General setting out warnings:
- Assumptions and lack of communication are the prime reason installers end up with wrong size panels, framing in the incorrect position, or just a bad job with ugly perimeter details.
- Always begin with a discussion with your Supawood Project Manager. Our PMs will warn you about things you may not have considered and may stop you from making mistakes later on.
- Keep open channels of communication with the builder and even the architect, subject to protocols. Don’t hesitate to ask for a meeting, confirmed details, or updated drawings.
- If you experience any reluctance from a builder or contractor to communicate, ask them if they are prepared to risk something being done wrong.
Choosing set-out points
Correctly determining the set-out point/s is probably your most important decision of the installation.
Because Supatile is made to fit a 600 x 600 or 1200 x 600 grid, there are only two possible set-out situations:
1. Centred set-out point. This is the case when the panels don’t have to align with anything in particular, so the centreline of the ceiling is centred in the space with equal or close to equal infill panels all around.
2. Single set-out point. This is usually the case when the architect has provided a single set-out point, which may align with a prominent item in the room, e.g., a column. Another typical situation is an L-shaped room, when the best set-out point is generally the inside corner of the L, so you can ensure panels are aligned with both walls going away from this point. In this case you set out your grid relative to this point.
You may also have multiple set-out points in one room; for example, if custom-sized service zones or other alternative materials interrupt the otherwise continuous ceiling.
When you have multiple or interrupted grid ceiling zones, it is good practice to lock these units to themselves with angle brackets, so that they are not disturbed by expansion and contraction of adjacent materials.
Panels centred in room
Marking set-out points
- Mark the set-out point on the floor or ceiling precisely where it will end up. This means you may need to allow for thickness of packing, framing, finishes, etc., against adjoining walls or perpendicular surfaces so that the grid edges/centre will end up precisely where you have marked it. Watch out for joint intersections, e.g., bulkheads.
- Double-check the latest architectural plan or shop drawing to ensure you have marked all set-out points. Watch out for service zones.
- Double-check the final floor/ceiling levels with the builder – these may even change from the architectural plans to allow for services that take up more space than expected.
- You can then start to build your grid based on your checked set-out point. No further marking out is necessary.
Determining framing position
Last of all, you have decisions to make with your framing install:
1. What direction does your framing need to run? For example, will your framing run parallel with the long side or the short side of the panel?
2. What centres does your framing need to be installed at? In the case of a grid ceiling, this would either be at 600mm or 1200mm centres, with the grid at 600mm centre being able to support heavier panels. Check that you have used a 25mm grid that is appropriate for the weight of the panel you are installing, which your Supawood Project Manager can supply if you need it.
3. Plan special framing arrangements. Plan where you may need to do some special framing; for example, long spans underneath services or bulkheads you will need to build.
We would love to help you with your next project. If you have a challenge right now that you would like us to help you with, please contact us here.
