Decorative Ceiling Tiles—Why Get in on This New Trend?

Nowadays, there’s a host of quality products designed to boost home aesthetics, helping it stand the test of time, streamlining its maintenance, or ensuring its uniqueness.

Whether it’s the flooring or decorative items, we tend to focus on floors and walls. Why is it that ceilings are so overlooked? After having been skilfully—if not lavishly—decorated for centuries, it seems like there was a period during which ceilings were, if not dismissed, at the very least, disregarded.

How can you go about restoring this once paramount feature that's more often than not neglected in most homes? What are some modern and innovative options to spruce up a ceiling while streamlining its installation? Learn how decorative ceiling tiles can transform a space, adding a touch of elegance to your home.

Is It a Good Idea to Tile a Ceiling?

There are a lot of worthwhile products available on the market designed to add undeniable elegance to select areas around your house. These wide-ranging tiles are made with materials perfectly mirroring the opulent ceilings seen in ancestral houses of bygone eras: sculpted metals, engraved copper, box beams, etc.

Made with medium-density fibreboard (MDF), PVC, or compressed wood fibres, ceiling tiles are both sturdy and lightweight. They can also feature, based on the model, different significant assets:

• Acoustic

• Sag-free

• Waterproof

• Mould-resistant

• Heat- and fire-resistant

• Odourless

• Eco-friendly

• Zero health risks

• And more

With no apparent nails or screws, it makes for a professional-looking result. The best part of all of that is that one doesn’t need any special skills or much experience to install them. Decorative ceiling tiles are usually retailed with an assembly kit—cross tees, tracks, and fasteners—and come with an instruction manual. 

What Are the Advantages of Installing Drop, Suspended, and Acoustic Ceiling Tiles?

• Quick installation. Several models are sold with a clever track system that facilitates the process and allows for a DIY installation.

• If rewiring or ductwork repairs are needed, the tiles can be removed in no time and reinstalled just as easily.

• They're often the same size as ceramic tiles yet lighter, making them easier to handle and light enough to be used on most ceilings.

• Products mimic noble materials, such as wood or copper, for a fraction of the cost.

• Cutting or trimming ceiling tiles doesn’t call for specialized tools and the system allows for concealing slight imperfections.

• They’re made with sustainable materials, some are even eco-friendly and low maintenance.

Which Tile Material Is Right for Your Ceiling—Faux Metal, Tin, PVC?

Ceiling tiles are retailed in an array of designs—there’s something for everyone. They also suit all buildings, no matter their purpose or architectural style. In fact, the different colours and textures retailed make them suitable to all design concepts. 

Here are some noteworthy finds from local hardware stores.

Suspended Ceiling Tiles by Embassy Ceilings

The concept is clever, sturdy, and long-lasting. In terms of style, it’s exquisitely contemporary. Made with laminated MDF, it makes for a sleek, sophisticated result. They’re usually compatible with recessed light fixtures. 

Genesis Ceiling Tiles 

This is an improved version of standard acoustic ceiling tiles. These tiles are made with cellular PVC and are long-lasting, washable, and waterproof. They’re also easy to cut and install and, as a bonus, they have excellent fire resistance, making this product ideal for all areas of the house.

Fasade Thermoplastic Ceiling Tiles 

These suspended ceiling tiles perfectly mimic classic, tin-like ceilings for a fraction of the cost. They’re retailed in a wide range of finishes and designs, with a splendid turn-of-the-century authenticity for a divinely refined look. 

MURdesign Shabby Ceiling Tiles

These tiles add a romantic, shabby chic feel to any decor. They’re perfect for bedrooms; they could also stun in a living room or any other room in which a serene setting is desired. Made with recycled wood fibres, these tiles are eco-friendly and fume-free. They allow you to improve air quality and reduce health risks. 

The whitened grey wood ceiling tiles retailed by the same manufacturer are also quite appealing. 

Dundee Deco’s Complete Line of Decorative Ceiling Tiles

These are high-quality, PVC ceiling tiles. Their exceptional design metamorphoses a room in no time. It’s a sustainable option for bedrooms and living rooms, as well as bathrooms.

Ceramic Tiles for Bathrooms

Bathrooms have a moisture level above that of other areas of the house, so opting for ceramic tiles is often prescribed. Albeit expensive, choosing to cover your bathroom, from floor to ceiling, in tiles has its upsides. It makes for long-lasting results, provided you choose a timeless, low-maintenance tile that can be easily cleaned using a telescopic pole fitted with a sponge.

While using oversized tiles will make the room appear bigger, smaller tiles are easier to lay and lighter. And, they’re also more suited to less sturdy ceilings.

Are you drawn to the idea of a ceramic tiled ceiling? Before delving into such a project, make sure the room in question is fitted with an effective dehumidifier to prevent condensation and droplets from accumulating on the ceiling. Ceramic won’t absorb excess moisture as gypsum panels would have…and that’s probably for the best!

How to Install Decorative Ceiling Tiles

When not laying suspended ceiling tiles, tiling a ceiling can turn into a complex project, the success of which hinges on following every step to the letter. Best said now: Don’t be fooled by this “easy-looking project,” it’s much more complex than it seems. Hence why most people hire professional contractors that have mastered the art of laying tile.

Laying Ceiling Tiles in 4 Steps

Step 1. Preparation

Just like with any renovation project, prepping is paramount. Before jumpstarting, prepare the room and gather all tools, items, and materials so they’re within hand’s reach to streamline the process.

Step 2. Cleaning

Take some time to clear the surface all of traces of paint, grease, or other pollutants or dirt. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned and dry. 

Step 3. Installing the slats

The wood slats keep items in place. They’re also used during the installation as place markers.

Step 4. Laying the tiles

Divide the space and install the tiles by following the pattern outlined. Each tile should be firmly pressed into the ceiling, ensuring it’s bonding properly.

How to Cut Ceiling Tiles—From Joints to Finish

For a clean finish between every tile lining the edge between the wall and ceiling, planning the shape and size of the cuts is paramount, taking into account that the ceiling may not be perfectly levelled.

Steps: 

1. Lay your tiles on the floor in the order they’ll be affixed to the ceiling.

2. Verify whether the ceiling is level. If not—which is often the case—avoid very narrow cuts that would enhance the irregularities.

3. Measure the height of the wall and divide it by the height of the tile. Bear in mind the width of the grout joint when calculating to have an exact idea as to what type of cut to make.

4. Plan the tile’s cut that will sit at the top of the wall from the get-go to ensure a harmonious finish between that one and the first ceiling tile. Ceiling irregularities can be concealed by working cleverly.

5. Cut the tiles that will be affixed nearest to the wall according to the estimated measurement, subtracting an additional 3 millimetres for the caulking joint. The side of the ceramic tile that was cut should be positioned away from the sides so only the finished side of the tile is apparent.

6. Apply a grout joint between the tiles, including the ridge where the ceiling, top of the wall, and tiles meet.

7. Once the grout is completely cured, seal the gap between the wall and ceiling with a silicone sealant using a caulking gun. Lightly wet your fingertip to smooth out the caulk joint. This flexible joint allows movement between the wall and ceiling.

Tips for Installing Ceiling Tiles in a Bathroom

Source: Canva

While installing some ceiling tiles might be relatively easy, this isn’t necessarily the case when dealing with ceramic tiles. Installing ceramic ceiling tiles is far more complex than doing so on a floor or wall. Hiring a professional ensures results that meet your expectations. However, if you’re a skilled renovation DIYer and choose the take on the challenge, below are some handy tips.

Tip 1: Measure the surface to tile

To ascertain the amount of tiles to purchase, multiply the surface’s length by its width. Add 10% to that amount to account for losses/mistakes. Store a few leftover tiles in case you ever need to replace one.

Tip 2: Avoid cutting the tiles

Make sure you don’t have to cut your ceramic tiles too much around where the wall and ceiling meet. That way, you won’t have to make delicate cuts around the ceiling’s four edges. Moreover, if the ceiling isn’t level, you’ll have to make uneven cuts and they won’t be as apparent on full-length tiles.

Tip 3: Never lay ceramic tiles on a damp surface

Laying ceramic tiles must be done under the best circumstances possible. An elevated humidity level may prevent the tile from bonding to the surface properly and peeling back. Tiles slipping from the ceiling won’t only shatter when hitting the floor, but may seriously hurt someone. 

How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Ceiling?

Source: Canva

As Yanick Dupré mentioned, Dupré carrelage inc., beyond the product chosen, when it comes to tiling, expert rates vary. "The price per square foot ranges from $20 to $25, but it depends on the analysis and hourly rate."

Some projects mandate more planning than others. While some are relatively easy to carry out, others present real challenges. When dealing with heavy tiles, it’s best to hire a qualified contractor who will make sure the structure can support the additional load, or make the necessary structural changes. 

Having ceiling tiles installed by a professional may seem like an expensive endeavour, but you’ll have peace of mind. Bear in mind that a decorative ceiling will increase the value of your property. No matter the product used, it’s a reliable investment.

Floor to Ceiling Tiles: Merging Style with Durability

Hopping on the ceiling tile bandwagon lends a unique and bold touch to your space. This aesthetic choice allows for an appealing visual effect, adding texture and depth to select rooms. Moreover, ceiling tiles are rather moisture-resistant and low-maintenance. This design concept is especially suited to bathrooms and kitchens.