I. 3 Tips to Avoid Low-Quality Products
Choosing the right gypsum board is essential. Don’t be fooled by merchants’ “low-price” tactics. Remember these three testing methods:
- Judging Quality by Appearance
Observe the surface under natural light: it must be smooth, crack-free, and have a uniform color to qualify. Side lines must be tight and free of gaps.
Key Parameters: Thickness ≥ 9.5mm. Brands like Dragon Brand and Knauf are preferred, as they are far more crack-resistant than off-standard products.
- Judging Density by Sound
Tap the board with your hand. A dull, solid sound indicates high-quality quality. A hollow sound indicates internal hollowing, which is highly susceptible to deformation and cracking.
- Check the Report for Safety
Require an environmental and fire protection test report: Formaldehyde emission ≤ 0.12mg/m³ (E1 grade) and fire resistance performance in compliance with GB 50222 are considered acceptable. In humid southern regions, it is recommended to directly apply moisture-proof gypsum board to reduce the risk of mold.
II. This Year’s Hottest Designs: 5 Styles Suitable for All Room Types
“Simplicity without simplification” is the trend in 2025. These plaster ceiling designs are sure to go the distance:
- Small Apartment Savior: Single-Layer Narrow-Bridge Ceiling
A 10cm narrow-bezel design with beveled edges makes an 89㎡ apartment appear 10% taller. Paired with downlights or magnetic fixtures, it’s perfect for both minimalist and creamy styles.
Budget: 80-120 yuan/㎡, half the cost of a complex ceiling. - Atmosphere Champion: Single-Layered Ceiling with Hidden Light Strips
2.5cm thick gypsum board with pre-buried light troughs creates a warm, diffused light along the edges, giving you a cinema-like experience while watching TV.
Key Details: Choose profiled light troughs instead of directly attaching light strips. Spending an extra 200 yuan will extend your life by five years. 3. Ideal for Large Flats: Floating Ceiling
Leave a 5cm gap around the ceiling and a 15cm light trough. The ceiling appears to be “floating,” concealing the air conditioning ducts while enhancing the sense of technology.
Key Construction Tips: For short spans ≥ 4m, the keel should be arched at 1/200th to prevent sinking and deformation. - Essential for a Gentle Style: Curved Ceiling
Replace right angles with a rounded shape (radius ≥ 5cm) and pair with creamy white wall paint. The entire space will appear enveloped in clouds, perfectly suited to French and natural wood styles. - The Ultimate Tool for Old Home Renovation: Partial Ceiling
Install a 1.2m-wide ceiling only around the sofa area or air conditioning ducts to conceal the ducts and lighting strips. Leave the rest of the ceiling as is. Pair it with surface-mounted track lighting for a more airy effect.
III. Avoid Construction Pitfalls: Pay Attention to Three Details to Prevent Cracks for Ten Years
80% of cracks in gypsum ceilings are caused by construction issues. These key points must be carefully monitored on-site:
- Frame Installation is the Foundation
Lightweight steel frame spacing should be ≤30cm, with a hanger diameter ≥8mm and no more than 300mm from the end of the main frame.
Avoid wooden frames! They are prone to mold and deformation in humid environments; lightweight steel frames are the most durable choice.
- Proper Joint Treatment
Leave a 5-8mm gap between gypsum boards. Apply crack-proof bandages after caulking. Apply two coats of paint before painting to prevent cracking at the source.
- Reinforce Special Areas
Additional frames must be installed near lighting fixtures and inspection openings. Heavy equipment weighing over 3kg should have separate hanging points and should not be attached directly to the frame.
Pre-treating the ceiling area adjacent to the kitchen and bathroom with a waterproof coating is recommended.
IV. Inspection and Maintenance: Avoid pitfalls after installation, and repair any damage.
- Inspection in 3 Steps
Surface Inspection: Use a 2-meter straightedge to check for flatness. A deviation of ≤3mm is considered acceptable.
Check for secureness: Ensure that the hand-push ceiling has no wobble, that the screw heads are embedded 0.5-1mm into the panel, and that it has been treated with rustproofing.
Retain documentation: Request a material inspection report and a hidden work acceptance form to provide a basis for future repairs.
- Tips for Crack Repair
Minor cracks: Apply joint compound, apply fiberglass tape, sand, and paint—they can be fixed in 2 hours.
Large cracks: First, check the keel for deformation. After reinforcement, replace any damaged panels and re-treat the joints according to standards.
V. Budget: How much does it cost to renovate a 10-square-meter living room?
| Item | Material | Unit price(RMB /㎡) | 10㎡ Cost(RMB) |
| Gypsum Board | Waterproof | 30-50 | 300-500 |
| Keel | Light steel keel | 20-30 | 200-300 |
| Accessories | Screws, bandages, etc. | 10-15 | 100-150 |
| Artificial | Including installation + painting | 80-120 | 800-1200 |
| Total | —— | 140-215 | 1400-2150 |