What is the difference between a drop ceiling and a suspended ceiling?

Though the terminology may seem confusing, a suspended ceiling is the exact same thing as a drop ceiling, also called a dropped ceiling. These terms refer to a type of ceiling paneling separate from the higher structural ceiling, and it serves a specific and important purpose in home construction.

How many types of suspended ceilings are there?

There are three types of drop ceiling systems — clip-in, hook-on, and lay-in — each featuring a different framework and a unique method for attaching the tiles.

What is the name of a dropped ceiling?

suspended ceiling
A suspended ceiling (sometimes referred to as a dropped ceiling) hangs from a metal grid below the existing ceiling that is already in place.

Is drywall or drop ceiling better?

When it comes down to choosing between dropped ceiling and drywall, it often comes down to aesthetics and ease of access. Dropped ceilings are an excellent option for areas where you need to easily reach wiring, plumbing, or HVAC systems, like finished basements or garages.

What is the cheapest way to cover a basement ceiling?

Thin wood paneling — typically 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick — can cover an exposed ceiling, and it’s available in a variety of designs. Fir plywood, hardboard, even oriented-strand-board (OSB) are even more affordable, but these less-expensive options typically require paint or sealant.

What are the different types of ceilings?

Includes vaulted, cathedral, beamed, dome, tray, coffered, shed, groin vault, and more. Stunning photos. You just might be surprised at how many different types of ceilings you have to choose from.

What are the pros and cons of a drop ceiling?

Now that you understand a bit more about what a dropped ceiling is, let’s talk about the pros and cons.
  • Pro 1: Hides Pipes, Ductwork, Wires, and More. …
  • Pro 2: Can Be Sound Proof. …
  • Pro 3: Variety of Choices. …
  • Con 1: Deteriorates. …
  • Con 2: Reduces the Height of a Room.

How much does a drop ceiling cost?

Drop ceilings, also known as suspended ceilings, cost between $1,033 and $2,991, or$2,001 on average, depending on the room size and material quality. Additional features like ceiling fans and lighting add more to the final price.

What can I put on my ceiling instead of drywall?

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is an alternative to drywall for ceilings. An eight-foot length of Wall&CeilingBoard weighs in at under eight pounds, which means it can be installed by just one person.

How much does it cost to replace a drop ceiling?

Expect labor to range from $2 to $5 per square foot when hiring a drop ceiling installer near you to install the grid and tiles. You may pay $240 to $1,200 for labor alone for a 120-square-foot room.

Why do you need drop ceiling?

One of the biggest benefit to a drop ceiling is that you have easy access to plumbing, wiring, and duct work. If any maintenance issues arise, you can simply remove a ceiling tile. If a tile gets damaged, simply remove it and replace it.

What can you use for a ceiling?

Ceiling materials include fiberglass, metal, mineral fiber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic. You can integrate lighting panels into your suspended ceiling or choose from a vast selection of fashion lighting. For humid environments like bathrooms, you can find products that are suited to higher moisture.

Why do older homes have drop ceilings?

Aesthetics. Modern dropped ceilings were initially created to hide the building infrastructure, including piping, wiring, and/or ductwork, by creating a plenum space above the dropped ceiling, while allowing access for repairs and inspections. Drop ceilings may also be used to hide problems, such as structural damage.

Can you replace a drop ceiling with drywall?

Drop ceilings, made from a grid and removable panels, are common in basements where plumbing and wiring exist in the space above the panels. A drop ceiling is lower than a traditional drywall ceiling, however, and if the homeowner wants more head room, he may replace the grid with a drywall ceiling.

Can you change a drop ceiling?

If your drop ceiling is looking a little shabby and you’re ready for a change, the first step is to remove the suspended ceiling in the opposite order it was originally installed: tiles, lights and metal grid. Once removed, you can repair the original ceiling, if possible, or add new sheets of drywall.

How much height do you lose with a drop ceiling?

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. A dropped ceiling grid usually requires a 4-inch clearance. Dropped ceilings, which feature a horizontal grid usually made from lightweight metal and individual acoustical panels that fit in the grid, are standard in basements.

Do drop ceilings block sound?

Soundproofing Considerations

Acoustical drop ceilings can help provide soundproofing in two different ways: either by absorbing sound waves, thus preventing sounds from bouncing around the room, or by blocking sound from traveling to an adjacent room.