Ceiling tiles: design and installation

Ceiling tiles look great in any property, find out about choosing and installing ceiling tiles here.

It may not occur to most homeowners to install ceiling tiles, most likely because they are associated with commercial buildings (office spaces etc) but ceiling tiles are an effective means to cover your ceiling with a variety of styles. There are other benefits of ceiling tiles too, such as their low maintenance, fire resistance, insulating qualities and design possibilities amongst other things.

Types of ceiling tiles

There are a range of ceiling tiles available


• uPVC ceiling tiles are often applied in a commercial environment but they are good for homeowners too due to their versatility and durability. They are installed on a plastic grid which is suspended or attached to the ceiling. They are mould and mildew resistant as well as being waterproof and fire resistant.
• Acoustic ceiling tiles block noise transmission and improve sound quality within a room. Again these are installed onto a grid. Due to their acoustic qualities, these tiles are rated upon their noise reduction coefficient (NRC) which measures sound absorption and ceiling attenuation class (CAC) which measures sound barrier effectiveness.
• Styrofoam ceiling tiles, which are very easy to install are simply placed over the existing ceiling. These are available in a variety of styles.
• Wooden ceiling tiles are installed upon a wooden grid creating a patterned ceiling. These can be bought pre-finished, or you can do this yourself and as these are easily placed you can create a custom look.
• Metal and faux metal ceiling tiles are sold in large sheets which can be attached to furring strips on the existing ceiling or directly to the ceiling using nails or adhesive. These can be bought pre-painted or bare, so you can paint them to match the room’s decor.

Ceiling tile design and decoration

There are many ways to decorate new or existing ceiling tiles. Here are some ideas to enhance the design of your ceiling tiles:

• Fabric can be cut slightly larger than the tiles and stapled to the back of them, making this a quick and effective method. In addition to this, on acoustic tile ceilings, fabric will not have any effect on sound proofing.
• Wallpaper can be applied to tiles in the same way as you would apply it to walls, although be careful with using paste/water as too much can warp the tiles.
• Paint is possibly the easiest method with a vast range of colours. The tiles should be removed and painted on a flat surface (using a base coat of latex paint) then placed back onto the ceiling once dried.

Installing ceiling tiles

There are many websites and companies which offer DIY advice and sale of ceiling tiles; however like most things it is best to contact a professional ceiling tile contractor as they are specialists in the field and can recommend the best tiles to buy. They can also provide various samples for you to choose from and will provide the best installation which will last in the long term. If you are struggling to find a contractor in your area, it is possible to contact any home improvement company and ask for tile ceiling contractors.