Why This Question Comes Up
Drywall (plasterboard) is familiar to anyone who has moved from Europe or Russia. But in Thailand's tropical climate, it behaves very differently than in a typical apartment back home.
Humidity of 70–90%, temperature swings from air conditioning, monsoon season, termites — all of these are factors that drywall simply wasn't designed for. A stretch system is purpose-built for these conditions from the ground up.
Cost: An Honest Calculation
Drywall — Looks Cheaper
A drywall budget is fragmented across stages: framing, boards, screws, joint tape, skim coat (at least 2 layers), primer, paint. Each stage is a separate job.
Average prices in Pattaya: 2,000 – 3,800 ฿/m². Lead time: 1–2 weeks. Plus a deep clean to remove construction dust.
LuxeSpan — Fixed Price
- Standard ceiling: from 2,000 ฿/m²
- Shadow gap profile: from 2,500 ฿/m²
- Floating ceiling: from 3,000 ฿/m²
Installation time: one room — 3–4 hours, an entire apartment — 1–2 days. No deep cleaning required after we finish.
Over a 3–5 year horizon: Drywall in the tropics develops microcracks within 2–3 years — repainting required. A stretch ceiling doesn't crack and needs no maintenance. Warranty — 10 years.
Moisture Resistance
Drywall: Gypsum absorbs moisture, swells, and deforms. Even moisture-resistant plasterboard isn't rated for sustained humidity of 80–90%.
LuxeSpan: PVC membrane — zero hygroscopicity (26 g/m²·day). Does not absorb water or deform. Ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
Flood Protection
Drywall: A leak means total destruction. Wet plasterboard cannot be restored.
LuxeSpan: The membrane holds up to 100 litres of water per 1 m². Water collects in a "bubble"; we drain it through a light fixture opening — the ceiling returns to its original shape.
Termites
Drywall: The cardboard facing contains cellulose — it's food for termites.
LuxeSpan: PVC is a polymer with zero cellulose. Termites ignore it 100% of the time.
Mould
Drywall: The porous surface traps moisture — an ideal breeding ground for fungus.
LuxeSpan: Materials and aluminium profiles don't absorb moisture. Chemically inert. Concealed ventilation diffusers available when needed.
Comparison Table
| Parameter | Drywall | LuxeSpan |
|---|---|---|
| Price per m² | 2,000 – 3,800 ฿ | 2,000 – 4,000 ฿ |
| Installation time | 1–2 weeks | 1–2 days |
| Construction dust | Heavy | None |
| Maintenance | Every 3 years | Not required |
| Moisture resistance | ✗ | ✓ |
| Mould protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Flood protection | ✗ | ✓ up to 100 L/m² |
| Termites | ✗ | ✓ |
| Warranty | — | 10 years |
When Drywall Makes Sense
Drywall is suitable for complex multi-level structures with niches and arches. But if the goal is a flat, practical ceiling that can withstand the tropics — a stretch system wins on every parameter.
Free Survey & Quote
A LuxeSpan engineer will visit with material samples, take precise measurements, and lock in the price in your contract.