More and more architects and contractors are rethinking the role of walls and ceilings. Instead using them simply as support, curved walls, sinuous angles, and impressive spirals are finding their way into New York builds. These added features bring drama, style, and acoustical benefits to both large and intimate commercial spaces.
Perfect Curves Don't Just Happen
Creating a curved wall or ceiling is a bit complex. Working with curves requires some pre-planning and special materials. But these design features don’t have to slow down your crew. When you know how to use specialized materials, building a curved wall or ceiling is as easy as any other. The secret to impressive results is using building materials designed for curves.
Flex-Ability Has Curves in All the Right Places
Flexa-Ability Concepts’ Flex C Trac provides a strong, easy-to-adjust track that minimizes flat spots. In addition, the track can be adjusted by hand to work with the most complicated building plans. Flex C Trac also features Hammer-Lock, which allows the contractor to secure the track shape, saving time.
To install, lay the track on a hard surface and then bend the track, by hand, to the desired position. Once you have the perfect curve, strike the hammer lock tabs with a hammer so the tabs become flush with the web of the track. Once this step is completed, the track will be rigid and ready for installation. To increase lateral load capacity, use additional screws in the flanges.
High Flex Covers Your Curves
National Gypsum’s High Flex® is perfect for curved walls. It’s specifically designed for use on curved walls, vaulted ceilings, archways, and stairs. Best of all, High Flex curves without wetting unless you are working with tight turns.
These panels are fire-resistant gypsum cores encased in heavy natural-finish paper on the face side and liner paper on the back. The long edges of panels are slightly tapered, allowing joints to be reinforced and concealed with joint tape and compound.
This lightweight board cuts easily for quick installation. High Flex recommends using double layers for both convex and concave surfaces. Notably, High Flex is significantly more flexible in the vertical direction (long edges parallel to the framing) than in the horizontal direction. Like other types of wall board, it’s installed using fasteners such as drywall screws, nails, and joint tape, and is finished with joint compound.
Wigglewood® Plywood Bends to Your Will
Wigglewood is bendable, flexible plywood. Because the hardwood layers run in all directions, it has exceptionable flexibility, making it the perfect choice to apply to walls or ceilings with a curved radius.
Wigglewood industrial panels are available in a range of thicknesses, with long and short grain directions. Before installing, take a moment to flex the panels back and forth to “warm them up.” A little flexing before installing enhances the bending properties. After this first step, use the same installation techniques used for any plywood.
Acoustical Ceiling Curves with Kenbeck Trim
If you’re working with acoustical ceilings, Kenbeck offers Ultra-Flex flexible acoustical trim. It’s a smart way to handle the spots where suspended acoustical ceilings intersect with columns and curved walls. It solves problems of seams for inside, outside, and compound curves. The trim can be cut with sharp shears and can also work with standard angles and channels.
Once cut, add the provided end seals. When properly sealed, Ultra-Flex can be installed using the appropriate fasteners to columns and walls using a lap or butt joint. Ultra-Flex also works on wider inside curves.
For tighter inside curves we offer Ultra-Flex I.C.O. (Inside Curves Only). It also installs easily and creates a smooth, architectural appearance with no pleating or distortion the vinyl covering. I.C.O. is curved in ways that allow it to work with any inside curve with a radius of sixteen inches or greater.
Curves Without Borders
Rockon® Infinity™ Engineered Perimeter Trim makes it easy to install acoustical ceilings with light coves, floating islands, or acoustical ceiling accents. Infinity is an extruded perimeter trim that integrates with standard suspension systems and other specialty metal ceiling systems.
This trim can be used in a range of applications, including straight or curved in the horizontal axis. It is available in six heights, ranging from two to twelve inches, and is stackable. And because this ceiling transition trim does not contribute to the spread or growth of mold or mildew, it can be used in healthcare, pharmaceutical, and biotech applications.
For drywall jobs, Rockfon® Infinity™ D Perimeter Trim works with standard 5/8 inch gypsum panels, and is available in four inch and six inch heights and includes grooved and primed taping flanges for drywall compound and paint. Made from sturdy extruded aluminum, the trim is created in one-piece for fewer visible lines.
Build and Bid on Curves
Curves, coves, round columns, and islands all add value and interest to any project. When contractors and developers use all the products available to accommodate curves, it becomes much easier to create well-crafted curves.
The Metro Interior Distributors team is here to help commercial contractors, developers, and facility managers in New York City and Long Island build curves, tackle columns, and breeze through infinity edges. Contact us today to find out how we can help make it easy to build and bid on curves.
