Ceiling replacement.

[mibosa]

I am ready to instal a new ceiling in my aluminium frame 66 Viscount Ambassador.  I commenced using 3mm MDF board but found that over a few days and before I was able to instal my cornices etc, that the MDF started to warp.  I am guessing that plywood is really the way to do it, with its obvious strength in the way it is manufactured.  My previous ceiling was made of masonite and pop riveted to the ceiling aluminium beams, a method of which I think I will duplicate and cover the rivets with pieces of wood.  I am after advice on what type of ply to use.  Is the standard 3mm ply from Bunnings okay for this purpose?  I hear some people mention marine ply, is that for the ceiling or floor???

Regards,  


Bob

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Mibosa,

Now you're talking about a topic I can tell you something about!

Marine ply is essentially a high quality ply which is made using the same technique as other ply, but uses higher grade veneers without defects. As a result it has minimal core gaps, and is therefore both stronger and less prone to absorbing water in the core. Because it uses high grade veneers it is also more expensive.

Marine ply was/is often used for boats (hence I presume 'marine') because of its qualities of being stronger and less prone to absorbing water. It was also commonly used for the external cladding of bondwood vans for the same reasons. Whether you want to spend the extra cash on marine ply for your ceiling depends on whether you need the extra strength and water resistance. For lining your ceiling I would tend to think you don't, but on the other hand if you're happy to pay for the extra cost it won't do any harm!  If you were talking about cladding or lining your walls I'd say use marine ply.

Don Ricardo

[mibosa]

Thanks Don, I tend to agree with your feedback, especially about normal ply. I did notice when I bought some normal ply to do some other internal jobs that when it was laying on my garage floor it also had a tendancy to warp after a while so I presume when I buy some, the sooner I get it up and securely fixed the better it will be. I won't get around to it for a few days, so others may add their support to that concept by then.

Regards,

Bob

[Roehm3108]

I would have thought you should replace the ceiling with a similar panelling to the original - ply with laminating on one side. To my knowledge this is still available quite readily. It would end up a better finish.

[Aussie]

Hi mibosa, what area are you in? 2.7mm is what's currently used in most vans and as mentioned below by Roehm3108, this ply is still readily available. Also, depending on where you purchase it, there is quite a colour range available.

Oct 26, 2014 7:02:34 GMT 10 Roehm3108 said:

I would have thought you should replace the ceiling with a similar panelling to the original - ply with laminating on one side. To my knowledge this is still available quite readily. It would end up a better finish.

[mibosa]

Thanks Aussie and Roehm3108 for your input. I am in Adelaide so might see what the big green shed has. Thanks to all, Bob.