Guide to suspended ceilings

Suspended ceilings can be a really practical, cost-effective alternative to a traditional ceiling – especially in commercial premises. Read on to find out why a suspended ceiling could work in your property.

Suspended ceiling tiles come in a
range of colours and styles
C: Nagolya on Flickr

What is a suspended ceiling?

A suspended ceiling (sometimes called a dropped ceiling) is effectively a second, lower, ceiling in a property. Typically they are installed by hanging a metal grid from the original ceiling; tiles are slotted into this grid to create the new ceiling.

Steve Sammons, from SJS Interior Solutions in Staffordshire, says: “We mostly install suspended ceilings in commercial or industrial premises. They are popular and make up about 70% of my business.” Dropped ceilings are also widely used in schools, hospitals and buildings with high roofs and are sometimes used in homes as a cheaper alternative to installing conventional plasterboard ceilings.

“We often install suspended ceilings in offices because they are cost effective, conserve heat and you can easily install lighting into them,” says Pat Lewis, who owns office refurbishment company Source One Consulting in Ipswich.

So why are suspended ceilings so popular? “The main advantages of a suspended ceiling are that they cover up wires, ductwork, old rafters or metal work,” says Steve. “They also improve sound in a building and they can accommodate heating and lighting easily.”

A suspended ceiling can:

Reduce noise pollution – simply putting in a suspended ceiling will reduce noise from above slightly, but you can also choose tiles with a good DB (decibel) level for extra soundproofing. Sound proofing insulation, known as sound attenuation batts can also be installed in the cavity above the suspended ceiling to cut out noise from above.

Resist humidity and bacteria – if you need to install a suspended ceiling in a humid environment like a kitchen, then you should use humidity resistant tiles. Suspended ceilings are popular in hospitals. They use special anti-microbial tiles which have a special coating on them to combat infections and stop bacteria and mould from growing.

Air con, heating and lighting units
fit easily into suspended ceilings
C: Nagolya on Flickr

Maximise lighting – although dropped ceilings effectively decrease the space in a room, using mirrored or reflective ceiling tiles can help to make the room look bigger. These types of tiles maximise natural light by reflecting it around the room. This can cut down your electricity bills and make your property more appealing.

Resist fire – most ceiling tiles are fire resistant to some extent but if you want extra protection then you can buy tiles that hold fire at bay for up to an hour. Fire protection can also be added into the cavity above a suspended ceiling.

Provide extra insulation – Lowering the ceiling height in a property reduces the amount of space that needs to be heated – lowering your fuel bills and carbon emissions. Ceiling installer Steve says: “You would also normally put about 100-200mm of insulation in the cavity above the ceiling – especially if the room is at the top of a building.”

Suspended ceilings can be used to
hide wires and pipe work
C: Nagolya on Flickr

Disguise wires and pipes – Suspended ceilings are useful for hiding wires, pipes or any unattractive building work on the existing ceiling. A suspended ceiling also allows for these wires/pipes to be accessed easily if there is a problem, unlike traditional plasterboard ceilings.

Provide a space to install lighting or air con - Suspended ceilings can accommodate lighting easily and allow cables to be hidden in the cavity above. Ventilation and air conditioning systems can also be inserted easily into a suspended ceiling.

Make your property look stylish – suspended ceiling tiles come in a range of colours and styles to suit your home or business.

How much does a suspended ceiling cost?

You should consult a professional ceiling company to get a quote for installing a suspended ceiling. Steve says: “I cost by the square meter, so it all depends on the amount of space I have to fill and the type tile. They range from £2 a square meter to £60.”