First used in 1958, drop ceiling panels were designed to hide the profusion of wires, pipes, and ducts that came with electricity, indoor plumbing, and central heat. For existing buildings and new constructions, running the infrastructure for modern conveniences was done most easily on ceilings.
In both existing and new buildings, the ceiling is relatively unused space. Wiring, pipes, and ducts can be snaked across it without taking up space needed for other fixtures. Many an old farmhouse and warehouse has exposed pipes and other conduits in plain sight overhead.
Although it was easy to install, maintain, and repair wiring and plumbing that was wide open, the look was not attractive to customers, clients, or fussy housewives. When the dropped ceiling was invented, it instantly became popular. A hanging grid was developed, with the t-shaped one used today quickly becoming the standard. The first gypsum panels were replaced by ones made of mineral fibers, which were stronger and more easily mass produced.
The tiles were hung in regular rows, were usually two by four feet in size, interspersed with fluorescent lights placed in the grid. The tiles lifted up easily for inspection or maintenance, and although they often became stained and cracked, they were easy to replace. They also tended to absorb noise, and this feature has been improved in today's acoustic tiles. A great deal of recycled material is now used in the manufacture of suspended ceilings.
Today, however, decorators and architects have embraced this sort of construction to renovate a damaged or unsightly room, to make a wide open space more intimate and cozy, or to give a unique look to any space. Modern tiles can be plain or can mimic antique plaster or tin. Thousands of looks can be achieved with two foot square or two by four foot rectangular tiles, and today many brands are in part recycled materials.
The modern drop ceiling panels are used by do it yourselfers, decorators, and building contractors who want both form and function. They are still affordable and easy to install, but now can be beautiful as well.
In both existing and new buildings, the ceiling is relatively unused space. Wiring, pipes, and ducts can be snaked across it without taking up space needed for other fixtures. Many an old farmhouse and warehouse has exposed pipes and other conduits in plain sight overhead.
Although it was easy to install, maintain, and repair wiring and plumbing that was wide open, the look was not attractive to customers, clients, or fussy housewives. When the dropped ceiling was invented, it instantly became popular. A hanging grid was developed, with the t-shaped one used today quickly becoming the standard. The first gypsum panels were replaced by ones made of mineral fibers, which were stronger and more easily mass produced.
The tiles were hung in regular rows, were usually two by four feet in size, interspersed with fluorescent lights placed in the grid. The tiles lifted up easily for inspection or maintenance, and although they often became stained and cracked, they were easy to replace. They also tended to absorb noise, and this feature has been improved in today's acoustic tiles. A great deal of recycled material is now used in the manufacture of suspended ceilings.
Today, however, decorators and architects have embraced this sort of construction to renovate a damaged or unsightly room, to make a wide open space more intimate and cozy, or to give a unique look to any space. Modern tiles can be plain or can mimic antique plaster or tin. Thousands of looks can be achieved with two foot square or two by four foot rectangular tiles, and today many brands are in part recycled materials.
The modern drop ceiling panels are used by do it yourselfers, decorators, and building contractors who want both form and function. They are still affordable and easy to install, but now can be beautiful as well.
