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Ceiling Installation Costs Cost Guide (2025)
Ceiling Cost Guide
The real question: how much does it actually cost to install a ceiling in Trinidad and Tobago.
Ask five people and you will get ten answers. Some quotes cover frame only. Some include mud and paint. Others sound cheap until you look at the details. This guide reflects real quotes shared by homeowners and installers across Trinidad and Tobago in late 2024 and early 2025, so you can plan properly and avoid surprises.
Real-world room costs
12×12 room 144 sq ft
- PVC: TTD $1,600 to $2,800
- Gypsum: TTD $2,500 to $4,500
16×16 room 256 sq ft
- PVC: TTD $3,000 to $5,000
- Gypsum: TTD $4,500 to $7,500
If you see a 12×12 quote near TTD $1,000 all in, it is almost certainly frame only or not the full job.
Price per sq ft for a complete job
- PVC flat: TTD $9 to $15 materials and labour
- Gypsum flat: TTD $15 to $22 materials and labour, no paint
- Gypsum with paint: TTD $18 to $25 complete finish
- Bulkhead or special designs: TTD $28 to $35 premium system and install
Example: 144 sq ft × $12 equals TTD $1,728 for a PVC complete job.
PVC versus gypsum
| Feature | PVC | Gypsum |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Cheaper upfront | Higher |
| Install | Fast and clean, liveable during works | Dusty and slower |
| Durability | Good, newer system | Proven long term |
| Insurance | Often not covered | Generally accepted |
| Heat and moisture | Can trap heat, UV can affect outdoor soffits | May crack if leaks occur, repairable |
| Appearance | Modern and sleek | Flexible and paintable |
Insurance tip: if you want fire coverage, gypsum is usually required.
What drives price differences
- Simple flat layout and basic finish sit at the low end of the range
- Premium panels, crown mouldings, lighting integration and bulkhead designs push prices higher
- Complex shapes, higher ceilings and restricted access add time and cost
- Materials bought in higher demand areas can be priced higher
Price by region
| Region | PVC per sq ft | Gypsum per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| East and Central | $9 to $11 | $15 to $18 |
| South | $10 to $12 | $17 to $20 |
| West and North | $11 to $15 | $18 to $25 |
West and North can run higher because installers factor in transport, traffic and demand in premium residential areas.
How to judge a quote
Poor signs
- Price shared without a site visit
- Vague scope or unclear inclusions
- No photos or past work to show
- Only one option pushed with no explanation
Good signs
- Free site visit to see the job
- Samples shown and options explained
- Clear scope listing materials, labour and finish level
- Portfolio of completed jobs
Snapshot by room size
| Room size | PVC materials and labour | Gypsum materials and labour |
|---|---|---|
| 12×12 | TTD $1,600 to $2,800 | TTD $2,500 to $4,500 |
| 14×16 | TTD $2,000 to $3,500 | TTD $3,500 to $5,500 |
| 16×18 | TTD $2,600 to $4,500 | TTD $4,500 to $7,000 |
| 18×20 | TTD $3,200 to $5,500 | TTD $5,500 to $8,000 |
Case study: anatomy of a 12×12 ceiling
PVC ceiling
- About two boxes of PVC panels
- Galvanised channels for framing
- Starter trims and edge mouldings, about 48 linear feet
- Screws and clips
- Optional crown moulding for finish
Typical materials TTD $1,300 to $1,500 depending on panel style and moulding choice. Add labour for a total of TTD $1,600 to $2,800.
Gypsum ceiling
- Five to six gypsum boards at 4 ft by 8 ft
- Galvanised channels for framing
- Jointing compound and tape
- One gallon of paint if finishing
- About 48 linear feet of edge trim or crown moulding
- Screws and accessories
Typical materials TTD $2,200 to $2,500. With labour and finishing, expect TTD $2,500 to $4,500.
Payment and quote tips
- Most installers request a deposit to purchase materials. Do not pay in full before any work begins.
- Use a simple written scope that lists materials, labour, finish level and timeline.
- Set payment in stages tied to clear milestones. For example frame complete, boarding complete, finish complete.
Want quotes you can trust
Post your ceiling job on Ahlookin.com and let real installers come to you.
- Compare quotes side by side
- Book free site visits
- See past jobs before you hire
Ahlookin.com. Where real Trinbagonians get real work done.
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