About Plastered Ceilings And Bulkheads

Considering the number of Blogs in the works - that I just seem not able to complete due to other work pressures - I really was not planning another blog and certainly not one that has to be published right away. But, after the conversation that I've had lately, with one potential Client in Northmead, Benoni, on Plastered Ceilings, I think it would be helpful, not only for him but also, other Homeowners who might have similar questions in future. In that sense, this post certainly would be a good starting point to unravel the subtle differences between the two. 

So what is the difference between the two? 

Ceiling Plastered And Downlights Installed As
Part Of A Complete Kitchen Makeover Project,
Tianong Section, Thembisa

 Well, put simply, a Plastered Ceiling is a Ceiling that has been skimmed with a finishing plaster product such as, Gypsum commonly referred to as Rhinolite in South Africa. It has to be noted too that, the best board for use here, is the thicker (12mm Board as opposed to the normal Gypsum Ceiling Board which at 6.4mm, is half the thickness of a Drywall Board) version of Gypsum Board - similar to what is usually used for Drywalls. And the reason why this 12mm Board is suitable is that, unlike the thinner 6.4mm Board which warps as the Plaster applied on it dries, the 12mm Drywall Board maintains its shape for the lifetime of the installation, resulting in a smooth, cement plaster wall like effect but devoid of Ceiling Strips, of course.

So to recap then, a Plastered Ceiling differs from a 'normal' Stripped Ceiling, so to speak, in the sense that, Ceiling Strips are not used at all. Rather, the Boards are hung or buttressed edge to edge, with no Ceiling Strips, And to facilitate the application of the Gypsum Plaster afterwards, Gypsum Tape is applied on these seams otherwise, once dry, the Plaster would crack along the seams.

Alright. Now, what about Bulkheads? What are they?

Okay, Ceiling Bulkheads are elaborately shaped decorative structures that are designed to break the monotony that Ceilings are normally known for.

Bulkhead Skimmed And Electrical Cabling For
Downlights In Place, Fairleads, Benoni

And into these enclosures or shapes, can be installed Lights (Downlight or Led Strip Lights with the later used to create a fantastic concealed, dimming effect). Also, to create dramatic sound effects, Entertainment System Speakers are usually positioned in Bulkheads.

Hanging Drywall Boards For New Ceiling And
Prepping Electric Cabling For Downlights,
Jean Gardens, Kempton Park CBD

Depending on the required design and the envisaged use, Bulkheads can be cylindrical, square, rectangular, cascading or a combination of those shapes. In fact, it can be said that, the shape of a Bulkhead is only limited by the designer's imagination.

Also, these days, one can settle for a Factory made ready-to-install Installation. However, if one has a particular design in mind or, is constrained by the space available, a custom made Install certainly would be the way to go.

Assembling Ceiling Bulkhead, Fairleads, Benoni


I have attached an assortment of Plastered Ceiling images my team and I have done over the years. Note however that, all these were not standalone Ceiling/Bulkhead Projects but rather, components of large Projects such as Kitchen Makeovers or Apartment Renovations.


Nonetheless, the design and installation principles explained in this blog, would perfectly apply to any Plastered Ceiling/Bullhead Project.

I hope this will be helpful.

Hanging Drywall Boards For Plastered Ceiling. Project
Part Of New Development Including Construction
Of Three Bedroom Bungalow, Aston Manor,
 Kempton Park










Portion Of Plastered Ceiling. Plastered Ceiling Part Of 
A New Kitchen Project, Sonlandpark,
Vereeniging









For more information on our Building, Property Repairs, Maintenance and Built-in Cabinet Services, please feel free to contact me by SMS, Whatsapp or Call on, 063 888 5573 or email on aaronphir@gmail.com

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