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Metal Ceiling Tiles Reviews

Metal Ceiling Tiles Reviews

by Dylan Johnson

Welcome to our metal ceiling tiles reviews and enjoy learning about the tiles style! If you only knew, metal ceiling had been entering its fashion in the late 1800s as an affordable alternative to the expensive decorative plaster ceilings. They keep its popularity until the late 1930s when it started to scarcely find metal in World War II.

This time, metal ceiling tiles are still enjoying popularity among designers, homeowners and decorators. This is due to their long lasting versatility and attractive look.

To offer you a comprehensive reviews about metal ceiling tiles, here we are going to navigate you to the content which include understanding metal ceiling tiles, the top brands reviews, costs and place to purchase, the pro-tip, pros and cons of metal ceiling tiles, installation, maintenance and the frequently asked questions to fill your curiosity.

Now let’s have a quick read on each of the detailed explanation as follows:

Understanding Metal Ceiling Tiles

The first of all discussion listed in our metal ceiling tiles reviews is understanding metal ceiling tiles.

Basically, metal ceiling tiles are constructed from steel, tin plated steel, aluminum and copper.

They are often used in standard drop ceiling grids or even nailed to the ceiling over a plywood substrate.

This way, some metal tiles are constructed by screwing them directly into a plaster or drywall ceiling.

In general, the available selection of patterns, colors and styles is very appealing, ranging from ornate Victorian looks to modern contemporary designs.

Thanks to the selection that allows you to find even the corrugated steel tiles that have been designed with the rustic or rested look, stainless steel tiles that are shiny to brighten the rooms, the elaborated multi-color hand painted tiles and the premium prices and tiles with acoustic properties treatment.

In many available design, powder coating technology is used to create the desired color with the durable finish. Further, metal ceiling tiles are also treated with sealing to create a permanent color and rust resistance.

Metal ceiling tiles are usually available in 24 x 24 x 24 x 48 inches sizes while the patterned tiles are featuring a 3, 6, 12 or 24 inches pattern repeat. To add such visual interest, many sellers offer matching cornices, moldings, border or edging tiles and medallion.

Read Also: Cheap Ceiling Tiles Options To Choose From

Top Brands Reviews, Costs and Place To Purchase

There are some top brands that we are going to reviews along with the cost and place to purchase. They are American Tin Ceilings, Decorative Ceiling Tiles, Armstrong, Architectural Depot and Tin Ceiling Xpress.

BrandsColor ChoicesMaterialSizesCost per TileSpecialties
American Tin Ceiling40+Tin plated steel24” x 24”$12 – $43Snaplock installation feature
  Decorative Ceilings200+Tin plated steel24” x 24” 24” x 28”$11 – $ $37 $12 – $75
100+Aluminum24”x 24” 24” x 28”$11 – $29 $22 – $57
100+Solid copper24” x 24”$54 – $95
8Stainless steel18.5” x 48.5”$69
Armstrong12Steel24” x 24”$18 – $44Metallaire
Architectural Depot50+Steel24” x 24” 24” x 28”$12 – $35 $23 – $69Authentic 1896 Diecast
Tin Ceiling Express45+Steel24” x 24”$7 – $40Whispertech acoustic treatment

American Tin Ceiling

American Tin Ceiling is the first top brand listed in our metal ceiling tiles reviews. It luckily offers a large selection of 24” x 24” tin plated steel tiles within 40 profiles ranging from traditional to contemporary and from Victorian to Art Deco.

American tin ceiling tiles are available in unfinished raw. There are 30 color options which include solids like cream, white, black, red, copper, gold, bronze, pewter and metallic sheens nickel. The tiles are also available with hand painted finishes.

Further, they are powder coated with solid color while the second color is applied through hand painted to create an antiqued or distressed appearance. Greatly, American Tin Ceiling tiles also accepts the custom color-match orders.

American Tin Ceiling offers not only drop-in but also nail down tiles, making them possible to have Snap Lock installation feature.

As a result, the tiles can be screwed into a drywall, popcorn ceiling and plaster without any substrate.

The price of this metal ceiling tile brand ranges from $12 to $22 each for the solid colors and up to $43 each for the tiles which are hand painted.

The customer reviews on Amazon shows that these brand is an excellent option for their appearance, ease of installation, value and quick shipping.

If you tend to buy this brand, you can contact Amazon and Lowes as well as on the company’s website.

Decorative Ceiling Tiles

Decorative ceiling tiles offers many kinds of tiles made of tin plated, aluminum, solid, copper and stainless steel.

There are also big selections of styles and colors so you can expect to view several excellent option before purchasing. Most of the tiles are available in 24” x 24”. They can be used in standard drop ceilings.

The tin plated steel of decorative ceiling tiles are available in both solid and metallic, powder coated colors and hand painted finishes as well.

The prices start at $11 per tile for the simple and solid colored tiles and $37 each for the more ornate and hand painted tiles. The sizes are mostly available in 24” x 48” with the price at $12 – $75 each. Aluminum tiles price range from $11 to $29 each.

The copper tiles are natural or aged. They can be sealed on the front or on the front and back. They cost $54 each for the natural unsealed tiles and $95 each for the aged tiles.

The stainless steel tiles are available in 18.5” x 48.5” with the price at $69 each and the corrugated steel tiles are available in 24” x 24” along with the price at $20 each.

Based on the customer reviews, this brand is good for appearance and value. Visit the website if you want to find the tiles.

Armstrong

Later our metal ceiling tiles reviews include Armstrong in the top brand list. This way, Armstrong comes with 12 profiles of metal ceiling tiles under the Metallaire brand.

These tiles offer traditional styles such as paneled or coffered looks and authentic in ceiling designs.

Armstrong ceiling tiles are available in 24” x 24” within the colors of white, chrome, copper, brass looks and lacquered steel.

You can simply lay them into a drop ceiling or nail them to the ceiling substrate. The prices are ranging from $18 to $44 per tile.

According to the customer reviews, Armstrong has high marks for quality and appearance though it can be more expensive than other brands. These tiles are noticeably available at Lowes and Local home improvement retailers.

Architectural Depot

The next brand of metal ceiling tiles is Architectural Depot that comes with the original sand casted dies dating back to 1896.

The tiles from Architectural Depot offers the recreated original patterns, resulting in an authentic look. This brand provides the customers with the tiles around 50 profiles in both 24” x 24” and 24” x 48” sizes.

Like the tiles from the other brands, these tiles can be installed either into a standard drop ceiling grid or into a nailed to the ceiling substrate.

The profiles varies from the ornate to the paneled or coffered styles and to simpler design. Thus, you can have options to suit your decorating scheme to the room’s architecture.

All the tiles from Architectural Depot are available in unfinished steel, white, lacquered steel and metallic paint such as chrome, brass and copper.

The white tiles can be painted and they are available at $12 each for the unfinished tiles for 24” x 24” sized tiles and $23 to $69 for 24” x 48” each tiles.

Based on the customer reviews, this brand of metal ceiling tiles is good at appearance, quality, service and easy installation.

Tin Ceiling Xpress

With more than 45 profiles including Victorian, Art Deco, coffered and classic styles, Tin Ceiling Xpress produces 24” x 24” metal ceiling tiles. There are 25 powder coated solid colors along with 30 powder coated custom hand painted options.

The color options is available in whites, brown, black, gray, red, green, copper, copper patina, antique brass, bronze and midnight gold.

They also comes with unfinished and clear lacquered tiles. Like many other tiles from other brands, Tin Ceiling Xpress tiles are installable in a drop ceiling grid or nailed to the ceiling substrate. They also offers matching cornices, filler or border tiles and moldings.

The price, in this brand, is around $7 each for the unfinished tiles, $13 each for the solid colors, and $40 each for hand painted tiles. To add Whispertech, you must pay $7.50 per tile along with additional $12.50 for paddling.

The customers note that Tin ceiling Xpress manufactures high quality metal ceiling tiles packaged well. The company gets the high reputability for its excellent customer service, easy maintenance and installation.

The Pro-Tip

Today, metal ceiling tiles are widely used creatively to add interest to homes. Specifically, metal ceiling tiles are good to create an accent wall. It is frequently used on kitchen, backsplashes, picture frames, mirror and headboards. It is widely used outside on fences or porches.

The Pros of Metal Ceiling Tiles

Later in our metal ceiling tiles reviews, it is stated that there are at least seven pros of metal ceiling tiles as follows:

  • Metal ceiling tiles are versatile.
  • Metal ceiling tiles have large selection of styles and colors.
  • The tiles are resistant to moisture, mold, fire and mildew.
  • The tiles are able to hide popcorn and unsightly ceilings without removing them.
  • The tiles are easy to install.
  • The tiles are easy to maintain.

The Cons of Metal Ceiling Tiles

For the cons at which people feel they are the drawbacks, here are the list you need to know:

  • Some options of natural metals such as copper and hand-painted tiles have expensive prices.
  • Metal ceiling tiles make the space noisy if not treated to mute sound.
  • The cut tiles of tile edges are sharp.

Installation

There are two typical installation method used to install metal ceiling tiles. First is by dropping them into the standard ceiling grid and second is by attaching them to the ceiling.

In most cases, you’ll need to install plywood furring strips or a plywood substrate to the ceiling since the nails will not strongly hold the metal tiles in the plaster or drywall. When you are finish installing the plywood, you can nail the tiles to the wood.

Maintenance

Typically, vacuuming using a brush is the best way to maintain the tiles cleanliness. It is also considered as a regular maintenance for metal ceiling tiles.

Read Also: Decorative Ceiling Tiles Reviews

FAQ Metal Ceiling Tiles Reviews

Can I cut the metal tiles?

Yes, definitely. You can cut the tiles with the tin snips or shears which are designed specifically for cutting metal.

Can I use metal tiles on my porch ceiling?

Yes, you can. Metal ceiling tiles can be used outside.

Can I paint metal ceiling tiles?

Yes, you can. Paint the metal ceiling tiles by priming them first for a better paint adhesion.