Architect’s Arsenal: A Guide to Suspended Ceiling Systems for Optimal Design
When we think of suspended ceiling systems, many of us think back to staring at our high school classroom ceilings, waiting patiently for class to let out. This was perhaps one of the most common applications for suspended ceilings over the second half of the twentieth century, but our options have vastly improved over the years. We now have many different types of suspended ceiling systems that can turn humdrum rooms into aesthetically and acoustically inviting spaces.
If you’re unfamiliar with all the new types of suspended ceiling systems on the market today, now is a great time to learn. By the time you find yourself working on your next redecorating project, you’ll already be well-versed in all the different options available, as well as the benefits that each provides.
What is a Suspended Ceiling System?
Suspended ceilings, often called drop ceilings or grid ceilings, include any type of false ceiling that is suspended below the true ceiling. Most often, they are composed of a suspended T-grid system that’s fitted with standard ceiling tiles that drop easily into the openings in the grid. It’s an incredibly simple system that delivers big benefits.
What are the Benefits of Suspended Ceilings?
Suspended ceilings provide a number of benefits that you just can’t get with other types of ceilings. From increased energy efficiency to simplifying maintenance, this ceiling style provides the functionality to match its wide range of design options.
Energy Efficiency
If you’re into saving money on your heating and cooling bills, you’ll be happy to know that many types of suspended ceiling systems offer increased energy efficiency as a benefit. Not only do they decrease the amount of cubic footage that needs to be kept at comfortable temps, but the space created above the suspended ceilings in many commercial buildings is connected in a way which makes the entire building more energy efficient.
Concealing Views and Sounds from MEP Systems
Some businesses are eager to show off the MEP systems in their buildings, but not everyone is after that industrial look. For those who would rather hide their MEP systems and the noise they create, suspended ceilings are a wonderful option. They drop down below these MEP systems, keeping them out of sight and out of mind.
Ease of Installation
Suspended ceiling installation is incredibly easy, meaning you can save good money on labor. Since most options are constructed of a simple, suspended grid that’s fitted with standard tiles, anyone with basic construction skills should have no trouble installing a suspended ceiling themselves.
Easier to Perform Maintenance
With a suspended ceiling, maintenance is just as simple as the installation. If you ever need to perform maintenance on anything above the ceiling, you can simply remove a tile, perform your task, and return the tile to its original position. This reduces the need for costly repairs and refinishing of the ceiling.
Improved Acoustics and Soundproofing Ability
Depending on the types of suspended ceiling systems you’re considering, some will help improve the sound in the space and reduce noise coming from overhead. Choosing tiles that are dense and porous will provide sound absorption that can reduce acoustical issues and excess noise.
Types of Suspended Ceiling Systems
Suspended ceilings are a fairly simple concept. They are made of a suspended T-grid with tiles laid into the gaps to produce a false ceiling that hangs somewhere below the true ceiling. Since nearly all types of suspended ceiling systems are built on these basic construction principles, it’s the material choices we make that will ultimately define the ceiling we end up with.
Types of Tile Materials
The type of tiles we choose have a huge impact on the overall look and performance of the finished product. Some are lightweight and affordable and some are heavier and more expensive. Some are sturdy and resistant to the elements, while others are designed to perform very well acoustically. There are also those that strike a nice balance and include all the benefits we’re after.
Wood Tiles
When we’re after a warm, high end aesthetic, wood is often at or near the top of the materials list. Wood provides timeless appeal. And with the wide range of available wood species today, we can use it to achieve nearly any look we’re after. Not only that, but wood is one of the best acoustical materials out there, meaning wood tiles can actually help to improve the sound in the space. There’s a lot to love. However, there are some important considerations to take into mind before going with these types of suspended ceiling systems.
First, depending on the type of species you choose, wood ceiling tiles can get much heavier and more expensive than some of our other options. Second, wood requires more regular maintenance than some of the other materials on the list. This can be especially true if the ceiling is in a high humidity area or one prone to grease buildup, such as bathrooms, pool areas, and kitchens.
Metal Tiles
Another material capable of delivering a very high end look is metal. There are a large variety of finishes to choose from, allowing us to create stunning visual effects. But like wood, metal ceiling tiles can get heavy. Luckily, metal delivers some additional benefits that make it an ideal solution for many spaces.
Metal is an incredibly durable material. This means you likely will not have to replace them nearly as often as you otherwise would have, had you gone with some other material. It’s also moisture resistant, so it’s a much better choice in those high humidity areas and kitchens. Lastly, metal is incredibly fire resistant, making it the perfect choice when safety is at the top of mind.
On the downside, metal ceiling tiles are not nearly as good at providing ideal acoustics as some of the other choices. If you want to go with metal but are nervous about the prospect of poor acoustical performance, you’ve got options.
Microperforated Panels
A fantastic alternative to standard wood or metal tiles is the microperforated panel. These tiles can deliver the look of anything from metal to wood to printed artwork, but has a construction that combines the best of all worlds.
Microperforated panels are drilled with thousands of tiny holes, or perforations, that allow sound to pass through, but prevents much of it from returning to the room. If you add the optional acoustic backing, you’ll get even better acoustical performance out of these types of suspended ceiling systems.
They are constructed of lightweight metal and can be treated or fitted with a wide range of wood veneers, meaning you can get the look of these heavy materials without the downsides.
Mineral Fiber Tiles
Another type of ceiling tile that offers fantastic sound absorption is the mineral fiber tile. These types of tiles may be made of perlite, fiberglass, mineral wool, or some other mineral fiber that’s combined with binding agents. The resulting product is lightweight and affordable, and may help solve any acoustical issues you may be experiencing.
On the downside, mineral fiber ceiling tiles may not be suitable for high humidity or dirty environments. If moisture makes its way into these tiles, you will likely see a noticeable discoloration. Too much moisture in the air can also cause these tiles to age prematurely and experience issues with mold or mildew, so make sure to only install mineral fiber tiles in very dry conditions.
Gypsum Board Tiles
Gypsum is the same material found in sheets of drywall, or sheetrock, and using it in suspended ceiling systems has some advantages and some disadvantages. Gypsum ceiling tiles are an affordable option that provides some added soundproofing ability and is resistant to heat and fire. This makes them a great option for office spaces with upstairs neighbors.
On the other hand, gypsum board tiles are heavy and susceptible to damage if they get wet, making them a poor choice for very humid environments. And, while they do provide some soundproofing benefits, they do not perform as well acoustically. They are smooth and sturdy, meaning sound waves readily reflect off of them, potentially contributing to acoustical issues.
Types of Grid Systems
Along with choosing the right ceiling tiles, you’ll also need to decide what type of grid best serves your purposes. There are only a few options out there, but the one you choose will have an impact on the aesthetics in the room and cost of installation.
Exposed Grids
The type of T-grid or T-bar ceiling that most people are familiar with is the exposed grid. This is the type you’ve seen in classrooms and doctors offices since you were a kid, with a visible grid supporting lay-in ceiling tiles that are installed from above.
Exposed grids are very easy to work with, meaning most of us can install them ourselves, as long as we have a few simple tools and the gumption to make it happen. This makes exposed grids cheaper to install and easier to access overhead cavities when the need arises.
Concealed Grids
If you’re looking for a sleeker look without thane exposed grid system, concealed grids are another option available to you. With concealed grids, the tiles are installed from the bottom, hiding the grid and delivering a cleaner look.
This type of grid is more difficult to install, and if you need to perform work above the grid ceiling, you will need more knowledge and possibly special tools to do so. These considerations make concealed grid ceiling systems more expensive to install and maintain.
Semi-Concealed Grids
Semi-concealed grid systems provide a nice balance between the two types of suspended ceilings we just covered. You will only see the grid running in one direction, meaning you can create visual length with this option. They are easier to work with than concealed grids, but provide the ease of removal that makes exposed grids so popular with maintenance workers.
Specialty Grids
If you’re looking for an outside the box solution, specialty ceiling tiles like acoustical grids or acoustical baffles offer stunning aesthetics with sound control that easily tackles some of the most prominent acoustical issues you may face.
These types of suspended ceiling systems feature an all-in-one construction that combines the tiles with the grid that supports them. They are fairly easy to install and can be easily removed for maintenance. For those who want a ceiling that leaves people talking, specialty ceiling systems are a fantastic option.
Choosing Your Suspended Ceiling System
Choosing a suspended ceiling system doesn’t have to be difficult, but it should be well thought out. Proper planning can ensure you get all the benefits out of your new ceiling at a price you can afford. Identify which traits are most important to you and use that knowledge to guide your decision.
If you still need more help or want to learn about specific offerings that will deliver all the benefits you’re after, reach out for a consultation. We have decades of experience in all types of suspended ceiling systems, and can help point you in the right direction.