An attractive ceiling can make a big impact on the look and feel of a room.
Choosing a ceiling material means deciding between aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. It is often about balancing the two. Strictly speaking, a ceiling could be made out of almost any type of material, but the types of materials that are most commonly used are those that are cost effective and practical. Each has its pros and cons when it comes to visual appeal and work capacity.
Drywall
Buildings commonly use it for the walls, but ceilings employ drywall material in the form of tiles. Drywall is a material composed of a naturally occurring mineral called gypsum. The benefits of using drywall are that it is water resistant and is resistant to fire. Since drywall resists water so well, it is good practice to use a grid system with drywall ceiling tiles in order to check for any hidden water damage. Its fire resistance retards the spread of fire within a building. Drywall also has cosmetic benefits and comes in a variety of textures.
Lumber
Wood ceiling materials offer another option with a more rustic appeal. Most wooden ceiling materials are made of pine and are a light brown color, but they can also be stained or painted. Often, the wood has tongue and groove patterns that allow the materials to fit tightly next to one another. This creates the illusion that the ceiling finish is more complete throughout the room. It is important to check local codes on ceiling construction before using lumber to construct a ceiling. Some jurisdictions might require that drywall be placed behind the lumber ceiling materials to make the ceiling more fire resistant.
Acoustical Material
Acoustical ceiling materials are a good option if noise reduction is a priority in a house or other building. The acoustical materials absorb sound and are usually composed of a fiberglass and starch blend, but may also consist of other spun mineral fibers. Some acoustical ceiling materials are made of wood fibers, but this type of material is not practical in humid climates. Noise reducing tiles come in a variety of types that offer different sound protection qualities. These differences impact the price of the ceiling materials and should be considered when making a purchase.
Other Kinds of Ceiling Materials
There are many other kinds of materials used for ceilings, each of which presents different benefits. A more cost effective option is to use plastic tiles. Plastic is inexpensive to produce, and therefore inexpensive for the consumer to purchase. Metal, such as tin or copper, are also viable materials to use in a ceiling. One disadvantage of a metal ceiling is that is more difficult to cut. Cork is another option to use for ceilings. It is environmentally friendly and easy to install.
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