What are Ceiling Tiles made of?

Here at Granmore Suspended Ceilings, we know a thing or two about ceiling tiles. One of the most common questions we receive from our customers is: what are ceiling tiles made of?

Like any product, there are different options available, but the four most common materials are mineral fibre, metal, gypsum, and wood. Each has its own unique properties that makes them suitable for use as ceiling tiles.

Mineral fibre ceiling tiles

These are sometimes referred to as fibreglass ceiling tiles (fibreglass being a popular form of mineral fibre), or acoustical ceiling tiles (owing to their soundproofing qualities). They are a popular tiling solution for many suspended ceilings. Mineral fibre ceiling tiles are actually made up from a wide variety of materials, including recycled, processed, and natural components. These can include fibreglass, as we already mentioned, but also clay, recycled newspaper, starch, perlite, and more. Different tile manufacturers use different materials in different proportions. This means there can be a notable difference when comparing two separate brands of mineral fibre tiles. They prove a popular choice for insulating against both noise and heat loss.

Metal Ceiling Tiles

Metal ceiling tiles are normally made from aluminium, copper, or brass. They are very strong and hard-wearing, making them a sound financial investment. Whilst they don’t absorb sound as well as metal fibre tiles, there are models available that incorporate a soundproofing strip, neatly hidden within your suspended ceiling cavity.

Gypsum Ceiling Tiles

Gypsum is a soft mineral largely composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. It is the main component of drywall and plaster, and a common material in many construction projects. Gypsum ceiling tiles are normally inexpensive and offer great fire resistance and sound resistance qualities. To make these tiles easier to clean, and to improve their resistance to moisture and humidity, they are usually faced with vinyl or another plastic polymer, and backed with silver foil.

Wood Ceiling Tiles

Most wood ceiling tiles are actually made from MDF with a wooden veneer. This reduces both the weight and the expense of the tiles which would be prohibitive if made from 100% wood. Wooden tiles are normally chosen for their aesthetic qualities, as they are available in a number of finishes, giving a stylish look to any suspended ceiling.

Cork Ceiling Tiles

Cork is another popular material for ceiling tiles. Not only is it naturally water and fire resistant, it offers good soundproofing qualities, making it a dependable “all-round” choice for your ceiling tiles. It is also a renewable resource, making it an ecologically friendly choice for anyone anxious about their impact on the environment.

For more information about our ceiling tiles get in touch with Granmore Suspended Ceilings on 0800 074 6006.