What is a suspended ceiling system?
A suspended ceiling system is a dropped ceiling made of a metal grid with loose, removable tiles. The grid hangs from the structural floor or roof on adjustable hangers, such as vernier hangers or wire hangers. The bays hold tiles of mineral wool, glass wool, gypsum or metal. Common sizes are 600 x 600 mm and 600 x 1200 mm; the visible grid profiles are usually 24 or 15 mm wide.
The space above the ceiling, the plenum or ceiling void, carries pipes, cables, ventilation ducts and sprinklers. Because the tiles lie loose, services remain accessible. That is why these ceilings are common in offices, schools, shops and healthcare buildings, and increasingly in basements and garages of homes.
Many ceiling tiles absorb sound. Sound absorption is rated in classes A (best) to E according to ISO 11654.
In practice
- Set the height. Mark the ceiling height all round with a laser or level, and leave enough space above for services and for tilting tiles into place.
- Fix the perimeter first. Fix the wall angles at height, hang the main runners from the hangers, then click in the cross tees.
- Follow the manufacturer’s hanger spacing. It depends on the system and tile weight. Too few hangers leads to sagging.
- Support heavy items separately. Light fittings, air diffusers and speakers need their own fixings, not just the grid.
- Choose tiles for the job. Consider absorption class, fire performance, moisture resistance and cleanability.
Common mistake: starting with full tiles against one wall. Set out from the centre of the room so the cut tiles on both sides are equal and the ceiling looks balanced.
Related terms
- Coffered ceiling
- Ceiling hanger
- Sound insulation
- Drop ceiling
- Plenum
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