Ceiling Tiles

A grid kit consists of a series of runners and cross tees that snap together to support ceiling tiles. There are two main designs of grid kits. Surface mounting grid kits attach directly to the surface of the ceiling, and when you add the tiles, they only hang slightly lower than the ceiling. In contrast, suspended grids hang from the ceiling joists with wire hangers. Some suspended grids come with wall brackets that attach to the molding and prevent the grid from moving around. Most grids accommodate two different sizes of tiles, and you can set up the grid based on the size of tile you want to use. Typically, grids are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which gives them extra durability and resistance to rust and scratches.

Lay-in ceiling tiles are designed to be used with grids. These tiles feature a ridge along their edges which allows them to nest in the grid. Once the grid is installed, lay-in tiles don't require any tools for installation.

This is one of the two ceiling tile designs that does not require a grid. Rather, you glue these tiles directly to the ceiling. Typically, glue-up tiles are vinyl, which makes them lightweight enough to glue in place, but they often feature a metallic look. Glue-up tiles tend to have a peel-and-stick design, so the polyurethane adhesive is in place on the back of the tiles and doesn't need to be applied or purchased separately. To create the look of a grid with glue-up ceiling tiles, it's common to add decorative trim pieces.

Like glue-up ceiling tiles, these tiles also attach directly onto the ceiling. As implied by their name, nail-up tiles can be attached with nails or screws, but some can also work with glue. Again, once the tiles are installed, decorative trim or crown molding pieces can complete the look.

Plastic ceiling tiles tend to be made of polypropylene (PP). This material has excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, and while many plastic tiles are white, they also can be made to look like metal.

Vinyl tiles generally feature PVC, which is a type of plastic. Like PP tiles, PVC tiles are also corrosion-resistant. They can come in a range of designs, and they may be smooth or textured. These tiles may be used to add a decorative touch to a home, but they're also commonly installed to protect the ceiling in commercial kitchens, food processing plants, healthcare facilities, and spaces in high-humidity climates. PVC ceiling tiles are easy to clean, and because they absorb sound, they tend to be quieter than their PP counterparts.

Metal ceiling tiles look beautiful and they come in a wide range of designs. Many metal ceiling tiles are made of tin-plated steel, and the tin features colors such as antique white, bronze burst, or copper. The tiles need to be cut to size with tin snips.

Ceiling tile trim pieces are helpful near the edges of the ceiling where there isn't enough space for a full tile. You can cut trim pieces with household scissors or utility knives, but metal trim pieces may require tin snips. Trim pieces can establish a border around a tile ceiling or create interesting designs throughout the ceiling. They have a flush mount design, so the trimmed edge can lay flat in the grid. To match the rest of the ceiling, trim pieces can come in white, bronze, silver, and multiple other colors and styles.

Crown molding sits in the angle between the top of a wall and the edge of the ceiling, and it adds architectural interest and elegant refinement to any room. This accessory comes in a range of colors and materials to complement a variety of different ceiling tiles.

Designed for updating or changing the look of an old grid, a cover kit consists of a series of decorative pieces that snap over a ceiling tile grid. Cover kits are ideal in cases where there is a stained or rusty metal grid. Covers can create the look of anything from PVC to cherry wood to a variety of metals. Many come with pieces that create seamless transitions between the cross tee and main beam intersections.

Sometimes lay-in ceiling tiles need a bit of extra support, and panel clips handle that task. These clips are like paper clips in design, and they are especially helpful at securing tiles to suspended grids in areas where there are a lot of drafts. They don't require tools for installation.

For nail-in ceiling tiles, decorative metal ceiling tile nails are incredibly useful. They come in a variety of colors including black, copper, and silver, and some manufacturers can even print colors on nails to match your tiles. These nails work like any other nail, but their decorative head adds to the appeal of the ceiling.