Highly light reflective, acoustic tiles let more available light reflect back into the room, and save money in utility costs. The panels come in different levels of humidity resistance, reflectivity and fire resistance.

The system is flexible and can be installed in most rooms. A grid of extruded metal is hung by wire loops from the true ceiling with a panel resting in each rectangle. Fluorescent lighting easily drops into any square since the entire lighting fixture is a single unit. If dust, smoke or soil should mar the finish, the panels are easily cleaned. They are impact resistant and, if they are damaged, can be replaced easily in a matter of minutes.

Ceiling Types

A drop ceiling is a false (or faux) ceiling consisting of an interlocking metal grid and panels suspended from the structural ceiling. A glued ceiling consists of tiles glued onto the surface of the structural ceiling.

Tiles and Frames

The tile (or panel) is usually white and made of wood fiber, mineral fiber or fiberglass. It's the square or rectangular part of the ceiling. The frame is a part of a suspended or dropped acoustic ceiling. It's an interlocking metal grid that hangs below the structural ceiling.

Tile Sizes

Most glued tiles are 12 x 12 inches. Suspended ceiling panels usually come in 2 feet x 2 feet or 2 feet x 4 feet panels. The larger panel is less expensive and takes less material to put it up. Installation is generally faster, too.

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com