Batten out,
no strip-out.
A brand-new ceiling fixed underneath the old one. Cleaner, quicker and stronger than the ceiling you started with.
Book an inspectionNot every old ceiling has to come down. Where the old ceiling and the joists above are suitable, we batten out underneath it and fix a brand-new ceiling to the new battens.
When we batten out
- Horsehair ceilings pulling away from the joists
- Lath and plaster that is only cracking with age
- Bedrooms and hallways with no heavy loads above
- Where you want less mess and dust
Tell us what you’re seeing. If it needs a closer look, one of our experienced team will come out, check the ceiling and roof space, and give you a fixed price in writing.
Our batten out system
Fixed into the joists with 100 mm bugle screws, so everything is locked in and stronger than when it started.
No tonnes of old plaster through your home, and the existing insulation stays where it is.
Most homes from this era have ceilings well above 3 metres, so you won’t notice it.
Go for a clean square set, match your existing cornice, or choose something completely different.
The process
- Inspection
We check the ceiling and the timbers above to make sure battening out is the right method.
- Fixed price in writing
A clear proposal. Say yes and we lock in your date.
- Protect the room
Floors and furniture covered, and any old cornice removed and disposed of if needed.
- Batten out
Battens fixed through the old ceiling into the joists, pulling it back up and locking it in.
- New ceiling
New plasterboard glued and screwed to the battens, joints back-blocked, Fibafuse tape and a Level 4 finish, then a square set or your chosen cornice.
- Clean-up and walkthrough
A typical 16 m² room takes a team of two about a day.
Recent batten out jobs
Latest Google reviews
“Great to deal with. Quality job by quality tradesmen. Very tidy. Highly recommended. Thanks”
Mick D. · Google · Oct 2026“Thoroughly recommend Adelaide Ceiling Replacements. Sean responded promptly to all calls, emails and messages. He forwarded a quote with a very detailed explanation of the job and what needed to be done along with a guide booklet about ceiling replacements. The job was booked in and done promptly and of a high standard. The workers were friendly, polite and thoroughly cleaned up before they left. Absolutely no regrets using this company and would definitely use them again!”
Lyn K. · Google · Oct 2026“Sean and his team were amazing from their initial quoting to job completion. We had our bathroom ceiling replaced, new lights, fan and painted and it looks amazing. We also had bedroom cornices replaced and we couldn’t be happier.”
Giovanna B. · Google · Oct 2026Questions
Anything else you’d like to know? Call or text us on 0402 252 511.
When do you strip out instead?
If a lath and plaster ceiling is sagging, it is usually because the joists above have sagged under its weight. That ceiling has to come down so we can straighten and level the joists.
Can you also do bulkheads?
Yes. We can build bulkheads and frame out ceilings and walls, including lowering a ceiling.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. House ceilings carry a 5-year workmanship warranty, and materials are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
How long does it take?
A typical room of about 16 m² takes a team of two about a day, plus painting where it is included.
Start with a conversation.
Tell us about your ceiling, and add a few photos if you can. One of our experienced team will call to talk it through and, if it needs a look, book a time to inspect it. You can also text photos to 0402 252 511.