When purchasing a commercial property, there are many factors to consider, one of which is the type of ceiling to install. Ceiling height can play an important role in the design and function of a commercial building for a number of reasons, including creating a sense of spaciousness, accommodating specialised equipment, and allowing for better lighting and air circulation.
In this guide, we will provide you with information to help you decide which type of ceiling is best for your commercial property. We will also explain why ceiling height matters in a commercial property and how it can affect the overall functionality and value of the space.
Low Ceilings
What Is A Low Ceiling?
In commercial building design, a low ceiling is one that is typically less than 9 feet in height. The specific definition of a low ceiling may vary depending on the building codes and regulations.
Why Choose A Low Ceiling?
A low ceiling can be a great option if you are wanting to reduce construction costs, improve energy efficiency, and create a more intimate space. They are perfect for offices and social spaces such as restaurants and bars, especially when teamed with minimalist designs such as Scandinavian or modern chic which can create the illusion of more space.
Advantages Of A Low Ceiling
Low ceilings generally require less material and labour to construct, which can result in lower building costs. They also take less heating or air conditioning than buildings with high ceilings, allowing you to be more energy efficient.
Disadvantages Of A Low Ceiling
A low ceiling will limit the space you have which can be restrictive to the types of equipment or furniture that can be used in the space. They can also restrict natural light in a badly designed larger building which can result in higher lighting costs.
What Is The Cost Of A Low Ceiling?
Overall, you will spend less in the initial construction of a lower ceiling, depending on the layout of the space your energy bills are likely to be cheaper too. Please get in touch with our team for a quote!
High Ceilings
What Is A High Ceiling?
In commercial building design, a high ceiling is generally considered to be a ceiling height of 12 feet or more. High ceilings are often highly sought after for their aesthetic appeal, as well as being great for creating a more versatile space.
Why Choose A High Ceiling?
High ceilings are the obvious choice for commercial properties such as warehouses as they help provide adequate space for different types of vehicles and equipment, as well as providing you with more options for shelving and storage options making them ideal for multi-purpose spaces.
High Ceiling Advantages
High ceilings create an illusion of spaciousness, making a space feel larger and more open. They also allow for better air circulation, which can improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of mould or other issues related to poor ventilation. Natural light will be able to flow better around the space reducing energy bills, additionally, high ceilings will also be able to accommodate larger windows or skylights, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
High Ceiling Disadvantages
High ceilings require more material and labour to construct, which will increase building costs, they can also lead to increased energy consumption for heating or cooling the space. Finally, you need to consider that the higher the ceiling, the poorer the acoustics will be, leading to excess noise and echos, especially if machinery will be used in the space.
What Is The Cost Of A High Ceiling?
A high ceiling will end up costing a lot more than a low ceiling, from construction to energy bills, this is not a cost effective option that will be suitable for a lot of properties. Please get in touch with our team today for a bespoke quote.
Stretched Ceilings
What Is A Stretch Ceiling?
A stretch ceiling is a type of suspended ceiling system that is installed below an existing ceiling to create a smooth and seamless surface. A stretch ceiling is typically made of a lightweight PVC or fabric material that is stretched tightly over a frame or suspension system to create a flat and smooth surface.
Why Choose A Stretch Ceiling?
Stretch ceilings are commonly used in commercial buildings, including offices, retail spaces, hotels, and restaurants, as they offer several benefits over traditional suspended ceilings. They are easy to maintain, fairly cost effective, and durable.
Stretch Ceiling – Advantages
Stretch ceilings come with a bounty of advantages. They are first and foremost sleek and modern and can be easily customised with a variety of colours and textures to enhance the look of your space. They are extremely durable despite being so lightweight and the materials used to make them are resistant to water, staining, and mould, additionally they are also easy to clean.
Stretch ceilings can be installed quickly which causes minimal disturbance to anyone in the building at the time of installation. They are great at absorbing sound and so can reduce noise levels which helps create a comfortable environment for those working in the space or visitors to the building. Finally, stretch ceilings can improve the energy efficiency of a commercial property by reducing the amount of artificial lighting required. The material used in stretch ceilings is translucent, which allows natural light to penetrate through, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Stretch Ceiling – Disadvantages
Stretch ceilings can become expensive if you are looking for a custom design, they also require specialised equipment to install them and a skilled professional team which will come at a price. Stretch ceilings can be sensitive to high temperatures, which may cause the material to shrink or deform. This makes them unsuitable for areas that are often hot or have open flames, such as commercial kitchens.
There may be restrictions when you are looking to have a stretch ceiling installed as they require a certain amount of clearance above the existing ceiling, which can limit the ceiling height and may not be suitable for spaces with high ceilings.
What Is The Cost Of A Stretch Ceiling?
Stretch ceiling costs depend on the material used, you can get in touch with our team today for a bespoke quote.
Conclusion
Choosing between low ceilings, high ceilings, and stretch ceilings depends on your investment goals and the type of commercial property you are considering. Low ceilings may be more cost-effective, but they can make a space feel smaller and less inviting. High ceilings can make a space feel more spacious and grand, but they can also be more expensive to maintain and difficult to heat and cool efficiently. Stretch ceilings offer a modern and customizable option, but they may not be suitable for all types of commercial properties.
Ultimately, it is important to consider the needs of potential tenants and the overall market trends when making a decision. Careful consideration and research can help you make an informed choice that will benefit your investment in the long run.
For further information and advice on what ceiling may be the best match for your commercial property, please get in touch with us at GB Partitions to further discuss all the options available. You can call us on 01604 385001 or email the team at info@gbpartitions.co.uk. Alternatively, please complete our contact form and we will be in touch at a time to suit you.
