False Ceiling

false ceilings - can generally be categorised into

1) true false ceiling - almost the entire ceiling is 'fake'
- it will usually cost about $800-1000 to do up false ceiling for 5rm living and dining excluding lighting and electricity of course
- about another $400-700 for master bedroom

2) L box - usually built around the perimeter of the living room hall. L box will of course be cheaper cos less material used. there are modifications some contractors do to make L box nicer, e.g. make an underhang, etc.
- usually about 30% cheaper than true false ceiling

height of false ceiling
- 4 or 6 inches thick
- while 4 inches is better in a sense that it doesn't 'shorten' your ceiling by so much, your lighting choices are very restricted (since shorter height)
- do take note that HDB has a height restriction - the min floor to ceiling height is 240cm, and most hdb flats are 259cm height, so if you have a 4inch platform anywhere in your flat, you may not be able to install a 6inch false ceiling there


types of lighting that can be used in false ceiling
- downlights - can be halogen, energy saving, daylight, warmlight
- long fluorescent lights - can be installed above the 'underhangs' to create 'hidden lighting' effect (but can trap dust/dirt/insects!)

ceiling fan
- not advisable to install ceiling fan on false ceiling, unless you don't value your head/hair
- also structurally not sound
- if you want ceiling fan, then better to install L box so your fan can be installed in the middle on the 'real ceiling'