In a garage or basement, standard acoustical ceiling tiles look wonderful. But what if you wanted a dimensional ceiling, one that has that old-world charm? How about one that resembles leather or wood?
You can install any number of different tiles, from tin to glass on the ceiling. Install them on the ceiling, and also use for backsplashes in kitchens, bathrooms and for bars.
Here are nine different types of ceiling tiles. Prices vary from merchant to merchant, the type and size of the tiles desired, whether they are new or antique, and what equipment or mounting system is required.
Vinyl
These wonderful tiles come in a plethora of styles and colors, even resembling tin, copper, bronze or other metal tiles.
Either mounted in a drop ceiling grid system, or use direct-mount tiles. For the direct mount, no additional wood or special system is needed. Just apply adhesive to the back of the tile, and stick it to the ceiling. (After you’ve snapped your chalk lines, of course).
Aluminum
For a unique look, try an aluminum ceiling. Many different colors and designs are available for a drop ceiling system. Two-foot square tiles are easily trimmed with tin snips.
They are pricey, but the elegance gained from the installation can’t be beaten. They’ll last practically forever, and they won’t rust.
Plaster
With fiberglass and gypsum reinforcement, these are the most inexpensive tiles on the market. How about a plaster tile nearly two feet square for less than $6 each?
Rated as fireproof, and available from hundreds of merchants online and at DIY stores, they can be painted with regular wall paint.
Use a standard drop frame to make this an easy ceiling project.
Fine Metals
Tin, bronze or copper ceiling tiles have been around for centuries. They add a look of elegance to any historic home. Newer tiles tend to be expensive, although antiques are available-for a price.
They do require special nails and handling for installation. Since they are metal, gloves and tin snips are required.
If you truly want the look of metal, but the price of antique pieces is out of range and you can’t find newer historic pieces to match, you may find something similar in faux metal. Armstrong makes faux metal ceiling tiles, cornice tiles and backsplash tiles. These may be painted to suit any décor.
Acoustical
These are available at most DIY stores, and are relatively inexpensive. Stapled over a wood frame made of 1-by-3’s, they adorn both ceilings and walls.
Other than precise measurements, there’s really nothing fancy about installing them.
Polyurethane
These tiles are made from inexpensive polyurethane, the same plastic used to seal wood. With fiber reinforcement and a few other chemicals, the tiles are molded into a plethora of shapes and sizes. They can be painted to match any room.
These tiles are perfect for a drop ceiling. Contact the manufacturer or merchant to see if your tiles are best installed with a drop frame or adhesive.
Leather and Wood
Talk about using natural materials. How about mounting leather or wood tiles directly to the ceiling? Your man-cave will look spectacular.
Try these in an office where you want to impress the clients. They will be.
Glass
For a unique look, try glass tiles. They do use special mastic (cement) for mounting, and require a practiced touch so the mastic doesn’t show through the glass.
Instead of an entire glass ceiling, try mounting sheets of small glass mosaic tiles around light fixtures or use as a border.
You can find glass tiles at DIY stores or online. Prices will vary from merchant to merchant.
Now that you know you can do more with your ceilings than just paint, how about putting one or more rooms on your “gotta-do” list?
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects and more.
