Drop ceilings consist of acoustical tiles and metal grid suspended below the ceiling structure. They are frequently used in both commercial and residential applications because of their low price and easy maintenance. At the same time, some homeowners may dislike drop ceilings because they can make a space look dated. They also reduce the ceiling height in a room because they are suspended at least several inches below the structure above. Fortunately, there many alternative ceiling finishes available that will allow you to create a look you enjoy.
Drywall
Drywall ceilings are made from gypsum wall board panels fastened directly to the roof or floor deck above. The drywall is sanded and finished, then painted to create the desired look. This material creates a smooth clean finish for ceilings and can be easily updated with new paint as needed. Drywall is fairly heavy, however, and can be difficult to install on the ceiling without assistance. You'll need to rent a drywall lift to raise and hold the material in place until you can secure it. You may also wish to hire a professional to sand and finish the drywall, as this can be a difficult task for inexperienced installers.
Tiles or Planks
Some tiles and wood planks can be installed directly onto your existing ceiling deck. Vintage tin tiles are a popular choice, as are today's aluminum reproductions. These tiles are nailed onto the ceiling and are fairly easy to install. Tin tiles often come embossed with intricate patterns and can be painted to create a unique look in the home.
Wood planks are installed in a similar manner to wood flooring. They come equipped with tongue-and-groove connectors that allow you to nail them into the ceiling without leaving nail heads visible on the finished surface. You'll find wood planks in many different colors and finishes, including specialty veneers made from exotic wood species.
Exposed Ceiling
Those looking to create a modern or industrial look should consider exposed ceilings. With this type of design, no ceiling materials are installed. Instead, duct work and piping are left exposed and are used to contribute to the room's decor. An exposed ceiling can be painted or left unfinished. When creating this look, consider using lined duct to hide insulation from view. In addition, spiral ducts are an attractive alternative to regular rectangular or square units. This look will be more difficult to achieve if your ceiling is in poor condition.
Stucco
Stucco is a textured plaster product made from sand, water, lime and cement. It is often used to cover rough or damaged surfaces and is a highly affordable alternative to other ceiling materials. Stucco is easy to install and is incredibly versatile. It can be used to create fairly smooth ceilings that can be painted, or highly textured surfaces that resemble the traditional "popcorn" ceiling. Dyes or pigments can be added during application to give the stucco color, or it can be painted after it dries.
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