Mounting a chandelier on a stretch ceiling: a detailed DIY installation guide

Stretch ceilings attract with their unusual texture and perfectly flat surface. Now they are installed everywhere - in offices, salesrooms, apartments and houses. The assortment of canvases is varied: you can choose simple options or complex designs with three-dimensional effects and original drawings.

But, before installing such beauty at home, you should think about lighting. After all, the installation of a chandelier on a stretch ceiling implies a lot of nuances. If you do not take them into account, you can easily damage the surface, hopelessly ruining its aesthetic appearance.

In our material we will tell you how to choose the right lighting device, we will analyze possible ways fixing luminaires to tension structures and give detailed recommendations for installation with our own hands. In addition, we will explain what to do in the case when the canvas is already stretched, and the installation of the chandelier was not thought out in advance.

Requirements for chandeliers for stretch ceilings

Not every chandelier is suitable for installation on a stretch ceiling. The main snag is that PVC fabrics and textiles can darken and deform due to the bright directional light of the lamps and exposure to high temperatures.

The power of the incandescent light bulb in the device must not exceed 60 W for textile coverings and 40 W for PVC cloth. Such a lamp gives little light, so it is worth stopping the choice on multi-track models or mounting several devices.

Lamps with lower wattage (less than 40 W) do not generate hazardous heat, which significantly extends the lifespan of the stretch fabric. As an alternative it is better to choose light bulbs with caps for LED and energy-saving light sources that can be used without restrictions.

The distance from the device to the stretched cover is also important. It is desirable that the design allows the luminaire to be suspended at a distance of at least 25 cm from the ceiling. You should be especially careful with the forms of the "plate" type: they must have a special diffuser over the lamps and a non-metallic base.

In addition, when choosing a product, you need to take into account the type, shade and texture of the stretch fabric, focus on the interior design of the room. Classic horn models, devices with a wide horizontal surface, are not quite suitable for glossy coatings. Too complex and heavy structures should also be avoided.

In addition to the chandelier, are you also planning to buy luminaires for installation in a stretch ceiling? We recommend that you familiarize yourself with their main types and nuances of choice the best option.

Methods for attaching ceiling chandeliers

There are two ways of attaching chandeliers to the ceiling. The first one involves fixing hook, the second - on a straight line or cruciform mounting plateat. The nature of the preparatory work before installation depends on how exactly the device will be mounted.

Hanging hooks

Hanging hook is one of the most common attachment points in lighting configurations. This item is usually included in the basic kit, but it can be purchased separately. Chandeliers hanging on a hook are equipped with a special ring, bracket or carabiner on the body.

The main types of fasteners:

• anchor - the swivel is fixed in a pre-drilled hole of the required diameter and depth;
• through type - are fixed through the floor overlap during the construction of the building;
• mortgages - used for floor panels with hollow channels.

The size and type of the hook is selected according to the weight of the device.

This method of fastening for stretch ceilings is considered simple and quite reliable, but there is always a risk that the base of the device will be uneven. The hooks are fixed in the black ceiling, and a hole is made in the tensioning fabric itself, through which the device is suspended.

Mounting plates and strips

Mounting plate is a fastening metal profile equipped with studs or side threaded holes and clamps. This structure is attached to the ceiling, and the chandelier is put on the protruding pins, fixing with decorative nuts. The main load is taken by the floor slab.

Mounting plates have standard dimensions and similar characteristics, and are of several types:

• longitudinal - designed for light, small luminaires;
• cruciform - consist of two long strips, used for medium-sized devices with a large base diameter;
• I-beams - are necessary for fixing heavy, dimensional chandeliers.

Installing a lighting fixture with a strip on a stretch ceiling is an order of magnitude more difficult than attaching it to a hook. But in this case, it is easier to ensure that the chandelier hangs evenly.

Step-by-step instructions for installing a chandelier

All preparatory and installation work, including the laying of electrical wires, fixing the embedded elements and the main fixtures for the chandelier, must be carried out before installing the tensioning sheet. Let's analyze all the nuances step by step.

Step # 1 - preparing tools and materials

To mount the lighting fixture, prepare a set of necessary tools.

First of all, you need a hammer drill or a hand-held electric drill and a stepladder of sufficient height, which can be replaced with an ordinary table.

You will also need:

• switch and junction box;
• appropriate wires and terminal blocks;
• stripper or another tool for stripping insulation from wires;
• drills for concrete and wood;
• pliers or side cutters with insulated handles;
• coil of insulating tape;
• a stationery knife with a sharp blade;
• screws and dowels;
• decorative flask or glass;
• plastic rings for stretch fabrics.

In addition, you should find a suitable wooden block or moisture-resistant plywood, which will serve as a mortgage structure.

Before starting the installation process, you should carefully read the instructions that come with the product. This manual usually provides detailed recommendations for connecting a specific model.

Step # 2 - wiring

The main preparatory stage prior to direct installation is the laying of wiring for connecting to the mains. This work will require knowledge and experience in performing electrical work. It is also important to follow safety rules in this matter. If you have doubts about your own abilities, it is better to use the services of an electrician.

The first thing to do is make a plan with a diagram the location of all electrical devices that are planned to be connected. On the base ceiling, marks are put down at the points of potential fixing of the luminaires and the zones for the passage of wires are marked.

It is important that the wiring is safe and can provide the correct voltage to all devices. Therefore, to choosing the right cable must be approached responsibly. The best option for these purposes is a VVGng cable with a low flammability sheath.

Cable section is selected depending on the power and the number of installed fixtures.

Before starting work, it is necessary to de-energize the room by turning off the power supply in the switchboard. You can check if there is a current supply with a conventional indicator screwdriver.

Then you need to lay the prepared cable to the calculated installation locations of the devices. Laying in an open way behind a stretch ceiling is not recommended: it is wiser to insulate the cable with a protective corrugation. This will ensure fire safety of the tensioning structure, prevent deformation of the coating, possible short circuits and breaks. The corrugated casing is fastened to the ceiling plate with brackets.

The wiring is fixed to the base ceiling using special clips or dowel-clamps. They should not sag and touch the stretch fabric. The recommended attachment pitch is 50-90 cm. If the wires intersect, you should additionally insulate them at the intersections. Before stretching the curtain, it is important to check the voltage supply for each luminaire.

We examined the main nuances of competently laying electrical wiring with our own hands in this article.

Step # 3 - preparing the base

The preparation of the base depends on the chosen option for hanging the chandelier.

In the case of hook fastening, it is sufficient to drill an armhole equal to the diameter of the fastener in the concrete surface of the ceiling. This is usually 6-14 mm, depending on the severity of the device. If the hook is not long enough for the attachment, you can add a strong chain to it.

In private houses, a through fastening method can be used:

• a through hole is made in the interfloor slab;
• one plate is placed in the floor of the upper floor or in the attic, and the second is placed under the ceiling;
• a hook is taken and a nut is screwed on, which will hold the plate;
• the hook is pushed into the ceiling hole, another nut is screwed on top, which will tighten the plates.

For hollow core slabs, another method is suitable.

It provides for the following types of work:

• a hole of the required size is made in the ceiling;
• reinforcement is inserted into the hole, the length of which is selected depending on the thickness of the slab;
• a hook with a ring at the end is made of wire rod;
• on the hook is put on the reinforcement, previously laid in the hollow channel.

If the chandelier will be mounted on a mounting plate, you need to install a mortgage from a wooden block, durable moisture resistant plywood or finished plastic platforms round, square or cross forms.

The wooden plate is attached to the concrete base with long self-tapping screws and dowels, which are inserted into the holes made by the puncher.

If plywood is used as a mortgage, metal legs should be attached to it for fixing. For large devices with a mounting cross, a more solid, thick support is required.

Step # 4 - attaching the chandelier to the ceiling

After installing the stretch ceiling, you will need to cut holes of suitable sizes at the attachment points of the hook or mounting plate. Previously, a thermal ring is glued in this area, which will protect the material from overheating and will not allow it to disperse.

The procedure is quite simple: you should carefully grease the adjoining surface of the ring with glue, attach the part to the ceiling and press lightly. The size of the hole should be slightly less than the diameter of the base of the chandelier.

After the glue has set, it remains to cut the film in the inner space with a clerical knife. Electric wires are pulled out through this hole. Neutral wires are connected in one bundle, and phase wires are separated if a double switch is installed in the room.

You can check where is zero and where is the phase using an indicator screwdriver, turning on the power supply. For convenience, it is worth marking the phase and neutral wires in different colors.

To install the crosspiece, five holes are made in the finished tensioning fabric: one large in the middle for wires and four small ones - for fixing the strip to a proportional wooden platform.

Thermal rings or cut-out pieces of plastic are glued to the joints. The fastening of the I-beam is similar to the cruciform, with the exception of minor differences in the method of connecting to the platform.

The base of the chandelier should be placed on a plank, secured with studs and nuts, or hung on a hook by a loop.

Step # 5 - plugging in and fixing the drawbacks

Upon completion of all installation work, the chandelier is connected to the mains, and its performance is checked.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect power supply.
2. Check the presence or absence of voltage in the conductors of the wires with an indicator screwdriver.
3. Strip the ends of the wires of the luminaire to be installed and the supply wire of the home electrical network by about 6 mm, correctly connect to each other and fix in the terminal box. We recommend that you read the detailed guide to connecting the chandelier to a two-button switch.
4. Turn on the power supply in the panel, make sure that the luminaire is working and the lamps are on normally.
5. In case of problems with the operability of the device, check the light bulbs, the switch on the wall, the integrity of the contacts and wiring on the way from the switch to the device, the wire connections in the chandelier.

The final step when hanging the chandelier on a hook is to install a decorative glass or ceiling rosette. In the first case, you need to hide the wires, carefully lift the cap up to the stop and fasten with decorative nuts. And we talked in detail about the installation of the ceiling socket in following material.

At the time of screwing or hanging the luminaire, you must not overdo it and use unnecessary efforts, since the tensioning canvas can easily deform.

At the end, the surface should be inspected, carefully checking its integrity. If there are tears, scratches or chips near the installation site, you should try to eliminate them. For example, use special thermal stickers to hide defects, carefully glue the torn ends of the film with tape, add a masking pattern along the entire damage line.

How to hang a chandelier on a mounted canvas?

Installing a chandelier on an already mounted stretch canvas is very difficult. But this need arises quite often.

In some houses, a hook for hanging the luminaire is embedded in the ceiling. In this case, it remains to make a hole in this place with a sharp knife and glue a plastic ring along its edges, which will clamp the material, preventing possible discrepancy. Then you should tighten and connect wires, hang the device and close the opening with a decorative element in the form of a concave plate or cup.

If the hook is missing, you can solve the problem with a bent end anchor bolt. It is better to drill a hole with a perforator, having previously enclosed the place of work in a ring.

With the installation of the device on the mounting plate, everything is much more complicated. It is difficult to do without a foundation with this method of fastening. To mount the platform in the base ceiling, you will have to remove the canvas or make a noticeable cut in it. You can try to close the resulting hole with wide shades or a baguette frame.

When fixing the device without a mortgage, it is necessary to select self-tapping screws of sufficient length and mark the attachment points on the canvas. Next, the thermal rings are glued, a film is cut along their inner contour, holes are drilled in the ceiling through the rings.

By using plastic tubing to secure the mounting plate, the base of the chandelier will become more stable.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Visual instructions for fixing the luminaire to a mounting plate with a plywood insert:

How to "drown" a chandelier in an already installed stretch ceiling:

Installation of lighting devices without an embedded platform:

With installation work when installing a chandelier on a tension structure, you can completely cope with yourself. This does not require special skills and sophisticated equipment. It is enough to know the basics of electrical installation and a set of available tools. It is more correct and easiest to carry out the work even before pulling the ceiling sheet.

The main thing is to observe safety precautions when working with electrical wiring, choose the most successful type of fastening and carefully check the stability of the mounted structure at the end.

Do you have experience in installing chandeliers or lamps on a suspended ceiling and would like to share it with other users? Tell us about it, dwell on the difficulties that you encountered - the feedback form is located below. Also here you can show the result of your work by adding original photos of the installed chandelier.