Tin ceilings come in several options, depending on the skills and tools available for installation. There is also a variety styles to complement your home, including authentic tin-plated steel or plastic. Tin ceilings come in unlimited colors to match your décor. They are most popular in historical home restorations or where the ceiling is damaged or uneven.
Types
Snap lock tin ceiling tiles require the least amount of skill to install. These tiles screw into any existing foundation without the need to install a grid to hold the panels. Nail-up tin ceiling tiles are similar, but require a foundation of plywood or fir strips for installation. Drop-in and 3-D tin ceiling tiles require a grid to be installed and the tiles are dropped into the grid.
Styles
Some of the styles available include: Art Deco, generic, turn of the century, Americana and Victorian. There are hundreds of different styles and designs available to suit most decorating schemes. Simple texture designs and geometric patterns work well for covering a damaged ceiling. Intricate designs, such as Americana and Victorian, work best for a more detailed and historical décor.
Materials
Tin ceiling panels are generally made of tin-plated steel. There are also plastic tiles that recreate the look of tin. Tin-plated steel is the authentic material used for tin ceiling panels. This has been in use since the 1800s. Plastic tiles are made from either new plastic or post-consumer, recycled plastic. Depending on your budget, and need for authenticity, the plastic, tin-look, ceiling tiles may be the most cost-effective choice. Consider pricing the plastic tiles, which require a grid to be installed, with the simple snap lock ceiling tiles that do not require a grid or foundation. The snap lock ceiling tiles, which are available in authentic tin-plated steel may be more cost effective than the plastic tin-look ceiling tiles when paired with the expense of installing a grid.
Colors
Some tin manufacturers sell colored tin tiles, or you can paint the tiles yourself. If you choose to paint your own tiles, be sure to follow all recommendations for a perfect finish. Use scrap pieces to practice painting the tiles to avoid runs and blemishes which will be difficult to sand or buff out without damaging the tile. If you have any doubt about your ability to paint the tiles, choose a distributor that will paint the tiles before shipping.
Benefits
A tin ceiling can add equity and aesthetic value to the home or business. It is an effective way to cover damage on a sheetrock or plaster ceiling without the need to remove and replace the damaged area. Homeowners can install a tin ceiling without specialized tools yet still get the benefits of added equity without the costs involved with hiring a contractor.
Tags: ceiling tiles, lock ceiling, lock ceiling tiles, paint tiles, require grid, tin-plated steel