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Though they have been around for decades, suspended ceilings have increased in popularity over the years and tend to be favoured in commercial premises and office settings.

This type of ceiling sometimes referred to as a drop ceiling, has stood the test of time and offers a number of great benefits. So if you’re thinking about getting a suspended ceiling in your property, you might be wondering whether this is the right choice for you or not. If that’s the case, you’ve come to the right place.

Below, we’ll look at six things you need to know about suspended ceilings to help you build a better picture and determine if this is the right move for you.

1. What is a suspended ceiling?

Let’s start with the most obvious point, what do we mean when we talk about suspended ceilings?

In a nutshell, these are secondary ceilings that are fitted and suspended from the structural ceiling above. There is usually a gap of between three to eight inches between both ceilings, depending on the design.

This style is rooted in the 1920s construction boom when a wave of innovation in building and construction techniques hit the UK.

As we’ve said, these are most typically used in commercial buildings like offices, hospitals, schools, and retail units. That being said, there has been a steady rise in the number of people having these installed in their homes.

2. How are suspended ceilings installed?

A suspended ceiling is installed using a steel or aluminium interlocking frame. This frame is attached to the underside of the existing ceiling slabs (also called floor slabs) using strong metal brackets.

At this stage, additional installations can be added, such as speakers, motion detectors or ventilation systems. These are typically attached to the metal framework.

The suspended ceiling tiles are then carefully laid out into the frame to complete the ceiling.

3. How much does it cost to install a suspended ceiling?

The price of a suspended ceiling will vary depending on a number of important factors. For example, you need to take into account the material used, the brand of the chosen tiles, the size and shape of the room, and your location.

However, we can give you a rough guideline, and if you choose middle-of-the-road materials, you can expect between £20 to £30 per square metre. Just be aware that this can change based on lots of factors, so don’t take that figure verbatim.

4. What types of suspended ceilings are available?

There are a variety of different designs and materials on offer depending on your style, budget and requirements. Plus, there are now more sustainable options available to those who want to be more eco-conscious.

Some of the most common types of suspended ceilings you can choose from include recycled paper, clay, fibreglass, starch and perlite. As well as metal, cork and plasterboard.

Each style has its own unique properties and offers a different finish, so you need to consider your materials carefully when choosing a suspended ceiling.

5. What are the properties of a suspended ceiling?

We’re going to look at the benefits of a suspended ceiling shortly, but understanding the properties of these solutions can also prove why they’re so beneficial.

Some of the note-worthy points about this type of ceiling are that it has acoustic properties, is light-reflecting and is moisture-resistant. It can also help to increase fire performance.

6. Why choose a suspended ceiling?

In this final section, we’re going to take a look at the benefits of a suspended ceiling and why you might want to consider these in your property. Some of the key benefits include:

• They are easy to install and can be budget-friendly, depending on the style you choose
• It makes it easier to fit CCTV cameras, recessed lighting, smoke detectors and other useful tools and technology that you want in your property
• You can add more character to the room
• You can hide unsightly wires or other systems between the two ceilings
• These tiles offer good insulation, which can improve the energy efficiency of the room. This can cut costs on your energy bills
• Some suspended ceilings can withstand fire for hours, making them safer in the event of a fire
• You’ll get better acoustics and can make the room more soundproof if you need to

And these are just a few reasons to consider a suspended ceiling; there are plenty of others.

Keeping all of this in mind, you can now make a more informed decision as to whether a suspended ceiling is going to be the best solution for your property.