Suspended ceiling tiles can be made from a wide variety of materials, with different textures, edges and colours. They can also be used to control sound in a space or improve insulation by covering existing drywall and plasterboard. Ceiling panels can be fastened to room-tops directly or fit into a grid system to create a suspended or drop ceiling. The ceiling grid, or false ceiling, can conceal electrical wires, heating ducts and ventilation pathways for a more streamlined design.
Tiles for a suspended ceiling can be purchased from most home improvement centres and often include the grid kit. If the grid kit is not included, it can be purchased separately to make an old grid system into a modern one or add new tiles to an existing grid. The most popular suspended ceiling materials are metal, glass wool and mineral fibre, with wood or UPVC plastic tiles gaining popularity as they are hard-wearing and easy to clean.
When selecting the best ceiling tile for your project, you should consider how much fire resistance is required and whether you need acoustic properties as well. For example, if you’re working in a retail environment, it is important that the ceiling can absorb excess noise and reduce echoing to ensure customers are not distracted.
A good option for an insulated and sound-absorbing ceiling panel is stone wool, which has a soft texture that traps pockets of air to offer great insulating properties. This type of ceiling panel is particularly popular with installers as it is also eco-friendly, being produced from recycled newspaper, perlite, mineral wool and binding agents. Alternatively, there are ceiling panels that use PET felt, which is made from recycled plastics and offers excellent acoustic performance.
If you’re looking for a ceiling tile that is both fire-rated and impact resistant, try metal panels. These come in a variety of styles and finishes, including corrugated aluminium or galvanised steel, with some also being coated in finishes to prevent staining. They are durable, light and strong, with some manufacturers offering long warranties.
For a more decorative finish, many suspended ceiling manufacturers offer bespoke options such as coloured or patterned ceiling tiles. These are great for creating a brand identity and can help bring the atmosphere of a building to life. They can also be used to enhance the appearance of a retail space, suppress noise and improve insulation.
There are three main types of suspended ceilings that we work with: panel, strip and tin/metal. Panel suspended ceilings are a common sight in commercial projects and consist of large custom-sized panels that can be fitted to the grid or inserted into existing drywall/plasterboard panels. They are also available in both closed horizontal and louvered configurations. For smaller renovation projects that require a ceiling with better acoustics, consider replacing the existing tiles with an acoustic tile. This will allow you to keep the same grid structure and save on installation time and costs, while bringing your ceiling up to date.