False Ceiling Tiles

A false ceiling is a secondary ceiling, hung below the main structural ceiling. They may also be referred to as a suspended ceiling or drop ceiling, and are a main part of modern architecture and construction. The area above the dropped ceiling is called the plenum space, as it is sometimes used for HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) air return. The plenum space is also very commonly used to conceal wiring, piping and ductwork.

A typical false ceiling consists of a grid-work of metal channels in the shape of an upside-down "T", suspended on wires from the overhead structure. These channels snap together in a regularly spaced pattern – typically in a 600×600 mm grid. Each cell is filled with lightweight "tiles" or "panels" which simply drop into the grid.

Tiles can be selected with a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, or mineral fibres, and can come in almost any colour. Light fixtures, HVAC air grilles, and other fixtures are available which can fit the same space as a tile for easy installation. Most tile material is easily cut to allow fixtures in other shapes, such as incandescent lights, speakers, and fire sprinkler heads.

The suspended ceiling was originally developed to conceal the underside of the floor above and to offer acoustic balance and control in a room. The acoustic performance of suspended ceilings has improved dramatically over the years, with enhanced sound absorption and attenuation. This is sometimes achieved by adding insulation above the panels to help deaden sounds and keep adjacent rooms quieter.

If fire safety is a factor, ceiling tiles made from mineral fibres, or fire-rated wood panels can be used within the construction to meet acceptable standards/ratings. These same tiles can provide the needed additional resistance to meet the "time rating" required for various fire code, city ordinance, commercial, or other similar building construction regulations. Fire ratings for ceiling panels vary based on the materials used and preparation of each panel.

Another advantage of a dropped ceiling is that the easily-removed ceiling panels offer instant access to the plenum, greatly simplifying repairs or alterations.

Wiring and piping installed behind traditional plasterboard or wallboard ceilings is extremely difficult to modify once the finished ceiling is in place. Wires must either be fished through hollow spaces in the walls behind the finished ceiling, or the ceiling must be demolished in order for wiring or piping changes to be made.

In contrast, the tiles and other parts of a drop ceiling are easily removed to allow access to the area above the grid to do any necessary wiring or plumbing modifications. In the event of remodeling, nearly all components the grid can be dismantled and reassembled somewhere else. In business, the drop ceiling is often used in conjunction with hollow steel studs to construct small office spaces out of a much larger cavernous space. Wiring and other services are run through the open ceiling, down through the hollow stud walls, and to outlets in the work areas. If business needs change, the office spaces are easily dismantled and the overall cavernous space reconfigured with a different floorplan.