Identify ceiling parts and related wall materials in pictures, then learn how to choose materials, plan installation and check your order. A practical guide for Philippine homeowners and first-time buyers. Ceiling framing is the metal framework hidden behind the ceiling boards. The boards are fixed to the frame, which is suspended from the building structure above. Buying the materials becomes easier once you know what each part does. Ask your installer to list the required sizes and quantities, then use that list when talking to suppliers. This guide focuses on metal framing for indoor ceilings and explains some wall materials often sold alongside it. Partition installation, roof frames and ceilings designed for people to walk on need their own designs. 1. Start by identifying the ceiling parts Figure 1: An appearance guide to three ceiling profiles. Folds, surface patterns and dimensions vary, so check the exact product before ordering. ① Metal furring: the boards are fixed to it. This sits close to the ceiling boards and provides a surface for the board screws. You can see the folds and surface patterns on the example shown. ② Carrying channel: it supports the furring. Carrying channels usually run across the furring channels to form the ceiling framework. ③ Wall angle: it runs along the wall. The example is L-shaped and helps form the ceiling edges. Its fixing method and support role depend on the chosen ceiling system. ④ Hanger: it suspends the frame. Hangers are not shown in Figure 1; their position is illustrated in the exploded view later in this guide. They connect to the structure above and the frame below. The actual rods, fittings and fasteners must work together as a system. An easy way to remember them: furring holds the boards, carrying channels support the furring, hangers suspend the frame, and wall angles run around the edges. You will also need clips, joiners, fasteners and screws. Ask the installer to list these small items so the delivery includes everything needed for assembly. 2. Where do Studs, Track, Wall Clips and Ficem Board fit in? Figure 2: These materials are often sold together, but they have different jobs. Appearance helps with identification; product codes and dimensions determine whether the parts match. Metal Studs: the upright members inside a partition wall. Wall boards are fixed to these vertical profiles to form a lightweight partition. Check the steel thickness, width and length against the wall height and board requirements. Metal Track: the top and bottom guides for the studs. Tracks usually run along the top and bottom of a partition, with the stud ends positioned inside them. Choose studs and tracks from a compatible range with matching dimensions, then follow the specified connection details. Similar appearance does not establish interchangeability. Wall Clip: ask which two profiles it connects. The illustrated clips resemble W-clips used in some ceiling systems. Matching clips can connect the specified metal furring and carrying channel. However, the name “Wall Clip” alone does not identify the exact product. Send the supplier the picture and your profile codes, and ask them to confirm the clip type, matching dimensions and installation position. Ficem Board: a fibre-cement sheet fixed to the frame. Products specified for ceilings can be used with their corresponding ceiling framing; products specified for walls can be used with their corresponding wall framing. Confirm the brand, product code, board thickness, sheet size and intended application. Include screws and jointing materials suitable for that board. See how a partition wall fits together Figure 3: A typical non-load-bearing partition. Part of the front lining is removed to reveal the inside, and only a portion of the insulation is shown. Installation dimensions, fasteners and connection details are not fully illustrated. Think of this wall as two horizontal tracks, a row of upright studs, and boards fixed to both faces. Top Track / Bottom Track: these run along the top and bottom of the partition and receive the stud ends. Metal Studs: these stand between the tracks and provide fixing surfaces for the boards on both sides. Wall Boards: the selected wall system determines the board product, thickness, number of layers and screws. Insulation: add cavity filling where specified, using the required material and extent of coverage. The small yellow area shows its position; it is not an instruction to fill only that part of the wall. Before buying, confirm the wall height, profile dimensions, steel thickness in mm, stud spacing, and locations of doors or heavy wall-mounted items. The project drawings should establish track fixings and any extra support around openings or for mounted items. This simple wall segment explains the components; a specific project still needs its own construction details. Organize your buying list by application: Ceiling: metal furring, carrying channels, wall angles, hangers, matching clips and fasteners, plus the selected ceiling boards and suitable screws. Partition wall: metal studs, metal tracks, the selected wall boards, and the required fasteners, screws and jointing materials. These lists are starting points. Add opening supports, insulation and other items required by the project. Before ordering, have the supplier confirm that the exact product codes work together. 3. How do you choose? Start with three questions 1. Which boards will you use? Decide whether the ceiling will use gypsum board, fibre-cement board or another lining. Confirm the exact product, thickness and number of layers. Different boards can need different supports and fixings, so choose the framing together with the boards. Tell the supplier and installer about any fire or sound-insulation requirements at this stage. Performance depends on the complete assembly and how it is installed, rather than the description of one board. 2. Where will it be installed? Explain whether the location is a dry interior, a humid area or an outdoor space exposed to wind and rain. Humid locations need suitable boards and corrosion protection for metal parts. Outdoor ceilings also need a complete system designed for that exposure. If water is leaking from above, fix the leak before closing the ceiling. Moisture-resistant boards cannot solve an ongoing leak. 3. Is the steel thickness clearly stated? Focus on steel thickness, stated in millimetres (mm) . Also confirm the product code, profile dimensions and length per piece. Profile dimensions simply mean how wide and deep the piece looks when viewed from its end. Compare prices for products with the same thickness and dimensions. If the supplier gives only a gauge number or descriptions such as “standard” or “heavy”, ask for the thickness in millimetres. Have the responsible installer confirm a suitable thickness for the boards and framing layout, following the selected system's requirements. Record that thickness in the quotation and order, then check it when the materials arrive. 4. How do the ceiling parts fit together? Figure 4: The layers are shown apart so you can see them clearly. During installation, matching components connect them. The gaps are not installation dimensions; perimeter profiles and connection details are not fully shown. Profile shapes indicate component roles; use the actual products specified for the project. Read the picture from top to bottom: supporting structure → hangers → carrying channels → metal furring → ceiling boards. Step 1: Measure the room and set the height Measure the room, decide the finished ceiling height, and mark the lights, access panels and services. This helps the installer plan openings and any additional supports before starting. Step 2: Install the wall angles and hangers Follow the confirmed drawings for the perimeter and suspension points. The installer needs to identify the supporting structure first, select suitable fasteners, and follow the product's installation and inspection requirements. Step 3: Fit the carrying and furring channels Install the carrying channels, then the furring. Use the matching connections and level the frame. If a profile needs a splice, follow the drawings for its location and connection method. How far apart should the pieces be? Confirm three separate measurements: the distance between furring channels, the distance between carrying channels, and the distance between hanger points. Channel spacing is usually measured centre to centre. These distances depend on the boards, profiles and weight being supported, so use the selected system's requirements and project design. Step 4: Inspect the frame, then fit the boards Before boarding, check product codes, spacing, joints and supports around openings. Confirm that work on services above the ceiling has been coordinated and leaks or damage have been addressed. Once the frame is accepted, fix the boards with the specified screws and complete the joints and finish. Plan the supports for lights, fans and other equipment in advance. Boards or ordinary furring should carry equipment loads only where the design expressly allows it. 5. How much ceiling material should you buy? Room area can help with an initial budget. Before ordering, check the framing layout, the length needed for each piece, and the stock lengths available from the supplier. Material How to check the quantity Carrying and furring channels List each required length from the drawings, then plan the cuts Wall angles Measure each wall section that needs them Hangers and fasteners Count the suspension points and fittings needed at each one Clips and joiners Count the intersections and splice locations Boards, screws and other materials Use the board layout, fixing requirements and opening details A simple buying mistake to avoid Suppose you need six complete 4 m pieces , the supplier sells 5 m lengths , and joining pieces is not allowed. The required total is 6 × 4 = 24 m . Dividing 24 by 5 and rounding up might suggest that five stock lengths are enough. But each 5 m length yields only one complete 4 m piece. You therefore need six stock lengths, or 30 m , leaving 6 m of offcuts in total. This example explains purchasing quantities. The 4 m length is not a recommended unsupported span. Whether offcuts can be used elsewhere depends on the required lengths and connections. 6. Ask suppliers for a clear, complete quote Send the same drawings and material list to each supplier, and ask them to quote the same specifications. If you are buying for both ceilings and partitions, make a separate list for each. You can use this request: Please quote the attached list, showing each product code, profile width and depth, steel thickness in mm, length per piece, quantity and unit price. List hangers, fasteners, clips and screws separately. Please confirm taxes, delivery, unloading and the expected delivery date. If you suggest alternatives, provide their exact product codes and specifications for us to review first. When comparing quotes, check two things: Are the materials equivalent? Compare product codes, profile width and depth, steel thickness and length per piece. What is the total delivered cost? Include the materials, small fittings, delivery and unloading. For equivalent products supplied in different lengths, divide the price per piece by its length to compare the cost per metre. Then use your cutting plan to check the cost of the complete order. 7. Check the delivery against your order Count the product types, lengths, quantities and small fittings. Look for obvious bending, twisting, rust or coating damage. Photograph any differences and raise them with the supplier promptly. Check the product label or the supplier's written specifications to confirm that the stated steel thickness matches your order. Ask the supplier to clarify anything unclear. If thickness needs to be measured on site, agree on the method and allowed tolerance before delivery. The practical buying order is simple: confirm how the ceiling will be built, list all the materials, then compare complete quotations. Your quote, delivery check and installation can then use the same material list.