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.
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