Gypsum Ceiling or POP Ceiling: Which One Should You Choose?

Wondering which material is ideal for your home renovation? Should you go for a gypsum ceiling or a POP ceiling? We have you sorted!
(This is a chapter of a bigger guide on false ceilings in India.)

In the current scenario, the use of POP boards (Plaster of Paris) for false ceilings has become almost non-existent, especially in metropolitan cities. Most designers and contractors work exclusively with gypsum boards because these result in quality finish and ensure faster execution.

However, despite gypsum’s obvious popularity and default status, you can opt for POP boards in some instances, mainly if you live in a city where this material is still widely used and your budget is modest.

So, where does the difference lie between a gypsum false ceiling material and a POP one? Let’s compare the two:

Gypsum	POP
Costlier than POP.	Cheaper than gypsum by almost 25-50% (depending on the quality of gypsum being compared and the availability of both materials in the local market).
Provides a seamless finish with minimum joints.	Doesn’t have the same finesse and precision that is characteristic of gypsum boards.
Available in three different thicknesses of 9mm, 12mm and 15mm — and in bigger sheets of 4×6 feet, 4×8 feet and 4×10 feet.	Mostly available in small, standard size of 2×2 feet.
Easier to work with and delivers a good finish almost effortlessly.	Must ensure that the labour at hand is highly skilled. Labour should be capable of delivering a well-finished design despite the limitations of the material.

Get Living Room Design Ideas with False Ceilings.

Gypsum Ceiling vs. POP Ceiling: The Final Verdict

Today, in many cities, the use of gypsum has become so popular that the difference in cost bears little to no impact on the consumer’s choice. The benefits of gypsum — factory-finished, easy-to-install and less messy — justify the reasonable increase in cost. Additionally, if the design is complex — think multiple layers or involving organic forms — gypsum will get the job done efficiently and in a shorter time-frame. You can also seamlessly pair gypsum with other materials like plywood, glass, etc for added design features in the ceiling.

Designer’s tips:

• To combine quality material with a modest budget, choose a simple peripheral ceiling design and use gypsum boards.
• Add false ceiling only in some parts or only as borders to the existing ceiling. This way, you can retain the main ceiling height at most places (which helps with the spacious feel of the room) while still introducing a design feature.
• You can play with the form within this design scheme and include other materials like plywood and glass if needed. However, make sure the design still conceals wiring.

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Want ideas for false ceiling designs? These posts should give you tons of inspiration:

• False Ceiling Designs for Bedrooms: 9 Ideas You Will Love
• False Ceiling Designs for Drawing Rooms: 6 Unique Styles You Need to See
• Simple False Ceiling Designs for Halls: 10+ Designs to Keep It Elegant
• Types of False Ceiling Materials & Where to Use What
• How Much Does a False Ceiling Cost in India?