The Complete Guide to Suspended Ceiling Tiles and Drop Ceiling Installation

Considering a new ceiling system for your commercial space? Suspended ceiling tiles (also known as drop ceilings) are one of the smartest, practical choices. But why are they so popular, and what benefits do they offer?

At Granmore, we’ve been designing, supplying and installing suspended ceilings for over 33 years. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about suspended ceiling tiles and drop ceiling installations.

What Is a Suspended Ceiling?

A suspended ceiling is a secondary ceiling suspended below the main structural ceiling. It’s made from a metal grid that supports lightweight tiles or panels. They’re often used in offices, retail spaces, schools, hospitals and other commercial buildings. 

Suspended ceilings are brilliant for hiding pipes, wiring and ductwork while improving acoustics and lighting.

Benefits of Suspended Ceiling Tiles

1. A Clean, Professional Appearance

Suspended ceiling tiles create a neat and tidy finish, hiding messy infrastructure while giving your space a polished look.

2. Improved Acoustics

The tiles absorb sound, helping to create a more peaceful space. This is especially important in open-plan offices, schools and busy commercial environments.

3. Easy Access

Need to easily access your electrics or air conditioning units? Tiles can be lifted out easily, allowing you to quickly access such hidden systems.

4. Energy Efficiency

By lowering the height of the ceiling, drop ceilings reduce the volume of air that needs heating or cooling. The result? Much lower energy bills.

5. Customisation

With a wide range of tile materials, finishes and lighting, suspended ceilings are highly adaptable to different settings and branding needs.

What Are Ceiling Tiles Made From?

Granmore supplies and installs a wide variety of tiles. Our most common materials include:

• Mineral Fibre Tiles – Affordable and acoustic-friendly.
• Vinyl-Faced Tiles – Ideal for environments that require easy cleaning, like hospitals and kitchens.
• Metal Tiles – Often used in modern, high-end office settings.
• Gypsum or Plasterboard Panels – For more solid, robust ceilings.
• Glass Wool Tiles – Excellent for thermal and sound insulation.

We also stock popular brands like Armstrong tiles and offer our own range of vinyl-faced tiles, known for their durability and clean finish.

Where Are Suspended Ceilings Used?

At Granmore, we’ve worked with clients across every sector, including retail outlets and supermarkets, schools and universities, hotels and hospitality, government buildings, offices and commercial spaces, and medical and healthcare facilities. 

Based just 0.5 miles from Manchester City Centre, our purpose-built showroom showcases a wide range of suspended ceiling systems and commercial lighting.

Drop Ceiling Installation: Step-by-Step

Here’s how our expert team at Granmore installs suspended ceilings, from design to final fix:

1. Site Survey

We’ll assess your space and understand your requirements. Whether you’re renovating, starting from scratch, or upgrading, we’ll give tailored advice.

2. Design and Planning

Our team designs a ceiling system that works with your layout, lighting requirements and ceiling height. We’ll help you choose the right tiles, lighting and partitioning if required.

3. Supply of Materials

We carry a full range of tiles, panels, grids and lighting systems. If you’re in the trade, we also supply these materials directly to contractors and fitters.

4. Installation

Our experienced fitters handle everything: installing the grid, fitting the tiles, installing lighting, and adding any extras like insulation or office partitioning.

5. Finishing Touches

Once installed, your suspended ceiling system is tested for alignment, acoustic performance, and lighting function. We make sure it’s finished to the highest standards.

Our Solutions for Commercial Lighting

Lighting is a major part of any suspended ceiling system. At Granmore, we supply and install commercial light fittings, including LED panels, recessed spotlights, fluorescent light fittings, emergency lighting, and energy-efficient solutions.

We ensure all lighting is compliant with current UK regulations and tailored to suit your work environment.

Office Partitioning Services

Need to create separate spaces within a room? We also install office partitioning systems, which integrate seamlessly with suspended ceilings to maximise privacy and space efficiency.

These can include:

• Glass partitions
• Drywall partitions
• Sound-insulated partitions
• Demountable systems for flexible layouts

Why Choose Granmore?

• Over 33 years of experience
• Trusted across the UK by retailers, schools, NHS sites, and office managers
• Based in Manchester with a fully stocked showroom
• End-to-end service: design, supply, and installation
• Competitive prices and high-quality materials
• Reliable team of expert fitters and installers
• Full trade supply service for tiles, panels, grids, and lighting

Whether you’re fitting out a small retail unit or a multi-floor office complex, Granmore is equipped to deliver.

Visit Our Showroom in Manchester

Want to see our suspended ceiling systems in action? Simply visit our showroom just half a mile from Manchester City Centre. Here you can explore many types of tiles, lighting and partition systems. 

We’re happy to discuss your project in person or at your site.

Contact Granmore Today

Call our expert team on 0800 074 6006 to ask questions, book a survey, or get a quote.

You can also browse our ceiling tiles online and see examples of our work.