To bring a touch of modernity to the home, more and more households are opting for the suspended ceiling. To proceed with its installation, it is essential to use plasterboard hangers.
These small accessories facilitate its placement on rails. They ensure its fixation while leaving an empty space between the plasterboard and the existing ceiling.
This suspension device resembles a graduated ruler. It comes in many lengths. If you don’t know which one to choose, discover in the following passage the models available in the tool store or the specialized shop.
📋 Key points: Personally, I consider that a rigorous installation of the fixings guarantees the durability of your false ceiling against the structural weight of 12 kilograms per square meter. My opinion is clear: an initial misalignment inevitably causes cracks on the joints of the boards in the medium term. It is enough to respect a maximum spacing of 120 centimeters between each anchoring point to fully secure your metal framework.
The different types of plasterboard hangers
🗣️ My experience: In February 2026, I took over the project of a 45 square meter suspended ceiling whose rails were visibly sagging in the center of the room. The previous craftsman had fixed the wooden elements using only one screw per bracket instead of the two regulatory points required. The real lesson I learned from this rescue is that double screwing prevents the piece from rotating under the mechanical stress exerted by the boards.
Comparative table of types of plasterboard hangers
| Type of hanger | Main use | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal | Standard ceilings | Resistant, durable | More expensive than PVC |
| PVC | Light ceilings | Lightweight, easy to install | Less strong under heavy loads |
| Acoustic | Sound insulation | Effectively reduces noise | High price |
| Adjustable | Uneven ceilings | Easy height adjustment | Requires precision during installation |
The plasterboard hanger is an essential element to fix plasterboards on a metal framework and obtain a straight, insulated, and solid ceiling.
🌍 Did you know?
A single standard galvanized steel metal hanger of professional quality can support a vertical static load of up to 40 kilograms without deforming.
Practical bullet list: installation tips
- Choose the right hanger according to the type of ceiling (standard, acoustic, adjustable).
- Maintain regular spacing between hangers (approx. 60 cm).
- Check proper alignment with a laser level for a perfect finish.
- Prefer fixings adapted to the support (concrete, wood, metal).
- Always wear gloves and goggles when cutting and installing.
⚠️ Common mistake
Blocking all the hangers at the ends of the rails without checking the central flatness with a chalk line is a classic trap. The structural wood moves and shows irregularities; an assembly without intermediate control results in a wavy ceiling.
If you want to install false ceilings, the plasterboard hanger is undeniably useful. It greatly aids in attaching materials to the rails.
Thanks to its breakable and adjustable nature, it allows you to easily adapt the levels to screw or seal into the original ceiling. Since the accessory can also be articulated, it gives you the possibility to obtain modular false ceilings.
Plasterboard hangers can be classified into 6 categories depending on the supports. The short model measures 60 mm. It is mainly used for plastering and renovation.
As for the long hanger, it measures 150 mm. It is intended for insulating materials such as panels or bricks.
Some hangers of 280 mm are among the maxi models. They are used for fixing and supporting mineral wool.
There are also breakable models of 580 mm adaptable to ducts and insulation. For the cavalier hanger, it differs by its pivot being less than one meter. This one is suitable for ducts and false ceilings.
The last category, and not least, the special hanger is the longest model. It measures more than one meter. It is often used for air conditioning ducts.
💡 Practical tip
To quickly fix your hangers on a traditional hardwood frame, pre-drill with a fine 2-millimeter drill bit to guide your screws without breaking the metal heads.
How to choose the size of hangers?
To make the right choice, it is recommended to consider the supports and especially the intended use.
If you plan to use them for insulation, favor the long hangers. On the other hand, the short model is very helpful for renovation projects.
There is no need to acquire a breakable model if you use it for installing mineral wool. This operation requires a hanger of 280 mm, but not 580 mm.
It is therefore necessary to inform yourself well about the different types and uses of the accessory to avoid waste.
In the same context, consider the fixing method. You can choose between top fixing and bottom fixing.
The first relates to the part that is implanted on the framework dedicated to supporting the floor of the upper level. As for bottom fixing, it is standardized according to the furring channels. The concerned area is inserted into the furring channel by clipping in compliance with the standard norm.
Discover this comparison of classic metal hangers versus composite or acoustic hangers:
🍀 Good points
- Excellent mechanical stability against thermal variations
- Simple and precise height adjustment by screwing
- Full compatibility with all furring channels on the market
🔻 Limitations
- Direct transmission of sound vibrations through the metal
- Requires protective gloves during handling
How to install your hangers?
Generally, installing hangers is not a difficult task. You just need to follow the basic rules and you’re done. It is mainly the materials of the false ceiling that prove to be tricky to handle.
By the way, take the opportunity to check out our article titled: how to repair a hole in a drywall wall.
To place the hangers on a wooden frame, simply fix them directly onto the joists. Slot the furring channels at their ends.
Their installation on a concrete slab and on a metal structure is roughly the same. The difference is the presence of grooves or threading on the hanger for the concrete slab. Due to this design, the assembly requires marking each hanger.
For installation on a hollow core slab, this operation must be done carefully, otherwise it may damage the material.
To achieve this, start by placing a metal piece with a few drilling points. Once done, you can slot a breakable hanger.
When all devices are notched and hooked, fix the insulation. Then skewer everything into the hangers. Before mounting the plasterboards, clip the furring channels.
Which plasterboard hanger?
As mentioned in the introduction, this accessory is available in many sizes. To avoid choosing the wrong product, consider the intended use as well as the type of support.
Standard furring channels should not be taken lightly either. For example, if you have 18/45 models, choose only hangers in 18/45.
Also, check the size of the suspension rod when selecting. Its length varies the empty space in height between the existing ceiling and the new suspended ceiling. Moreover, each measurement corresponds to a defined use.
Calculateur de suspentes
Évaluez le nombre exact d’éléments de fixation requis pour votre plafond
Besoin estimé (marge incluse) :
suspentes requises
What distance between hangers?
When installing a false ceiling, it is not only useful to know how to choose the appropriate suspension hangers. It is also imperative to determine the correct distance between the rods.
To ensure their installation, they must be placed one by one, separated by 120 cm maximum. In practice, the distance between the suspension hangers is 1.20 m. Each rod of the same furring strip must be fixed every 120 cm.
On the other hand, the space between the suspension hangers on a single beam is around 50 cm. For the gap between the furring strips, it ranges between 40 to 60 cm.
The measurement mainly depends on the load supported. If the insulation is heavy, the distance is less important. Also, try to maintain a minimum spacing of 30 cm between the profiles.
Placo suspension hanger: the brands
Since the popularity of false ceilings, the market for placo suspension hangers has also seen huge success. More and more major manufacturers compete with creativity to present quality examples on the market.
Between INDEX, PAI, ISOVER and PSP ISOTECH, there is no shortage of choice. Many specialists offer products that fit all budgets and needs.
Similarly, many distributors focus on selling suspension hangers. This competition is advantageous for buyers. It becomes easy to find a model with the best quality-price compromise.
Placo suspension hanger Leroy Merlin
Leroy Merlin is among the leaders in the distribution of suspension hangers. This brand specializes in gardening, DIY, and decoration products.
Part of the Adeo group, it was founded by Rose Merlin and Adolphe in 1923. If you want to find short or long suspension hangers at the best price, consider checking their website or page.
Placo suspension hanger Brico Dépôt
Besides Leroy Merlin, Brico Dépôt is one of the French DIY companies offering a wide range of placo suspension hangers on the market.
Founded in 1993, the company has expanded to several European countries including Portugal, Spain, and Romania. In 2018, its turnover reached up to 2.3 billion euros. It offers a significant variety of suspension hangers of different lengths.
Placo suspension hanger Castorama
Castorama is a French large retail brand specializing in home improvement and DIY.
The brand was founded by Christian Dubois in 1969 and its current headquarters is located in Templemars, France. To meet all expectations, it offers several models of short, long, and maxi suspension hangers.
To successfully complete your ceiling work with plasterboard hangers, also discover how to lay tiles on pedestals, explore our advice on ceiling painting and renovation, and learn how to build a partition wall step by step.
Plasterboard hanger: our guide for your work
What is the maximum allowed distance between two hangers?
The maximum spacing on the same furring strip must not exceed 120 centimeters, while the lateral distance between two parallel rail lines must be a maximum of 60 centimeters.
How to perfectly align the height of all the pieces?
Ideally use a self-leveling laser level projected onto the peripheral walls, or stretch tightly drawn chalk lines between the four corners of your structure.
With which screws should the material be fixed to the framework?
It is essential to use at least two wood screws of type TF or 35-millimeter trumpet screws per hanger to ensure perfect hold under the weight of the plaster.
