It is said by some authorities that drop ceiling panels were invented in 1958, first used in commercial buildings and later for residences. The first ceilings were made of a common material called gypsum, a chalky compound now mostly used to manufacture drywall.
Once electricity, indoor plumbing, and central heating began to be installed in both existing buildings and new construction, the ceiling was determined to be the easiest place to utilize. At first, all wires, pipes, and ducts were exposed. You have probably seen old farmhouses with pipes running across the top of the kitchen and up the sides of staircases, painted to match the wall so they would not be too obvious.
Especially in commercial buildings, the profusion of these utilitarian components could be very untidy. Once the concept of a lightweight, suspended second ceiling was conceived, it became instantly popular. Consisting of a hanging grid suspended by wires, with spaces to hold tiles made of gypsum and later of tin or mineral fibers, the ceilings hid the wires and pipes but did not block access for maintenance and repair.
The tiles were hung in regular rows, were usually two by four feet in size, interspersed with fluorescent lights placed in the grid. The tiles lifted up easily for inspection or maintenance, and although they often became stained and cracked, they were easy to replace. They also tended to absorb noise, and this feature has been improved in today's acoustic tiles. A great deal of recycled material is now used in the manufacture of suspended ceilings.
Although
Especially in commercial buildings, the profusion of these utilitarian components could be very untidy. Once the concept of a lightweight, suspended second ceiling was conceived, it became instantly popular. Consisting of a hanging grid suspended by wires, with spaces to hold tiles made of gypsum and later of tin or mineral fibers, the ceilings hid the wires and pipes but did not block access for maintenance and repair.
The tiles were hung in regular rows, were usually two by four feet in size, interspersed with fluorescent lights placed in the grid. The tiles lifted up easily for inspection or maintenance, and although they often became stained and cracked, they were easy to replace. They also tended to absorb noise, and this feature has been improved in today's acoustic tiles. A great deal of recycled material is now used in the manufacture of suspended ceilings.
Although
The tiles were hung in regular rows, were usually two by four feet in size, interspersed with fluorescent lights placed in the grid. The tiles lifted up easily for inspection or maintenance, and although they often became stained and cracked, they were easy to replace. They also tended to absorb noise, and this feature has been improved in today's acoustic tiles. A great deal of recycled material is now used in the manufacture of suspended ceilings.
Although the two by four size is still marketed, a two by two panel is also available. The mineral fiber tile is only one option among many, as manufacturers have developed styles that range from reproductions of antique sculpted or tin to modern innovations.
The modern drop ceiling panels are used by do it yourselfers, decorators, and building contractors who want both form and function. They are still affordable and easy to install, but now can be beautiful as well.
Although the two by four size is still marketed, a two by two panel is also available. The mineral fiber tile is only one option among many, as manufacturers have developed styles that range from reproductions of antique sculpted or tin to modern innovations.
The modern drop ceiling panels are used by do it yourselfers, decorators, and building contractors who want both form and function. They are still affordable and easy to install, but now can be beautiful as well.