A stretch ceiling is a fabric or film cloth that allows you to create a perfectly smooth surface. This material has many color options, textures and patterns. In order not to damage the canvas, you must perform all the steps correctly and accurately.
Installation of a conventional chandelier usually does not cause difficulties for home craftsmen. However, when using a stretch ceiling in an interior, the task becomes more complicated. Installation of a chandelier on a stretch ceiling requires certain knowledge and skills from the master. How to do this kind of work yourself will be discussed in the article.
Mounting Features
Fabric or PVC film of which the stretch ceiling is made, material prone to deformation. In order for the final result of repair work to be high, it is necessary to approach this process responsibly. The chandelier is fixed to the stretch ceiling using a special supporting structure, which is located between the canvas and the base of the ceiling.
Choosing a chandelier for a stretch ceiling, the price of which will be optimal for the family budget, you should pay attention to its configuration. Today in specialized stores a wide selection of lighting devices is presented. Pay attention to the location of the bulbs. They should not come close to the ceiling. Otherwise, the material may become hot and deformed.
The base of the chandelier should not be sharp. When buying this factor, you need to pay special attention. If the edges of the base will have chips, cracks or just bumps, a sharp rim, such products must be put aside. They can damage delicate fabric or film.
Mounting Options
Having decided which chandeliers are suitable for suspended ceilings , it is necessary to consider the options for fixing them to the base. Regardless of the type of lighting fixture, it will be attached to a special design. The type of such overlap is selected in accordance with the type of room, the height of the walls.
There are two options for mounting the lighting device on the canvas. In the first case, a mounting plate is used. It is also possible to hang the chandelier on a hook. Using this technology, the chandelier will occupy more space in the room. This option is suitable for models with an elongated configuration.
For a chandelier with a flat shape, it is recommended to choose a fastener method with a bar. This option is suitable for rooms with low ceilings or a small area. Regardless of the installation method, a certain preparation is necessary before starting work. Similar actions are carried out before the installation of the ceiling.
Preparatory work
Before connecting hanging chandeliers , a number of preparatory work is necessary. This procedure is carried out even before the installation of a cloth of fabric or PVC. At this stage, special structures are prepared that will hold the light on the ceiling.
If you choose the method of attachment to the hook, you need to make a hole in the material under it. With this installation, you do not need to install a mortgage bar.
In addition to the supporting structure, you need to bring the wires to the installation point. If necessary, voltage converters will be installed in a niche under the canvas (in the case of using LED backlight). Such additional elements in the electrical circuit are necessary if the device is powered by a 12 V.
The cable must match the overall power of the chandelier. Its length should be sufficient so that after installation of the canvas it is enough for a comfortable connection.
Mortgage Setting
Considering how a chandelier is attached to a stretch ceiling , it is necessary to study the method when using a mortgage strap. This method allows you to install a solid mounting base for the lighting device. To create a bar you will need a wooden block. The material must be quality dried.
The bar is opened with an antiseptic solution before installation. The support should correspond to the distance between the base of the ceiling and the canvas. In the center of the mortgage, you need to drill a channel for electrical wires. The bar is attached to the base using self-tapping screws.
You can also use moisture resistant plywood for these purposes. It is capable of supporting the weight of almost any home chandelier. Installation of the structure is carried out after mounting the frame for the canvas. This will allow you to correctly calculate the distance to the plane of the tensile structure. It is recommended that you use the laser level. It is important to consider how wires pass under the ceiling. In the process of drilling, it is extremely important not to damage the conductive wires. It is recommended to use rubberized signets, appropriate shoes and tools.
Important nuance
Pendant chandeliers are mounted to the ceiling after the construction of the supporting structure. A hole must be made in the material. For this, special rings are used. This required element will prevent tearing of the film or fabric under the weight of the chandelier.
At the point where fixture fixtures will pass through the material, a plastic ring is installed. His position must be accurately measured, so that in the future you do not have to redo all the work. It is impossible to miss or miscalculate with the place of installation of the ring.
When the plastic stopper is installed, a hole should be cut in the film. The ring will not allow the material to burst. The surface of the film will remain perfectly flat. The diameter of the ring should not be larger than the base of the chandelier. This is a hidden design that will not be visible after completing the connection of the illuminator.
Longitudinal bar
Fastening the chandelier to the stretch ceiling can be done using a longitudinal bar. It is installed on the embedded structure. This method will be advisable to choose for light lighting fixtures.
After mounting the frame around the perimeter of the room, a mortgage is installed on the base. The surface of the mounting platform must not touch the back of the film or fabric. It is a few millimeters higher. This will avoid deformation of the material after attaching the chandelier.
On the canvas you need to draw the outline of the mortgage. A protective ring is glued here. The fabric or film is cut out along the inner diameter of the limiter. Studs are mounted on a bar. In this case, the hole is combined with the base of the chandelier. An electric wire is passed through the hole in the mortgage, which is led to the chandelier. It is mounted on a hairpin base. The docking place is closed with a decorative cap.
Cross mounting
Mounting the chandelier on a stretch ceiling is possible using a cross-shaped bar. This design is used if the lighting device is large in size and weight. The load in this case is distributed over 4 studs.
Such installation involves fixing the mortgage over the film. After installing the profiles, the platform is assembled. On the canvas you need to attach a paper template that matches the base of the chandelier. It is necessary to outline the mounting holes.
In accordance with the marking, a plastic ring is installed. A wire is pulled into the central hole. The cross bar is applied to the canvas, and then the system is screwed to the mortgage. The chandelier is connected to the wiring. She sits on stilettos.
Hook preparation
Chandeliers on a stretch ceiling in the hall , living room or bedroom most often have large dimensions. They have an elongated barbell. This type of fixtures is most often mounted to the ceiling with a hook. To perform this task yourself, you will need to lengthen the old hook.
There is often a fairly large gap between the base of the ceiling and the stretch web. To secure a new chandelier to a hook, you can extend the old hook with a sturdy steel wire. You can also use a chain with strong links.
If the hook was not previously installed in the room, it can be fixed at the desired point. This will require a hammer drill. With its help, a hole of the required diameter is drilled in the ceiling. Next, a dowel is installed in it. The hook is fixed with a self-tapping screw. An electric wire is supplied to it.
Hook application
The chandelier can be mounted on a stretch ceiling using a hook. This option is considered the simplest. It is easiest to do it yourself. On the film, the place where the hook fits to the canvas is marked. A protective ring is installed here, a hole in the material is cut out. The plastic element is glued to the material. You need to wait until the composition hardens.
From the slotted hole out, you need to get the wires. The chandelier is hung on a hook that has previously been extended. The lighting fixture is switched with electric cables. They are carefully folded and laid in a decorative cap. In this case, it is important to properly connect and isolate the joints of the conductors with the chandelier.
The cap extends up the bar. When it touches a film or fabric, it is fixed by tightening the corresponding screws. This option is easy to install and to dismantle. If necessary, the lighting fixture can be easily removed.
Expert Advice
Experts recommend paying special attention to electrical wiring when connecting a chandelier . All circuit elements must be connected in accordance with existing safety requirements. Connecting the chandelier to the switch can be quite difficult if you use LED or halogen lamps operating at a voltage of 12 V. In this case, it is better to consult a specialist.
Lamps must not heat the tension web. If the shades are facing up, only LED and halogen versions should be screwed into them. Incandescent lamps will lead to deformation of the film, fading, the formation of spots on the fabric.
Having considered the features of installing a chandelier on a stretch ceiling, everyone will be able to perform similar work independently in accordance with the characteristics of the lighting device.