Replies

1. 
   Piffin | Jul 22, 2012 08:14am | #1

   Attach strapping to the plaster using tapcons. Do it 16" oc.

   Then you can use 1/2" ceiling board

1. 
   woodpeckers | Jul 22, 2012 10:07am | #2

   By strapping do you mean 1x4?

1. 
   Piffin | Jul 27, 2012 08:28pm | #5

   yes, more or less

   1x4 furring works too

   here in new England, you can buy strapping cheaper which is 2-3/4" wide spruce.

   You could also use metal hat-track

2. 
   calvin | Jul 22, 2012 06:24pm | #3

   Paul

   Tapcons?

   Are you thinking this persons residential ceiling IS concrete?

   Surely it could be, but I doubt it.

   Worst case-use bugle headed cement board screws.   (I'd have to go out to the shop to make sure they're not knurled on the underside of the bugle-that'd tear up the paper)

   But tapcons?  

   I don't think I've ever had a problem with reg. drywal screws going into a plaster ceiling.  That must be some scratch coat.

1. 
   Piffin | Jul 27, 2012 08:32pm | #6

   He did say "hard as

   He did say "hard as concrete"

   I have run into plaster like that, and more often with wire lathe. CMU srews might work too, but SR srews will be a waste of time in stuff like that.

   The tapcons have a larger thread that will grip well, which is important in a ceiling, IMO

2. 
   DanH | Jul 23, 2012 09:38pm | #4

   There is a sort of heavy-duity wallpaper that would be a good answer if the ceiling is basically smooth.  "Wall liner" is what I believe it's called.

1. 
   Piffin | Jul 27, 2012 08:36pm | #7

   Dan

   Liner works fine on walls, but with a failing ceiling as he desribes, it is generally pretty much a waste of time.

   I might use a FG clothe web and new plaster or DB skimcoat if it is solidly attached