Wondering how to choose the right ceiling? If you’ve made the decision to make over your ceiling or add a new one, getting started can be overwhelming. Start with the installation method you’ll use and whether you want a decorative or acoustic product.
There are two ways to install a ceiling:
One way is a suspended, or drop ceiling, with a grid. Drop ceilings hang below an existing ceiling with wires or hangers and consist of grids in which tiles are inserted. These are an easy job for the DIY’er and are appealing because they can hide an ugly or damaged ceiling and they conceal electrical and plumbing, yet still allow access for repairs. There are a number of acoustic and decorative tile options for this method of installation which works well in basements and laundry rooms.
The other installation method is via a direct-apply product without a grid. With this method, panels are glued or nailed up to an existing drywall or plaster ceiling. Direct-apply ceilings work well in kitchens, dining rooms and bedrooms.
Drop ceiling materials include:
Suspended real tin ceilings
Suspended tin ceiling systems consist of tiles that are authentic recreations of the tin ceilings of yesteryear that are suspended or dropped into a grid. Tin ceilings provide an old-world charm and are perfect for dens, living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms. Color-matching grids and grid covers are available for some choices. Great Lakes Tin Ceilings are an example of these types of ceilings.
Faux tin tiles
Faux tin tiles look like tin but are made of durable vinyl for a cost-effective, easy to install option. Fasade faux tin tiles are an example of this type of panel.
Faux wood panels
Faux wood panels look like real wood but are a fraction of the price. They are available in many different styles and colors.
Real wood ceilings
Real wood ceilings provide a stately and traditional look to any space. Custom jobs are expensive and are not recommended for the typical Do-It-Yourself homeowner. Evoba, however, has a modular assembly and installs like a conventional tee-bar grid system. Its prefabricated grid components eliminate custom mill work costs. You get a custom-crafted look at a low cost that’s easy to install.
Suspended performance options
Performance ceilings are those that provide special protection from mold or mildew, are washable or possess other high-performance characteristics. One such product is Genesis which is made of PVC with a smooth or decorative, embossed surface texture. They are guaranteed not to water-stain, bow, swell or rot so they’re ideal in moist and humid areas.
Suspended acoustical options
Suspended acoustic ceilings are typically white, textured mineral board panels suspended from a metal grid system. This option is generally the least expensive and also provides a measure of acoustic control. Because they are not waterproof, they can damage and stain easily and can allow mold and mildew growth. Mineral board tiles require new or existing grid.
All of the suspended options above require a new or existing ceiling grid system.
What do you think of all these options? Let me know about your ceiling projects in the comments!
Looking for some easy and affordable bathroom ideas? Consider these 5 updates:
Painting is one of the most inexpensive ways you can update a room, relatively speaking, and especially if you do it yourself. A gallon of paint averages just around $31 depending on where you live. Don’t forget to factor in primer if necessary and any other tools you might need to get the job done right.
Install a backsplash. Beyond protecting the wall behind the sink from water, a backsplash adds the finishing touch to a bathroom. Two inexpensive options include Fasade faux tin and Aspect Peel & Stick metal, stone or glass backsplash. Both are easy DIY projects that don’t require a contractor or the hassle of mortar and grout.
Accent a wall. Put the focus on one wall in the room. Paint it a different color than the other walls, add wainscoting halfway or install Fasade wall panels. The panels come in 4’x8’ sheets to cover more room than a Fasade backsplash, but they’re made of the same material so they’re easy to handle. And, because they come in a multitude of styles and finishes, they’re a quick way to dramatically update any space.
Reconsider the shower curtain. When was the last time you updated the shower curtain? A pretty new pattern can enliven a room. Find coordinating art and accessories to really make it stand out.
Update hardware. New pulls and handles make a huge difference. Nothing says dated like builder-grade hardware, especially if it’s a shiny brass or other dated finish. Change out towel bars, door knobs and the toilet tissue holder to coordinate.
To learn more about easy and affordable bathroom ideas using Fasade decorative vinyl backsplash panels, visit Fasade Ideas. More information on Aspect peel and stick tiles can be found at Aspect Ideas. To purchase these products, visit DIY Decor Store.
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, but I have a good excuse. Really! Over the past few months, we’ve been building a new web store. I am happy to announce that DIY Decor Store is now live and open for business.
The new site offers ceiling, backsplash, wall and other home decor products for residential and commercial customers. DIY Decor Store replaces Backsplashideas.com and YourCeiling.com, and will offer products from all of our product families including:
Fasade® vinyl ceiling, backsplash and wall panels
Aspect® peel and stick metal and glass tiles
Genesis® waterproof ceiling panels
Great Lakes Tin™ ceilings panels
Evoba® wood ceiling system
CeilingMAX® surface mount grid system
HG-Grid® vinyl suspension grid system
GridMAX® ceiling grid covers
Classic X Cliq™ metal ceiling grid
Cre8tive Hardware™ decorative garage door hardware
… and more to come!
Although the web store sells tons of products, it’s easy to navigate. Plus, there’s lots of info to help visitors choose the right products including specs and installation instructions, buying guides and resource libraries. Other tools include a ceiling products estimator, an idea center, a style quiz and the option to order free samples for select products. There’s even a live chat feature that allows visitors to talk with customer service representatives.
Check out the new site as well as our Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram feeds. Let me know what you think in the comments!
