Choosing Drop Ceiling Panels
There are many great options when it comes to your ceiling needs, but drop ceiling panels are among the best. Individual tiles laid over a ceiling framework, these panels can be made of a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, wood, and mineral fibers. Because of their customizable appearance, they can be replaced easily and modified to match your room. Choose the color and material carefully, to ensure you’ll be happy with how the drop ceiling panels look once they are installed. Don't forget to consider light panels before installation as well.
Other Types of Panels
These ceiling panels are translucent, and allow lights to be included within your ceiling. Most commonly, a large, florescent bulb is placed above the panel, which will provide an excellent source of light, and seamlessly integrate your lighting system into the ceiling.
These panels are an alternate to bathroom tiles, and are typically made of waterproof materials. Mold resistant, these panels make an attractive addition to any bathroom.
Advantages
The panels are easy to change. If you paint a room and want the panels to match, just remove the tiles down and paint them separately, rather than using a roller painter on the ceiling. This will prevent dripping onto the carpet, and make for an easier painting job. Or, if you want a different look for your ceiling, you can easily remove the drop ceiling panels, and replace them with another kind.
In addition, these panels meet fire safety codes. In particular, if you are in an industrial setting, you can select panels made out of more fire resistant materials, to meet stringent fire safety codes.
They also allow for easy access to wiring or plumbing in the ceiling. While plaster ceilings make it difficult to access the wiring they hide, these panels can easily be removed, and allow the electrician or plumber to get in and do their jobs. This is particularly useful in a business setting, when any repair can potentially hamper an employee’s ability to work.
Disadvantages
Panels tend to age more quickly than traditional ceilings. In particular, they can be stained by cigarette smoke. Also, many older types of ceiling tiles give a room an industrial feel, and thus may not be optimal for a home or for cultivating a charming office atmosphere.
Other Ceiling Options
If you don’t want to use panels, you could consider buying tiles for your ceiling. Tiles tend to be more attractive, and made out of a metal or plaster.
This is a brand of ceiling tile known for it’s pleasing aesthetics. They use beautiful patterns and high quality materials to give their tiles an almost classical look.
Tin Ceiling Tiles and Other Types of Metal Ceiling Tiles
These come in a variety of colors and ornate designs. They tend towards a luxurious look, rather than an industrial one. They are the types of tiles you might find in a hotel or a museum.
Whatever you choose, ceiling panels and ceiling tiles are great ways to meet your ceiling needs. Drop ceiling panels, as well as tiles, are easy to modify, and provide great access to plumbing and electrical systems.
