Hide an unsightly ceiling with acoustical tile.
Acoustical tile provides soundproofing for your room. It's also a good way to hide uneven ceilings and unsightly cracks. Ceiling tile is available in a wide variety of designs. If you have moderate carpentry skills, you can install ceiling tile as a do-it-yourself project. Simply choose the installation system best suited for your needs. In no time, you can install a new ceiling and give your room a whole new look.
Exposed Grid
Use an exposed grid to install ceiling tile if you have wiring that you'd like to hide. While you often seen this type of suspended ceiling in a business setting, it is possible to install it in your home. To install an exposed grid system, you first hang the metal framework that supports the acoustical tile. Then you simply place the ceiling tile in the grid. Tiles that get dirty or damaged in use are easy to replace. You simply pop up the old ceiling tile and place a new one in the exposed grid. The exposed grid system also allows you easy access to wiring and ductwork in your ceiling.
Bandraster
Pick a bandraster type system to install ceiling tiles if you don't have much ceiling room to spare. An exposed grid system can take several inches of headroom, but a bandraster system only takes a couple of inches. It still gives the effect of a suspended, exposed grid ceiling. With the bandraster system, you install metal grids to the existing ceiling and slide the ceiling tiles into place just like you do with an exposed grid system. A bandraster system allows you more flexibility working around odd-shaped segments of the room than an exposed grid.
Concealed Grid
Select a concealed grid acoustical tile ceiling to totally hide the framework holding the tiles in place. With a concealed grid system, you attach pine furring strips directly to the old ceiling. The ceiling tiles used with a concealed grid system have tongue and groove construction. This allows the pieces to fit together. A staple gun attaches each ceiling tile to the furring strip above. If the ceiling has no cracks or flaws and is level, you can glue the ceiling tiles directly to the ceiling without the furring strips. To create a concealed grid ceiling, you do need to do some advanced planning so that you place the ceiling tiles in an attractive pattern. Unlike the other two systems, once the acoustical tile is in place with a concealed grid system, it's permanent.
Tags: exposed grid, grid system, ceiling tiles, exposed grid system, install ceiling