Ceiling panels, ceiling tiles… whatever you call them, these ceiling coverings play an important role in many settings. Offices, industrial spaces, commercial spaces, care homes, educational facilities and various other settings choose ceiling panels for a number of different reasons. As opposed to other forms of ceilings, they tend to be lower cost and easy to install, as well as cheap and easy to replace if they experience any wear, tear or damage. For many, this is the logical choice to make when choosing a form of ceiling. Of course, there are many different types of ceiling panels to choose from, so if you’re planning on installing or replacing your own, you may be wondering how to go about choosing the right options to suit your needs and preferences. Here are a few different considerations to take into account when choosing your next panels!
Cost
Ceiling panels don’t tend to be used in residential settings. Instead, they are most commonly purchased for spaces that need to be profitable and manageable. This means that it’s highly likely you’re going to want to keep the cost of your ceiling panels low. If you’re working to a budget, a member of our team will be able to advise you, whittling down available options to find those that will serve your needs without exceeding what you’ve been given to spend. We have a wide range of ceiling panels to meet various needs, so there’s bound to be something available that will tick your boxes.
Installation
How you choose to install your ceiling panels will depend on your budget, your confidence in your own DIY abilities and healthy and safety guidelines (if you’re installing your ceiling panels in a commercial or public space). Generally, we recommend professional installation, as this will ensure that your panels are fitted to a high standard and will serve their purpose as intended. It also lifts a weight from your shoulders and saves you time, as you won’t have to dedicate your own time to learning how to install them. If you do intend to install your panels yourself, we will be able to recommend which are the easiest and most straightforward options.
Clearance
You need to know how much clearance your ceiling panels will need. It’s good to approach the task of choosing ceiling panels by taking measurements beforehand. Please note that some suspended ceilings require more headroom than others. In the UK, the majority of ceilings will have a height of eight feet, with basement ceilings having heights as low as seven feet. But it’s always best to take measurements yourself - your space may vary slightly. To figure out how much clearance you need for your panels, you can use a thin sheet of plywood to get an idea of where you want the ceiling to be. Mark the height on the wall with an erasable pencil. You can then measure how much space you want to have between your ceiling height and the overhead joists. We generally advise to be prepared to give or take a couple inches on ceiling height to accommodate your installation needs.
Size
Different ceiling tiles are different sizes. We offer options varying from large tiles to smaller tiles. You should consider what size tile you want for your space. Often, this decision is based on appearance - some people will prefer the look of larger tiles, while others will prefer smaller tiles. You should also consider replacements. Large tiles come with the benefit of being able to replace large areas at once with minimal hassle. Smaller tiles come with the benefit of being able to replace smaller patches that have tiny damage, rather than having to replace larger areas.
Colour
The majority of ceiling tiles tend to be a plain white colour. We offer variations on this, including matt white, high gloss white, white ash and more. We also offer choices in a number of other colours and designs. Whether that’s grey ash, white marble or something a little different. It’s definitely worth putting some thought into what colour tiles you should choose, as this will vary depending on the look, feel and style of the room you’re looking to have the panels fitted in. If you want something a little brighter, you can consider the paintability of the panels - whether they can realistically be painted to a good finish or not.
Choosing ceiling panels isn’t always a straightforward process. There are various different elements you can take into account that will help you to make the right decision and find the right panels to suit your space. If you need further help or assistance, please get in touch. A member of our team will be able to help you further on 0191 389 6636.
