POP vs Gypsum Ceiling in Lahore – Cost, Durability & Design Guide (2025 Edition)

False ceilings are no longer just about hiding wires and ducts—they’re an essential element in modern architectural design, enhancing lighting, sound insulation, and the overall aesthetic of your space. In Lahore’s house construction scene, the most common options are POP (Plaster of Paris) and Gypsum board ceilings.

This 2025 guide will help you compare POP vs Gypsum, their costs, durability, pros and cons, and where to use each in your home—whether you’re building in DHA, Bahria Town, Lake City, or elsewhere in Lahore.

🧱 What Is a False Ceiling?

A false ceiling (also called a drop ceiling) is a secondary ceiling suspended below the actual roof slab. It is used to:

  • Hide electrical and ducting
  • Support recessed or cove lighting
  • Enhance sound insulation
  • Add decorative design elements 

💸 False Ceiling Cost Comparison – Lahore (2025)

Material Rate (PKR/sq. ft.) Includes
POP Ceiling 130 – 220 Frame, POP coating, paint
Gypsum Board Ceiling 180 – 280 Frame, gypsum sheet, jointing compound
Designer Cove + Steps (Gypsum) 300 – 600 Multilevel or curved designs with lighting

10 Marla Ceiling Finishing Estimate: PKR 400K – 700K
1 Kanal Ceiling Estimate: PKR 800K – 1.5M+

🆚 POP vs Gypsum – What’s the Difference?

Feature POP (Plaster of Paris) Gypsum Board
Installation On-site mixture + manual work Factory-made boards + dry installation
Finish Seamless, sculptable Clean, flat surface
Design Flexibility Very high (curves, domes) Moderate (rectangular, steps)
Durability Can crack over time More stable, less prone to cracks
Moisture Resistance Poor Better with waterproof gypsum
Time to Install Slower Faster
Weight on Ceiling Heavier Lightweight

🏡 Where to Use What?

Area Best Option Why
Lounge / Living Room Gypsum with steps Modern look, supports LED strip lighting
Drawing Room POP designer ceiling Elegant finish, curves & classic detail
Bedrooms Gypsum board ceiling Neat, flat, fast installation
Kitchen Moisture-resistant Gypsum Practical and long-lasting
Staircase Lobby POP for curves More decorative control

🔌 False Ceiling & Lighting Integration

A good false ceiling layout supports:

  • Downlights (spot LEDs)
  • Cove lights (hidden LED strips)
  • Chandeliers or hanging fixtures
  • Ambient lighting scenes 

💡 Pro Tip: Design your ceiling after finalizing room lighting plans to ensure switch placement, wiring, and aesthetics align perfectly.

🪵 Popular Ceiling Finishes & Paints

  • Flat White Emulsion – Most common for all rooms
  • Textured POP – For drawing rooms or classical themes
  • Matte Grey / Beige Accents – Used in modern homes for step levels
  • Gold Leaf or Decorative Cornice – Optional for formal ceilings 

📍 False Ceiling Trends in Lahore (2025)

Society Common Designs
DHA Lahore Step gypsum ceilings with LED cove lights
Bahria Town POP domes and curves in living areas
Lake City Clean modern lines + matte finish
Park View / LDA Standard gypsum board with spotlights

🔗 Related Finishing Blogs

  • Lighting Design & Cost in Lahore – Indoor, Outdoor & Ceiling
  • Paint and Polish Cost in Lahore – Interior & Exterior
  • Staircase Design & Finishing Cost in Lahore 

📢 Final Thoughts: Ceiling Adds Character Above

False ceilings do more than just hide wires—they define a room’s height, light flow, and ambience. Choose POP for artistic detail and gypsum for clean modern aesthetics. Always prioritize quality materials and structured installation to avoid sagging or cracks over time.