Lowering a ceiling - how to frame & install drywall?

[andreas.mehlin]

Planning to lower the ceiling in an apartment that currently has a concrete ceiling.
It will be in the hallway, kitchen, and living room.

The question is how to frame (wood) and attach the drywall.
I was thinking of framing with 45x45 at cc 30.

As I understand it, framing can be done in a few different ways.
Some attach each stud to the ceiling?
Others make a frame where some attach studs with angle brackets to the frame.
Others attach thinner studs (sparsely?) directly over the frame, which builds an additional 28mm. Here, it's easier to run electricity since it's open at the top?

What would be the best and easiest option based on my floor plan?
Should the drywall be installed in the same direction everywhere? What would be best according to the floor plan?

 

[anders07]

It depends a bit on how level the ceiling is today and how much you are willing to lower it. Concrete slabs are rarely completely flat and level, so it’s usually best to build a frame along the walls that you level horizontally.

Then place wooden beams (which I find easier) and level them so they are straight. Use wood wedges if there are gaps anywhere.

It doesn't matter how you place the joints, but plan so that you use the least number of gypsum boards. Use 90 cm wide boards as they are easier to handle if you plan for 30 cm centers.

I always use regular gypsum boards and not ceiling gypsum (which is harder to fill smoothly).

If you want to lower the ceiling as little as possible and still have space for electricity, then planed 22mm timber is sufficient, but then you might end up with a ceiling that waves if the concrete isn't level.

Then there is some rule about fire safety that says the ceiling should not fall in a fire and that you therefore cannot use plastic/nylon plugs in the ceiling, but how many follow that is another question...

 

[anders07]

You can also add that if you want some sound insulation from the floor above (if there is one) at the same time, there are "ljuddämpningsreglar" with steel brackets...