A Drop Ceiling Is A Good Choice, The Designs Are Now Up To Date.

A drop ceiling can be used to cover up an aging ceiling or to help conserve energy by lowering a very high ceiling. The patterns offer are very good nowadays with the 70's style acoustic panel far behind the times.

If you have utility pipes and duct work to cover up this is a good way to hide them and not have to sacrifice the looks of your kitchen ceiling. It also provides an easy way to access those mechanical areas without having to rip your kitchen ceiling apart, should the need arise.

These ceilings are very easy to install but the measurements must be very precise to ensure the ceiling stays straight and square. The rails are suspended from the old ceiling by wires. This is capable of being done because the panels themselves are very lightweight.

The typical acoustic panel from the 70's was made of fiberboard and were not fire resistant. The new technology is to use fiberglass. The fiberglass is fire rated and meets today's code. The older panels may also contain asbestos so if you have the older type it may be a good idea to have them tested before removing them.

The new designs available are quite good. The standard fine textured panels and metal. The metal panels come in brass, copper, steel, chrome, and painted. The stamped panels are a good alternative to a traditional stamped metal ceiling tiles. The ceiling can be lowered without the extra cost of having to frame a lowered ceiling out of wood to support the panels.

Tin drop-ins are also available in larger sizes. Tin is a traditional material and seen quite often in older Victorian kitchens. Tin is a perfect compliment to any highly ornamental home. To get a true traditional look and feel there is no better match.

Manufacturers of drop down ceilings have a large selection with USG having a large selection for the fiberglass panels, and Armstrong having the best selection for the metal drop ceiling panels.

If you want to install a drop ceiling but you thought the look was too outdated; I suggest you give this ceiling another look. You will be surprised what designs are out there and just how great these ceilings can look.