How much does it cost to install a drop ceiling?
While the cost to install drop ceilings ranges from $1,028 to $2,765, the average price to install one of these aesthetically pleasing, highly functional features is $1,813. When designing a high-end look that changes the vibe of a space, note that costs for lighting, tiles, and rail covers can raise your project budget.
What is the average cost of a drop ceiling?
Whether undertaking a renovation or a new construction project, costs will always heavily factor into the endeavor. Some aspects of the home can run quite a bit more than others, so determine costs beforehand is important. The average drop ceiling cost is $1,800, and that includes materials and labor.
How to finish basement ceiling without drywall?
Here are some ways to finish a basement wall while on a tight budget:
- Panel your basement walls and ceiling with sturdy wood panels
- Spray paint the walls
- Install area rugs over your walls
- Apply vinyl or wallpaper
How much does it cost to fix a basement?
The average cost to finish a basement is $32 to $47 per square foot or between $22,000 and $46,000. A 500 sq. ft. basement remodel costs $20,000, and a 1,000 sq. ft. basement renovation is $38,000 on average. Prices depend on if it's an open-plan or with rooms and a kitchen.
Is it cheaper to drywall or drop ceiling?
Drop ceilings are more expensive to install than drywall making drywall the cheaper option. However, if you can install a drop ceiling by yourself, you can save on labor costs. You should also factor in paint costs for a drywall ceiling and whether you are hiring a professional to install and paint for you.
How expensive is it to install a drop ceiling?
The average cost to have a drop ceiling installed is right at $5.50 per square foot when you choose a local remodeling company to handle the installation. For the DIY'ers out there, you can plan to pay around $2.70 per square foot to install a drop ceiling yourself.
Is drop ceiling good for basement?
Many homeowners prefer to have a drop ceiling in their basement because plumping and wiring is typically installed in the space above and getting to it is easy.
Do drop ceilings add value?
If your ultimate goal is to increase the value of your home, drop ceilings are the last thing on the list.
What can I use instead of a drop ceiling?
9 Drop Ceiling AlternativesDrywall. Drywall is an excellent option that almost always improves the appearance of any room thanks to it's simplicity and ease of decorating. ... Wooden Planks. ... Beadboard. ... Ceiling Tiles. ... Plywood. ... Corrugated Metal. ... Stained Glass Ceilings. ... Faux Wooden Beams.More items...•
Are drop ceilings easy to install?
Drop ceilings are cost-effective, easy to install on your own, and allow you to access ductwork and wires easily after it's been installed. In order to put in a drop ceiling, you need to first install a grid system of runners to support your ceiling tiles.
What is the cheapest way to cover a basement ceiling?
Thin wood paneling — typically 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick — can cover an exposed ceiling, and it's available in a variety of designs. Fir plywood, hardboard, even oriented-strand-board (OSB) are even more affordable, but these less-expensive options typically require paint or sealant.
What is the best ceiling for a basement?
Suspended ceilings are one of the most popular basement ceilings. Consisting of a simple grid and lightweight tiles or panels, a suspended ceiling covers exposed beams, ductwork, and electrical wiring, while allowing easy access for repairs or leaks.
How much space do you lose with a drop ceiling?
Most manufacturers recommend around three-inches of space above their drop ceilings, with some recommending as much as eight-inches.
Why do older homes have drop ceilings?
Aesthetics. Modern dropped ceilings were initially created to hide the building infrastructure, including piping, wiring, and/or ductwork, by creating a plenum space above the dropped ceiling, while allowing access for repairs and inspections. Drop ceilings may also be used to hide problems, such as structural damage.
Is it cheaper to remove popcorn ceiling or cover it?
Covering the popcorn ceiling can save you headaches, money, and time in the long run compared to removing it. One benefit of covering popcorn ceilings is that you can cut holes in the ceiling without worrying about fussy repairs such as adding light fixtures, run networking cables, and install ceiling fans.
Does removing popcorn ceiling add value?
Removing popcorn ceilings will almost always increase a home's value. Not only is the design trend no longer desirable, but it also poses safety concerns for home buyers. To understand further, it helps to learn more about why popcorn ceilings were once a popular design choice—as well as why they no longer are.
How much does it cost per square foot to install suspended ceiling?
Drop Ceiling Cost per Square Foot The average cost to install a drop ceiling when hiring a contractor is $9.35 per square foot including labor costs.
How long does it take to install suspended ceiling?
Suspended ceilings are the ideal solution for rooms in the basement where ducts, pipes and cables are located and require direct access. The installation is easy and takes less than a weekend. The finished ceiling needs to be at least 7 1/2' tall. Check your local building codes.
Why do older homes have drop ceilings?
Aesthetics. Modern dropped ceilings were initially created to hide the building infrastructure, including piping, wiring, and/or ductwork, by creating a plenum space above the dropped ceiling, while allowing access for repairs and inspections. Drop ceilings may also be used to hide problems, such as structural damage.
How much does it cost to drywall ceiling?
For example, The cost to drywall a ceiling ranges from $2.25 to $3 per square foot, which is more expensive than other drywall projects because ceilings are more difficult to hang and finish. Similarly, installing drywall in a garage may range from $1,200 to $5,100 for a one-car garage, depending on size.
What is the difference between a drop ceiling and a suspended ceiling?
A drop ceiling and a suspended ceiling are the exact same thing.
Is a drop ceiling cheaper than drywall?
The drywall cost per square foot is lower than the cost for a drop ceiling, but as it often requires other repairs and additions, the total cost ca...
How much does it cost to put in a drop ceiling?
The average cost to install a drop ceiling is $5-$9 per square foot.
How much height do you lose with a drop ceiling?
Typically, a minimum space of 4 in. is required between the main and the suspended ceiling, with an additional 2 in. if you want to install ceiling...
How much does it cost to put a drop ceiling in the basement?
As the average basement size is around 1,000 square feet, the average cost of installing a drop ceiling in the basement is $5,000-$9,000.
How do you calculate an acoustical ceiling?
To figure out how much work an acoustical ceiling would require, you first need to calculate the square footage of the ceiling area where you want...
How much does it cost to install drop ceiling grid?
The cost of grid rails ranges between $1.50 and $2.25 per square foot for the rails only, with no installation included. Hiring a handyman to insta...
How much does it cost to put a drop ceiling in a basement?
Putting a drop ceiling in a 400-square-foot basement could run you $2,000 to $11,200. You need $ 1,200 to $9,200 in materials for that larger space. Labor also increases with the square footage and lands in the $800 to $2,000 range.
How much does it cost to install a drop ceiling?
Installing a drop ceiling costs $5 to $28 per square foot for labor and materials. Add $2 per square foot if you want insulating panels that go behind the ceiling tiles and up to $1 per linear foot for decorative rail covers.
How much does it cost to install ceiling tiles?
Labor typically costs up to $5 per square foot when hiring a ceiling tile installer near you. Grid rails and ceiling tiles are $13 per square foot on average, largely depending on the tile material you want. Fiberboard tiles are the cheapest at $2 to $7 per square foot, while wood could cost you up to $20 per square foot.
How much does a drop ceiling cost?
Drop ceilings cost $1,034 and $2,813, or $1,868 on average, depending on the room size and material quality. Labor is $2 to $5 per square foot, while ceiling tiles and grid rails are $3 to $23 per square foot total. Rail covers, insulating tiles and lighting add more to the price.
How much does acoustic ceiling tile cost?
Acoustic Ceiling Tile Prices. Acoustic ceiling tiles are $1 to $20 per square foot . The price largely depends on their material with standard mineral fiberboard and plastic in the $1 to $4 per square foot range. High-end metal and wood are much more at $3 to $20 per square foot.
What are the major manufacturers of ceiling tiles?
They are also fire resistant and help block noise from coming through the ceiling. Among the major producers of ceiling tiles are Armstrong, CertainTeed and USG.
What is a drop ceiling?
Also known as a suspended ceiling, drop ceilings cover damaged/stained ceilings, decrease noise from outside the room and hide ductwork, plumbing pipes and wiring. They consist of two basic parts: the grid and the tiles.
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Drop Ceiling by Material Type?
Depending on how much you want to save or spend, you have a list of different tile choices.
How do I install a new drop ceiling?
A pro will be able to handle all the extras like permits and make sure everything is up to code.
What is an acoustic ceiling?
Acoustic ceiling tiles are lightweight tiles hung in a framework called a drop ceiling. Also known as a drop ceiling or suspended ceiling, they are used to hide damaged/stained ceilings, to lower the height of a high ceiling, to muffle noise from upstairs and to conceal ductwork and wiring while providing easy access for repairs. They are also a quick way to finish a remodeled room.
How much does a black ceiling tile cost?
Black acoustic ceiling tiles cost about $2 to $7 per square foot. Of course, you'll want to make sure you're getting the most durable option for your money because black ceiling tiles can be made of fiberglass, vinyl, foam, and much more.
How much does an electrician charge for moving ceiling lights?
If your new ceiling placement necessitates moving or dropping down ceiling lights, you may need to factor in the $50 to $100 hourly rate charged by electricians.
What are the parts of a suspended ceiling?
A suspended ceiling consists of two basic parts: the grid and the tiles. The grid is attached to the walls in a crisscross pattern of beams. The beams have a small ledge that supports the tiles, suspending them overhead. Grids in very large rooms may need additional supporting wires. The tiles are made from fibers of mineral, plastic, tin, ...
How much does plastic cost per square foot?
This material is a top pick for cutting costs on a drop ceiling installation. Plastic also costs roughly $1 to $4 per square foot. While many may not find it quite as elegant as the high-end options, plastic is highly functional without breaking the bank.
How much does it cost to install a drop ceiling?
The national average cost for installing a drop ceiling is between $955 and $1,510, with most people paying around $1,494 for a 130 sq.ft. plastic suspended ceiling with trim.
How is the cost of a drop ceiling determined?
The overall cost of a drop ceiling is determined by several factors: the size of the ceiling, panel material, panel quality, complexity of the work, and whether lighting is included in the job or not.
How much does a ceiling tile cost?
However, the most commonly used ceiling tiles are with a 1’x1’, 2’x2’, and 2’x4’ size. 1x1 tiles sell for a price between $1.08 and $4.99 per square foot, 2x2 drop ceiling tiles sell for $2.66 to $5.59 per square foot, while tiles in the 2x4 size sell for $3.09 to $14.54 per square foot.
What is a fire rating for ceiling tiles?
Fire rating: fire-rated ceiling tiles are designed to provide enhanced resistance to ceiling failure in cases of fire. Before installing your ceiling tiles, ALWAYS consult a local home inspector or fire marshall. Fire ratings vary from city to city and even from building to building, so it’s important to ask the manufacturer for a spec sheet with an ASTM E84 report that contains information about the fire rating of the tiles.
What is a metal drop ceiling made of?
Contrary to their name, tin/metal tiles are not really made of tin today, but rather from aluminum, copper, or brass . They usually come with different patterns that add a dramatic visual impact to the home and are the most durable out of the types of drop ceiling tiles we listed. But, that durability comes at a price, so they are also the most expensive ceiling tiles and the most difficult ones to install.
What materials are used for drop ceilings?
The most commonly used materials for drop ceiling tiles are wood, mineral fibers/fiberboard, plastic, and tin/metal.
What is a drop out tile?
Drop-out tiles are heat-sensitive tiles that work in conjunction with the fire sprinkler system. They are designed to melt and fall from the dropped ceiling in case a fire breaks out, allowing the sprinkler system to activate and extinguish the fire.
How much does a drop ceiling cost?
The average drop ceiling cost is $1,800, and that includes materials and labor. Homeowners spend an average of $3.50 per square foot on labor, $16 per tile, and $1.37 per square foot for grid rails. Additional costs include $525 per ceiling fan and $127 per LED light panel.
How much does it cost to install a ceiling?
For the average 130-square foot of suspended plastic trim and ceiling, you are looking at about $1,400. Depending on who you go with for the installation (if you don’t do it yourself), the labor can vary. Depending on the location and the size of the task, labor should cost somewhere between $2 and $5 per square foot.
What is the Average Cost of Installation per Square Footage?
Now that we know the impact materials can play (not even counting labor), you might be feeling rightfully confused. Instead, let’s take a look at another important factor: the square footage. It kind of goes without saying, but the larger the project, the more expensive that it will be.
How much does mineral fiber tile cost?
When cost plays a major role, fiberboard or mineral fiber is the way to go. It can vary heavily in cost — $1.10 to $6.60 per tile without labor factored in – but has the potential to be the cheapest install of the bunch.
What is the best material for drop ceilings?
Plastic is one of the most common materials to choose from. That is because it has a single huge advantage: ease of installation. If you are looking to get a drop ceiling installed in short order, plastic is the way to go.
What to consider when building a drop ceiling?
Perhaps one of the first things that you will do when considering constructing a drop ceiling is to consider the materials that you are going to use. What material you chose can offer access to other features and each will carry its own cost with it.
What is a drop ceiling?
A drop ceiling is a secondary ceiling. It hangs below the structural ceiling. In most cases, a drop ceiling is put in to mask the infrastructure of the building. That can include, wiring, piping, and ductwork. The dropped ceiling allows for easy access for repairs while hiding the less appealing aesthetic of all those components.
How much does it cost to do a drop ceiling?
Typical costs: A do-it-yourself drop ceiling in an average room requires about $300-$400 in materials (depending on the ceiling tiles chosen) and around two days of work, according to AlsNetBiz.com [ 1] .
How much clearance between old and new ceilings for drop ceiling?
There should be at least 3"-4" clearance between the old ceiling and the new one, to allow room to insert the panels.
What is a drop down ceiling?
Also called suspended, drop down or dropped ceilings, drop ceilings are installed just below a primary ceiling to hide wiring, pipes, ductwork, cracks, water damage or other unsightly problems. Made up of panels resting in a grid system suspended from the ceiling joists, a drop ceiling can also cut the amount of noise coming from ...
Can you pop out a drop ceiling?
Most often drop ceilings are installed during a basement remodel, to give the room a finished look while still providing relatively easy access to ductwork, pipes or wiring under the tiles. If there's a problem, you can pop out a tile or two, deal with the situation, and then replace the tiles. And if the original ceiling is not level, ...
