Resources and Services
Consumer Guides
Install Acoustic Ceiling
Acoustic ceiling styles: Acoustic ceilings come in two basic styles.
A dropped or suspended ceiling is more common. It consists of 2 x 2 foot or 2 x 4 foot tiles dropped into an interlocking metal grid suspended from the structural ceiling.
Glued ceilings are tiles (usually 1 x 1 foot tiles) glued directly onto the structural ceiling.
Both offer sound-proofing qualities and can cover-up existing damage, but only suspended ceilings will hide any exposed ducts, pipes and wires.
For a departure from all-too-familiar white suspended ceilings, check out commercial varieties in checkered, striped, and burlap textures.
Tile sizes: Most glued tiles are 12 x 12 inches. Suspended ceiling panels usually come in 2 feet x 2 feet or 2 feet x 4 feet panels. The larger panel is less expensive and takes less material to put it up. Installation is generally faster, too.
All styles will conceal a damaged ceiling and reduce noise. The standard color is white or off-white; however, they all come in many designs and patterns. If you want color, you can paint the panels.
Special characteristics: A standard ceiling is all white with little or no texture.
Most panels and tiles are anywhere from a half an inch thick to 5/8 of an inch.
Designer panels come in a wide array of textures and styles, but also only one color: white. (You can paint them if you want color!) Manufacturers create sound absorbing panels by adding holes in them. They also make panels with insulation, which consist of a vinyl surface backed with about a half inch of fiberglass. The insulation is not a lot (only about an R-3), but if you have a drafty attic, it’ll help.
Some manufacturers also create fire-rated panels that are treated with a fire retardant. The panels themselves are not fireproof, but they should provide you with about 20 minutes of protection.
Reasons for installing: Acoustic ceilings are popular for many reasons—especially in remodeling projects. That’s because you can suspend them at any height from the structural ceiling, giving you the opportunity to completely re-create the look and feel of a room.
Many times just lowering the ceiling will make a room feel more cozy. For example, take a look at many bedrooms and living rooms. Often they have smaller spaces to make them feel more comfortable and intimate. If you have a large cavernous room that you want to make more homey, consider dropping the ceiling.
Acoustic ceilings can also cover up any damage on an existing ceiling as well as hide any ducts, pipes and wires. And some acoustic tiles can absorb sound. Many times, rooms with hard ceilings have a lot of echoes. This can be muffled by adding an acoustic ceiling.
More Popular Entries
Additions & Remodels
Soundproofing Techniques
Small Kitchen Projects Can Make a Big Difference
Easy Financing Options for Remodeling
Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors
Mortgage Prequalification and Preapproval
Renting or Buying: Advantages and Disadvantages
Single Family Homes
Appliances
Installing Appliances
Selecting Major Appliances
Garbage Disposals
Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers
Conventionally Framed Home Builder
Checklist: Preventing Builder Fraud
Workout Room
Carpentry & Cabinets
Comparing Timber Framing with Construction
Cost and Quality of Kitchen Cabinets
Different Sized Cabinets
Cleaning Services
Tip: How to Clean Your Windows Thoroughly
Making Furniture New Again
Cleaning Asphalt Shingle Roof
Concrete, Brick & Stone
Fireplace Efficiency
Fireplaces
Tuck-pointing
Consumer Guides
Using a Tree Stump Removal Service
Remodeling Increases Value
Planning Small Plumbing Installation
Design Ideas
Let it Shine!
Soundproofing Techniques
Designer Touches with Drywall
Electrical, Telephone & Data
Air Conditioners
Tip: Electrical Safety
Surge Protectors
Expert Advice
Repair Cinderblock Foundation
Maintaining a Residential Air Conditioner
Water Damage
Flooring
Reviving Wood Floors
Custom Looks with Standard Tile
Refinishing Hardwood Flooring
Handyman Services
Do-It-Yourself Compared to Hiring a Pro
Checklist: Fall Maintenance
Checklist: Biyearly Maintenance
Heating & Cooling
Install the Right Kind of Wood Stove
Tip: How to Maintain Your Wood Stove
Misting Systems and Their Positive Effects on Plants
Home Construction
Getting Design Help for Remodeling or a New Home
Remodeling/Room Addition Project
Water Damage in Bathroom
Landscape, Decks & Fences
Moving & Storage
Some Assembly Required
Preparing Your House for Sale
Remodeling Increases Value
Other Services
Customized Hot Tubs
Pool Heaters
Organize Your Garage for Approaching Messy Weather
Painting & Staining
Electrostatic Painting is the Way to Go
The Importance of Paint Removal
Peeling Paint
Plumbing
Tip: Drain Clearing Service
Tip: Repair a Septic System
Frozen Pipes
Quick Tips
Tip: Air Conditioner Maintenance
Tip: Repair Concrete Flatwork
Tip: How to Repair Your Air Cleaner
Roofing, Siding & Gutters
Clean Gutters
Wood Shingle Siding
Helpful Roofing Terms
SP Feature Article
The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services
Walls & Ceilings
“Upgrade Batt, Rolled or Poured Insulation “
Tip: Insulation Basics
Nicotine Stains on Walls and Ceilings