Ceilings' Tips

• Unless you have to use a 2x2 panel, go with a 2x4 panel. Not only are they cheaper then two 2x2s but also, there will be fewer visible seams, thereby, providing a nicer look. Finally, the installation will be relatively faster since there will be fewer panels to install.


• It is highly recommended that you never nail or screw the panels into drywall. Drywall is not strong enough to hold the panels with a simple nail or screw.


• Always use plywood that has been secured into the studs of your ceiling and then install the panels into the plywood. Plywood is obviously a small additional cost; however, not only will it be safer but also, it eliminates the hassle of having to level each individual panel one by one.


• Always use cone head nails for nail up applications. The cone heads are preferred to flat heads because they appear to be apart of the pattern, and, thus, are less obvious and provide an elegant look. Additionally, never use screws as they will sheer the panel and will be very noticeable.


• Make sure you get what you want when it comes to the finish. For example, antique plated is different then antique painted (also referred to as antique faux painted or antique faux plated). Antique plated is first heavily plated, then sanded, treated, and finally, polished to give it a true antique look. On the other hand, antique painted is usually painted in the desired finish and then, sprayed with a darker tint of that finish to represent a faux antique look. There is a clear difference between the two and a true antique plated panel will be more expensive.


• For smaller areas, use patterns that have a smaller pattern size (3in., 4in., 6in.), and for larger layouts select a pattern that is larger (12in., 24in.).


• Keep in mind that the highest quality of detail and texture of tin ceiling tiles is obtained from steel panels that are manufactured from original molds, as oppose to aluminum plates and those panels that are made out of duplicated molds.


• Take into consideration the opening between panels for different application types:
  
  
  • Nail-up applications will typically have a quarter of an inch overlapping for each panel and will cover seams much better, giving the ceiling a continuous pattern.
    
    
  • Lay-in, also known as drop-in, applications have a gap that will depend strictly on the t-bars width, which causes each panel to be distinct. Lay-in panels are mainly used in commercial applications where access to the ceiling may be required through temporary removal of the ceiling tiles.
    
    
  • There are two types of panels that snap into place. One of them is the 2'x2' tin ceiling panels that snaps into one another using the backsides, which reveal a considerable gap between each tile. The other form of snapping ceiling panel is the DE-ME Snap. The DE-ME Snap snaps right into a specially designed grid that creates an almost gapless look and is mainly used in commercial applications to eliminate the t-bar grid system. For a better idea of how the DE-ME Snap works see the picture below.
    
    
    
    
    
    
  • Finally, there is a reveal type-design that uses t-bars, which are similar to lay-in but are different in that the reveal type-design projects outwards (3/8”), taking the attention away from the t-bar. For a better idea of how reveal type designs work see the picture below.