Want to change the look of your building? If the answer is yes, a suspended ceiling is a great option!
Often referred to as a ‘false ceiling,’ a suspended ceiling is a decorative ceiling hung below the structural, or real ceiling in your building.
One of the fantastic benefits of suspended ceilings is that they have lots of space for wires, cables, and pipes, providing a neat and tidy aesthetic. You can also use a suspended ceiling to reduce high ceilings and create a warmer, friendlier building space.
However… did you know there are different types of suspended ceilings you can install? Each type has its own unique benefits and functionality. Let’s take a look at some of the different suspended ceilings available.
1. Acoustic suspended ceiling
While most suspended ceilings have acoustic qualities, these ceilings have improved sound absorption and have been designed to dramatically reduce noise levels.
This type of suspended ceiling is ideal for noisy environments like conference rooms and classrooms, as well as for office boardrooms.
2. Gypsum board suspended ceiling
These suspended ceilings are covered with gypsum plasterboard. One of the main benefits of gypsum board is that it has its own distinctive style, and as the panels are large, there aren’t many joins to worry about.
Plus, as gypsum boards are more fire resistant, this type of suspended ceiling is ideal for venues where many people congregate, like theatres, concert halls, and auditoriums.
3. Wooden suspended ceiling
A solid wood ceiling looks warm and inviting, adding character to any interior space.
These ceilings come in a range of wood types, veneers, and finishes, meaning you can customise your suspended ceiling to your own specific needs.
4. Aluminium suspended ceiling
Aluminium suspended ceilings have become popular in recent years, as they are durable, affordable and reflect light.
This makes them an excellent choice for small spaces as it helps open rooms up and makes them feel more spacious.
5. Concealed grid suspended ceiling
With most suspended ceilings, the tiles are fitted from above. However, with a concealed grid suspended ceiling, the tiles are fitted from below.
While these suspended ceilings take slightly longer to install, they provide a clean, minimalist, and high-end appearance.
6. Free span suspended ceiling
Free span suspended ceilings use planks instead of tiles, making them ideal for long narrow spaces like corridors.
These suspended ceilings are easy to install and maintain and don’t look like traditional suspended ceilings.
7. Stretch grid suspended ceiling
Instead of multiple panels, this suspended ceiling consists of one large panel, often made of vinyl or PVC.
While perhaps not as aesthetically pleasing as other options, this type of suspended ceiling is moisture-resistant and easy to clean. This makes stretch grid ceilings for commercial kitchens, warehouses, and bathrooms.
8. Open grid suspended ceiling
Sometimes called an open cell ceiling, this suspension ceiling consists of a grid and open cell modules. This not only provides a unique and contemporary grid effect but makes it easy to access the inside of the ceiling.
Open grid suspended ceilings are ideal for commercial buildings and spaces where you need to frequently access the ceiling for maintenance and installation purposes.
What to consider when choosing the right suspended ceiling
As you can see, there are lots of different suspended ceilings out there. If you’re not sure which is suitable for your building, consider the following questions:
- What budget do you have?
- What materials do you want to use? Consider the current aesthetic of your building, your brand, and your company’s values
- How important is it for you to access the ceiling cavity? For example, some concealed grid ceilings are hard to access
- Do you need your suspended ceiling to have specific qualities? For example, fire resistance, moisture resistance, or soundproofing?
Still not sure which suspended ceiling is right for your needs?
Don’t worry if you’re unsure which of the suspended ceilings we’ve mentioned is the optimal fit for your building.
With nearly 40 years of experience supplying and installing suspended ceilings across Northern Ireland and the UK, we’re here to help.
Get in touch today at info@ccl-interiors.com, and we can recommend the perfect solution for your business.