Most existing ceilings in Danish homes can be used as a base for acoustic panels without renovation or preparation. Plasterboard ceilings, concrete ceilings and wood panel ceilings are all suitable for direct installation with adhesive, as long as the surface is clean, dry and in reasonably good condition. This is one of the most common concerns, and in most cases the answer is simple: Yes, it is possible.
The decisive factor is the weight of the panels. At 2 kg per m² and a thickness of 12 mm, ARKU's panels can be glued directly onto the existing ceiling without putting strain on the structure or noticeably reducing ceiling height. This is different from heavier materials, which often require rails, battens or an assessment of the underlying structure.
Which ceiling types can you install on?
The most common ceiling types in Danish homes, including plasterboard, concrete and wood panels, can be used as a base for acoustic panels installed with adhesive.
Plasterboard ceilings are the most common type and work without issue. The surface is smooth and provides good adhesion. In Silkeborg, the homeowner installed ARKU panels directly onto the existing plasterboard ceiling in a new-build house, using only a utility knife, ruler and caulking gun as tools.
Concrete ceilings are typically found in apartments and commercial premises. The surface is hard and stable, and the adhesive bonds well directly to the concrete. The same applies to plastered concrete ceilings, as long as the plaster is firmly attached.
Wood panels and tongue-and-groove boards have a smooth surface that typically works well as a base. Note that the panels follow the profile of the existing ceiling, so the base should be reasonably level for an even result.
Existing wood wool cement boards can in some cases be used as a base. The surface is rough and porous, providing good mechanical adhesion for the adhesive. However, the uneven structure may require slightly more adhesive, and the result depends on how level the existing wood wool cement boards are.
Suspended grid ceilings with mineral wool tiles in a rail system are the one exception. Here, you typically cannot glue panels on top because the tiles are not sufficiently firm as a base. Instead, the existing tiles can be replaced with acoustic panels, either in the same rail system or by removing the system and installing directly onto the ceiling behind it.
What should you check before installation?
Before ordering materials, there are four factors worth reviewing.
The condition of the surface is the first. The ceiling must be clean, dry and free from loose paint or plaster. If the paint is peeling, the adhesive will adhere to the paint rather than the ceiling, and the panels may fall down over time. A ceiling with sound, well-adhered paint requires no treatment.
Ceiling installations are the second. Spotlights, ventilation grilles, smoke alarms and sprinklers must be identified before installation because the panels need to be cut around them. This requires planning, but no special tools, as the panels are cut with a utility knife.
Moisture is the third. In normal living spaces and offices, moisture is not a factor, but in rooms with persistently high humidity, the type of adhesive and base should be assessed separately.
Load-bearing capacity is the fourth, and it is rarely a problem with lightweight panels. At 2 kg per m², ARKU's panels do not put more strain on the existing structure than an extra coat of paint. Heavier materials of 10 kg per m² or more, on the other hand, may require an assessment, especially on older plasterboard ceilings.
How the process works
The process is simpler than most people imagine. The ceiling is cleaned of dust and loose particles, the panels are cut to size as needed with a utility knife and ruler, and adhesive is applied in strips to the back using a caulking gun. The panel is pressed against the ceiling and adheres within seconds.
An average room can typically be completed in an afternoon by one person. There are no screws, no fittings and no waiting time for acclimatisation. The panels' thickness of 12 mm means that they rarely conflict with curtain rods, light outlets or ventilation.
Estimated adhesive consumption is 125 ml per m², and the panels are available in two formats in ARKU's range: 1200 x 600 mm for large surfaces and 600 x 600 mm for areas requiring more adjustment. If you want to know more about material selection and sizing before you begin, our guide to choosing acoustic panels for ceilings covers the four factors that actually determine the choice. You can find the full step-by-step guide to the installation itself in ARKU's installation guide.
When is it not a good idea?
There are situations where direct installation on an existing ceiling is not the right solution.
If the ceiling has severe moisture damage, visible mould or rot in the underlying structure, the problem should be remedied before anything is installed on top. Acoustic panels do not solve a moisture problem, and the adhesive does not bond reliably to a damp surface.
If the surface is so uneven that the panels cannot lie flat, the result may be visible gaps or panels that are not securely attached. This applies particularly to ceilings with major level differences, cracks or damaged plaster.
If the actual need is sound insulation, meaning keeping out sound from the neighbour, the floor above or the street, acoustic panels are not the right solution. Acoustic panels improve the sound within the room, but do not block sound passing through a structure.
In all three cases, it makes sense to contact a professional before proceeding.
