When constructing a new house, a sometimes overlooked aspect is determining what type of ceiling would bring you the most satisfaction and create an indelible impression on your guests. While your experienced building contractors would like to follow your specifications to the letter, there are some restrictions that are connected to the choices of ceilings and the regulations set in Ontario regarding minimum ceiling heights.

What’s the Standard Ceiling Height in Ontario?

Although there is some variance in the Ontario Building Code regarding minimum ceiling height for different rooms in a home, most of the rooms in a home require a minimum height of 2.1m (6’ 11”). The standard ceiling height for most ceilings in Ontario houses has been approximately 2.5m (8’ 3”), but there has been an increase in popularity for height of a ceiling to reach 2.75m (9’).

Know Before You Build – Types of Ceiling and Their Height Requirements

Before making a decision about what kind of ceiling would be the one for your home, it is best to aware of the house height of your new home, and the minimum ceiling height regulations. All ceiling heights listed here are in reference to building standards in Ontario.

This ceiling has two halves sloped at a symmetrical angle following the roof’s pit ch and meeting just as a church ceiling would. While specific requirements may vary slightly, the standard height for this ceiling is at least 2.3m (7’ 6”) over 3/4 of the floor space and a minimum clearance height of 2.1m (6’ 11”) at any one point.

A waffle, or coffered, ceiling is made of recessed panels set in a grid in the house’s ceiling between beams that hold up the ceiling. As a general rule, a typical waffle ceiling height needs to be at least 2.7m (9’) to make the room feel more open.

This form of ceiling has a raised centre that could be several centimetres to up to 1m. This give the impression of an overturned tray, and it gives an overall feeling of more space in the room. Approximately 2.75m (9’) is the minimum height for the lowest portion.

This is similar to a cathedral ceiling in that it extends the ceiling upward to give an impression of openness. The difference is that a vaulted ceiling doesn’t follow the roof’s pitch but is an arched or curved ceiling design. There are various height requirements depending on the room type or where it is, but usually the minimum height is to be 2.1m (6’ 11”).

This type of ceiling follows the pitch of the roof and is often found in attics or top floors. As it is sloped from one side to the other, at least 50% of the area of the floor is required to have a ceiling height of 2.03m (6’ 8”).

A high ceiling is just that; a ceiling that is higher than conventional. Usually, to be considered a high ceiling, it would need to be at least 2.7m (9’) but could be higher. It creates the feeling of greater openness and allows for taller windows that let in more natural light.

Ceiling Height Per Room

In the Ontario Building Code that catalogues the various specifications for ceiling heights in a residential home, there are variances in the minimum height for separate rooms. The minimum height regulations are listed below, and the heights for rooms in your home can be higher than the minimum. Consult the Ontario Building Code (9.5.3.1) or speak with your contractor for additional information.

large living room with sectional couch and large rug

Living room/Dining room/ Kitchen

For at least over 3/4 of the floor space, the typical ceiling height is required to be 2.3m (7’ 6”). The remainder of the ceiling height, at any point in the room, needs to be at least 2.1m (6’ 11”).

Bedrooms

At least 1/2 of the area of the bedroom needs to be at least 2.3m (7’ 6”) OR the ceiling must have a height of at least 2.1m (6’ 11”) over the entire bedroom area.

view of bedroom ceiling design
basement ceiling work and entertainment area

Basements

At least 3/4 of the basement area must have a height of at least 2.1m (6’ 11”). If there are any beams or ductwork, the minimum ceiling height of those stipulations is 1.95m (6’ 5”).

Bathrooms/Water closets/Laundry room

In these areas, in any place where a person could regularly stand, the minimum ceiling height required is 2.1m (6’ 11”).

white interior bathroom with freestanding tub
high ceiling house entrance

Hallways/Passages/
Entrances/Other rooms

For any rooms that have not been mentioned or for halls and entrances, the required minimum height for a ceiling is 2.1m (6’ 11”).

Conclusion

When considering the construction of your tailor-made home, making choices that fit your stylistic vision can be exhilarating. Deciding on the type of ceiling for various rooms can help to strengthen the impact of the different spaces. Discuss your desires with Aria Build: luxury custom home builders. We have the experience and exacting skills to make your home the embodiment of your dream from floor to ceiling.

FAQs

Yes. If your existing home is more than 5 years old, the regulations regarding ceiling height are somewhat more permissive. While the ‘grandfathering’ is usually evaluated at an individual level, older homes may be able to have minimum heights set at 1.95m (6’ 5”). Renovations for existing homes may also have that minimum height applied for the remodel, but you must make an application for it to be allowed.

The Ontario Building Code has minimum ceiling heights set where they are for a number of reasons. Mainly, they are set to enhance the circulation of air, permit natural light to reach through the living space, and give the occupants feelings of comfort in a seemingly more open area.

Yes. For additional units created in your home, such as basement or attic suites, there are minimum ceiling heights that need to be followed. Basement suites must be at least 1.95m (6’ 5”) throughout the floor area including the entrance/exit. Considering many attic suites may have sloped ceilings, at least 1/2 of the floor area needs to have a minimum ceiling height of 2.03m (6’ 8”). This requirement does not include areas in the attic that have a ceiling lower than 1.4m (4’ 7”)

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