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New Light
Lighting Store
A wide selection of international lighting brands, including Philips, Eglo, Artemide, Luceplan, Vibia, Osram and more.
One of the most common questions when planning an apartment renovation is: Which is better, a French stretch ceiling or a drywall (gypsum board) ceiling? Both options have advantages and disadvantages, so the right choice depends on your budget, the purpose of the room, and your preferred interior design.
If you want to estimate your apartment renovation cost before starting work, use Datvale's online renovation calculator.
First, calculate the estimated cost of installing a French stretch ceiling. For apartments and rooms, the cost is calculated based on ceiling area. For bathrooms, a fixed base price applies.
A French stretch ceiling is a specialized PVC membrane stretched across aluminum profiles. Installation is relatively fast, produces little construction dust, and creates a perfectly smooth ceiling surface.
The indicative cost of a standard French stretch ceiling is GEL 30/m².
Small bathrooms often have a minimum fixed installation price. In our current quick cost calculator, the bathroom base price is GEL 350, with recessed spotlights charged separately.
Drywall, also known as gypsum board, is one of the most widely used materials for constructing ceilings and walls. It allows the creation of multi-level ceilings, decorative niches, and various architectural design elements.
Indicative material prices for 2026:
The average labor cost for installing a drywall ceiling is approximately GEL 15–20/m². However, joint finishing and painting should be budgeted separately.
| Criteria | French Stretch Ceiling | Drywall (Gypsum Board) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Speed | Very Fast | Usually Takes Longer |
| Moisture Resistance | High | Depends on Board Type |
| Painting | Not Required | Required |
| Complex Designs | Relatively Limited | Highly Flexible |
| Maintenance | Easy | May Require Periodic Repainting |
For bathrooms, a French stretch ceiling is often the more practical choice because it handles moisture well, does not require periodic painting, and is easy to clean.
If you are planning a bathroom renovation, explore our Bathroom Renovation Calculator or read our guide to bathroom renovation costs .
If you want a multi-level construction, decorative niches, or complex concealed LED lighting, drywall offers greater design flexibility.
If your priorities are fast installation, a perfectly smooth surface, and minimal maintenance, a French stretch ceiling can be an excellent choice.
Both materials have their advantages. For bathrooms and other humid areas, French stretch ceilings are often a more practical solution. For complex interior designs, multi-level ceiling structures, and decorative features, drywall provides more flexibility.
Make your final decision based on the purpose of the room, your preferred interior design, maintenance requirements, and renovation budget.
Enter your ceiling area and the number of lighting fixtures to receive an estimated French stretch ceiling installation price.
Full French Stretch Ceiling Calculator →If you want to estimate the total cost of renovating your entire apartment, use the Apartment Renovation Calculator .
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A wide selection of international lighting brands, including Philips, Eglo, Artemide, Luceplan, Vibia, Osram and more.
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A wide range of construction products, in-house manufacturing and international brands for furnishing residential and commercial spaces.
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A wide selection of bathroom sanitary ware and ceramic tiles for creating a modern and functional bathroom.
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An international brand offering interior and exterior paints, decorative coatings and finishing materials.