The reference for
cold-stretched ceilings.
No more cracks
Seamless
and smooth
Simple, fast, and
clean
Online
order
No more cracks
Say goodbye to cracks with the installation of a cold-installed stretch ceiling. In just a few hours, it will hide not only all the imperfections in your old ceiling but also any cables and utility ducts.
Seamless
and smooth
Thanks to its extra-wide coated fabric panels, the SWALtex™ cold-installed stretch ceiling is smooth and seamless up to 5 meters wide. The SWAL™ Clip fastening system ensures a discreet finish along the room’s perimeter. It is also possible to join multiple panels for very large areas (this is known as a panel-to-panel joint). A quick and simple solution for renovating an interior.
Simple, fast, and
clean
Installing a cold-fit stretch ceiling is an efficient solution that combines ease of installation with time savings. The installation requires no major construction work or need to vacate the room. It takes just one day to achieve a clean finish and install 50 square meters of stretch ceiling—all easily and without creating dust.
Online
order
Through our online shop, you can access our full range of stretch ceiling and stretch wall canvas products (acoustic, printed or backlit), whether you wish to have them installed by a professional or fit them by yourself. View the full technical specifications, including our detailed installation guides, and place your order whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional installer.
SWALtex™ Expert Pro
What is a cold-applied stretch ceiling, and why choose it?
Simple, fast, and effective, this technique is revolutionizing the way damaged ceilings are renovated.
A matte finish in a velvety white that marks a definitive departure from glossy PVC stretch ceilings
Cold-installed stretch ceiling is an ideal solution for renovating a damaged, uneven, or simply outdated ceiling without undertaking major construction work. It allows you to neatly cover the existing ceiling without demolition or dust. Installation of a cold-installed stretch ceiling is quick, minimizing disruption to the use of the room.
The cold-stretch ceiling technique involves stretching a coated polyester fabric, such as SWALtex™ lining, which is custom-made to fit the space perfectly. The fabric is then stretched at room temperature and secured using an installation spatula into tension profiles installed around the perimeter of the room, such as our ClipSWAL™ tensioning system.
Unlike PVC stretch ceilings, cold-stretch ceilings are installed without heating the room or the fabric, making them easier to install and cleaner. Their installation is well within the capabilities of intermediate DIYers. Cold-stretch ceiling fabrics are available in various shades of white for purchase in our online store.
The final result is perfectly smooth and taut, with no seams or joints, and features a trendy matte finish that blends naturally into any modern interior style. The cold-stretched ceiling is an elegant solution that gives the impression that the ceiling has been repainted or smoothed with a precision and uniformity that is difficult to achieve using traditional techniques. Installing this type of ceiling guarantees no more cracks and no more unsightly ceilings. Say goodbye to repetitive painting jobs. Your project site remains clean, dry, and the work is completed quickly.
Cold installation has completely changed
the way stretch ceilings are installed.
in a single day and without dust A laboratory-certified coating
for this use No need to
heat the room
There are two main methods for installing stretch ceilings : the “hot” method, in which the fabric is softened by heat and then stretched and tensioned, and the “cold” method, which uses a simpler process. Each technique has its own characteristics depending on the specific requirements or the desired finish.
Installing a SWALtex™ cold-fit stretch ceiling requires no heat and does not involve heating the fabric, making the process quick, clean, and environmentally friendly. But what really sets the cold-fit stretch ceiling apart from a hot-fit stretch ceiling is its finish.
While heat-stretched ceilings offer glossy or lacquered finishes, cold-stretched ceilings provide a matte finish with an intense white hue and a more understated look. The finish of this type of ceiling is more contemporary and aligns with today’s interior design standards and trends.
SWALtex™ Expert Pro
The versatile stretch ceiling.
With optimized acoustics, customizable designs thanks to printing options, and built-in lighting, the cold-stretch ceiling can be tailored to your preferences.
Cold-installed stretch ceilings are a versatile solution that can be tailored to meet aesthetic, technical, or functional needs. Thanks to the wide variety of fabrics and possible configurations, they go far beyond a simple renovation and can be customized as acoustic stretch ceilings, printed stretch ceilings, or backlit stretch ceilings.
1.
For example, it can incorporate acoustic treatment. By combining the fabric with an acoustic panel mounted behind it or by choosing an acoustic fabric, the stretch ceiling becomes an effective solution for improving sound comfort in a room. This option is particularly popular in offices, meeting rooms, or open-concept living spaces such as open-plan living-dining-kitchen areas, where reverberation can quickly become bothersome.
2.
Customization with digital printing. The fabric can be printed with a pattern, an image, or even a brand identity to personalize a space or enhance its atmosphere. This option is often used in retail stores, cultural venues, or reception areas, but it is also suitable for residential use.
3.
Stretch ceilings can be combined with backlighting. By adjusting the transparency of the fabric and the position of the light sources, it is possible to create soft, diffused lighting without glare. This solution is both attractive and practical, making it ideal for creating a warm atmosphere.
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Your project starts now
Cold-stretched ceilings do not lose their tension over time.
They remain perfectly taut and behave just like any other building material.
Cold-stretched ceilings do not age any faster than a traditional drywall ceiling.
SWALtex™ Expert Pro
Installing a cold-mounted stretch ceiling: what you need to know
Installation without major construction work or disruption, with easy integration of lighting and technical components typically found in traditional plaster ceilings.
What is the process for installing a cold-installed stretch ceiling ?
Tension profiles are installed around the perimeter of the room at the desired height for the new ceiling. These profiles are attached either to the walls (CSW 200 profiles) or directly to the ceiling (CSW 201 profiles). The fabric is positioned using a spatula and is temporarily secured at several points to ensure even tension. It is then gradually tensioned by the installer or DIYer. Finally, the excess fabric is trimmed, ensuring a clean finish along the edges of the ceiling.
To learn how to install a stretch ceiling, you can draw inspiration from our advice and our method—proven by hundreds of DIYers and professionals—by consulting our installation guides.
Each step of this process is detailed in our installation tutorials to provide you with the best possible support. If you have any remaining doubts, feel free to call us directly; our experienced teams will be happy to assist you.
A cold-installed stretch ceiling adapts to the same requirements as a standard ceiling : spotlights, access panels, ventilation grilles, air conditioning units… all of these elements can be integrated. Nothing is suspended from the stretched fabric; instead, they are attached to frames (known as “substructures”) that support the weight of the technical components.
We manufacture specialized accessories : spotlight chairs help secure the upholstery and allow for the integration of lighting. The fabric is custom-cut for each technical installation.
All you need to do is plan the placement of the technical components before installation : the substructures are installed, and the fabric is then neatly fitted around them.
Is there a specific technical integration that needs to be planned ? Our technical support team is here to assist you right away.
Cold-stretch ceilings are perfect for every room in your home.
or a professional ceiling contractor. Ideal for
a quick room renovation. An eco-friendly
and elegant solution.
SWALtex™ Expert Pro
How does the cost of a renovation with a cold stretch ceiling compare to a renovation using plasterboard or suspended ceiling tiles ?
Cold stretch ceilings are also a cost-effective solution.
The cost of a cold stretch ceiling generally ranges from €60 to €90 per square metre. To make a relevant comparison with a traditional renovation method, it is important to consider all the associated costs involved in a conventional ceiling installation :
1. Removal of the existing ceiling or surface preparation
2. Installation of the framework and plasterboards
3. Joint taping and finishing
4. Application of the primer coat
5. Sanding
6. Painting
A traditional solution involves six separate stages, each requiring time and generating dust, whereas a cold stretch ceiling is installed in a single operation. Therefore, before comparing the price of a stretch ceiling with that of a conventional ceiling, the full cost of the plasterboard solution should be taken into account, not to mention the increased installation constraints associated with traditional methods.
And how does it compare with the cost of a suspended ceiling with tiles and metal framework? While entry-level suspended tile ceilings are indeed a very economical option, stretch ceilings belong to a completely different category. They are a design-driven and aesthetic investment that can dramatically transform the atmosphere of a space, which explains the difference in budget.
In the case of a stretch ceiling, a more technical installation involving substructures to integrate spotlights or access hatches can increase the cost. Ceiling height also plays a role, as does the accessibility of the area: a hard-to-reach space often requires more labour time and additional equipment.
Every project is different, so the best approach is to request a tailored quotation. It is the best way to get a clear and accurate estimate adapted to your specific project.
Frequently Asked Questions
A high-quality cold stretch ceiling, when properly installed and well maintained, lasts for more than 20 years. Unlike some traditional finishes, the membrane remains taut over time, without sagging or losing tension. It is a stable solution that does not crack, flake, or yellow, even after many years.
Its longevity largely depends on how the room is used. The stretch ceiling itself will not change over time. Common sense is key: avoiding splashing greasy food onto the ceiling will help keep it perfectly white. In case of damage, the membrane can also be repainted.
Under normal use, light maintenance is sufficient: simply vacuuming with a brush attachment once a year will remove dust without damaging the fabric. For localized stains, you can use a slightly damp white rubber sponge, always testing it first on an inconspicuous area. Then rinse gently with a damp cloth and dry immediately with a clean, dry cloth.
If the canvas is really marked, as a last resort, it can be repainted with a suitable acrylic paint to restore a clean and uniform appearance.
Avoid: detergents, dust cloths, and excessive water, which can leave marks that are difficult or impossible to remove.
Yes, no problem. Cold-stretched ceilings allow for the integration of spotlights, access panels, and other technical elements. Accessories such as spotlight chairs, for example, are provided to ensure a clean, solid, and well-finished installation.
For this type of integration, accessories are installed to ensure the stability of the entire structure. Depending on the project, these substructures can be custom-made, allowing for perfect adjustment of the position and support of the technical elements without compromising the tension or aesthetics of the fabric.
In summary...
| Feature / Benefit | Detailed description |
|---|---|
| Type of coating | PU (polyurethane)-coated polyester fabric, often the SWALtex® Expert Pro range. |
| Installation method | Cold, fast, no heating of the fabric, limiting constraints and facilitating renovation. |
| Coating width | Very wide (up to 5.05 m usable width) allowing seamless installation over large areas. |
| Finish | Matte with a very fine grain, giving the appearance of a perfectly painted ceiling, without any roughness. |
| Dismantlability | Can be partially dismantled (e.g., to access technical installations or for repairs). |
| Applications | Ideal for renovating damaged ceilings, offices, business premises, shops, and homes. |
| Options/Features | Available in acoustic, backlit (illuminated), printed (decorative) versions or with specific treatments (antibacterial, antistatic, water-repellent) |
| Construction site | Installation without dust or debris, ensuring a clean worksite. |