Plasterboard ceilings are fixed directly to timber joists or to a steel MF grid. Overboarding means screwing new board through an existing ceiling into the joists above, which is a clean way to deal with cracked lath and plaster or textured coatings without the mess of pulling them down. Before overboarding, we check the old ceiling is firmly attached and that any textured coating has been tested for asbestos if the property is old enough to contain it.
An MF ceiling is a suspended steel grid of primary channels and ceiling sections hung on hangers from the structure above. It creates a perfectly level ceiling regardless of how uneven the joists or slab are, and leaves a void for ductwork, pipes and downlights. MF ceilings are common in basements, commercial units and conversions where height needs dropping or services need hiding.
What is included
- Checking joist sizes, spacing and the condition of any existing ceiling
- Advice on whether to overboard or take down an old ceiling
- Board fixed with screws at closer centres than walls
- MF grid with hangers, primary channels and ceiling sections set level
- Openings formed for downlights, access hatches and extractor fans
- Fire-rated or acoustic board between floors where needed
- Staging or towers for stairwells and high ceilings
- Tape and joint or skim finish ready to decorate
Who it is for
- Cracked, sagging or damaged lath and plaster ceilings
- Textured ceilings you want covered rather than removed
- Basements and conversions where services need hiding
- Commercial units needing a level ceiling below a slab
- Ceilings between floors that need better fire or sound performance
- Extensions and loft conversions
How much does it cost?
As a guide, boarding a ceiling usually costs £25 to £45 per square metre supplied, fixed and taped, and MF suspended ceilings usually cost £35 to £60 per square metre. Stairwells, removing old ceilings and asbestos precautions add to the cost. See our full cost guide.
