Clean lines are a staple of the interior design world. A simple parallel line design provides feelings of order and stability while delivering implied movement. It’s a classic design trend that works just as well in modern applications. That’s why ceiling strips like those found in our ceiling baffles and Linear Alumiline ceiling and wall planks provide such a wonderful element that will set your home or office apart from the pack.
What are Ceiling Strips?
Ceiling strips are false ceiling systems featuring parallel strips of wood or aluminum that drop below the true ceiling. These strips may be separated by a gap that allows a partial reveal of the overhead space and encourages airflow, or fitted together in a tongue and groove construction, and mounted to a suspended grid.
Ceiling strips can also refer to ceiling baffles, which resemble the aforementioned option with the partial reveal, but feature planks that are suspended along the narrow edge rather than the wide edge. All three of these ceiling system options deliver both aesthetic and acoustic advantages.
Benefits of Ceiling Strips
One of the most appealing aspects of ceiling strip systems is the fact that they provide both aesthetic appeal and acoustic performance in a single package. Each of these attributes is desirable on its own, but combining them adds a level of comfort to your spaces that few building materials can duplicate.
Aesthetic Appeal
Let’s begin with the aesthetic appeal of linear ceiling designs. Fitting your overhead spaces with designs based on parallel lines are appealing to their minimalistic nature. They promote a feeling of movement without looking busy or cluttered. These decorative ceiling strips can even be custom built to incorporate eye-catching lighting and HVAC integrations to give the space added character.
Acoustic Performance
Ceiling strips also offer significant acoustic benefits over flat ceiling systems. The angular portions between tongue and groove planks offer some diffusion, helping to control direct reflections. If you choose the style with gaps between planks, some sound waves will pass through and reflect in the overhead void, further reducing the likelihood of problematic reflections.
Add the optional acoustical backer and you’ve got a sound-absorbing ceiling system that acts as an acoustical powerhouse, reducing echo and reverberation that could otherwise lead to a noisy space. For high-ceiling design ideas that reduce room noise, you can’t do much better than ceiling strips.
Functionality
Ceiling strip systems deliver just as much functionally as they do aesthetically. Unlike many other types of ceilings that require a considerable construction project for installation, maintenance, and repairs, ceiling strip systems can be easily removed and replaced for these jobs. Ceiling strip installation and maintenance can be tackled by most people with a few basic tools and some gumption, meaning you can save a considerable amount of money on labor.
For installation, a simple grid system and clips is all you need to make this a DIY project. For maintenance and repairs, simply remove a section to gain access, finish your job, and replace the section. No need for patching or repairs. The ceiling will look exactly the way it did when you began work.
Materials and Customization
Ceiling strips are supplied in a number of different material choices. Making the right choice involves identifying what you want out of the system, both aesthetically and acoustically. Here are some of the most popular types on the market.
Wooden Ceiling Strips
Wooden plank ceilings have been around for a long time, and going this route delivers a classic look that can be painted or finished to match remodels down the line. Wood is a great material if you want a warm, inviting look or would like the ability to refinish to suit new design trends down the line.
Keep in mind, however, that wood is prone to damage from moisture and pests, meaning the space should be climate controlled to some extent. Maintain medium range humidity and prevent access by pests if you want them to last a long time. If you’re looking for something more durable that will stand up to moisture and pests better, a lightweight metal option like aluminum is a perfect choice.
Metal Ceiling Strips
Metal ceiling strips are far more durable than wood, and deliver a more modern look. Customizing the finish is how you will create specific feels with metal.
For instance, matte and brushed finishes may range from subtle refinement to raw industrial, depending on the roughness of the texture. If you are looking for something warmer, and more along the feel lines of wood, antiqued or aged finishes may be more what you’re looking for. You can even choose from a range of wood grain finishes if you want the look of wood but prefer the durability of metal.
Acoustic Panels
Another popular option features planks made of acoustical materials, turning each and every strip into an acoustic panel that will effectively control noise in the space. They come wrapped in a range of material choices, meaning you can find the exact combination that works best in your space.
Like wood, acoustic ceiling strips are often more susceptible to mildew and pest damage than metal. If you go this route, make sure the materials you choose can stand up to the specific challenges associated with the space.
Customization Options
Linear ceiling strips can be customized to fit your specific space and application. Depending on your needs, you can choose wider or narrower planks. Different lengths are available to suit your needs.
Custom ceiling strip options also include finishes in a wide range of colors, wood grain patterns, and coatings. Both interior and exterior options can be finished with a combination that matches the design aesthetic you’re after, no matter what that may be.
You can even customize the sound absorption ability of your ceiling system. Depending on your acoustical needs, optional acoustical backers are available in multiple thicknesses. This allows you to dial in your ceiling system’s absorption capacity to meet your exact needs.
Applications of Ceiling Strips
Interior design with ceiling strips can be used to great effect in all kinds of spaces. Whether you want a homey feel for your residential spaces or a more upscale feel for your workplace, there are ceiling strip designs that will fit the bill perfectly.
Residential Spaces
If you’re looking for modern ceiling solutions to finishing your residential spaces, ceiling strips provide a lot of benefits. Their versatility allows them to fit seamlessly into all kinds of interior design plans and opens the door to a wide range of lighting and HVAC integrations, and their sound absorbing ability makes them perfect solutions for rooms where people gather.
Commercial Interiors
A great linear ceiling design can evoke feelings of technological advancement, efficiency, and modernity, making them perfect for office spaces. Using aluminum ceiling strips for commercial spaces even delivers crisp, clean lines that can help with concentration when compared with busier, more distracting patterns. Aesthetically, there’s a lot to love.
The acoustical properties of ceiling strips are also well-suited to creating an effective working environment. Chronic exposure to unwanted noise can lead to a number of different physical and mental ailments, including increased stress and trouble with focus and concentration. Choosing aluminum ceiling strips with an acoustical backer can reduce the noise and contribute to a happier and healthier workforce.
Public Spaces
The qualities that make ceiling strips so desirable in residential and commercial settings also make them ideal for use in public spaces. They contribute to feelings of comfort and stability and they give impressions of movement and direction that is great for keeping people progressing to the next space. Plus, the durability of aluminum ceiling strips makes them well-suited to the kinds of areas where moisture, pests, and incidental damage due to foot traffic could create an issue with other materials.
Sustainability in Ceiling Strip Design
If sustainability is a goal, ceiling strips are a fantastic product choice for your next construction project. They boast sustainability benefits due to the eco-friendly materials that go into their construction, and may even help you qualify for LEED certifications.
Eco-Friendly Materials
As far as building materials go, FSC-certified wood and aluminum ceiling strips are both eco-friendly options.
FSC-certified wood comes from forest certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). These forests meet three core objectives, which are environmental responsibility, social responsibility, and economic responsibility. Choosing FSC-certified wood products ensures they are produced in a financially stable way that minimizes environmental impacts and ensures the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities are respected.
The metal that goes into the construction of aluminum ceiling strips is incredibly recyclable, meaning they can be made with previously used products that would otherwise end up in the landfill. This also means reduced waste at the end of their incredibly long lifespans.
Contribution to LEED Certifications
Going with either FSC-certified wood or aluminum can also help your organization qualify for LEED certifications in a number of different categories. From environmental stewardship to utilizing aluminum that possibly reduces lighting needs due to its reflective nature, there are a lot of possible ways this simple choice can save you money in the long run. Make sure to consult with a professional or work with a LEED certification checklist to see which certifications you may be eligible for.
Choosing the Right Ceiling Strips for Your Application
You will gain the most benefits by carefully selecting the right product for your application. First, consider the purpose of the space. This will provide you with the information you need to strike the right balance between acoustics and aesthetics. Second, evaluate the durability you need based on foot traffic and environmental exposure. Third, consider your lighting and HVAC integration needs. This will help you choose a product that looks great and provides the functionality you need.
Conclusion
Ceiling strips are an attractive option for residential, commercial, and community spaces. They strike a beautiful balance between aesthetic appeal and acoustic performance, and can be custom-finished to work with nearly any design.
If you would like to learn more about ceiling strips and how to effectively use them in your next project, reach out for a consultation. ASI Architectural carries a wide range of products and has decades of experience in providing tailored solutions that deliver.