2018 Drop or Suspended Ceiling Cost | Acoustic Tile Prices

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Acoustic ceiling tiles are lightweight tiles hung in a framework called a drop ceiling. Also known as a suspended ceiling, they are used to hide damaged/stained ceilings, to lower the height of a high ceiling, to muffle noise from upstairs, and to conceal ductwork and wiring while providing easy access for repairs. They are also a quick way to finish a remodeled room.

A suspended ceiling consists of two basic parts: the grid and the tiles. The grid is attached to the walls in a crisscross pattern of beams. The beams have a small ledge which supports the tiles, suspending them overhead. Grids in very large rooms may need additional supporting wires.The tiles are made from fibers of mineral, plastic, tin, composite, and/or fire-rated wood. They are installed one at a time onto the ledges of the grid work. The tiles are most commonly available in 1x1, 2x2, and 2x4.

The average cost for a 10x12 room is around $1,500.00 installed. If you do it yourself, the material costs are:

Although you probably dont require a permit to install a drop ceiling, check with your local codes anyway. There may be a minimum amount of space required between the old ceiling and the new one. Also, if you are adding lighting, vents, or other such features, you may need an electrical or HVAC contractor.

When deciding to DIY or call a professional, you might look at the average 75% savings of DIY. While its considered an easy job, theres a lot of work involved. Ladders and scaffolding take time and labor to set up, and levelling the ceiling grid can be time consuming. For many people, its worth the extra cost to let someone else handle it.

To make sure you know whats involved and that youve hired a good team (even if the team is yourself and some good friends), ask the following questions:

Acoustic tiles are produced for both home and business. Tiles most commonly seen in commercial use include light-diffusing tiles that soften florescent lighting suspended above the ceiling. These can be expensive, costing from $14.00 to $30.00 each.Residential tiles come in different styles from the standard pebbled look most often seen in offices to stamped/embossed tin decorative tiles. They are usually sold by the case, which lists the square footage the case will cover. Remember that the tiles usually measure 2x2. Among the major producers of ceiling tiles are Armstrong, Certain Teed, and USG. Other producers include Genesis, Mono Serra, and Ceilume. Ceilume is known for its embossed designs suitable for Victorian dcor and other more decorative settings.

The type of ceiling tile can affect your cost. A basic white acoustic tile with pebbling will be on the lower end of the scale. This will most likely be a simple mineral fiber with minimal fire spread ratings. However, there are other types of tile.

Because a drop ceiling is made of individual tiles, you can add fixtures in lieu of certain tiles. Some fixtures are added to a tile, but because the tiles are very lightweight, the fixtures themselves must be lightweight or else supported above the tile.

Drop-out tiles work in conjunction with fire sprinkler systems. If you have a sprinkler system, they sit above the tiles, safely out of the way. When heat from a developing fire reaches the tiles, they soften and drop out, allowing the sprinkler system to engage. The cost of these panels varies based on residential fire safety codes and the type of sprinkler system installed.

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Suspended ceilings are an economical way to finish a room. With ease of maintenance both for the drop ceiling itself and the house, many people are moving this traditionally office-oriented ceiling style into their homes. Rather than remind them of work, theyre finding it offers less work and more comfort at an easy cost to fit into any budget.

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2018 Drop or Suspended Ceiling Cost | Acoustic Tile Prices