How to install garage plasterboard ceiling?

[Andfe]

Hi. I’m installing a gyprock ceiling and am looking for tips on extra joists? needed for support. Total area = 4x5m. The rafters are 900mm apart. 2 things I can think of:

1. cut individual “inserts” to put flush between the rafters at 450mm

2. nail strips under the rafters spaced at 450mm and affix the gyprock. 
All comments will be appreciated. 
Thanks. 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Andfe,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Either option would work, with pros and cons to each.

If you were to cut timbers and have them run between the joists, flush with their bottom edge, you would retain more height for your ceiling. The caveat to this is that this is a lot more work than the alternative.

If you nailed timbers to the underside of the joists, then you could have much longer lengths of timber, which would mean less time spent measuring, cutting and fixing. The downside is that you would lose a small amount of ceiling height.

Personally, I would just attach battens to the underside of the joists, as it is much less work, but you may value the ceiling height more than ease of installation.

If you wanted a solution that would be the best of both worlds, you could use Siniat 18 x 6000mm 0.42bmt Furring Channel, which would be attached to your joists with these Siniat 80mm Direct Fix Furring Channel Clips. Being steel, it will be nice and straight, and the clips can be used to account for any slight variance in the level of the joists, meaning you can get a really flat ceiling, with relatively little work. At 18mm thick, the furring channels will take up very little space, so they would be perfect for this job.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Andfe]

Thank you Jacob, appreciate the advice. Height is not an issue, so I’ll go with the longer battens or furring  channels. I’d never heard of furring channels, so there’s a bonus for me.  

[JacobZ]

Hi @Andfe,

I did a fair bit of work with them, as I used to work for a commercial ceilings and partitions company.

They're super easy to work with as they are dead straight and lightweight, which is a huge advantage when working overhead. You can cut them with a pair of aviation snips, so you won't even need to use any power tools besides the drill to screw the brackets in place.

I'd recommend them over timber in most situations relating to ceilings.

If you've got any further questions, I'd be more than happy to help.

Jacob