is available in a variety of sizes, designs, and colors, allowing you to fully customize the ceiling to your space! Whether you prefer an elegant white or want to spice things up with metallic gold, the possibilities are endless to create your ideal aesthetic. If you end up installing a PVC ceiling and don’t love the color you chose, don’t worry! The PVC ceiling is paintable and can be painted with any color specifically made for plastic materials.

Disadvantages of PVC Ceiling Panels

Despite all the advantages of PVC, there are always a few disadvantages to consider. Some disadvantages include:

• Plastic Appearance: If you are looking for a high-quality, visually appealing ceiling that catches all the attention, a PVC false ceiling may not be right for you. Although it is attractive, it has a plastic appearance that may look cheap to some. The panels or tiles are also not seamless, meaning you may see the connection lines between each piece.
• Not Heat Resistant: Since PVC false ceilings are made of plastic, they are susceptible to extreme heat. They can withstand the heat from the HVAC system of your home, but if you install lamps that emit excessive heat, there is a possibility that the PVC ceiling panels may get damaged or warped. PVC ceilings are non-combustible and do not ignite when a fire occurs, but they will get damaged in the process.
• Release of Toxic Gases: Chlorine is used in the manufacturing process of PVC ceiling materials. As a result, small traces of chlorine gas may be released into the air over an extended period. However, this is typically minimal and not a concern. For this reason, it is not a good option for kitchens in case a fire breaks out and the PVC material melts.
• Reduced Headroom: Like any false ceiling, headroom in your room is reduced. This can make your room appear much smaller than it is. False ceilings work best in rooms that already have above-average high ceilings to prevent the reduction of headroom too much.

Advantages of POP False Ceilings

Now let’s take a look at another popular material for false ceilings among homeowners. The POP false ceiling has just as many advantages, although it differs from the PVC ceiling. Some of the advantages of POP false ceilings are:

• Flexible Design: If you want to create an visually appealing design in the ceiling, a POP false ceiling will be your best friend. Plaster of Paris can be applied to a room of any shape, easily applied to corners of the room, and can be molded into any shape to create pattern or design elements like cornices or an etching effect. Whatever design you choose, with POP, you can likely achieve it due to its flexibility!
• Affordable: Similar to PVC, installing a POP false ceiling is an affordable option for homeowners looking to enhance their home on a tighter budget.
• Fire Resistant: Unlike PVC panels or tiles, POP is fire resistant! This makes it the ideal choice if you are adding a dropped ceiling to your kitchen, where heat is most common. Similarly, it is also a great option for heat insulation. If your basement doesn’t stay warm in winter, consider installing a POP false ceiling to insulate the space and keep the heat in the rooms where you need it most.
• Attractive: While in the installation phase, POP can be easily spread and leveled. This often results in a nicely installed false ceiling with a smooth surface. The smooth surface is not only visually appealing, but also makes it easy for homeowners to personalize the space by painting the ceiling to add some individuality! The paint goes on smoothly and can settle evenly due to POP’s smooth surface.
• Durable: POP is extremely lightweight and durable, making it a great option for false ceilings. It is unlikely to crack, and if it does, the cracks are not easily noticeable to the naked eye.

Disadvantages of POP False Ceilings

While installing a POP false ceiling offers many advantages, you should also be aware of the disadvantages, including:

• Difficult Installation: Installing a POP false ceiling is not inherently difficult, but it is not as easy as attaching PVC ceiling panels. The POP ceiling is made by mixing powder and water, which can lead to a very messy and time-consuming process that often leaves a mess behind! The ceiling not only takes a lot of time to dry, but you often have a lot of dust and dirt to clean up after installation. It is also more difficult for an inexperienced installer to work with, especially when trying to achieve a specific design.
• Material Waste: A significant drawback of POP is that a lot of material is wasted during installation when more mixture is prepared than needed. This is not only frustrating, but also creates excessive waste that you have to dispose of!
• Mixing Ratios: If you are new to POP, you may find yourself with a mixture that was prepared with slightly incorporated portions of POP powder and water. If the mixture is prepared incorrectly, the ceiling may shrink or crack after installation – a homeowner’s worst nightmare! To ensure your ceiling is durable, seek the assistance of an experienced POP installer when preparing your mixture.
• Moisture Absorption: Unlike PVC, POP is not moisture-resistant and is therefore not recommended for installation in wet rooms. In fact, it often absorbs any moisture it comes into contact with, which can result in the ceiling turning yellow or developing stains.
• Reduced Headroom: Depending on the size and shape of the room, a false ceiling can cause the space to appear much smaller than it is! False ceilings are typically recommended if your ceilings are elevated or above-average high, as otherwise, your room may feel cramped.

Where Can You Install PVC or POP False Ceilings?

You can incorporate a false ceiling into almost any room, but they are most commonly found in:

• Basements: When remodeling an unfinished basement into a comfortable and cozy space, you need to find a way to hide the cable mess and unsightly pipes in the ceiling. A false ceiling in the basement can help conceal these elements while also insulating the space, making it much more comfortable year-round.
• Bedrooms: In recent years, dropped ceilings have become increasingly popular in master bedrooms due to their visual appearance. They can add a sense of drama to the room by creating a pattern or design with the false ceiling – creating a completely unique space that you will love to snuggle up in every night.
• Living Rooms: The living room is the heart of the home. Here, you host gatherings like a book club, wine nights, pajama parties for kids, and more. For this reason, you want this room to be wow-worthy, and there’s no easier way to do that than installing a dramatic false ceiling in the room. It’s also a great option if your living room has a dropped ceiling that makes the space feel way too large.

Enjoy the Benefits of a False Ceiling

Whatever material you choose for a false ceiling, you will soon enjoy the benefits of concealing unsightly things or adding extra sound insulation. Have you already done a false ceiling in your home? Did you choose PVC or POP – we would love to hear in the comments below why!